Home of Retro PC Gaming
Currently hosting 19 high-color CGA games!
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Home of Retro PC Gaming Currently hosting 19 high-color CGA games! |
| Arcade Volleyball 1988 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 5 | DOS Public domain | Sports | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Compute! Publishing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Compute! Publishing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This weird version of volleyball is one of the first DOS games that I ever played. Arcade Volleyball uses a horizontal or side-view, and the ball can be bounced off of the walls and ceiling without penalty. Each side has only one player, who is shaped like a globe with legs, who may touch the ball three times before getting the ball over the net. The three touch rule resets if the ball bounces back onto your side, even without being touched by the opponent. Scoring follows the old rules, where points can only be scored by the serving team and the winning score is 15, though you must win by 2 or more. The computer is challenging at first, but is easily beatable once you learn how. The game is good fun if you have a human opponent, and the ball is quite entertaining for cats. The game's source code was published as a type-in program in the June 1988 edition of Compute!'s Gazette (Issue 60, Vol. 6, No. 6). Complete version history:
Author Rhett Anderson has generously released this game to the public domain.
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| Arctic Adventure 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | Platform | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Micro F/X Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Apogee Software, Micro F/X Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The sequel to Pharaoh's Tomb, this Nevada Smith adventure takes place 6 months later. This time you're searching for Viking treasure in the arctic. Gameplay is virtually identical to Pharaoh's Tomb. This time Nevada has infinite lives, which is good because the levels are much harder. There are 20 levels in each episode, but you have some flexibility in which order you complete the levels because this game adds a map screen. Version 1.0 was published by Micro F/X Software, before George Broussard merged his operations with Scott Miller's Apogee Software. Version 2.0 was published by Apogee. There are 4 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Complete version history:
Apogee generously released this game as freeware under the Arctic Adventure Freeware License on 20 March 2009.
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| Banyon Wars 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (full version) | Strategy | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Soleau Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Soleau Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Banyon Wars is a game of global domination, like Risk. Instead of a world map, battle takes place among 35 cities divided between 8 islands of varying size. Occupying an entire island gives you bonus armies based on the size of the island. Random flooding, seismic activity and revolution can destroy armies, and distribution centers, which are randomly distributed across the map, occasionally double the number of troops residing in them. The game features CGA graphics and pits you against 2 computer opponents. There are 7 difficulty levels and a random difficulty level, and you can set the maximum number of armies that each city can have at the beginning of the game. The shareware version isn't limited in any way compared to the full version.
Soleau Software no longer sells this game.
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| Chopper Commando 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 9 | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | Simulation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Mark Currie | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Mark Currie | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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An old favorite of mine. This simple chopper game has a number of missions, sarcastic dialog, and beautiful 4-color graphics. Man that takes me back. Using your helicopter's bullets, missiles, bombs and nukes, destroy other helicopters, transport planes, missiles, some weird looking tanks, and any buildings that you're not fond of. Even when you're walking around outside of your chopper you can still throw grenades. The documentation with v2.0 mentioned that for $5, the author would send you the source code for v2.5 which added new missions to a new "Very Hard" category, but was never distributed compiled and was not to be mass distributed or uploaded to BBS. He was kind enough to send me a compiled copy that includes the source code, and this may be the only site that has it. Complete version history:Chopper Commando v2.56 and source code in Borland Turbo Pascal 5 (154k) Play onlineChopper Commando v2.0 (61k) Chopper Commando v1.0 (Still searching) Author Mark Currie has generously released this game as freeware.
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| Googol Review 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (full version) | Educational | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Paul T. Dawson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Paul T. Dawson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Googol Review is a straightforward math problem game where you simply enter the correct answer to addition, subtraction, multiplication or division questions and word problems. Has the same positive encouragement and bells and whistles as the other games by Paul T. Dawson.
I have been unable to locate the author online, but there is still a mailing address for registration. The games indicate that you can register for $10, or "super register" and get all 10 of Paul T. Dawson's educational games for $35.
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| Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Adventure | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by LucasFilm Games (LucasArts Entertainment) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by LucasFilm Games (LucasArts Entertainment) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: Hercules 720×348 mono CGA 320×200×4c EGA 320×200×16c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Based on the legendary SCUMM engine, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a graphic adventure based on the movie. Set in 1938, Indy has just returned from recovering the Cross of Coranado when he learns that his father has disappeared while searching for the Holy Grail. Indy must collect and figure out how to use objects throughout the game, but he can also solve some problems by fighting. You can practice boxing at the Barnett College gym at the beginning of the game. The player earns IQ (Indy Quotient) points for solving problems and progressing through the game, and many problems can be solved in more than one way. The player's score is retained when a new game is started, so every path and solution must be used to get a perfect score, giving the game replay value. Only the first stage is playable in the shareware version.
LucasArts no longer sells this game. It can be ordered from Amazon: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade or as part of LucasArts Classic Adventures.
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| Loom 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Adventure | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by LucasFilm Games (LucasArts Entertainment) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by LucasFilm Games (LucasArts Entertainment) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: Hercules 720×348 mono CGA 320×200×4c EGA 320×200×16c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Loom is the fourth point-and-click adventure to be built with the SCUMM engine. While still featuring the beautiful graphics that LucasArts' adventure games were known for, Loom differs in that it has a mostly serious storyline and uses a unique interface. The game features a fantasy storyline that takes place in the distant future, when powerful guilds formed communities devoted to their specific craft. The hero, Bobbin Threadbare, lives on the island of Loom, home of the Guild of Weavers. Using a distaff, he can weave four-note tunes called drafts to cast spells. Most drafts can be played backwards to create the opposite effect, such as playing the Opening draft backwards to close something. Originally Bobbin can only play the first three notes on the distaff, but as he becomes more powerful he can use five higher notes. As the mysterious "Loom-child", Bobbin must discover his destiny. Only seven screens are playable in the shareware demo.
LucasArts no longer sells this game. It can be ordered from Amazon: Loom or as part of LucasArts Classic Adventures.
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| Magic Pockets 1992 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Platform | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by The Bitmap Brothers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Renegade Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c EGA 640×200×16c VGA 640×400×256c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Magic Pockets is an incredibly straightforward platformer. You play the Bitmap Kid, whose pockets hold an infinite number of toys. Some of your toys have captured by monsters escaped, so you must enter worlds inside of the pockets, throwing objects from your pockets to kill enemies. Sometimes you find a helmet which will transport you to a secret area, or give you powers like the ability to fire lasers. The gameplay is a bit slow, but the graphics are decent. Only the first level is playable in the shareware version. Magic Pockets Shareware Demo (240k) Play online The Bitmap Brothers no longer sell this game.
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| Monuments of Mars 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | Platform | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Scenario Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Apogee Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Based on the FAST engine, Monuments of Mars takes most of the best elements of Pharaoh's Tomb and adds new challenges. Astronauts have been disappearing in ruins on Mars, and your job is to discover the secrets and rescue the survivors. Gameplay is quite different from the Nevada Smith series because many areas only become accessible after tripping invisible switches, and there are movable blocks. Having a changeable environment is a great twist. Your character has infinite lives, but it's still a good idea to save in case you get stuck somewhere and can't die. Poor collision detection makes some of the later levels more frustrating than necessary. Developed by Scenario Software, Todd Replogle misspelled the name of his own company, listing it as "Scenerio Software" on the title page! There are 20 levels in each volume, which must be played sequentially because there is no map screen. There are 4 volumes in this game, with only the first volume playable in the shareware version. Volume 1: First Contact Complete version history:Monuments of Mars v1.0 Registered Version (201k) Play onlineMonuments of Mars v1.0 Shareware Episode (78k) Play online Apogee generously released this game as freeware under the Monuments of Mars Freeware License on 20 March 2009.
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| Moraff's Entrap 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Puzzle | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by MoraffWare | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by MoraffWare | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: Hercules 720×348 mono CGA 320×200×4c EGA 320×200×16c EGA 640×350×16c VGA 320×200×256c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A turn-based strategy game where you attempt to reach the other end of the playing field while robots of progressively increasing intelligence home in on your position. You can move around in the eight compass directions, filling gaps to create new paths in the playing field, and putting holes in the playing field to block or entrap your enemies. A map allows you to see the entire level and the location of all of the enemies, which you can't otherwise do because screen only shows your immediate area and scrolls as you change position. There is only one episode in the shareware "Beginner's Version", but the registered "Advanced Version" has 10 difficulty levels. Moraff's Entrap v1.11 Shareware (104k) Play online I have found no ordering information for this game, and it is not listed on Moraff's website.
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| Moraff's Revenge 1988 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | RPG | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by MoraffWare | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by MoraffWare | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The first 3D dungeon game for the PC. This simple RPG has a map that fills out as you explore, and makes for a fun challenge. This "Beginner's Version" will only allow you to explore the first 17 levels of the dungeon or achieve the 17th level of experience before you have to register and receive the "Advanced Version" to continue. There are 70 levels and multiple dungeons in this game, with only the first 17 levels playable in the shareware version. Moraff's Revenge v3.2 Shareware (130k) Play online Moraff still sells the registered version of this game through Software Diversions for $10 by registered download, or as part of Moraff's Dungeon Pack for $19 by download.
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| Paganitzu 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 7 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Adventure | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Trilobyte | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Apogee Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c EGA 320×200×16c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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In this sequel to Chagunitzu, archaeologist Alabama Smith (no relation to Nevada Smith) returns on a quest to discover the secrets of an ancient pyramid. Snakes will shoot venom at you if you pass to the left or right of them, and spiders will kill you if they pass next to you, so objects must often be moved to protect yourself from enemies. Once you figure out the solution to a level, quick reflexes are necessary to make it through the game's many traps. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Romancing the Rose Complete version history:
Apogee still sells the registered version of this game for $5.99 by download.
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| Pharaoh's Tomb 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | Platform | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Micro F/X Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Apogee Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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You are Nevada Smith, an archaeologist and adventurer who is exploring an Egyptian pyramid. You can jump and shoot arrows, and there is sometimes hidden treasure in some of the blocks if you hit them from below, like Super Mario. There is no sidescrolling, though. Each level consists of a single, appropriately named room, and there are 20 levels in each episode. There are 4 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Raiders of the Lost Tomb
Apogee generously released this game as freeware under the Pharaoh's Tomb Freeware License on 20 March 2009.
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| Robomaze II 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Platform | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Wetware | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by MVP Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c EGA 640×200×16c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Despite crude graphics, bad title screen music and challenging controls, Robomaze II is a fondly remembered platformer. You are a freedom fighter in a country dominated by two massive structures known as The Tower and The Dome. Using the special "Stalker Robot", you enter The Tower through a tunnel created by The Resistance, and must fight your way through 5 levels of 20 floors each. A powerful boss robot occupies the top level of each floor. There are keys to open doors, teleporters that only you can use, and teleporters that drop enemies into the room. You have an unlimited amount of ammunition with your basic weapon, but better weapons can be picked up from time to time. You can also use money that you find throughout the game to buy skills that you need at any time, such as the ability to temporarily super jump, or just zap everything in the room. Speed can be increased or decreased with the + and - buttons, but the three speeds seem to be designed for, say, XT, AT and 286 computers, so they will tend to be too fast or too slow when emulating on a modern computer. You can save your game at any time, but you can only continue every 5 levels, so if you save on level 4, you'll continue from level 1! There are 3 volumes in this game, with only the first volume playable in the shareware version. Volume 1: The Lobby Robomaze II Shareware Episode (119k) I have found no ordering information for this game.
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| Secret of Monkey Island, The 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 10 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Adventure | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by LucasFilm Games (LucasArts Entertainment) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by LucasFilm Games (LucasArts Entertainment) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: Hercules 720×348 mono CGA 320×200×4c EGA 320×200×16c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Fate of Atlantis is a point-and-click adventure. Guybrush Threepwood always wanted to be a pirate, but didn't know how to get started. This humorous point-and-click adventure is the first in the Monkey Island series of games. Guybrush can talk to people and use objects to solve puzzles and advance through the game. A shareware demo was released as part of The Secret of Monkey Island Caribbean Summer Contest in Game Player's Guide, and your goal is to complete the demo and answer questions so that you can enter the contest. There are only five screens in the contest demo. A slightly different demo appeared in the Passport to Adventure three game sampler, which removed a cinematic sequence at the beginning and all references to the contest, but added a sixth screen and four extra unlockable doors, as well as people walking around in the city.
LucasArts no longer sells this game. It can be ordered from Amazon: The Secret of Monkey Island or The Secret of Monkey Island: Enhanced CD-ROM Edition with Digital Music, or as part of LucasArts Classic Adventures.
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| Sink'em 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Traditional | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Soleau Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Soleau Software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sink'em is Hangman, except that every wrong guess causes a man in a boat to sink deeper into shark-infested waters. The man congratulates you for correct guesses and insults you for incorrect guesses. The registered version has more words and more quips for the man in the boat. Sink'em v1.01 Shareware (74k) Soleau Software no longer sells this game.
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| Talking ABC's: A Day At The Beach 1992 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (full version) | Educational | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Karen Crowther (Redwood Games) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Karen Crowther (Redwood Games) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c EGA 640×350×16c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Talking ABC's: A Trip To The Beach is an early spelling game for children 2 to 6 years old. The game uses software called TurboSound to produce voice through the PC speaker, while the vast majority of games required a soundcard. There are three modes of play. In the first mode, the game announces a letter, which the player must find on the keyboard, and then an object that starts with that later is introduced and drawn onto the screen. In the second mode, the player can press any letter and the corresponding object is drawn to the screen, which the player can move wherever they want. In the third mode, three letters and three objects are displayed, and the player must draw a line between the letters and objects to make them match. Registered users received a copy of the game which displayed their child's name, and could request a CGA optimized version which was much faster for CGA users. Additionally, they were promised a free game. Later versions promised a copy of Millions of Mazes, which may or may not have been the original free game.
I have found no ordering information for this game.
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| Telengard 1985 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 8 | DOS Freeware (former commercial) | RPG | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Daniel Lawrence | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Daniel Lawrence | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Daniel Lawrence's dungeon crawl game for mainframe computers, DND, was so popular that university students were using up all the system resources playing it. Under increasing pressure from system administrators, Lawrence bought a Commodore PET 2001 and decided to port the game for use on microcomputers. Unfortunately, the maps wouldn't fit in memory any more, so he reduced the number of dungeons from three to one, and instead of a map, he had the game generate the map algorithmically. This allowed him to create a 200×200 grid with 50 levels – that's two million "rooms" – from a small piece of code at runtime. The game was ported to many different computers and published by Avalon Hill. While DND was text-based, the PC version of Telengard featured CGA graphics. As in DND, you can pick up magical items, fight monsters, cast magic, and find treasure. Hit points and skill at casting magic increase as you gain experience points and level up. Whereas DND is turn-based, Telengard is played in real time, which means that monsters can attack you even when you're not moving. Telengard v5.04 (53k) Play online Author Daniel Lawrence has generously released this game as freeware.
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| Turbo 1987 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (always) | Racing | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed by Doug Ross | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Published by Doug Ross | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics: CGA 320×200×4c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A simple CGA racing game that takes place on a road that has only one lane per direction of traffic. Generally speaking, you should try to drive on your own side of the road, and only enter the oncoming lane to pass. There are two gears and no brakes (though you can slow down by releasing the gas or shifting down to first gear). There's not much else to it, but it has the novelty of being one of the first racing games for the PC.
I have been unable to locate the author online, but there is a mailing address in the game. The game indicates that you can send the author $5 as a sign of gratitude, and to get a free copy of a game he was working on at the time. The implication is that the game is freeware.
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