Best Classic DOS Games from the 1990s

The 1990s were arguably the greatest decade in PC gaming history. MS-DOS games reached new heights of complexity, storytelling, and technical achievement. The early 90s saw the rise of the FPS with Wolfenstein 3D and DOOM, while mid-decade brought legendary RPGs like Ultima VII and Baldur's Gate. Real-time strategy boomed with Dune II, Warcraft, and StarCraft. By the late 90s, DOS was giving way to Windows — but the games from this era remain some of the most beloved in all of gaming. Explore the best of the decade below.

Games of all genres (by rating)

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Frontier: Elite II
Frontier: Elite II
Frontier: Elite II, released in 1993 by GameTek and developed by David Braben, is a groundbreaking space trading and exploration simulator that expanded the scope of its legendary predecessor, Elite. Set in a vast, procedurally generated Milky Way ga...
Genre: SIMULATION
Release: 1993
Developer: David Braben
Publisher: GameTek

Space Hulk
Space Hulk
Space Hulk, released in 1993 by Electronic Arts, is a tactical turn-based strategy game set in the dark, war-torn universe of Warhammer 40,000. Players command squads of Space Marines as they navigate derelict spacecraft infested with deadly Genestea...
Genre: ACTION
Release: 1993
Developer: Electronic Arts
Publisher: -

Chasm: The Rift
Chasm: The Rift
Chasm: The Rift, released in 1997 by Action Forms, is a fast-paced first-person shooter set in a grim, time-twisting future. As a Special Forces commando, players are tasked with stopping the mysterious Time Strikers — grotesque mutant invaders who a...
Genre: SHOOTER
Release: 1997
Developer: Action Forms
Publisher: Megamedia

Heimdall
Heimdall
Heimdall, released in 1992 by Core Design, is an action-adventure game inspired by Norse mythology. Players take on the role of the young warrior Heimdall, chosen by the gods to recover three stolen relics — Odin’s sword, Frey’s spear, and Thor’s ham...
Genre: RPG
Release: 1992
Developer: The 8th Day
Publisher: Core Design

Formula One Grand Prix
Formula One Grand Prix
Formula One Grand Prix, released in 1992 by MicroProse and designed by Geoff Crammond, is a landmark racing simulation that set new standards for realism and immersion in motorsport gaming. Featuring all sixteen tracks of the 1991 Formula One season,...
Genre: RACING
Release: 1992
Developer: MicroProse
Publisher: -

TFX
TFX
TFX, released in 1993 by Digital Image Design, is a high-tech combat flight simulator that puts players in the cockpit of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft. Set during modern and fictional conflicts, the game challenges pilots to complete a ...
Genre: SIMULATION
Release: 1993
Developer: Digital Image Design
Publisher: Ocean Software

Crystal Caves
Crystal Caves
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 pl...
Genre: PLATFORMER
Release: 1991
Developer: Apogee Software
Publisher: -

Powermonger
Powermonger
Powermonger, released in 1990 by Bullfrog Productions, is a real-time strategy game that challenges players to conquer a living, breathing world through cunning, diplomacy, and military might. Set in a medieval-style landscape of towns, villages, and...
Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1990
Developer: Bullfrog Productions
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Railroad Tycoon Deluxe
Railroad Tycoon Deluxe
Railroad Tycoon Deluxe, released in 1993 by MicroProse, is an enhanced version of Sid Meier’s groundbreaking railroad management simulation. Building on the 1990 original, the Deluxe edition expands the experience with improved VGA graphics, new soun...
Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1993
Developer: MPS Labs
Publisher: MicroProse

Dune
Dune
Dune, released in 1992 by Cryo Interactive and published by Virgin Games, is a unique blend of adventure and strategy inspired by Frank Herbert’s legendary science fiction novel. Players step into the role of Paul Atreides, heir of House Atreides, wh...
Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1992
Developer: Cryo Interactive
Publisher: Virgin Interactive

Knights of Xentar
Knights of Xentar
Knights of Xentar, released in 1995 by Megatech Software, is an English-localized version of the Japanese RPG Dragon Knight III. It’s a tongue-in-cheek, anime-styled role-playing game that mixes traditional fantasy storytelling with heavy doses of co...
Genre: RPG
Release: 1995
Developer: ELF Corporation
Publisher: Megatech Software

Abuse
Abuse
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 terribly...
Genre: PLATFORMER
Release: 1996
Developer: Crack dot Com
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Shadow Warrior
Shadow Warrior
Shadow Warrior, released in 1997 by 3D Realms, is a fast-paced first-person shooter built on the Build engine, the same technology behind Duke Nukem 3D. Players take on the role of Lo Wang, a skilled modern ninja working for the corrupt Zilla Corpora...
Genre: SHOOTER
Release: 1997
Developer: 3D Realms
Publisher: GT Interactive

Innocent Until Caught
Innocent Until Caught
Innocent Until Caught, released in 1993 by Psygnosis, is a humorous sci-fi point-and-click adventure set in a galaxy of corruption, crime, and interstellar bureaucracy. Players step into the shoes of Jack T. Ladd, a smooth-talking thief with a knack ...
Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1993
Developer: Divide By Zero
Publisher: Psygnosis

Quest for Glory
Quest for Glory
Quest for Glory I: So You Want to Be a Hero, re-released in 1992 by Sierra On-Line in a VGA remake of the 1989 classic, is a hybrid adventure/RPG that blends Sierra’s signature point-and-click interface with role-playing depth. Players create a custo...
Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1992
Developer: Sierra On-Line
Publisher: -

The Lion King
The Lion King
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 sce...
Genre: PLATFORMER
Release: 1994
Developer: East Point Software
Publisher: Virgin Interactive

Lure of the Temptress
Lure of the Temptress
Lure of the Temptress, released in 1992 by Revolution Software, is a fantasy point-and-click adventure that marked the studio’s debut. Players step into the role of a reluctant hero named Diermot, who finds himself imprisoned in the medieval town of ...
Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1992
Developer: Revolution Software
Publisher: Virgin Interactive

Monster Bash
Monster Bash
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, and...
Genre: PLATFORMER
Release: 1993
Developer: Apogee Software
Publisher: -

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

B.A.T.
B.A.T.
B.A.T. is a futuristic cyberpunk role-playing adventure game developed and published by Ubi Soft in 1990 for MS-DOS and other platforms. Set in a gritty sci-fi metropolis, it blends traditional RPG elements with a strong emphasis on investigation, di...
Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1990
Developer: Computer's Dream
Publisher: Ubisoft

Stronghold
Stronghold
Stronghold, released in 1993 by Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI) for MS-DOS, is a unique blend of real-time strategy and city-building set in a fantasy world. Unlike traditional wargames of its time, it allowed players to design, build, and manage t...
Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1993
Developer: Stormfront Studios
Publisher: Strategic Simulations
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