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

gta-vice-city-02

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

#1 Top game!action-adventure2002 4.45/5
Rockstar Games / Rockstar Games
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games in 2002. It's the fourth main entry in the GTA series and serves as a spiritual successor to Grand Theft Auto III. Set in Vice City, a fictional metropolis inspired by Miami in the 1980s, the game captures the neon-soaked, drug-fueled, and crime-ridden atmosphere of the era. You play as Tommy Vercetti, a former hitman for the Forelli crime family who is sent to Vice City after being released from a 15-year prison sentence. 
moo2-administratoroffer

Master of Orion 2: Battle at Antares

#2 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.
transport-tycoon-deluxe-02

Transport Tycoon Deluxe

#3 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.
age-of-empires-2-04

Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings

strategy1999demo 4.25/5
Ensemble Studios / Microsoft
interstate-76-03

Interstate '76

racing1997 4.25/5
Activision / Activision
carmageddon-4

Carmageddon

racing1997 4.25/5
Stainless Games / SCi Games
broken-sword-1-01

Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars

adventure2009 4.25/5
Revolution Software / UBI Soft
jagged-alliance-2-04

Jagged Alliance 2

strategy1999 4.24/5
Sir-tech Software / TopWare Interactive
wizardry7-05

Wizardry 7: Crusaders of the Dark Savant

rpg1992 4.24/5
Sir-tech Software / Sir-tech Software
quake_002

Quake

shooter1996demo 4.24/5
id software / id software
capitalism-2-01

Capitalism 2

simulation2001 4.24/5
Ensemble Studios / UBI Soft
road-rash-win-05

Road Rash

racing1996 4.23/5
Papyrus Design Group / Electronic Arts
civilization2-4

Civilization 2

strategy1996 4.23/5
MicroProse Software / MicroProse Software
caesar-3-09

Caesar 3

simulation1998 4.23/5
Impressions Games / Sierra On-Line
simcity2000-1

SimCity 2000

simulation1993 4.22/5
Maxis / Maxis
homm3-11

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia

strategy1999 4.22/5
New World Computing / The 3DO Company
pharaoh-sierra-4

Pharaoh

simulation1999 4.21/5
Impressions Games / Sierra On-Line
dune2000-splash

Dune 2000

strategy1998 4.20/5
Westwood Studios / Virgin Interactive
zoo-tycoon-07

Zoo Tycoon

simulation2001 4.20/5
Blue Fang Games / Microsoft
railroad-tycoon-2-03

Railroad Tycoon 2

simulation1998 4.20/5
Pop Software / Gathering of Developers
age_of_empires-7

Age of Empires

strategy1997demo 4.20/5
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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