Abandonware DOS title

The most popular open world games

An open-world video game is a genre of video game where the player is given a large, expansive virtual world (or universe) to explore and interact with. In contrast to linear games that follow a predetermined path or level-based progression, open-world games typically offer freedom and non-linearity, allowing players to roam and engage with the game world at their own pace.

Open-world games often feature vast landscapes or cities that can be freely traversed, and they often include a variety of activities, missions, or quests for players to undertake. These games commonly provide a range of gameplay options, such as exploration, combat, puzzle-solving, character development, and interacting with non-player characters (NPCs).

Popular examples of open-world games include The Elder Scrolls series (e.g., Morrowind), the Grand Theft Auto series, Ultima 7, Darklands, and Star Control 2, among many others.

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Pirates! Gold

DOSWindows 3.xMac1993protectedremakedemo4/5 MicroProse Software
Pirates! Gold is an open world game designed by Paul Murphy, developed and released by MicroProse Software in 1993 for DOS, Windows 3.x, Mac and also Sega Genesis and Amiga CD32. Pirates! Gold is a remake of the game Pirates, created by Sid Meier in 1987. Pirates! Gold gameplay is a unique mix of action, strategy, pirate life simulation, ...
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Amberstar

DOS19924/5 Thalion
Amberstar is a fantasy old school RPG very similar to Ultima 6 that uses a top-down view for interiors and small locations and a first person pseudo 3D view for everything else. Unfortunately, the sequel (called Ambermoon) was available for Amiga only and no version existed for DOS or Windows. Amberstar was developed and published by Thalion for DO...
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Ultima 2: Revenge of the Enchantress

DOS19834/5 Origin Systems
The second chapter of the Ultima saga is much similar to the first one (same top down visual, same dungeon 3d visual, same gameplay), although there are many small improvements. The series begins to take the shape of the detailed, deep, rpg saga that gamers will always remember.
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Ultima 7 Part 2: Serpent Isle

DOS19934/5 Origin Systems
After the well received Ultima 7 The Black Gate, Origin decided that their Ultima engine could be used for one more game. Ultima 7 Part 2: Serpent Isle begins right after The Black Gate ends. This time the Avatar travels to a whole new land, far away from the usual Britannia. Serpent Isle brings its own charm to the series; exploring new lands...
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Star Control 2

DOS1992protected4.2/5 Toys for Bob
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Van Buren (Fallout 3)

Windows XP/98/952003canceleddemo3.9/5 Black Isle Studios
Van Buren was a science fiction post-apocalyptic RPG being developed by Black Isle Studios and never published. Van Buren was the direct sequel to Fallout 2, part of the Fallout franchise. Van Buren was canceled in 2003.
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Ishar 3: The Seven Gates of Infinity

DOS1994protected3.8/5 Silmarils
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Legends of Valour

DOS19924.2/5 Syntetic Dimensions
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Whale's Voyage

DOS19934/5 neo Software Produktions
Whale's Voyage is an abandoned science fiction first-person view party-based RPG, developed by neo Software Produktions and released by Pro One Software in 1993. Whale's Voyage is currently abandonware and it was published for PC (DOS) and Amiga.
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Divine Divinity

WindowsMac2002protected4/5 Larian Studios
Divine Divinity is a role-playing game (RPG) developed by Larian Studios and released in 2002. It's the first game in the Divinity series, which has since expanded with several sequels and spin-offs. The game is set in a fantasy world called Rivellon, which is threatened by the rise of an evil force known as the Black Ring. Players take on the role...
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Aleshar World of Ice

DOS19973.8/5
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Might and Magic: World of Xeen

DOSMac1994protecteddemo4/5 New World Computing
Might and Magic: World of Xeen is a fantasy role-playing game (RPG) released in 1994, which is a combination of two games: Clouds of Xeen and Darkside of Xeen. These games were part of the Might and Magic series, a franchise of RPGs developed by New World Computing. World of Xeen represents the merging of these two games into a single, interconnect...
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Darklands

DOSLinuxWindows XP/98/95Mac1992protected4/5 MicroProse Software
Darklands was a unique historical isometric RPG that mixed real historical data from medieval Germany during the 15th century with a touch of folklore and fantasy. Unfortunately it was also the only Microprose RPG of that kind and beauty. The original game box contained a huge manual with info on european folklore (including the live...
starflight-3

Starflight

DOS19864.1/5 Binary Systems
Starflight is a classic space exploration and role-playing video game released in 1986 by Binary Systems and published by Electronic Arts. It is known for its innovative gameplay, as well as its open-ended approach to space exploration and storytelling.The game is set in a massive, procedurally generated universe with thousands of star systems to e...
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Solar Winds 2: Galaxy

DOS19933.9/5 Stone Interactive Media
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Bad Blood

DOS19904.2/5 Origin Systems
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The Magic Candle

DOS19894/5 Mindcraft Software
The Magic Candle: Volume 1 is the first chapter of a series of fantasy old school RPGs. The Magic Candle was developed and released by Mindcraft Software in 1989 for DOS but was also published for Apple II and Commodore 64. The whole Magic Candle series is very similar to some of the early Ultima games in every aspect: turn-based combat, top-down v...
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Ultima: Worlds of Adventure 2: Martian Dreams

DOS19914/5 Origin Systems
Ultima: Worlds of Adventure 2: Martian Dreams is an abandoned science fiction RPG designed by Jeff George, developed by Origin Systems and released in 1991 for DOS. Martian Dreams uses the Ultima VI engine to depict Mars in a top down perspective.
might-magic-7-03

Might and Magic 7: For Blood and Honor

DOS1999protected4.2/5 New World Computing
Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor is a fantasy role-playing game (RPG) developed by New World Computing and released in 1999. It is the seventh installment in the long-running Might and Magic series. The game is set in the fictional world of Enroth and takes place in the same universe as the previous Might and Magic games. Might and Mag...
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Might and Magic 4: Clouds of Xeen

DOS1992protecteddemo3.8/5 New World Computing
Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen is a role-playing video game developed and published by New World Computing in 1992. It's part of the long-running Might and Magic series. In Clouds of Xeen, players explore the world of Xeen, which is composed of four elemental realms: air, earth, fire, and water. The game features a first-person perspective and ...
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Realms of Arkania 3: Shadows Over Riva

DOS1996protected4/5 Attic Entertainment Software
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Knights of Legend

DOS19894.1/5 Origin Systems
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Spirit of Adventure

DOS19914/5 Attic Entertainment Software
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AlphaMan

DOS19953.6/5
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Times of Lore

DOS19894.1/5 Origin Systems
Times of Lore is an abandoned action RPG designed by Chris Roberts, developed and released by Origin Systems in 1989 for DOS and many more 8 bit and 16 bit platforms. Compared to Ultima (the much more popular franchise also by Origin) Times of Lore is a washed down RPG, more similar to a NES game. In fact, Roberts was inspired by The Legend of Zelda.
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Ascii Sector

WindowsLinuxDOS2007freeware3.8/5
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Might and Magic 3: Isles of Terra

DOS1991protected4/5 New World Computing
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Blades of Exile

Windows 3.xMacWindows XP/98/951997freeware4.1/5 Spiderweb Software
eliteplus-5

Elite Plus

DOS1991freeware4/5 Realtime Games