Doom 1993
Why it still holds upIts level design and its atmosphere are why it is worth playing now: each maze is a place you learn, and the claustrophobic rooms keep the pace fast.
DOS first-person shooters that still hold up
First released on DOS
Games
Doom 1993
Why it still holds upIts level design and its atmosphere are why it is worth playing now: each maze is a place you learn, and the claustrophobic rooms keep the pace fast.
On sale
Doom II: Hell on Earth 1994
Why it still holds upEach map is a place to explore, with its own layout, secrets and mix of enemies, and the three settings give each stretch its own look.
On sale
System Shock 1994
Why it still holds upWeapons that suit different enemies, and cameras you can disable to lower SHODAN's security level, still leave the station open to your own plan today.
On sale
Quake 1996
Why it still holds upFull 3D levels, enemies with distinct roles and rocket jumping still make exploring and fighting feel like one thing today.
Duke Nukem 3D 1996
Why it still holds upEach level is still worth poking around, with routes through ducts and sewers and objects that react when you use them.
On sale
Blood 1997
Why it still holds upA weapon with two modes to try on every enemy still makes each fight a small experiment.
Wing Commander 1990
Why it still holds upA story that bends with your missions and wingmen who can die still make every sortie matter.
Star Wars: X-Wing 1993
Why it still holds upEven now, flying a Rebel fighter with the cockpit in view is a way to take part in the story.
On sale
Archimedean Dynasty 1996
Why it still holds upThe narrow water still makes it a dogfight in corridors of rock, under a sea that is all that is left.
Magic Carpet 2: The Netherworlds 1995
Why it still holds upThe underground still takes the first game's flight into caves, with the castle to come home to.
On sale
Wolfenstein 3D 1992
Why it still holds upHunting for secret rooms and beating a par time still give each level a reason to be played again.
Heretic 1994
Why it still holds upHunting for keys with the Tome of Power ready is still a good way to explore.
Realms of the Haunting 1996
Why it still holds upThe doors still hide a universe behind every one, in a haunted house that is also a shooter.
Shadow Warrior 1997
Why it still holds upVehicles to drive, ladders to climb and a katana or a sticky bomb to choose from still give each level things to try.
Star Wars: Dark Forces 1995
Why it still holds upMissions with their own objectives and puzzles beyond the shooting still give each level a task.
Descent 1995
Why it still holds upThe six degrees still mean there is no up, and the corridor you came down is also a ceiling.