Spotlight: 18 classic DOS games upgraded for modern PCs

Blog article by MrFlibble

As modern computers become even more advanced and powerful, we have seen many fantastic updates to classic DOS games released over the past years that adapt the beloved oldies to the high-definition digital world of today. Here's a selection of great DOS game remasters that you can get to enhance the retro experience.

Blood: Fresh Supply (2019)

Considered by some to be the best Build engine game, Blood had been plagued by the lack of a proper source port for ages, forcing players to stick to DOSBox or attempt to create inaccurate remakes on other engines. Fresh Supply brings the game up to date with high resolution and widescreen support, but otherwise keeps the experience and visuals true to the original.

You can purchase Blood: Fresh Supply from GOG. The original DOS version is included.

Burntime Remastered (2024)

Burntime is possibly not a very widely remembered game, but it's a very deep post-apocalyptic strategy/role-playing hybrid that has had its share of influence on the contemporary gaming scene. The remaster is a fan initiative made with the blessings from the original authors, updating the visuals while retaining the core gameplay as it was.

You can get Burntime Remastered for free from Steam, and the source code is available at GitHub.

Chasm: The Rift (2022)

Another resource-hungry DOS game from the late 90s, Chasm equally suffered from the lack of a proper port, since the source code was never made public. This much-needed release is basically the way to play the game now and enjoy this little hidden gem.

You can purchase Chasm: The Rift from GOG.

Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection (2020)

This package includes both the original Command & Conquer and Red Alert, lovingly updated and remastered for modern systems. The highlights of this release include faithful high-resolution recreations of every sprite, tile and interface icon, extra missions and other content from console versions of both games, behind-the-scenes material from Westwood archives, and an updated soundtrack by the maestro himself, Frank Klepacki. You can switch to the original low-res graphics if you want, but you can just grab the freeware releases of the old games just as well.

You can purchase Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection from Steam. The source code is available from GitHub.

Crystal Caves HD (2020)

This is, very straightforwardly, an updated re-release of Apogee's Crystal Caves. If you haven't played the original, perhaps it's time to check out the enhanced version! And for the seasoned players, there's an entire new episode!

You can purchase Crystal Caves HD from GOG.

Day of the Tentacle Remastered (2016)

This release brings the hilariously absurd adventure into high-definition graphics, while keeping the original art style completely intact. A must for any LucasArts fan!

You can purchase Day of the Tentacle Remastered from GOG.

Full Throttle Remastered (2017)

Full Throttle is a LucasArts adventure game that gained a cult following because of its unusual and gritty premise paired with cinematographic narration. The remaster fully updates the visuals to the current standards, with the option to switch back to the original graphics, and adds developer commentary.

You can purchase Full Throttle Remastered from GOG.

Ironseed 25th Anniversary Edition (2020)

If you haven't heard of Ironseed, it was a low-budget, but pretty ambitious shareware title that combined adventure and exploration in a sci-fi setting, often compared to Star Control II. You are in command of a colony ship built by refugees from an oppressive regime, finding themselves in uncharted space. Managing the ship's resources, you will soon find yourself embroiled in uneasy relations between various alien civilizations. The remaster ports the game to modern platforms and updates the visuals.

You can purchase Ironseed 25th Anniversary Edition from Steam.

Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded (2013)

Everyone knows Larry, the scandalous adventure game from Sierra! This remake updates Larry's looks to the style seen in Love for Sail.

You can purchase Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded from GOG.

Monster Bash HD (2021)

Yes, it's another update of an Apogee classic, Monster Bash! The looks of the game are pretty close to the original, but with more vibrant colours. Not much to add here, really.

You can purchase Monster Bash HD from GOG.

Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition (2023)

From the creative mind of Tom Hall came Rise of the Triad, possibly the most unusual (in a good way) "Doom clone" of its time. While fan-made source ports of the game exist, this new release not only makes various quality-of-life improvements, but also restores certain cut features and elements, and adds an entire new episode with its own story!

You can purchase Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition from GOG.

Secret Agent HD (2021)

Another faithful recreation of an Apogee Software game? Yes! It's very similar to the Crystal Caves update, adding an entire new episode to the original Secret Agent levels.

You can purchase Secret Agent HD from GOG.

Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters HD (2013)

A fan remake of Star Control II, based on the original source code of the game.

You can get Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters HD from Source Forge.

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster (2024)

The long-awaited update to one of the beloved "Doom clone" classics, the remastered release of Dark Forces carefully updates all sprites, textures and cutscenes, adds widescreen support and enhanced control options, and comes with a bag of extras and behind-the-scenes materials.

You can purchase Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster from GOG.

System Shock: Enhanced Edition (2015)

This is a much-needed port & update to Looking Glass' System Shock. Rebuilt from the ground up using the original source code, it makes the game run seamlessly on modern systems in high resolutions and with modern-style controls, adding many quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes.

You can purchase System Shock: Enhanced Edition from GOG.

Terminal Velocity: Boosted Edition (2023)

Back in 1995, Terminal Velocity was a really cool game that could impress no less than Descent. This faithful port brings the game to modern systems, optimizing many aspects while keeping the core game intact.

You can purchase Terminal Velocity: Boosted Edition from GOG.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (2024)

Tomb Raider is a timeless classic, and while the original game works fine in DOSBox and there are numerous successful fan ports, the official conversion updates the visuals to modern standards while keeping all levels, puzzles and monsters the way they all were in 1996.

You can purchase Tomb Raider I-III Remastered from GOG.

Warcraft Remastered Battle Chest (2024)

This game collection includes official remasters of both Warcraft and Warcraft II. The high-definition visuals look very similar to what the original games have to offer, and also there are optional improvements like increased unit group sizes.

You can purchase Warcraft Remastered Battle Chest from Battle.net.