Best Classic DOS Games from the 1980s

The 1980s were the pioneering years of MS-DOS gaming. Personal computers were new and exciting, and developers were discovering what this medium could do. Games like King's Quest, Zork, Ultima, Montezuma's Revenge, and Karateka laid the groundwork for the genres and conventions we still recognize today. Graphics were primitive by modern standards, but the creativity and ambition on display were remarkable. Rediscover the roots of PC gaming with this collection of the best DOS games from the 1980s.

Games of all genres (recently added)

Page 2 << First < Previous

King's Quest: Quest for the Crown

King's Quest: Quest for the Crown, released in 1984 by Sierra On-Line, is a groundbreaking adventure game that laid the foundation for the graphic adventure genre. Created by Roberta Williams, the game is set in the fantasy kingdom of Daventry, where...

Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1984
Developer: Sierra On-Line
Publisher: -

SimCity

SimCity, released in 1989 by Maxis, is a groundbreaking city-building simulation game that pioneered the genre and became an instant classic. In "SimCity," players take on the role of a city planner and mayor, tasked with designing, building, and man...

Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1989
Developer: Maxis
Publisher: -

Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards

Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards, released in 1987 by Sierra On-Line, is a comedic point-and-click adventure game that became an instant classic. The game follows the misadventures of Larry Laffer, a lovably awkward, middle-aged b...

Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1987
Developer: Sierra On-Line
Publisher: -

Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade

Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure, released in 1989 by Lucasfilm Games, is an adventure game based on the iconic Indiana Jones film of the same name. In this point-and-click adventure, players take on the role of the legendary...

Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1989
Developer: LucasArts
Publisher: -

Soko-Ban

Soko-Ban, released in 1988 by Spectrum HoloByte, is a classic puzzle game that challenges players with its simple yet highly engaging mechanics. In "Soko-Ban," players take on the role of a warehouse worker tasked with pushing crates onto designated ...

Genre: PUZZLE
Release: 1988
Developer: Spectrum HoloByte
Publisher: -

Batman: The Movie

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 d...

Genre: PLATFORMER
Release: 1989
Developer: Ocean Software
Publisher: -

After Burner II

After Burner II is a fast-paced combat flight game that brings Sega’s famous arcade action to MS-DOS. Released in 1989, it puts you in the cockpit of a powerful fighter jet and sends you through a series of intense missions filled with enemy aircraft...

Genre: SIMULATION
Release: 1989
Developer: Sega
Publisher: -

Death Sword

Death Sword is a brutal fantasy fighting game released for MS-DOS by Palace Software in 1987. Players take control of a powerful barbarian warrior and battle a series of deadly opponents in one-on-one combat, using swords, kicks, and carefully timed ...

Genre: FIGHTING
Release: 1987
Developer: Palace Software
Publisher: Epyx

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: -

Millennium: Return to Earth

Millennium: Return to Earth is a 1989 MS-DOS strategy and resource management game developed by Software Studios and published by Electric Dreams Software. Set in a distant, post-apocalyptic future, it places the player in command of humanity’s last ...

Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1989
Developer: Ian Bird
Publisher: Electric Dreams

The Sentinel

The Sentinel is a pioneering puzzle game developed by Geoff Crammond and published by Firebird Software in 1987, later ported to MS-DOS. It stands out for its highly unusual concept and minimalist presentation, combining strategic planning with a sur...

Genre: PUZZLE
Release: 1987
Developer: Geoff Crammond
Publisher: Firebird Software

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game is a fast-paced action platformer released for MS-DOS, developed by Tiertex and published by U.S. Gold. Based on the iconic film, the game puts players in the boots of Indiana Jones as he travels ac...

Genre: PLATFORMER
Release: 1989
Developer: Tiertex
Publisher: U.S. Gold

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 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: -

Operation Wolf

Operation Wolf, released in 1989 by Taito, is a fast-paced, side-scrolling rail shooter that brings the intensity of the arcade original to the home computer. As a lone special forces operative, players are dropped into enemy territory on a one-man m...

Genre: SHOOTER
Release: 1989
Developer: Taito
Publisher: -

Rick Dangerous

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

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: -

Hole-In-One Miniature Golf

Hole-In-One Miniature Golf, released in 1989 by DigiTek Software, is a fun and accessible miniature golf simulation that brings the charm of the mini-golf course to the computer screen. Designed with simple yet engaging gameplay, the game offers play...

Genre: SPORTS
Release: 1989
Developer: DigiTek Software
Publisher: -

Dangerous Dave

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

F29 Retaliator

F29 Retaliator, released in 1989 by Ocean Software, is an advanced flight simulator that puts players in the cockpit of cutting-edge fighter jets during a fictional modern conflict. Players take control of the stealthy F-29 and other futuristic aircr...

Genre: SIMULATION
Release: 1989
Developer: Digital Image Design
Publisher: Ocean Software

Face Off!

Face Off!, released in 1989 by Gamestar, is a classic ice hockey simulation that captures the fast-paced action and strategic depth of the sport. Known for its detailed gameplay and focus on player control, the game offers a highly customizable hocke...

Genre: SPORTS
Release: 1989
Developer: MindSpan
Publisher: Gamestar

Budokan: The Martial Spirit

Budokan: The Martial Spirit, is a martial arts simulation game released in 1989 by Electronic Arts. The game immerses players in the world of traditional martial arts, offering a unique and authentic experience that emphasizes discipline, skill, and ...

Genre: FIGHTING
Release: 1989
Developer: Electronic Arts
Publisher: -

Montezuma’s Revenge

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 w...

Genre: PLATFORMER
Release: 1984
Developer: Utopia Software
Publisher: Parker Brothers

Page 2 << First < Previous

More game lists you might enjoy:

Best Classic DOS Games from the 1990s Best Classic MS-DOS Adventure Games Best Classic MS-DOS RPG Games Top Classic MS-DOS Games of All Time

Browse all game lists →