Spotlight: 16 worthy spiritual successors to classic DOS games

Blog article by MrFlibble

The DOS era of PC gaming brought to life many novel and exciting titles that spawned entire new genres, not to mention direct sequels and imitations of varying quality. These games have earned a solid place in gaming history and in the hearts of the players, and it is only natural that later on, creators would want to continue the legacy and make titles that develop the original formula without being a sequel, reboot or remaster. Today, DOS Games Archive brings to you the most interesting spiritual successors to beloved DOS classics.

Prodeus (2020)

Wolfenstein 3D came first, but DOOM started it all. Imitators abounded, but rarely a game would take nearly the same formula and spin it in more modern ways. Prodeus was developed by former Raven Software employees, with the levels made by a veteran DOOM mapper. The game will feel instantly familiar to all DOOM fans, but has its own distinct feel, developing the same themes subtly differently to a great effect.

Prodeus is available from GOG.

Overload (2018)

Parallax Software’s Descent was a different take on the first-person shooter genre compared to DOOM. The confusing, twisted mazes of off-world underground facilities, rendered in true 3D with six degrees of freedom found their own fanbase, although there aren’t nearly as many “Descent clones” as there are “DOOM clones”. Nevertheless, original authors Matt Toschlog and Mike Kulas came back and reimagined this peculiar gameplay from the ground up in modern tech.

Overload can be purchased at GOG.

The Scouring (2025)

Back in the 90s, Warcraft II was as profound a gaming experience for strategy lovers as that of DOOM for action fans. Clones abounded (mostly of so-so quality at best), but very few games actually managed to capture the “feel” of this real-time strategy classic. Coming from a small but dedicated and crafty dev team, The Scouring aims to do just that, and more! For now, you can play matches, skirmish against the AI, and a unique “Heroes Mode” (try for yourself to see!).

The Scouring is available in Early Access from Steam.

Battle Worlds: Kronos (2013)

The German Battle Isle series of turn-based strategy/wargame titles might not be one of the most popular ever, but it has its lovers and dedicated players worldwide. Battle Worlds: Kronos brings this experience into true 3D, with highly detailed maps, units and characters, and advanced visual effects.

Battle Worlds: Kronos can be purchased at GOG.

Hands of Necromancy (2022)

Raven Software’s Heretic and HeXen brought DOOM’s fast-paced action into fantasy realms, but the latter game deviated from the “pure” first-person shooter formula, leaning more heavily on role-playing and action-adventure elements that confused some of the more action-yearning players. As a result, HeXen’s non-linear approach to progression was seldom copied, but a team of dedicated fans composed a true love letter to Raven titles in the form of Hands of Necromancy. Lovingly crafted, sprawling maps, a retro-style monster roster and an arsenal of weapons combining the best from Heretic and HeXen is what awaits you, plus a little something from ShadowCaster too as a bonus.

Hands of Necromancy is available from GOG.

Amid Evil (2019)

This is a much more modern-looking take on Heretic, but Amid Evil existed as a concept ever since 1997. The game is very colourful, but conveys a certain “early 3D” aesthetic typical of the late 90s.

Amid Evil can be purchased at GOG.

Heroes of Science and Fiction (2025)

Originally known as Silence of the Siren, this game aims to revive the classic gameplay formula of Heroes of Might and Magic (specifically the third, most popular instalment in the series), but changing the setting to fairy-tale-ish space opera where authoritarian militant moles, zealously religious robotic insects, space pirates and space police clash for survival in a distant system. Currently, there are two campaigns available, as well as a good selection of skirmish maps. The game is notable for smooth animations, appealing art style and plenty of tongue-in-cheek humour.

Heroes of Science and Fiction is available in Early Access from Steam.

Pioneers of Pagonia (2023)

From the creator of the original Settlers comes this new city/colony-building project. Lay out roads, plan the settlement and bring more land into your control, like in the good old days!

Pioneers of Pagonia are available in Early Access from Steam.

Xenonauts (2014)

X-COM/UFO was a huge hit, meshing a vast alien invasion storyline with strategic and role-playing elements. With its tremendous appeal, this series has never lacked mods, fan remakes and all sorts of official and unofficial continuations alike. Xenonauts, however, aims to refine the original formula in more modern clothes, while bringing something unique to the table as well. The story is set in an alternate history 1979 where a secret organization coordinates the Earth’s efforts to repel a massive alien invasion against the backdrop of the ongoing Cold War.

You can buy Xenonauts from GOG.

Sublevel Zero (2015)

Sublevel Zero started as a free project for Ludum Dare, inspired by Descent, but using procedurally generated levels. From there, it evolved into a unique game that offers the familiar movement in six degrees of freedom, non-stop action, but also crafting and roguelite elements.

Sublevel Zero can be purchased at GOG.

Panzer Corps (2011)

Panzer General conquered wargamers’ hearts with its easy to learn, hard to master gameplay, standing out against more niche titles in the genre. Panzer Corps is the work of a dedicated fan of the original, carefully polishing the core game mechanics and updating the rest of the game to the more modern standards.

Panzer Corps can be purchased at GOG.

Loria (2018)

This fantasy real-time strategy game mixes elements from Warcraft II and Warcraft III, but visually leans more heavily to the former. The usual symmetric balance is back with the “good guys” against the “baddies”, but there are quite a few twists here and there to surprise the player. The developers declared this game freeware, so what are you waiting for?

Get Loria for free from GOG.

UnderRail (2012)

This post-apocalyptic role-playing game is widely considered to be a spiritual successor to Fallout.

Buy UnderRail from GOG.

Satellite Reign (2014)

This game follows closely in the footsteps of Syndicate and Syndicate Wars, with one of the original developers of these games behind the new project. In a cyberpunk world, players vie for supremacy with a team of four agents under their control. Don the familiar Matrix-style overcoats, grab a pile of heavy-duty weapons and go reshape the future according to your whims!

Satellite Reign is available for purchase at GOG.

Arcane Worlds (2014)

Another Bullfrog classic given a modern facelift, this time it’s Magic Carpet. Fly around fantastic worlds, battle magical creatures and master new spells in this little but pretty indie game.

Arcane Worlds is available from Steam.

War for the Overworld (2015)

Originally a fan sequel to Dungeon Keeper, this game developed into its own thing, but uses the same core premise and similar mechanics. They even got the original narrator voice talent from the Dungeon Keeper games onboard!

War for the Overworld can be purchased at GOG.