Around the time of the 80’s, one of the most popular operating systems in history was developed, thanks to the Microsoft company. Which, was either MS-DOS or, “Microsoft Disk Operating System” that was used in equipment from various manufacturers.
Thus, during these years, the most veteran users were able to enjoy a wide range of games that also characterized those days of MS-DOS. Which, despite the fact that they did not contain ultra-realistic graphics, they were of great quality and managed to entertain millions of people around the world.
Currently, many remember all these titles with nostalgia. But what they don’t know is that now too can run in your browser a large number of the best DOS gamesthanks to The Internet Archive that collects different information that has disappeared from the networks.
What were the games of the MS-DOS era like?
As for video games, during the last three and a half decades, they have shown an absolutely brutal technological leap. Therefore, running a game today is as easy as it could be, compared to how it had to be done in the days of MS-DOS. Taking into account that said operating system he was rough and strange.
In addition to this, the system displayed a dark canvas through which bright characters passed, forming singular names with indecipherable surnames. Therefore, users who wanted to be entertained with any title available in that era, they were forced to learn “the basics” to survive and be able to enjoy these games.
In this regard, we present below some of the main features of games from the times of MS-DOS that surely only the good and true gamers of the 80s and 90s will remember perfectly:
- It was necessary to learn to program in QBasic to play: It is a programming language attached to MS-DOS, with which it took users up to weeks to decipher the source code of the game “BASE“.
- The famous PC3 Shareware games: When it came to getting new games, the options were truly limited. However, many places sold these games on floppy disk. However, on some occasions, they used to appear in a Spanish magazine that brought demos and Shareware. But unfortunately, sometimes they were inconclusive.
- Photocopied protections as obstacles to play: On many occasions, gamers found a copy of any desired game for their PC and after installing the discs one by one, although no installation error appeared, when they entered it, they were asked for a password. Which, sadly, was in the manual that you didn’t have. Basically, this was done by the developers in order to prevent illegal copies.
- It used to be that a hole was punched in a floppy disk to double its capacity.: Although it seems crazy, it really worked. This was done by MS-DOS users with the aim of giving it a double format and thus being able to save more games. Taking into account that the original Maniac Mansion was over 700kb.
- The use of SIMCGA to improve resolution quality: As many screens were black and white, a program called SIMCGA was used which basically emulated the tones through different dithering styles to distinguish various tones through optical illusion and enjoy a better game.
List of all the arcade games from the MS-DOS era that you can play for free and now
It is no secret to anyone that many users are excited by the idea of returning to play the famous titles of the DOS era from Microsoft and even more so, because they can do it from the comfort of their modern computer and completely free. Which, as we already indicated, is made possible by the prodigious website of The Internet Archive.
But well, even though they are around 2,400 games available in the catalog of this website, then we list you the best 80 of them sectioned by categoriesso that you can find your favorite more easily through the link that we offer you here:
action and adventure
According to worldwide data, the majority of DOS users chose to enjoy their free time with action and adventure games. Therefore, in this first section, we detail the 10 best games in that category to get you started. for running one or more exciting options from your PC:
tomb Raider
It is a purely adventure and action game that was published during the year 1996. Thus, one of the first 3D video games offered to the entire 32-bit generation. This was developed by Core Design and is in English.
gauntlets
Developed by Atari Games Corporation in 1988, this is one of the most famous action games of that time. In which, they must be traversed 100 levels full of chaos, magic and a lot of emotion. In addition, it allows you to select between four characters to play and choose the desired weapons. In addition to this, it immerses you in a world of dragons and dungeons.
Another World
It is another great adventure and action game that gave a lot to talk about in the 90s, since it was published during the year 1991. Taking into account that, thanks to its high-quality graphics and the impressive cinematographic section that it exhibited, it turned out to be like a video game very new.
Arkanoid
An action game proposal that debuted in 1988. Thus, it provides an experience in which the player must destroy a series of blocks with a ball that keeps bouncing on a platform that will always be controlled by the user. Thanks to its original proposal, it was a complete success in MS-DOS.
Arkanoid II – Revenge of Doh
It went on the market in 1989 and was developed by Taito Corporation. Thus, it is a direct sequel to Arkanoid I that had versions for virtually all platforms. But this one shows better graphics and better sound quality, has an editor and allows you to create your own levels during the adventure.
alley cat
It refers to an action game that adds several linked minigames to provide a more exciting experience. Published in 1984, it is about a little pixelated black cat who will do everything possible to win the love of a beautiful lady. For this, he will have to go through garbage cans, hunt mice, dive into contaminated fish tanks, etc.
karateka
Purely action, this video game released in 1986 is about a villain who has destroyed the nation of the protagonist, Karateka. Who is an expert in martial arts and will have to rescue princess Mariko who was kidnapped by the antagonist Akuma. The experience includes three types of blows.
starwars
From the year 1988, this MS-DOS game belonging to the action genre, deals with shooting and is based on the final scenes of the original Star Wars movie. In it, you will have to put yourself in the skin of the protagonist and destroy the death star. This title is characterized by using vector graphics to generate a lot of action at high speed.
Livingstone, I Presume
Developed by Opera Soft S.A. and released in 1986, this is an action-adventure video game that shows a lot of similarity with the also famous game, Goody. Basically, the experience tries to take a tour with the help of a complex map and look for what they tell you; You can help yourself with three weapons and alternate them.
Golden Ax
A game created and released during the year 1990 that marked an entire generation. Thanks to the fact that it provides an amazing experience and puts the user in the skin of one of the three heroes, where the main objective is to overthrow the evil government of the city. As an advantage, we indicate that the video game allows up to two people to play on the same screen.
Sports
Another of the categories that gave more to talk about during the 80s and 90s when it came to video games on the DOS operating system, is sports. Both the smallest of the house and also the adults, almost always opt for an option that involves sports, definitely. Therefore, here we present you 10 options of this type ideal to run on your PC and remember that golden age:
kings of the beach
A game that dates back to 1988 and falls into the sport category, which is of Beach volleyball, specifically. If you decide to run it, you will be able to play together with another user and in order to win, you will always have to move quickly between your team by making serves and best shots to overcome the opponent’s performance. In his time, he was a crazy idea It exceeded the expectations of the players.
European Championship
Based on European soccer, this video game exemplified the world cup of the 90s, but diverted to the championship of the European continent in 1992, to simply add these nations. In it, they can play two teams with 4 memberswhere they can choose any country in Europe they want.
Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs
It is a 1989 video game that is presented as an ideal alternative for basketball lovers. To allow users to get closer to reality, the game is based on real NBA teams, as are the Lakers and the Celtics. Thus, it has two forms of play: test and playoff tournament mode.
Championship Manager 93-94
This game is simulation and focuses on football in Europe. When executing it, you will see that it has striking features, such as: Transfers of international players, reserve footballers with great potential, breaks due to injuries, etc. Thus, its functions are updated to exemplify the real world.
Budokan The Martial Spirit
Published in 1989, Budokan is a game of Martial Arts where you can find unarmed combat or Karatefight with a wooden sword or kendo and also Bo Y nunchaku. Thus, it is characterized by providing a very realistic experience where users can fight against their friends.
Deluxe Ski Jump
It is one of the newest games of that time that consists of perform ski jumping accompanied by 3D graphics, ensuring a very realistic experience. During the game, you will go through around 32 different hills located in Slovenia, England and other countries where this sport is practiced. Allows the participation of 16 players competing for the World Cup.
Ski or Die
It is also a ski game, which combine sport with action throughout the experience. There, you will have to implement various extreme tricks to practice them in five different events. In short, players can perform stunts over big mountainsskiing down a ramp, competing with another user, playing in a limited time, etc.
The Games – Winter Challenge
This Olympic game developed and launched in 1991 by MindSpan focuses on the simulation of competitions of winter Games. Such types of video games are: skiing, biathlon, ice skating, cross country, etc. In this way, users must find the fastest trajectories and the correct speed to win, in addition to having great skill.
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