Abandonware DOS title

The best abandonware PC games of all time

Retro gamers like myself are convinced that the best PC games ever published were developed during the golden age of PC gaming, in the 80s and 90s. This era was marked by innovation, creativity, and the birth of many genres that defined the industry. I have collected quite a few of those games and own a small big-box PC game collection, which I cherish as a testament to this golden age. Some of you may remember most of these titles fondly, while a few of you probably remember and played every single "abandoned" Windows and DOS game that made it into this chart. These games not only bring back memories but also showcase the pioneering spirit of early game development.

Actually, some of the games listed below are not abandoned at all - you can buy them on GOG or Steam - but they definitely deserve to be included anyway.

I know that every "best games" chart is far from perfect; there's always a couple of games that you think are missing. Personal preferences and nostalgic memories often influence our opinions on what should be included. That's why this abandonware games list is exclusively based on votes cast by users, reflecting a broader consensus within the community.

The best games of the month: September 2024

These are the top games based on user votes for the current month only.

# game title year status rating
01 Sid Meier's SimGolf 2002
4.75
/ 5
02 Zoo Tycoon 2001
4.60
/ 5
03 Magic: The Gathering 1997
4.20
/ 5
04 Mega Man X3 1998
4.20
/ 5
05 Road Rash 1996
4.20
/ 5

The best old PC games ever

# game title year status rating
01 The Sims 2000
4.39
/ 5
02 Tetris Classic 1992
4.35
/ 5
03 Mortal Kombat 1993
4.33
/ 5
04 Ultima 7 Part 1: The Black Gate 1992
4.32
/ 5
05 The Secret of Monkey Island 1990
4.32
/ 5
06 Street Fighter 2 1992
4.32
/ 5
07 Lemmings 2: The Tribes 1993
4.31
/ 5
08 Volfied 1991
4.31
/ 5
09 X-COM: Ufo Defense 1994
4.30
/ 5
10 King's Quest 1: Quest for the Crown 1984
4.29
/ 5
11 Football Manager 3 1993
4.29
/ 5
12 Alley Cat 1984
4.29
/ 5
13 Lode Runner 1983
4.29
/ 5
14 Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge 1991
4.29
/ 5
15 Operation Wolf 1989
4.29
/ 5
16 Jagged Alliance 2 1999
4.29
/ 5
17 Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes 1997
4.29
/ 5
18 Transport Tycoon Deluxe 1995
4.29
/ 5
19 Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe 1991
4.28
/ 5
20 Leisure Suit Larry 1: In the Land of the Lounge Lizards 1987
4.28
/ 5
21 Master of Orion 2: Battle at Antares 1996
4.28
/ 5
22 Space Quest 1: The Sarien Encounter 1986
4.27
/ 5
23 Super Street Fighter 2 1996
4.27
/ 5
24 Panza Kick Boxing 1991
4.27
/ 5
25 Chuck Yeager's Air Combat 1991
4.27
/ 5
26 Das Boot: German U-Boat Simulation 1990
4.27
/ 5
27 Doom 2: Hell on Earth 1994
4.27
/ 5
28 Pray for Death 1996
4.27
/ 5
29 Micro Machines 1994
4.27
/ 5
30 Pipe Dream 1989
4.27
/ 5
31 Crazy Cars 3 1992
4.27
/ 5
32 F-16 Combat Pilot 1989
4.27
/ 5
33 The Incredible Machine 2 1994
4.27
/ 5
34 Heroes of the 357th 1992
4.27
/ 5
35 Night Hawk: F-117A Stealth Fighter 1991
4.26
/ 5
36 Eye of the Beholder 2: The Legend of Darkmoon 1991
4.26
/ 5
37 Stunt Island 1992
4.26
/ 5
38 Skate or Die 1988
4.26
/ 5
39 ATAC: The Secret War Against Drugs 1992
4.26
/ 5
40 Grand Prix 2 1995
4.26
/ 5
41 Space Hulk 1993
4.26
/ 5
42 Tornado 1993
4.26
/ 5
43 Jetfighter 2: Advanced Tactical Fighter 1990
4.26
/ 5
44 Dawn Patrol 1994
4.26
/ 5
45 Strike Commander 1993
4.26
/ 5
46 Their Finest Hour: The Battle of Britain 1989
4.26
/ 5
47 Apache Longbow 1995
4.26
/ 5
48 Eye of the Beholder 1991
4.26
/ 5
49 Maupiti Island 1991
4.26
/ 5
50 Quake 1996
4.26
/ 5
This chart takes into consideration the games I have actually included on Abandonware DOS. There are many more games published 20 or more years ago, and my time to add them to the site is limited. However, I'm determined to continue expanding the collection, no matter what!
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