Abandonware DOS title

Classic Windows XP/98/95 games

At the end of the DOS era, as personal computing evolved, the industry shifted towards the latest offerings from Microsoft in terms of Operating Systems. This transition marked a significant milestone as PCs began to adopt Windows, with version 3.1 heralding a new era of computing. With its user-friendly interface and enhanced capabilities, Windows quickly gained traction, captivating the attention of both users and software developers alike.

The subsequent releases of Windows, notably Windows 95, 98, and Windows XP, marked significant milestones in the evolution of gaming on the PC platform. Titles like Age of Empires and the Civilization series exemplified the newfound potential of gaming on Windows.

However, with progress came challenges, and one of the most persistent issues was backward compatibility. As newer versions of Windows were introduced, ensuring compatibility with legacy games became increasingly complex. Attempting to run older games on modern Windows systems often proved to be a daunting task, fraught with technical hurdles and compatibility issues. In many cases, resorting to emulation software, such as MS-DOS emulators, became the preferred method for running DOS-based games on modern hardware.

For enthusiasts determined to experience the nostalgia of older Windows games on contemporary PCs, options were limited. The most reliable approach involved installing them directly on older versions of Windows or, for those with technical expertise, setting up and configuring a Virtual Machine environment.

The best Windows games on Abandonware DOS

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Master of Orion 2: Battle at Antares

#1 Top game!strategy1996 4.28/5
SimTex / MicroProse Software
Master of Orion II is a 4X turn-based sci-fi strategy game set in space. Master of Orion 2 gives the player an empire to run by controlling food and production, managing economy and researching new technology. The player can wage war against other races or use spies and diplomacy to achieve victory.
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Transport Tycoon Deluxe

#2 Top game!simulation1995 4.26/5
Chris Sawyer Productions / MicroProse Software
Transport Tycoon Deluxe is a business simulation game where players take control of a transport company, competing against rivals. Players can build stations, airports, and railroads to transport passengers, mail, and various goods using trucks, trains, and planes. The game gained a cult following, inspiring talented fans to create impressive remakes such as OpenTTD and Simutrans.
age-of-empires-2-04

Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings

#3 Top game!strategy1999demo 4.24/5
Ensemble Studios / Microsoft
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is a landmark real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft. Released in 1999, it is the second installment in the Age of Empires series and remains one of the most influential RTS games of all time. The game is set in the medieval period, and it builds upon the gameplay mechanics introduced in the original Age of Empires, while significantly improving on many aspects.
civilization2-4

Civilization 2

strategy1996 4.23/5
MicroProse Software / MicroProse Software
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Road Rash

racing1996 4.23/5
Papyrus Design Group / Electronic Arts
capitalism-2-01

Capitalism 2

simulation2001 4.23/5
Ensemble Studios / UBI Soft
quake_002

Quake

shooter1996demo 4.23/5
id software / id software
caesar-3-09

Caesar 3

simulation1998 4.22/5
Impressions Games / Sierra On-Line
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Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars

adventure2009 4.22/5
Revolution Software / UBI Soft
simcity2000-1

SimCity 2000

simulation1993 4.22/5
Maxis / Maxis
the-last-express-08

The Last Express

adventure1997demo 4.22/5
Smoking Car Productions / Broderbund
carmageddon-4

Carmageddon

racing1997 4.21/5
Stainless Games / SCi Games
homm3-11

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia

strategy1999 4.21/5
New World Computing / The 3DO Company
jagged-alliance-2-04

Jagged Alliance 2

strategy1999 4.21/5
Sir-tech Software / TopWare Interactive
dune2000-splash

Dune 2000

strategy1998 4.20/5
Westwood Studios / Virgin Interactive
alice-mcgee-03

American McGee's Alice

action-adventure2000 4.20/5
Rogue Entertainment / Electronic Arts
wizardry7-05

Wizardry 7: Crusaders of the Dark Savant

rpg1992 4.20/5
Sir-tech Software / Sir-tech Software
interstate-76-03

Interstate '76

racing1997 4.20/5
Activision / Activision
pharaoh-sierra-4

Pharaoh

simulation1999 4.20/5
Impressions Games / Sierra On-Line
age_of_empires-7

Age of Empires

strategy1997demo 4.19/5
Ensemble Studios / Microsoft
phantasmagoria-04

Phantasmagoria

adventure1995demo 4.19/5
Sierra On-Line / Sierra On-Line
The game on this page are the highest-rated by visitors of Abandonware DOS. The selection is continually updated based on user ratings and popularity.
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