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 (alphabetical)

Desert Strike
Desert Strike
Desert Strike, released in 1992 by Electronic Arts, is an isometric shoot-'em-up that combines fast-paced action with light strategy elements. Set in the Middle East, players pilot an Apache attack helicopter on a series of high-risk missions to dism...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1992
Developer: Electronic Arts
Publisher: -

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

Conan the Cimmerian
Conan the Cimmerian
Conan the Cimmerian, released in 1991 by Synergistic Software, is an action-adventure RPG that brings the brutal world of Robert E. Howard’s legendary barbarian to life. Players take on the role of Conan, rising from a pit-fighting slave to a fearsom...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1991
Developer: Synergistic Software
Publisher: Virgin Interactive

Cannon Fodder
Cannon Fodder
Cannon Fodder, released in 1993 by Sensible Software, is a tactical action-strategy game that blends humor, fast-paced combat, and strategic squad-based gameplay. Players command a small team of soldiers as they embark on deadly missions across vario...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1993
Developer: Sensible Software
Publisher: Virgin Interactive

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

Better Dead Than Alien
Better Dead Than Alien
Better Dead Than Alien is a fast-paced sci-fi shoot ’em up developed by Oxford Digital Enterprises and released for MS-DOS in 1988. Taking control of a lone spacecraft, the player must fight through relentless waves of alien enemies while navigating ...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1988
Developer: Oxford Digital Enterprises
Publisher: Electra

Arkanoid II: Revenge of Doh
Arkanoid II: Revenge of Doh
Arkanoid II: Revenge of Doh is a classic brick-breaking arcade game released for MS-DOS in 1989 by Taito. As the sequel to the original Arkanoid, it expands the familiar Breakout-style formula with more elaborate level designs, improved visuals, and ...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1989
Developer: Taito
Publisher: -

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: -

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: -

Alien Breed
Alien Breed
Alien Breed, released in 1993 by Team17, is a top-down sci-fi shooter that plunges players into the heart of a deadly alien invasion aboard a futuristic space station. Drawing inspiration from classic sci-fi horror, the game puts you in the role of a...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1993
Developer: Team17
Publisher: -