Classic MS-DOS Action Games

Action games were one of the most popular genres in the MS-DOS era, offering fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled gameplay that pushed early PC hardware to its limits. From side-scrolling platform shooters to top-down brawlers, DOS action games demanded quick reflexes and sharp timing. Iconic titles like Commander Keen, Duke Nukem, Dangerous Dave and Cosmo's Cosmic Adventure were staples of the shareware scene, often distributed on floppy disks through Apogee Software. If you like your games immediate, kinetic and challenging, DOS action titles deliver.

Games in the "action" genre (by rating)

Cadaver

Cadaver
Cadaver, released in 1990 by The Bitmap Brothers, is an isometric action-adventure game that combines puzzle solving, exploration, and combat. Players step into the role of Karadoc, a lone dwarf adventurer who dares to enter the sprawling fortress of...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1990
Developer: The Bitmap Brothers
Publisher: Image Works

Space Hulk

Space Hulk
Space Hulk, released in 1993 by Electronic Arts, is a tactical turn-based strategy game set in the dark, war-torn universe of Warhammer 40,000. Players command squads of Space Marines as they navigate derelict spacecraft infested with deadly Genestea...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1993
Developer: Electronic Arts
Publisher: -

Karateka

Karateka
Karateka (1984) is a classic side-scrolling martial arts game developed by Jordan Mechner and published by Brøderbund for MS-DOS and other platforms. Renowned for its cinematic presentation and fluid rotoscoped animation, Karateka was one of the firs...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1984
Developer: Jordan Mechner
Publisher: Broderbund

Magic Carpet

Magic Carpet
Magic Carpet is a groundbreaking first-person action game developed by Bullfrog Productions and released for MS-DOS in 1994. Set in a fully 3D world, the game places players in the role of a wizard flying a magic carpet, battling rival sorcerers, and...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1994
Developer: Bullfrog Productions
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Gauntlet II

Gauntlet II
Gauntlet II is a classic arcade-style dungeon crawler developed by Atari Games and released for MS-DOS in 1989. As a sequel to the original hit, it expands on the fast-paced, top-down action that made its predecessor so popular. Players choose from f...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1989
Developer: Atari Games
Publisher: -

Pinball Fantasies

Pinball Fantasies
Pinball Fantasies, released in 1992 by 21st Century Entertainment, is a vibrant pinball simulation that brings the arcade experience to life on the home computer. Developed by Digital Illusions (later known as DICE), the game features four unique pin...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1992
Developer: Digital Illusions
Publisher: 21st Century Entertainment

Crusader: No Remorse

Crusader: No Remorse
Crusader: No Remorse is a classic isometric action game released for MS-DOS in 1995 by Origin Systems. Set in a dystopian 22nd century, you take on the role of a former elite Silencer who defects from the oppressive World Economic Consortium and join...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1995
Developer: Origin Systems
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Alley Cat

Alley Cat
Alley Cat, is a classic action game released in 1984 by Synapse Software. In this charming and whimsical game, players control a stray cat named Freddy, who navigates through an urban environment in search of food, companionship, and adventure. The g...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1984
Developer: Synapse Software
Publisher: -

System Shock

System Shock
System Shock, released in 1994 by LookingGlass Technologies, is a groundbreaking first-person action-adventure that redefined immersive gameplay and storytelling in the cyberpunk genre. Set aboard the derelict space station Citadel in the year 2072, ...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1994
Developer: LookingGlass Technologies
Publisher: Origin Systems

Grand Theft Auto

Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto is an open-world action game developed by DMA Design and released for MS-DOS in 1997. Played from a top-down perspective, the game lets players step into the shoes of a criminal rising through the ranks by completing missions, steali...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1997
Developer: DMA Design
Publisher: BMG Interactive