Iron Seed

Released in 1994, Iron Seed is a DOS space sim that tried to be both philosophical and technical. You’re leading a fledgling human colony across the stars, tinkering with diplomacy, science, and the occasional space skirmish. The interface looks intimidating, like a control panel designed by an alien who once saw Windows 3.1 from a distance. Yet, beneath the clunky menus, there’s a surprisingly deep game about survival, exploration, and the terrifying realization that you forgot to allocate enough resources to life support. It’s ambitious, flawed, and oddly poetic, making it a hidden gem for those who enjoy games that feel like half-simulation, half-existential crisis.