MS-DOS games were a staple of the gaming world in the 80s and 90s. But while some titles like Doom and Duke Nukem remain household names, many other games have been overlooked over the years. These titles, however, deserve recognition for their innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and gripping storylines. Here are ten of the most underrated MS-DOS games, each offering unique gameplay experiences that are sure to keep you entertained for hours.
1. Heretic
Released in 1994, Heretic is an often-overlooked classic from the makers of Doom. It’s a first-person shooter set in a dark fantasy world, where you play as a magical warrior named Corvus, who has to defeat the evil D’Sparil, one of the three Serpent Riders who are trying to conquer the world. What makes Heretic unique is its use of magic, allowing players to cast spells and use various magical items to defeat their enemies. Heretic was ahead of its time, offering more complex gameplay and a darker, more atmospheric world than Doom. Read more about Heretic here.
2. Jazz Jackrabbit
Jazz Jackrabbit is a 1994 side-scrolling platformer that is often overshadowed by other platformers of the time, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario Bros. The game follows the adventures of a green rabbit named Jazz as he tries to save his girlfriend, Eva, from the evil Devan Shell. What makes Jazz Jackrabbit stand out is its fast-paced gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game also includes various power-ups and weapons that Jazz can use to defeat his enemies.
3. Cool Spot
Cool Spot is a 1993 platformer featuring the red dot mascot of the 7-Up soft drink. While it might seem like a strange choice for a video game protagonist, Cool Spot offers a surprisingly fun and challenging gameplay experience. The game follows Cool Spot as he navigates various levels, collecting spots while avoiding obstacles and enemies. The game’s vibrant graphics and catchy music make it a joy to play, while the challenging level design keeps players engaged. Read more about Cool Spot Here.
4. Zool 2
Zool 2 is a 1993 platformer that often gets overlooked in favor of other platformers of the time, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario Bros. However, this game offers a unique and enjoyable experience that’s well worth checking out. Players control Zool, a ninja from the Nth dimension, as he battles his way through various levels, collecting power-ups and taking on bosses. What sets Zool 2 apart from other platformers is its fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and unique power-ups, such as the ability to transform into a whirlwind or a ball of fire. This game is a must-play for any fans of classic platformers.
5. The Secret of Monkey Island
The Secret of Monkey Island is a classic point-and-click adventure game that was released in 1990. Players control Guybrush Threepwood, a young man who dreams of becoming a pirate. The game features a hilarious story, colorful graphics, and a unique sense of humor that still holds up today. Despite its popularity at the time, The Secret of Monkey Island is often overlooked among other adventure games of the era.
6. Day of the Tentacle
Day of the Tentacle is a point-and-click adventure game released in 1993. Players control three different characters, who are sent through time to stop an evil tentacle from taking over the world. The game features a great sense of humor, clever puzzles, and unique time-traveling mechanics that still feel fresh today. Despite its popularity at the time, Day of the Tentacle is often overlooked among other adventure games of the era. Read more about Day of the Tentacle here
7. Civilization
Civilization is a turn-based strategy game that was released in 1991. Players control a civilization and must guide it from the Stone Age to the Space Age, researching technologies, building cities, and engaging in diplomacy and warfare. The game features a deep and complex gameplay system that rewards strategic thinking and long-term planning. Despite its popularity at the time, Civilization is often forgotten among other strategy games of the era.
8. Lords of the Realm 2
Lords of the Realm 2 is a real-time strategy game that was released in 1996. Players control a medieval lord and must build and manage their kingdom, engaging in diplomacy and warfare with rival lords. The game features a unique combination of turn-based and real-time gameplay, as well as a deep economic system that requires players to balance their resources carefully. Despite its enjoyable gameplay and unique concept, Lords of the Realm 2 is often overshadowed by other real-time strategy games of the time.
9. Strife
Strife is a first-person shooter that was released in 1996. Players control a mercenary who must infiltrate a city controlled by a ruthless dictator. The game features a deep and complex story, multiple factions to interact with, and a variety of weapons and power-ups to collect. Despite its innovative gameplay and unique approach to storytelling, Strife is often overlooked among other first-person shooters of the era.
10. Doom
Doom is a first-person shooter that was released in 1993. Players control a marine who must fight his way through hordes of demons and other monsters from Hell. The game features fast-paced, non-stop action, as well as a variety of weapons and power-ups to collect. Despite its popularity at the time, Doom is often overshadowed by its sequel, Doom II. Click here to read more about Doom
Overall, these ten games, are all worth checking out for any retro gaming enthusiast looking to relive their youth or for someone who is new to the retro gaming scene!
