Felony!

Released in 1984 for DOS, Felony! is a strange and ambitious early action game that puts you in the role of a criminal on the run. Instead of focusing on a single mechanic, it throws multiple gameplay styles at you, from driving sequences to on-foot action, all tied together by the simple goal of not getting caught. The graphics are primitive, but the sense of scale is impressive for its time, making the city feel oddly alive despite its simplicity. What really sells Felony! is its tension: police are always a threat, mistakes are punished quickly, and escape never feels guaranteed. It’s rough around the edges, occasionally unfair, and absolutely unapologetic about it. Still, there’s something compelling about its open-ended design and willingness to let players fail. As an early experiment in freedom and consequence, Felony! deserves respect, even if it tests your nerves.