DOS Games on Modern PCs
Games! MS-DOS games!
Ah, the golden age of computer gaming—or at least a romantic era. Many franchises and game companies were born during that time. From epic adventures to challenging puzzles, MS-DOS was the birthplace of countless classics that shaped the gaming industry as we know it. If you’re wondering how to play these games today, stick around because in this text, I’ll show you exactly how to relive those classic moments.
Have you ever remembered a DOS game you played in your childhood or as a teenager? If you’re here, you’re probably in your 30s or 40s, or maybe you’re just curious about how things were in the past.
First, let me briefly explain what DOS is. DOS stands for Disk Operating System. It was the operating system used on many personal computers during the 1980s and early 1990s. MS-DOS, developed by Microsoft, was one of the most popular versions. It provided the basic commands and functions needed to run programs and manage files, all through a command-line interface. Unlike today’s graphical interfaces, DOS required you to type commands to perform tasks, making it quite different from modern operating systems like Windows or macOS.
If you try to play those old MS-DOS games today, you will probably run into some issues. Finding these classic games can be a challenge. Many of the original floppy disks or CD-ROMs are either lost or damaged, and even if you do have them, modern computers don’t come with floppy disk drives anymore, and CD-ROM drives are becoming rare.
Then, there’s the problem of compatibility. Windows 11 and macOS don’t support MS-DOS games natively. Even if you manage to find the game files, installing and running them can be a nightmare. You might encounter error messages, crashes, or simply find that the game refuses to run.
And let’s not forget the hardware issues. Many old games were designed to run on specific hardware configurations that are simply not available today. Trying to run a game that requires a specific sound card or graphics mode can be incredibly frustrating. But don’t worry, there are solutions! I’ll show you some ways to play those classic MS-DOS games.
Web Emulation
The easiest and quickest option is playing DOS games on the web. Several websites offer a library of classic DOS games that you can play directly in your browser without any downloads or installations. Here are a few options: Archive.org, PlayDOSGames, ClassicReload.com, PlayClassicGames, and DOSZone. All of these websites have an extensive collection of titles from the DOS era. Simply search for your favorite game, click, and play. It’s that easy!
Digital Stores
Another option is using digital distribution services like GoG and Steam to purchase games. GoG, which stands for Good Old Games, was founded in 2008 and offers classic games optimized for modern systems. They take care of all the compatibility issues, so you can just download, install, and play.
GoG has its own launcher called Galaxy. This launcher allows you to browse the store, launch a game, and organize your digital library, including games from other platforms like Epic Games, Origin, Steam, Ubisoft, and Xbox Live.
Using GoG is straightforward. Create an account, browse and purchase a game, and then download it or open it in GoG Galaxy. In your Galaxy application, go to the library, check for the new purchased game, click on install, and play it!
Steam also offers some DOS games, but its collection is not as extensive as GoG’s. Keep an eye on prices as well, as some games may be cheaper on GoG.
Playing with DOSBox
Last but not least, DOSBox is a free and open-source emulator that recreates the DOS environment on modern systems. It’s available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. By emulating various hardware from the DOS era, it ensures high compatibility with old games and software, making DOSBox a perfect tool for retro gaming enthusiasts.
To use DOSBox, you’ll need to obtain game files. If you own original boxed games, you can install them on DOSBox using a USB floppy drive or a CD-ROM. Connect your drive to your computer, insert the game media, and follow DOSBox instructions to mount and install the game.
For games distributed on 5 1/4-inch disks, USB drives are typically not available. In such cases, you might need to look for abandonware sites, which offer old games that are no longer sold or supported by their original publishers. Always ensure you are complying with copyright laws when downloading and using such software.
Conclusion
Whether you want to play online, use an emulator like DOSBox, or enjoy the convenience of GoG, there are plenty of ways to relive the golden age of MS-DOS gaming. Dust off those old memories and dive back into the classics.
Happy gaming!
Filed under: YouTube - @ June 9, 2024 10:19 am