Abandonware DOS title

Classic Mac OS abandonware games

Traditionally, Mac computers have often taken a backseat in the realm of gaming, with many gamers favoring PCs for their gaming needs. One of the primary reasons for this preference has been the cost factor. While Macs offered gaming options, the price of a Mac capable of handling serious gaming was typically higher compared to a similarly equipped PC. This price discrepancy prompted gamers to opt for more budget-friendly PC alternatives, where they could enjoy their favorite games without breaking the bank.

Despite facing stiff competition from Windows-based PCs, Macintosh computers offered a diverse and vibrant gaming ecosystem that catered to enthusiasts of all ages and interests. During the heyday of Classic Mac OS, gaming on Macintosh computers encompassed a wide range of genres, including action, adventure, strategy, simulation, and puzzle games. While the selection may not have been as extensive as on other platforms, Mac users enjoyed access to a plethora of high-quality and innovative titles.

The availability of emulators like Boxer has opened up a treasure trove of classic titles to Mac users, allowing them to delve into the rich tapestry of gaming history from the comfort of their macOS environment.

For those curious about the abandoned games that graced the Mac platform and are revered by gamers, we've curated a concise list of titles considered among the best by our community, as determined through the collective wisdom of Abandonware DOS voters.

broken-sword-1-01

Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars

adventure2009 Revolution Software
caesar-3-09

Caesar 3

simulation1998 Impressions Games
capitalism-2-01

Capitalism 2

simulation2001 Ensemble Studios
Capitalism 2 is simulation game designed by Trevor Chan, developed by Ensemble Studios and released by UBI Soft in 2001 for Windows and Macintosh. Capitalism 2 is the quintessential capitalistic simulation and involves stock exchange, business management, marketing, etc.
civ1-7

Civilization

strategy1991 MicroProse Software
Civilization is the critically acclaimed strategy game designed by Sid Meier and Bruce Campbell Shelley that became a staple in 4X turn-based strategy. Civilization was developed by MicroProse Software and released in 1991 for DOS, Windows 3.x, Amiga, Atari ST, Mac, etc. Civilization was followed by sequels, the last one being published recently. The goal of the game and the main gameplay features never changed; the fan-base is still strong to this day.
colonization-6

Colonization

strategy1994 MicroProse Software
Colonization is a turn-based strategy 4x game developed and published by MicroProse in 1994 for DOS, Windows 3.1, Linux and Mac. The setting is the European Colonization of the New World. Colonization gameplay and interface are similar to Civilization, another Sid Meier game. However, there are some differences between Civilization and Colonization: playable nations (European powers), resources and commodities, declaration of independence, etc.
divine-divinity-01

Divine Divinity

rpg2002 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 of a hero who must explore the world, battle enemies, solve puzzles, and complete quests to ultimately defeat the Black Ring and save Rivellon.
freddy-pharkas-04

Freddy Pharkas: Frontier Pharmacist

adventure1993 Sierra On-Line
Freddy Pharkas: Frontier Pharmacist is a comedy point & click adventure game set in the old American West designed by Al Lowe and Josh Mandel, developed and released by Sierra On-Line in 1993 for DOS, Windows and Macintosh. Initially released on floppy, Freddy Pharkas was later re-released on CD-ROM as a new edition.
gobliiins-3

Gobliiins

adventure1991 Coktel Vision
Gobliiins is a peculiar adventure game designed by Pierre Gilhodes, developed by French company Coktel Vision and released by Sierra On-Line in 1991 for DOS, Mac, Amiga and Atari ST. In Gobliiins, you control multiple goblins and you must find a way to progress to the next area by solving typical adventure puzzles. The story is almost non-existent.
indianafateatlantis-2

Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis

adventure1992demo LucasArts
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis is a graphical point and click adventure game created by LucasArts and published in 1992, based on the popular movie character. As the famous archaeologist Indiana Jones, you will travel the world searching for the mythical land of Atlantis. Fate of Atlantis is the sequel to the acclaimed Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
jagged-alliance-2-04

Jagged Alliance 2

strategy1999 Sir-tech Software
Jagged Alliance 2 is a turn-based tactical role-playing strategy game developed by Sir-Tech and released in 1999 for Windows. It is the sequel to the original Jagged Alliance and has earned a reputation as one of the best games in the turn-based strategy genre.Set in the fictional country of Arulco, Jagged Alliance 2 presents players with the task of liberating Arulco from the oppressive rule of a dictator named Deidranna. The player takes on the role of a commander who must assemble a team of mercenaries, each with their unique skills and personalities, to overthrow the dictator and restore freedom to the country.
loderunner-1

Lode Runner

action1983 Broderbund
Lode Runner is a classic video game that was first created by Douglas E. Smith in 1983. Originally, Lode Runner was developed for the Apple II, and later versions were released for various other platforms, including DOS, the Commodore 64, Atari, and others.In Lode Runner, the player controls a character who must navigate through levels filled with platforms and ladders while avoiding enemies. The main objective is to collect all the treasures scattered throughout the level.
loom-11

Loom

adventure1990demo LucasArts
Loom is a graphic adventure game developed and published by Lucasfilm Games (now LucasArts). It was designed by Brian Moriarty and is known for its unique gameplay mechanics and emphasis on storytelling. Loom is distinctive for its interface, which revolves around musical notes and spells. The protagonist, Bobbin Threadbare, is a young weaver who can use a magical distaff to play musical drafts to interact with the world. The puzzles often revolve around using musical notes and spells in creative ways.
maniacmansion-1

Maniac Mansion

adventure1987 LucasArts
Maniac Mansion is one of the most famous point-and-click adventure games developed by Lucasfilm Games, designed by Ron Gilbert (who later created Monkey Island) and Gary Winnick. The story is a blend of old sci-fi and horror B-movie elements. Players can choose between several characters, each with unique abilities useful for solving various puzzles. Maniac Mansion was also the first game to use the popular SCUMM interface.
orbiter-01

Orbiter

vehicle simulation1986 Spectrum HoloByte
pools-of-darkness-06

Pools of Darkness

rpg1991 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
Pools of Darkness is a computer role-playing game (CRPG) developed and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI). It is the fourth entry in the "Gold Box" series of Dungeons & Dragons games, which are based on the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) ruleset. The game was released in 1991 for MS-DOS and later ported to other platforms. The game is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of Dungeons & Dragons.The story continues from the previous games in the series, starting with "Pool of Radiance," and follows the player's party as they face a new threat posed by the archmage Acwellan.
populos2-4

Populous 2: Trials of the Olympian Gods

strategy1993 Bullfrog
Populous 2: Trials of the Olympian Gods is an old sandbox strategy god-game. As the title suggests, the setting is more of less ancient Greek mythology and you're a god (hence the god-game label). Populous 2 is the sequel of the much acclaimed Populous, designed by Peter Molineaux. Populous 2 was developed by Bullfrog and published by Electronic Arts in 1993 for PC and Mac.
princeofpersia4d-4

Prince of Persia

action1990 Broderbund
Prince of Persia is an abandoned DOS platform game set in Middle East, developed and released by Broderbund in 1990. Designer Jordan Mechner created a game that made a lasting impression of gamers thanks to a clever use of a tecnique called rotoscoping which makes the animation of the protagonist very realistic.
silent-service-2-05

Silent Service 2

vehicle simulation1990 MicroProse Software
spacequest1-3

Space Quest 1: The Sarien Encounter

adventure1986 Sierra On-Line
Space Quest I: The Sarien Encounter is a graphic adventure game developed and published by Sierra On-Line, released in 1986. It was created by the duo of Scott Murphy and Mark Crowe, who later became known as the "Two Guys from Andromeda". The game is renowned for its humor and engaging story set in a science fiction universe.In Space Quest I players assume the role of Roger Wilco, a lowly janitor aboard the spaceship Arcada. The game begins with Roger waking up from a nap to find that the ship has been infiltrated by the sinister Sariens, who are stealing a device known as the Star Generator. As the lone survivor, Roger must navigate through the ship's corridors, solve puzzles, and outwit various dangers to thwart the Sariens' plans and save the universe.
spiderman-2-02

Spider-Man 2: The Game

action-adventure2004 -
vampire-redemption-02

Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption

rpg2000 Nihilistic Software
Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption is an action role-playing game released in 2000 by Nihilistic Software and published by Activision. It is based on the "Vampire: The Masquerade" tabletop RPG by White Wolf Publishing. The game combines traditional RPG elements with real-time combat. Players control Christof and a party of vampire allies, customizing their abilities and skills as they progress. Combat includes the use of melee and ranged weapons, along with various vampire powers (Disciplines).
waxworks-2

WaxWorks

adventure1992demo Horror Soft
Waxworks was a horror-themed first-person role-playing game developed by Horror Soft, a subsidiary of Adventure Soft, published in 1992. The game is set in a wax museum where players must travel through different historical periods, each represented by a wax exhibit. Each exhibit serves as a portal to a different time and place, featuring various monsters and challenges.
ZAngband-02

ZAngband

rpg1999 -
Zangband is a variant of the popular roguelike game Angband. Zangband, short for Zelazny Angband, was developed by Chris Weisiger and first released in 1994. The game features a fantasy world with diverse races, classes, and monsters. Players explore dungeons, caves, and other environments in a quest to reach the bottom level of the dungeon, defeat the final boss, and retrieve a powerful artifact known as the Palantir of Westernesse.