Abandonware DOS retro gaming spotlight

Oldies remade: the best remakes of old DOS games

Games developed for DOS or early microcomputers (such as the Spectrum, Commodore 64, BBC Micro, etc.) date back to the 1980s. Simply put, these games are old. Graphics, sound, user experience, and interface were vastly different compared to recent games.Game development has made significant strides over the years, and today&...

Bomb Jack: an arcade classic

Bomb Jack is a classic arcade platformer developed and published by Tecmo in 1984. In the game, players must collect bombs while dodging enemies, all within the confines of a single, fixed-screen layout. The DOS version of Bomb Jack is a port of the original arcade game. Both the arcade release ...

Electronic Games Arcade Awards - 1984

The Electronic Games Arcade Awards, also known as the Electronic Games Awards or simply the Arcade Awards, were an annual awards ceremony that recognized achievements in the electronic gaming industry during the 1980s and 1990s. The awards were organized by Electronic Games magazine, which was a prominent publication during that ...

Gods: soundtrack added

Gods is a video game developed by The Bitmap Brothers and initially released in 1991. It is a platformer that combines action and puzzle-solving elements. The game was originally released for various platforms, including the Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS.

Play Archon online on Abandonware DOS

Archon: The Light and the Dark is an abandoned DOS fantasy blend of strategy and action game, developed by Free Fall Associates and published for DOS by Electronic Arts in 1984. Archon and its sequels are a unique mix of chess-like turn-based strategy and arcade action games. Take chess and add ...

Company profile: Cinemaware

Cinemaware was a video game developer and publisher founded in 1985 by Bob Jacob. The company was known for pioneering a blend of gameplay and cinematic storytelling, drawing inspiration from classic films and television.Cinemaware's titles were especially popular on platforms like the Amiga. Their most iconic games include Defender of ...

Grand Theft Auto: the beginning

In Grand Theft Auto, players assume the role of a criminal who can explore the open world of Liberty City, taking on missions for local gangs. These tasks range from stealing cars to attacking pedestrians, all while evading law enforcement and the military. The game's open-world freedom and the thrill ...

Beat 'em ups: what are they?

A beat 'em up video game, often referred to as a brawler, is a subgenre of action games that emphasizes close-quarters combat against waves of enemies. In these games, players take control of a character who must fight through hordes of opponents, using hand-to-hand combat techniques or wielding melee weapons. ...

Gods by Bitmap Brothers

Gods is a video game developed by The Bitmap Brothers and initially released in 1991. It is a platformer that combines action and puzzle-solving elements. The game was originally released for various platforms, including the Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS. In Gods, players control a hero navigating through a series ...

Electronic Games Arcade Awards - 1982

Electronic Games was the first magazine in the United States dedicated to the video game industry. It was published from October 15, 1981, until 1997 under various titles, including Computer Entertainment and Intelligent Gamer.The magazine is notable for hosting the first Game of the Year Award ceremony, known as the Arcade Awards. ...

Apogee: the shareware kings

Apogee Software was a key player in the early days of the PC gaming industry, making a significant impact as both a developer and publisher. Established in 1987 by Scott Miller and George Broussard, Apogee is widely credited with pioneering the shareware distribution model for video games. This innovative approach allowed ...

Indiana Jones and the Last Videogame

Indiana Jones, the legendary archaeologist and adventurer, has appeared in numerous video games over the years, offering players the chance to dive into quests inspired by the famous film series created by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. One of the earliest games featuring the character was "Indiana Jones in the ...

Violent sports: Panza Kick Boxing

Panza Kick Boxing is a video game released in 1990 for the Amiga, Atari ST, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, DOS, and ZX Spectrum platforms. Developed and published by Loriciel, the game is named after André Panza, a renowned French kickboxer. It aims to capture the essence of kickboxing in a digital ...

Wizball in a world without colors

Wizball is a  shoot 'em up video game developed by Sensible Software and originally released for various home computer platforms in 1987. The game was published by Ocean Software. In Wizball, players control a wizard who rides a magical green ball. The wizard's mission is to restore color to ...

Demo versions: what happened to game demos?

Let's start by emphasizing a crucial point: not every classic game has been "abandoned". With the resurgence of all things "vintage", there's a renewed fascination with retro items, including video games. Consequently, certain companies have acquired entire back catalogs of old games and begun selling them anew. Hence, many captivating ...

Action-adventure: from Alone in the Dark to Tomb Raider

The action-adventure genre in video games is a dynamic and diverse category that combines elements of both action and adventure. Action-adventure games typically feature strong storytelling elements. Players assume the role of a protagonist or a group of characters who embark on a quest, journey, ...

Mario Bros VGA: a remake

Mario Bros VGA is a fan made remake of the original Mario Bros by Nintendo, the game that popularized the character of Mario, the italian plumber first saw in Donkey Kong. Mario Bros VGA is a fixed-screen platform arcade game that truly shines when played in co-op with a friend.

Abandonware action games: platformers, brawlers, arcades

Action video games are all about speed, fast moving and dexterity. The main action varies according to the kind of game, which can include jumping from platforms, running, beating up other human players or computer controlled adversaries, etc. If the action is focused on shooting adversaries, the game belongs to ...

Block breakers: the Breakout legacy

Block breaker is a term often used to describe a type of video game that involves breaking or destroying blocks or bricks within the game environment. These games are typically characterized by a paddle or platform at the bottom of the screen that the player controls, and a wall of ...

GameSpy's 25 Favorite PC Games of the '90s

"The 1990s were landmark years for PC gaming, giving rise to three of the most deeply ingrained genres on the platform, and delivering memorable classics in the role-playing and adventure genres that the PC had long been known for. To celebrate this monumental decade we've put together some reflections ...