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 release years)

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Golden Axe
Golden Axe
Golden Axe, released in 1989 by Sega, is a classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up set in a mythical fantasy world. Players choose from three distinct heroes—a barbarian, a valkyrie, and a dwarf—each seeking vengeance against the evil Death Adder, who has...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1989
Developer: Sega
Publisher: -

Starquake
Starquake
Starquake is a classic sci-fi action platformer released for MS-DOS in 1988 by Bubble Bus Software. Originally created by Stephen Crow, the game places you in the role of BLOB (Bio-Logically Operated Being), a robotic explorer sent deep beneath the s...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1988
Developer: Bubble Bus Software
Publisher: -

The Last Ninja
The Last Ninja
The Last Ninja is an action-adventure game developed by System 3 and released for MS-DOS in 1987. Set in a mythical version of feudal Japan, it follows the journey of Armakuni, the last surviving ninja of his clan, who seeks revenge against the evil ...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1987
Developer: System 3
Publisher: Activision

Arkanoid
Arkanoid
Arkanoid is a classic arcade-style brick-breaking game developed by Taito and released for MS-DOS in 1986. A spiritual successor to Breakout, the game puts players in control of the "Vaus," a small paddle-like spacecraft tasked with destroying rows o...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1986
Developer: Taito
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

Marble Madness
Marble Madness
Marble Madness, released in 1984 by Electronic Arts, is a fast-paced and innovative arcade-style game that challenges players to navigate a rolling marble through a series of treacherous, obstacle-filled courses. Originally developed by Atari Games a...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1984
Developer: Electronic Arts
Publisher: -

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: -
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