Abandonware DOS title

Classic Windows XP/98/95 games

At the conclusion of the DOS era, as personal computing evolved, the industry shifted towards embracing 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. These iterations introduced groundbreaking features and optimizations that made gaming on Windows more immersive and accessible than ever before. Titles like Age of Empires and the Civilization series exemplified the newfound potential of gaming on Windows, captivating audiences worldwide with their engaging gameplay and stunning graphics.

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. These methods offered a glimpse into the past, allowing players to revisit cherished classics and relive fond memories in a modern computing environment.

The best Windows games on Abandonware DOS

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Master of Orion 2: Battle at Antares

#1 Top game!strategy1996 4.29/5
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 4.29/5
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.
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Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings

#3 Top game!strategy1999demo 4.26/5
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.
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Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars

adventure2009 4.25/5
Revolution Software / UBI Soft
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Jagged Alliance 2

strategy1999 4.24/5
Sir-tech Software / TopWare Interactive
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Carmageddon

racing1997 4.24/5
Stainless Games / SCi Games
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Interstate '76

racing1997 4.24/5
Activision / Activision
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Wizardry 7: Crusaders of the Dark Savant

rpg1992 4.24/5
Sir-tech Software / Sir-tech Software
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Wipeout

racing1995 4.24/5
Psygnosis / Psygnosis
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Quake

shooter1996demo 4.24/5
id software / id software
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Road Rash

racing1996 4.24/5
Papyrus Design Group / Electronic Arts
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Capitalism 2

simulation2001 4.24/5
Ensemble Studios / UBI Soft
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Civilization 2

strategy1996 4.23/5
MicroProse Software / MicroProse Software
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SimCity 2000

simulation1993 4.22/5
Maxis / Maxis
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Caesar 3

simulation1998 4.22/5
Impressions Games / Sierra On-Line
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Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia

strategy1999 4.22/5
New World Computing / The 3DO Company
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Pharaoh

simulation1999 4.21/5
Impressions Games / Sierra On-Line
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Dune 2000

strategy1998 4.21/5
Westwood Studios / Virgin Interactive
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Railroad Tycoon 2

simulation1998 4.20/5
Pop Software / Gathering of Developers
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Age of Empires

strategy1997demo 4.19/5
Ensemble Studios / Microsoft
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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