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DOS strategy games that still hold up

First released on DOS

29 games

Sid Meier's Civilization 1991 Why it still holds upEvery turn is a small decision about research, building or war, and the order you choose shapes the whole run, which is the reason to play it now.
Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty 1992 Why it still holds upIt was not the first real time strategy game but the archetypal one, which established the format, and the harvest, build and attack loop it set out is still the template later games followed.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 1996 Why it still holds upTwo sides built differently, and a power grid that doubles as a target, keep it distinct from other strategy games today.
Command & Conquer 1995 Why it still holds upTwo asymmetric campaigns with varied objectives such as sabotage, rescue and time limits still give it variety today.
Dungeon Keeper 1997 Why it still holds upIndirect control of creatures that have to be paid, trained and kept content means the dungeon is still run rather than commanded today.
SimCity 1989 Why it still holds upAn open ended toy with no end state, where the city responds to zoning, taxes and infrastructure, still leaves you to set your own goals today.
Master of Magic 1994 Why it still holds upSpellbooks that limit your spells make every game begin with a choice that shapes the whole campaign, and a new one is worth starting now.
Panzer General 1994 Why it still holds upAnyone who likes to plan with combined arms will find a campaign through the whole war that still gives plenty to think over.
Syndicate 1993 Why it still holds upEach mission is still a plan, with taxes, research and a small squad of agents to manage.
PowerMonger 1990 Why it still holds upToday a player can still be drawn in by a living map that responds to their choices.
Imperium Galactica 1997 Why it still holds upRanks that unlock new functions one by one still introduce a strategy game with a large set of units gently.
Jagged Alliance 1995 Why it still holds upThe hiring still means a war fought with the people you chose to pay, eight at a time.
Fantasy General 1996 Why it still holds upThe grades still mean the squads are researched as well as recruited, one continent at a time.
SimCity 2000 1993 Why it still holds upA city that grows both up and down through layers still has plenty to build today.
Populous 1989 Why it still holds upEach level is still a matter of changing the land, with powers that reshape the world and no units to order.

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