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 release years)

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Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness

Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness is a real-time strategy title released in 1995 for MS-DOS by Blizzard Entertainment. The game expands the conflict between Humans and Orcs into a larger, fully realized world, introducing naval warfare, air units, and a...

Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1995
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Davidson & Associates

Heroes of Might and Magic

Heroes of Might and Magic (1995) is a classic turn-based strategy game developed by New World Computing for MS-DOS. It combines exploration, resource management, and tactical combat in a richly illustrated fantasy world. Players command one of severa...

Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1995
Developer: New World Computing
Publisher: -

Command & Conquer

Command & Conquer is a groundbreaking real-time strategy game released in 1995 by Westwood Studios for MS-DOS. Set in an alternate near-future conflict, the game tells the story of a global war between the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the myst...

Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1995
Developer: Westwood Studios
Publisher: Virgin Interactive

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

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

Transport Tycoon Deluxe

Transport Tycoon Deluxe, released in 1995 by Chris Sawyer, is a refined and expanded version of the beloved transport management simulation game. As the head of a transport company, players are tasked with building a profitable empire by designing an...

Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1995
Developer: Chris Sawyer
Publisher: MicroProse

Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers

Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers, released in 1993 by Sierra On-Line, is a critically acclaimed point-and-click adventure game that masterfully blends mystery, horror, and supernatural intrigue. Created by Jane Jensen, the game follows Gabriel Kni...

Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1993
Developer: Sierra On-Line
Publisher: -

Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge

Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge, released in 1991 by LucasArts, is a legendary point-and-click adventure game that combines hilarious humor, clever puzzles, and a swashbuckling story. As the sequel to The Secret of Monkey Island, the game follows ...

Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1991
Developer: LucasArts
Publisher: -

Commander Keen in Goodbye, Galaxy

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 two-par...

Genre: PLATFORMER
Release: 1991
Developer: id Software
Publisher: Apogee Software

Doom II: Hell on Earth

Doom II: Hell on Earth, released in 1994 by id Software, is the highly acclaimed sequel to the groundbreaking first-person shooter Doom. Building on its predecessor’s fast-paced gameplay and visceral action, Doom II expands the fight against demonic ...

Genre: SHOOTER
Release: 1994
Developer: id Software
Publisher: GT Interactive

X-COM: UFO Defense

X-COM: UFO Defense, released in 1994 by MicroProse, is a groundbreaking strategy game that blends tactical combat with deep resource management. Known as UFO: Enemy Unknown in Europe, the game tasks players with leading X-COM, an elite international ...

Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1994
Developer: MicroProse
Publisher: -

Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos

Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos, released in 1993 by Virgin Games, is a captivating real-time role-playing game (RPG) developed by Westwood Studios. Set in a rich fantasy world, players embark on an epic quest to stop the evil sorceress Scotia fro...

Genre: RPG
Release: 1993
Developer: Westwood Studios
Publisher: Virgin Interactive

Duke Nukem 3D

Duke Nukem 3D, released in 1996 by 3D Realms, is a fast-paced first-person shooter that became an instant classic thanks to its over-the-top action, destructible environments, and unforgettable one-liners. Players take on the role of Duke Nukem, a wi...

Genre: SHOOTER
Release: 1996
Developer: 3D Realms
Publisher: -

Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis

Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, released in 1992 by LucasArts, is a classic point-and-click adventure that takes players on a thrilling archaeological journey alongside the legendary Indiana Jones. Set in 1939, on the brink of World War II, t...

Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1992
Developer: LucasArts
Publisher: -

Flashback: The Quest for Identity

Flashback: The Quest for Identity, released in 1992 by U.S. Gold, is a cinematic action-adventure game that combines platforming, puzzle-solving, and science-fiction storytelling into a seamless and engaging experience. Developed by Delphine Software...

Genre: PLATFORMER
Release: 1992
Developer: Delphine Software
Publisher: U.S. Gold

Another World

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 gamin...

Genre: PLATFORMER
Release: 1992
Developer: Delphine Software
Publisher: -

The Legend of Kyrandia

The Legend of Kyrandia, released in 1992 by Virgin Games, is a visually stunning point-and-click adventure game that takes players on a magical journey through the enchanting kingdom of Kyrandia. Developed by Westwood Studios, the game is the first i...

Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1992
Developer: Westwood Studios
Publisher: Virgin Interactive

Descent

Descent, released in 1995 by Interplay Productions, is a groundbreaking first-person shooter that introduced players to full 360-degree movement in a fully 3D environment. Developed by Parallax Software, the game takes place in a series of labyrinthi...

Genre: SHOOTER
Release: 1995
Developer: Parallax Software
Publisher: Interplay Productions

Star Wars: TIE Fighter

Star Wars: TIE Fighter, released in 1994 by LucasArts, is a legendary space combat simulator that puts players in the cockpit of the Galactic Empire’s iconic TIE Fighters. As an Imperial pilot, players embark on a series of challenging missions, batt...

Genre: SIMULATION
Release: 1994
Developer: Totally Games
Publisher: LucasArts

One Must Fall: 2097

One Must Fall: 2097, released in 1994 by Epic MegaGames, is a groundbreaking fighting game that combines intense robot combat with a futuristic storyline and deep customization options. Set in a dystopian future, the game pits giant humanoid robots, ...

Genre: FIGHTING
Release: 1994
Developer: Diversions Entertainment
Publisher: Epic Games

Stunts

Stunts, released in 1990 by Broderbund, is a groundbreaking racing game that lets players experience high-speed thrills on insane stunt tracks. Known for its innovative gameplay and freedom of creativity, Stunts allows players to race against the clo...

Genre: RACING
Release: 1990
Developer: Distinctive Software
Publisher: Broderbund

Simon the Sorcerer

Simon the Sorcerer, released in 1993 by Adventure Soft, is a whimsical point-and-click adventure game that combines clever puzzles, witty dialogue, and a charming fantasy world. Players step into the shoes of Simon, an ordinary teenager who is unexpe...

Genre: ADVENTURE
Release: 1993
Developer: Adventure Soft
Publisher: -

Ishar 2: Messengers of Doom

Ishar 2: Messengers of Doom, released in 1993 by Silmarils, is an immersive role-playing game (RPG) that continues the epic saga of the Ishar series. Set in a rich and expansive fantasy world, the game challenges players to assemble a team of adventu...

Genre: RPG
Release: 1993
Developer: Silmarils
Publisher: -

The Settlers

The Settlers, released in 1993 by Blue Byte, is a groundbreaking real-time strategy and city-building game that invites players to build and manage a thriving medieval settlement. Players oversee every aspect of their growing community, from resource...

Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1993
Developer: Blue Byte
Publisher: Ubisoft

Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty

Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty, released in 1992 by Virgin Games, is a pioneering real-time strategy (RTS) game that helped define and popularize the genre. Set in the richly detailed universe of Frank Herbert's Dune, the game places players in t...

Genre: STRATEGY
Release: 1992
Developer: Westwood Studios
Publisher: Virgin Interactive

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