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

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

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