Best Classic MS-DOS Platformer Games

While consoles like the NES had Mario, DOS gamers had their own rich library of platformers. From the beloved Commander Keen and Jazz Jackrabbit by Epic Games, to the polished Prince of Persia and Shadow of the Beast, DOS platformers combined creative level design with memorable characters. Many of these games pushed the hardware to its limits with smooth scrolling and colorful graphics. Relive the best DOS platformers here — all playable straight in your browser.

  1. #1

    Another World
    Another World – MS-DOS cover art
    Another World, released in 1992 by Delphine Software, is a cinematic action-adventure game that captivated players with its groundbreaking visuals and atmospheric storytelling. Developed by Eric Chahi, this iconic title pushes the boundaries of…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1992
    Developer: Delphine Software
    Publisher: -
  2. #2

    Blackthorne
    Blackthorne – MS-DOS cover art
    Blackthorne, released in 1994 by Blizzard Entertainment, is a cinematic action-platformer that blends gritty sci-fi fantasy with smooth, rotoscoped animation and intense gunplay. Players take on the role of Kyle "Blackthorne" Vlaros, a rugged,…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1994
    Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
    Publisher: Interplay Productions
  3. #3

    Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame
    Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame – MS-DOS cover art
    Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame, released in 1993 by Brøderbund, is a cinematic action-platformer that continues the legendary saga of the nameless prince. Picking up where the original Prince of Persia left off, the game follows the…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1993
    Developer: Broderbund
    Publisher: -
  4. #4

    Commander Keen in Goodbye, Galaxy
    Commander Keen in Goodbye, Galaxy – MS-DOS cover art
    Commander Keen in Goodbye, Galaxy!, released in 1991 by Apogee Software, is a vibrant and humorous platformer that follows the adventures of Billy Blaze, an eight-year-old genius who dons the persona of Commander Keen to save the galaxy. This…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1991
    Developer: id Software
    Publisher: 3D Realms
  5. #5

    Barbarian
    Barbarian – MS-DOS cover art
    Barbarian, released in 1988 by Psygnosis, is a brutal action-adventure game set in a savage, mythical world. Players take on the role of a mighty warrior on a perilous quest to defeat an evil sorcerer and reclaim their homeland. The game is renowned…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1988
    Developer: Psygnosis
    Publisher: -
  6. #6

    Prehistorik
    Prehistorik – MS-DOS cover art
    Prehistorik, released in 1991 by Titus Interactive, is a fun and colorful platformer that takes players back to the Stone Age. In the game, players control a caveman who must navigate through a variety of prehistoric environments, filled with…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1991
    Developer: Titus France
    Publisher: -
  7. #7

    Abuse
    Abuse – MS-DOS cover art
    Abuse, released in 1996 by Crack dot Com, is a side-scrolling action game that blends fast-paced shooting with atmospheric sci-fi horror. Players control Nick Vrenna, a prisoner in a high-security facility where a genetic experiment has gone…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1996
    Developer: Crack dot Com
    Publisher: Electronic Arts
  8. #8

    Fantastic Dizzy
    Fantastic Dizzy – MS-DOS cover art
    Fantastic Dizzy, released in 1991 by Codemasters, is a charming puzzle-platformer that follows the adventures of Dizzy, a brave egg-shaped hero, on a quest to rescue his girlfriend Daisy and defeat the evil wizard Zaks. Set in the whimsical land of…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1991
    Developer: Codemasters
    Publisher: -
  9. #9
  10. #10
  11. #11

    Prince of Persia
    Prince of Persia – MS-DOS cover art
    Prince of Persia, released in 1990 by Broderbund, is a groundbreaking action-platformer that set new standards for fluid animation and cinematic gameplay. Set in an exotic, ancient Persian setting, the game follows the story of an unnamed prince who…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1990
    Developer: Broderbund
    Publisher: -
  12. #12

    Duke Nukem
    Duke Nukem – MS-DOS cover art
    Released in 1991 by Apogee Software, Duke Nukem is the game that introduced one of PC gaming's most iconic action heroes. This classic side-scrolling platformer follows Duke as he battles the evil Dr. Proton and his army of Techbots across three…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1991
    Developer: 3D Realms
    Publisher: -
  13. #13
  14. #14

    First Samurai
    First Samurai – MS-DOS cover art
    First Samurai is a side-scrolling action platformer released for MS-DOS in 1992, developed by Vivid Image. Set in a stylized feudal Japan mixed with mythological fantasy, the game follows a lone samurai warrior on a quest to defeat a powerful demon…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1992
    Developer: Vivid Image
    Publisher: Ubisoft
  15. #15

    Earthworm Jim
    Earthworm Jim – MS-DOS cover art
    Earthworm Jim is a fast-paced, side-scrolling action platformer released for MS-DOS in 1994 by Shiny Entertainment. The game follows an ordinary earthworm who accidentally acquires a high-tech supersuit, transforming him into an unlikely hero with a…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: -
    Developer: Shiny Entertainment
    Publisher: Interplay Productions
  16. #16

    Crystal Caves
    Crystal Caves – MS-DOS cover art
    Crystal Caves, released in 1991 by Apogee Software, is a colorful side-scrolling platform game starring the quirky space prospector Mylo Steamwitz. Always on the lookout for a quick profit, Mylo ventures into a series of dangerous caves on distant…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1991
    Developer: 3D Realms
    Publisher: -
  17. #17

    The Lion King
    The Lion King – MS-DOS cover art
    The Lion King, released by Virgin Interactive in 1994, is a platform game based on Disney’s beloved animated film. Players guide Simba through his journey from a playful cub to the rightful king of the Pride Lands, reliving key moments and iconic…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1994
    Developer: East Point Software
    Publisher: Virgin Interactive
  18. #18

    Monster Bash
    Monster Bash – MS-DOS cover art
    Monster Bash, released by Apogee Software in 1993, is a side-scrolling platform game with a spooky yet humorous twist. Players control Johnny Dash, a young boy armed with a powerful slingshot, who ventures into creepy graveyards, haunted castles,…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1993
    Developer: 3D Realms
    Publisher: -
  19. #19

    Fury of the Furries
    Fury of the Furries – MS-DOS cover art
    Fury of the Furries is a colorful puzzle-platformer developed by Kalisto and published by Mindscape for MS-DOS in 1993. Players control a tribe of small, fuzzy creatures known as Tinies, each with unique elemental powers—fire, water, earth, and…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1993
    Developer: Atreid Concept
    Publisher: Mindscape
  20. #20

    Bio Menace
    Bio Menace – MS-DOS cover art
    Bio Menace is a fast-paced side-scrolling action platformer developed by Apogee Software and released for MS-DOS in 1993. Built on the Commander Keen engine, the game follows Snake Logan, a tough CIA operative who must battle hordes of mutants and…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1993
    Developer: 3D Realms
    Publisher: -
  21. #21

    Cool Spot
    Cool Spot – MS-DOS cover art
    Cool Spot, released in 1994 by Virgin Games, is a vibrant and stylish platformer starring the red, sunglasses-wearing mascot of 7UP. Set in a series of colorful and whimsical environments, the game follows Cool Spot on a mission to rescue his fellow…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1994
    Developer: Virgin Interactive
    Publisher: -
  22. #22

    Jill of the Jungle
    Jill of the Jungle – MS-DOS cover art
    Jill of the Jungle, released in 1992 by Epic MegaGames, is a vibrant action-platformer that stars Jill, a fearless Amazonian warrior on a quest through dangerous landscapes filled with traps, monsters, and puzzles. With its mix of fast-paced…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1992
    Developer: Epic Games
    Publisher: -
  23. #23

    Gods
    Gods – MS-DOS cover art
    Gods, released in 1991 by The Bitmap Brothers, is a mythological action-platformer that plunges players into a dangerous world of ancient gods and mythical creatures. Set in a crumbling city overrun by chaos, players assume the role of Hercules,…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1991
    Developer: The Bitmap Brothers
    Publisher: Renegade Software
  24. #24

    Disney's Aladdin
    Disney's Aladdin – MS-DOS cover art
    Disney's Aladdin, released in 1993 by Virgin Interactive Entertainment, is a vibrant action-platformer based on the classic Disney animated film. Players step into the shoes of Aladdin, a street-smart hero armed with a scimitar and a bag of tricks,…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1993
    Developer: Virgin Interactive
    Publisher: Virgin Interactive
  25. #25

    Prehistorik 2
    Prehistorik 2 – MS-DOS cover art
    Prehistorik 2, released in 1993 by Titus France, is a humorous platformer that takes players on a wild journey through prehistoric times. As a club-wielding caveman, players embark on a quest to gather food by bashing their way through a variety of…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1993
    Developer: Titus France
    Publisher: -
  26. #26

    Jazz Jackrabbit
    Jazz Jackrabbit – MS-DOS cover art
    Jazz Jackrabbit, released in 1994 by Epic MegaGames, is a fast-paced platform shooter that blends action, humor, and vibrant graphics into an unforgettable gaming experience. Players control Jazz, a green, sunglasses-wearing jackrabbit on a mission…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1994
    Developer: Epic Games
    Publisher: -
  27. #27

    Manic Miner
    Manic Miner – MS-DOS cover art
    Manic Miner, released in 1983 by Software Projects, is a pioneering platform game that defined the side-scrolling adventure genre. In Manic Miner, players control Miner Willy, a daring explorer venturing through a series of increasingly dangerous…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1997
    Developer: Alchemist Research
    Publisher: -
  28. #28
  29. #29

    Rick Dangerous
    Rick Dangerous – MS-DOS cover art
    Rick Dangerous, released in 1989 by Core Design, is a classic action-platformer that pays homage to Indiana Jones-style adventure and exploration. Players take on the role of Rick Dangerous, a daring British secret agent, as he embarks on a perilous…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1989
    Developer: Core Design
    Publisher: Firebird Software
  30. #30

    Dylan Dog: The Murderers
    Dylan Dog: The Murderers – MS-DOS cover art
    Dylan Dog: The Murderers, released in 1992 by Italian developer Simulmondo, is an adventure game based on the popular comic book series featuring the “nightmare investigator” Dylan Dog. Set in a dark and mysterious London, the story plunges players…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1992
    Developer: Simulmondo
    Publisher: -
  31. #31

    Dangerous Dave
    Dangerous Dave – MS-DOS cover art
    Dangerous Dave, released in 1988 by Softdisk, is a classic platformer that challenges players to guide the adventurous Dave through a series of perilous levels filled with traps, enemies, and treasures. Created by John Romero, one of the masterminds…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1988
    Developer: John Romero
    Publisher: Softdisk
  32. #32

    RoboCop
    RoboCop – MS-DOS cover art
    RoboCop is an action-packed MS-DOS game released by Data East in 1988, based on the iconic sci-fi film. Players take control of RoboCop, the heavily armored cybernetic police officer, and fight their way through the crime-ridden streets of Detroit.…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1988
    Developer: Data East
    Publisher: -
  33. #33

    The Adventures of Captain Comic
    The Adventures of Captain Comic – MS-DOS cover art
    The Adventures of Captain Comic is a colorful side-scrolling platform game released for MS-DOS in 1988 and created by Michael Denio. Players take control of Captain Comic, a brave space explorer who travels to the mysterious planet Tambi in search…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1988
    Developer: Color Dreams
    Publisher: Michael Denio
  34. #34

    El Capitán Trueno
    El Capitán Trueno – MS-DOS cover art
    El Capitán Trueno is an action-adventure game released for MS-DOS by Dinamic Software in 1990. Based on the famous Spanish comic-book hero created by Víctor Mora and Ambrós, the game takes players into a medieval world filled with dangerous enemies,…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1990
    Developer: Dinamic Software
    Publisher: -
  35. #35

    Batman: The Movie
    Batman: The Movie – MS-DOS cover art
    Step into the shadows of Gotham City in Batman: The Movie, a 1989 action game developed by Ocean Software for MS-DOS. Inspired by Tim Burton’s blockbuster film, the game puts you behind the mask of the Dark Knight as he battles criminals, navigates…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1989
    Developer: Ocean Software
    Publisher: -
  36. #36

    The Gold of the Aztecs
    The Gold of the Aztecs – MS-DOS cover art
    The Gold of the Aztecs is a cinematic action-platform game published by U.S. Gold for MS-DOS in 1990. Players take control of Special Forces veteran Bret Conrad, who ventures deep into an ancient Aztec tomb in search of a legendary treasure. The…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1990
    Developer: U.S. Gold
    Publisher: -
  37. #37
  38. #38

    Zorro
    Zorro – MS-DOS cover art
    Zorro is a 1995 MS-DOS action platformer developed and published by Capstone Software, bringing the legendary masked hero to the PC screen. Players step into the boots of Don Diego de la Vega, who adopts the persona of Zorro to fight injustice in…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1995
    Developer: Capstone Software
    Publisher: -
  39. #39

    Yo! Joe! Beat the Ghosts
    Yo! Joe! Beat the Ghosts – MS-DOS cover art
    Yo! Joe! Beat the Ghosts, developed by Play Byte and released for MS-DOS in 1993, is a colorful side-scrolling action platformer with a distinctive 90s comic-book style. Players take control of two street-smart heroes, Joe and Nat, who find…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1993
    Developer: Scipio
    Publisher: Play Byte
  40. #40

    Putty Squad
    Putty Squad – MS-DOS cover art
    Putty Squad is a quirky and colorful platformer developed by System 3 and released for MS-DOS in 1994. Players control Putty, a shape-shifting blue blob with the ability to stretch, bounce, inflate, and absorb enemies, on a mission to rescue his…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1994
    Developer: System 3
    Publisher: -
  41. #41

    Hocus Pocus
    Hocus Pocus – MS-DOS cover art
    Hocus Pocus is a colorful side-scrolling platformer developed by Moonlite Software and published by Apogee Software for MS-DOS in 1994. You play as Hocus, a young apprentice wizard on a quest to prove himself worthy of joining the Council of…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1994
    Developer: Moonlite Software
    Publisher: 3D Realms
  42. #42

    Zool
    Zool – MS-DOS cover art
    Zool, released in 1993 by Gremlin Graphics, is a lightning-fast platformer starring a ninja from the Nth Dimension on a mission to prove his worth. With vibrant graphics, high-energy gameplay, and a surreal, candy-coated world, Zool was designed to…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1993
    Developer: Gremlin Interactive
    Publisher: -
  43. #43

    Elf
    Elf – MS-DOS cover art
    Elf, released in 1991 by Ocean Software, is a side-scrolling action-platformer that plunges players into a vibrant fantasy world filled with danger, magic, and whimsy. You play as Cornelius, a young elf on a quest to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1991
    Developer: Ocean Software
    Publisher: -
  44. #44

    Superfrog
    Superfrog – MS-DOS cover art
    Superfrog, released in 1994 by Team17, is a colorful and energetic platformer that follows the story of a humble prince transformed into a frog by an evil witch. Empowered by a mysterious energy drink, the now-supercharged amphibian sets out on a…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1994
    Developer: Team17
    Publisher: -
  45. #45

    Cosmo's Cosmic Adventure
    Cosmo's Cosmic Adventure – MS-DOS cover art
    Cosmo's Cosmic Adventure, released in 1992 by Apogee Software, is a charming platformer that follows the adventures of Cosmo, a young alien stranded on a mysterious planet while searching for his missing parents. With his suction-cup hands and…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1992
    Developer: 3D Realms
    Publisher: -
  46. #46

    Alcatraz
    Alcatraz – MS-DOS cover art
    Alcatraz, is a 1992 action-adventure game developed by Infogrames. Set in the infamous Alcatraz prison, the game combines elements of stealth, strategy, and combat. Players assume the roles of two special agents, Bird and Fist, who are tasked with…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1992
    Developer: 221B Software Productions
    Publisher: Infogrames
  47. #47

    Trolls
    Trolls – MS-DOS cover art
    Trolls, released in 1992 by Flair Software, is a colorful side-scrolling platform game starring the popular toy trolls with their distinctive wild hair. Players guide a cheerful troll through a series of vibrant, imaginative worlds in a quest to…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1992
    Developer: Flair Software
    Publisher: -
  48. #48

    Montezuma’s Revenge
    Montezuma’s Revenge – MS-DOS cover art
    Montezuma’s Revenge, released in 1984 by Parker Brothers, is a classic platform adventure game that transports players to the depths of a mysterious Aztec pyramid. Players control the brave explorer Panama Joe as he navigates a maze of rooms filled…
    Genre: PLATFORMER
    Release: 1984
    Developer: Utopia Software
    Publisher: Parker Brothers

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