| Abuse Crack dot Com, 1995 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 9 | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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One of the most innovative platform games ever, Abuse is a cult classic. Players move using the arrow keys on their keyboard, but aim their weapons using the mouse. This allows the hero to fire in 360°, even while running in the opposite direction. The story changed between versions, though the rest of the game is largely unchanged. In v1.05, the game takes place in 2021, and Nick Vrenna is a Unified Underground agent fighting against the Ants. In v2.0, Nick Vrenna is wrongly incarcerated in the year 2009. Genetic experiments that isolated the aggression gene, called Abuse, have caused everyone in the prison to transform into hideous monsters. Using battle armor, Nick must prevent the Abuse-infected water supply from contaminating the outside world. The graphics are dark and almost photo-realistic, and the sound effects and music are terrifying. Monsters scream as they ambush, and the entire game has the feel of a science fiction horror movie. There are a variety of weapons, and various switches, doors and elevators, breakable walls, hidden areas, and teleports are arranged as puzzles that must be solved in order to advance. The commercial version has 17 levels, 12 network-only levels, and more weapons, enemies, sound effects and artwork. Abuse v2.0 Shareware Episode (3055k) Crack dot Com has generously released this game as freeware.
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| Adventures of Captain Comic Michael A. Denio, 1988 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (full version) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Captain Comic was one of the first DOS platformers to gain popularity. The backgrounds are unusually detailed for EGA graphics, and the game is noted for being extremely large. Playing the galactic hero, Captain Comic, your mission is to recover three treasures from the planet Omsoc, which have been stolen by stolen by an alien race known as Tambians, and taken back to their planet. Your character can have up to five shots on the screen at a time, though he has a shot meter that can be used up, and recharges when he isn't shooting. Complete version history:
I have found no ordering information for this game.
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| The Adventures of MicroMan Brian L. Goble, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | Win16 Shareware (partial game) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||
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MicroMan was originally a playable demo to promote Brian Goble's Windows Animation Package. It featured a variety of mechanical enemies, three weapon upgrades, a super jump ability and a shield, transporters, and had 14 rooms and two bottomless pits. An entire game, The Adventures of MicroMan, soon followed. MicroMan was shrunk to micron size as part of an experiment, and is now trapped in a computer full of unfriendly robots. There are 49 rooms and three bottomless pits in the first adventure, and the game added springboards, invisible platforms, and new enemies. There are platforms that will only move when MicroMan is standing on them, and platforms that will only move when he isn't standing on them. Version 1.5 added background music and save points, improved the sound effects and allowed multiple sounds to play simultaneously, allowed MicroMan to have more shots on the screen at a time, made the animation even smoother, and made one particularly frustrating room much easier. Version 2.0 converted the game to Win32 and added joystick support, changed some sound effects, and made one of the rooms much easier. There are 2 adventures in this game, with only the first adventure playable in the shareware version. Adventure 1: Crazy Computers The Adventures of MicroMan v1.5 Shareware Episode (533k) I have found no ordering information for this game. Brian Goble's company, HipSoft, still sells a new Win32 game called MicroMan's Crazy Computers.
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| Alien Carnage Apogee Software, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 7 | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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This game was originally called Halloween Harry, presumably because everyone on Earth has been turned into a zombie. Version 1.0 was an incomplete version that only appeared in a UK Magazine. Following version 1.2 version, the game was renamed Alien Carnage and the version number returned to 1.0. The only other difference is that Mission 3 became Mission 1, and vice versa. Despite this change, it is still legal to distribute the shareware version of Halloween Harry, so you can try out Mission 1 and 3 before you buy! You play Harry, and your goal is to defeat the aliens who are turning everyone into zombies, killing the zombies that get in your way. You get a number of weapons and a jetpack to fly around levels. Gameplay looks and feels a lot like Hocus Pocus. The graphics and animation are good (even sexy in places), and most of the soundtrack is awesome. There are 4 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Mission 1 - Sewers Complete version history:
John Passfield and Apogee generously released this game as freeware under the Alien Carnage Freeware License in May 2007.
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| Arctic Adventure Apogee Software, 1990 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||
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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. 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. There are 4 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Complete version history:Arctic Adventure v2.0 Shareware Episode (129k)Arctic Adventure v1.0 Shareware Episode (73k) NOTE: Apogee no longer takes orders for the full version of this game, and it is not in their downloads section. It couldn't hurt to politely ask them if they could make the game available for sale again, or make the registered version freeware. Sign our petition to Apogee
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| Bio Menace Apogee Software, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 8 | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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An odd little platform game in which a mutant army created by Dr. Mangle has invaded Metro City. As Snake Logan, a CIA agent, you have to shoot everything that moves and rescue the citizens. Graphics and sound aren't great, but the irreverent dialog is humorous. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Dr. Mangle's Lab Complete version history:
Apogee generously released this game as freeware under the Bio Menace Freeware License in December 2005.
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| Charlie II Wiering Software, 2001 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 8.5 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Charlie II is a nice improvement over the original, Charlie the Duck. Every level is full of hidden and secret areas, and the challenge is to find them in order to collect coins and diamonds. Charlie can't leave the level until he has found enough coins, which is determined by the difficulty setting. There are also hidden levels to unlock. The game looks better and has more types of enemies than the original, and Charlie can now enter some areas by diving in the water. Starting with version 2.0, there is a Win32 version of each DOS version which takes advantage of DirectX, adding Scale2x image smoothing, as well as background music and realistic quacking. Version 2.06 and above are Win32 only, but retain a copy of v2.05 for DOS. There are 18 levels in this game, with only the first 6 levels playable in the shareware version.
Wiering Software still sells the registered version of this game for $15 by download only.
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| Charlie the Duck Wiering Software, 1996 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Charlie the Duck is a beautifully animated sidescroller designed to be appropriate for gamers of all ages. Charlie can bounce on his enemies; jump, but not fly; and wade in the water, but not dive or swim. The boss of the first level is a giant fish that spits fireballs and is protected by two smaller, invincible fish. You have to jump directly onto its eyes five times to defeat it. After studying the demo video, I was able to beat the level after a few dozen attempts, but it's unlikely that any child born of human parents can beat this level, so just tell your kids that they've won when they get that far. There are 3 worlds in this game, with only the first world playable in the shareware version. Charlie the Duck v2.4 Shareware Episode (391k) Wiering Software still sells the registered version of this game for $7.50 by download only.
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| Clyde's Adventure Moonlite Software, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 8.3 | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Clyde's Adventure is one of those games that you either love or hate. It's a platformer by the developer of Hocus Pocus, which means that the goal is exploration and puzzle solving. Clyde is searching for treasure and must find every single gem in every level, but he uses energy when he walks, jumps, or falls from a great height. He has a wand that can temporarily remove some bricks and light bombs that can permanently destroy others. There are no enemies, so the challenge comes from avoiding traps and explosions, triggering invisible platforms and teleports, and finding the most efficient route before Clyde runs out of energy. There are helpful, and often humorous messages to help you along the way. It takes many attempts to master each level. This game can be extremely frustrating, but it's also very rewarding when you finally win. The graphics are some of the most impressive ever featured in an EGA game, and each level is full of glowing, glittering or flashing platforms and backgrounds. Featuring parallax scrolling, there is a foreground, background, and a deep background outside the windows, and a sort of fake fourth layer where birds can be seen disappearing behind the clouds. The gems are often arranged so that the sound effects play music as you collect them. A very clever game for very clever people. There are 2 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Lost Treasure of Tahookaboo Clyde's Adventure v3.0 Registered Version (289k) Moonlite Software has generously released this game as freeware.
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| Clyde's Revenge Moonlite Software, 1995 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 9.3 | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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The sequel to Clyde's Adventure, featuring VGA graphics and enhanced sound. This time there are four difficulty levels. There is a pure exploration difficulty level for kids that makes Clyde invincible and health irrelevant. In the other three difficulty levels, Clyde still takes damage from traps and falling from a great height, but he no longer loses health as he walks or jumps, eliminating the need to plan the entire level in advance and play as efficiently as possible. This makes the game much less frustrating while maintaining most of the challenge. Gold and silver keys are added to the game, as well as magnets and other types of terrain. There are 4 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Clyde's Revenge v1.5 Registered Version (2392k) Moonlite Software has generously released this game as freeware.
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| Commander Keen: Aliens Ate My Babysitter id Software, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||
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In the final episode of the Keen series, Commander Keen must rescue his babysitter from aliens using nothing but a gun and a pogo stick. As in Goodbye Galaxy, you start with the pogo stick, which is really helpful. Excellent level design and imaginative enemies make this a fitting finale to a beloved series that is known for simple graphics and gameplay, but excellent replayability and fun factor. There are 17 levels in this game, with only the first few playable in the shareware version. Episode 6: Aliens Ate My Babysitter Commander Keen: Aliens Ate My Babysitter Special Demo Version v1.0 (334k) I have found no ordering information for this game. It is the only Commander Keen game on id Software's website that doesn't have a "Buy It" link.
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| Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy Apogee Software, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 7.3 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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The sequel to Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons, with a new engine and much improved graphics and sound. Once again, you must save the world armed with a gun and a pogo stick, against new aliens and through new worlds. This time you don't have to find the pogo stick, but you can find scuba gear to help you swim. Episode numbers in Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy continue from the original trilogy, making the two games a series. A CGA version was also released. There are 2 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 4: Secret of the Oracle Complete version history:Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy v1.4 Shareware Episode (712k)Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy v1.2 Shareware Episode (567k) Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy v1.1 Shareware Episode (582k) Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy v1.0 Shareware Episode (614k) Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy CGA v1.4 Shareware Episode (493k) Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy CGA v1.1 Shareware Episode (491k) Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy CGA v1.0 Shareware Episode (474k) Apogee still sells the registered version of this game for $10 as a registered download, or with Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons for $20 on CD-ROM. id Software still sells the registered version of this game with Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons for $15 as a registered download only.
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| Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons Apogee Software, 1990 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 8 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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In one of the most popular platform games of all time, you play Billy Blaze, the intrepid Commander Keen, who has built a space ship and flown to Mars to stop a Vorticon invasion. You get a gun and can find a pogo stick to help you make your way through levels with a number of different aliens, some of which are friendly. Suitable for all ages, this game has universal appeal. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Marooned on Mars Complete version history:Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons v1.31 Shareware Episode (238k)Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons v1.3 Shareware Episode (156k) Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons v1.1 Shareware Episode (191k) Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons v1.0 Shareware Episode (Still searching) Apogee still sells the registered version of this game for $10 as a registered download, or with Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy for $20 on CD-ROM. id Software still sells the registered version of this game with Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy for $15 as a registered download only.
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| Cosmo's Cosmic Adventure Apogee Software, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 6 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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A simple but fun platform adventure. Cosmo is a young alien who is heading to Disney World when their ship is forced to crash land on a strange planet. Cosmo's parents are abducted while he goes exploring, and now he must rescue them. Cosmo can stick to walls and jump on enemies. There are lots of hidden items and bonuses and secret areas to search for. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Complete version history:
Apogee still sells the registered version of this game for $10 on floppy disk or registered download.
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| Crystal Caves Apogee Software, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 4 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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A very simple EGA platformer. You play Mylo Steamwitz, a miner who dreams of owning his own twibble farm. You go from planet to planet finding jewels in the mines to make your dream come true. A map screen allows you to play the levels in almost any order. Ammunition is limited, and some levels have reverse gravity, so you have to use your head a bit more in this game than most. The graphics and sound are ugly even by EGA standards, but the game itself is a good diversion. Version 1.0 may cause your system clock to lose 100 years if run from Windows XP. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Trouble with Twibbles Complete version history:
Apogee still sells the registered version of this game for $10 on floppy disk or registered download.
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| Dark Ages Apogee Software, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Dark Ages is an extremely primitive-looking platformer in which you play a prince who was kidnapped by an evil wizard and raised by a peasant who turned out to be a hero. Trained to use magic, you must save your kingdom from the dark ages by defeating the evil wizard, Garth, who has given the kingdom to undead creatures and rules with an iron fist. There are 3 volumes in this game, with only the first volume playable in the shareware version. Volume 1: Prince of Destiny Complete version history:
NOTE: Apogee no longer takes orders for the full version of this game, and it is not in their downloads section. It couldn't hurt to politely ask them if they could make the game available for sale again, or make the registered version freeware.
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| Duke Nukem Apogee Software, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 8 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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The game that started it all. Duke Nukem is a sidescrolling game robots, aliens, and lots of weapons. Your goal is to defeat Dr. Proton who is trying to take over the world. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Shrapnel City Complete version history:
Apogee still sells the registered version of this game for $10 on floppy disk or registered download.
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| Duke Nukem II Apogee Software, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 8 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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The sequel to the popular original Duke Nukem game, with vastly superior graphics, sound and gameplay. Duke has been captured by aliens and needs to frag his way through alien worlds. There are 4 episodes in this game, creatively named Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, and Episode 4, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Complete version history:
Apogee still sells the registered version of this game for $10 on floppy disk or registered download.
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| Electro Man Epic MegaGames, 1994 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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A very unusual platformer. Your play a cyborg named Jack, a human modified to look like Robocop in order to fight robots who killed your family. Your goal is to locate three computer chips in every level. Your gun only fires when you can find energy for it, and you have infinite lives, which is good because this is a very hard game. One of the difficult aspects of the game is the attempt at realistic physics. You can't change your direction in mid-air, meaning that you can't jump straight up and then push forward, you must be moving forward to jump forward. Once you've jumped, you can't push in the opposite direction to try to come down closer. Not being able to change direction in mid-air may be a difficult adaptation if you're used to console video games; inertia is a real consideration in this game. The graphics and sound are quite good, and there are voices. Originally published by CDV Software as electro BODY, the name was changed to Electro Man when published by Epic. There are 8 levels in this game, with only the first level playable in the shareware version. Electro Man Creative Commons Registered Version (887k) Developer xLand generously released this game as freeware under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 license on 25 June 2006.
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| Heroes: The Sanguine Seven Safari Software (Epic MegaGames), 1994 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Heroes is an EGA platformer with FM sound and a comic book theme. You can play as seven different heroes, including a flying squirrel who can glide short distances, a woman with a rocket pack, and a wad of bubble gum who can climb walls. The heroes must stop the reign of terror of an evil rabbit named Wild Hare. Comic book stereotype phrases like "Bam" and "Oof" appear when heroes or villains are hit. The shareware version is called "The Tantalizing Trio" because only three of the heroes are playable. There are 50 levels in this game, with only the first 11 different playable in the shareware version. Heroes: The Sanguine Seven v1.0 Registered Version (542k) Author Jeffrey Fullerton generously released this game as freeware under the Heros Freeware License.
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| Hocus Pocus Apogee Software, 1994 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 2.5 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Proof that the simplest concept can lead to some of the best games. Guide a young wizard through strange worlds and shoot enemies with lightning bolts. It's fun, and it even has excellent graphics and sound. There are 4 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Time Tripping Complete version history:
Apogee still sells the registered version of this game for $10 as a registered download only.
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| Jazz Jackrabbit Epic MegaGames, 1994 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 6 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Jazz Jackrabbit is a combination of several styles of platform game. Being a rabbit, Jazz can run very fast and speed is a major component of the game, warranting instant comparison to Sonic the Hedgehog. There are a lot of items to collect, which requires extensive exploration, something that Sonic wouldn't have time for. Finally, Jazz carries a big gun and finds many different kinds of ammo. He's also a great jumper, so perhaps he's Sonic, Mario, and Duke Nukem rolled into one. The graphics and sound are excellent, and Jazz Jackrabbit is generally regarded as one of the best DOS games ever. Originally, episodes 1-3 and 4-6 could be purchased separately, and three new episodes, A-C, were added in the CD-ROM version, Jazz Jackrabbit CD. There are 9 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1: Turtle Terror Jazz Jackrabbit v1.1 Shareware Episode (1386k) The registered version of this game is still sold through www.epicclassics.com for $25 on CD-ROM only.
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| Jazz Jackrabbit: Holiday Hare Epic MegaGames, 1994 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 10 | DOS Freeware (always) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Released as "Jazz Jackrabbit Christmas Edition", this freeware episode lists itself as "Episode X: Holiday Hare" on the episode selection screen, beneath the 9 episodes from Jazz Jackrabbit. Episode X was never added to the original game, so Holiday Hare is a standalone game based on the Jazz Jackrabbit engine. Featuring the same awesome graphics as the original, tons of weapons, and a rock and roll soundtrack based on a medley of Christmas carols, Jazz travels to the wintery planet Holidaius to fight more tortoises and other enemies. Jazz Jackrabbit: Holiday Hare (1404k)
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| Jazz Jackrabbit: Holiday Hare 1995 Epic MegaGames, 1995 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (always) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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For the second year in a row, Epic released a freeware episode of Jazz Jackrabbit that lists itself as "Episode X: Holiday Hare" on the episode selection screen, beneath the 9 episodes from Jazz Jackrabbit. Despite the identical name and episode designation as 1994's "Christmas Edition", Holiday Hare 95 is a new standalone game based on the Jazz Jackrabbit engine. Featuring the same awesome graphics as the original, tons of weapons, and an incredible remix of Carol of the Bells for the soundtrack, this time Jazz travels to the planet Candion to fight more tortoises and other enemies, and eat lots of candy.
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| Jetpack Adept Software, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (former shareware) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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One of my all-time favorite games. Jetpack has similarities to Lode Runner, except that you control a character who has a jetpack that allows him to fly (when he has fuel), in addition to the ability to temporarily phase change bricks in order to trap enemies or move through walls, floors and ceilings. In every level various enemies try to kill you, and you must collect all of the green orbs and make it through the door to advance to the next stage. The levels and challenges are excellent, and make good use of stairs, barriers and different types of terrain. There is also an extremely good level editor, and hundreds of user-created levels can be found on fan sites throughout the internet. There are 100 levels in the game. Complete version history:Jetpack v1.5 Registered (484k)Jetpack v1.4 Shareware (337k) Jetpack v1.3 Shareware (441k) Jetpack v1.2 Shareware (299k) Jetpack v1.1 Shareware (299k) Jetpack v1.0 (Still searching) Author Adam Pedersen generously released Jetpack and Squarez Deluxe as freeware under the Jetpack and Squarez Deluxe Freeware License on 17 December 1998. They are both in the same zip file.
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| Jetpack Christmas Special! Adept Software, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Freeware (always) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||
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In this free promotional Christmas version of Jetpack, you play as Santa Claus! Instead of green orbs, you now need to collect all of the Christmas presents to move to the next level. Santa has a jetpack that allows him to fly (when he has fuel), and he can temporarily phase change bricks to trap enemies or move through walls, floors and ceilings. The levels and challenges are excellent, and make good use of stairs, barriers and different types of terrain. The Christmas edition still comes with a level editor, so you can make your own Christmas-themed levels. There are 10 levels in the game. Jetpack Christmas Special! Freeware (461k) This game has always been freeware.
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| Jill of the Jungle Epic MegaGames, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 5 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Jill can jump really high and throw various weapons in this mediocre platformer. Most of the thinking in this game involves figuring out how to get Jill to jump to new areas, which can be a bit tedious. It does feature an innovative map screen, which can also be explored, and there are voices. The graphics are far less impressive by comparison. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Jill of the Jungle Jill of the Jungle v1.2 Shareware Episode (300k) The registered version of this game is still sold through www.epicclassics.com for $19 on floppy disk only.
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| Jumpman Lives! Apogee Software, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Public domain | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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A remake of the original Jumpman. Explosives have been scattered throughout a laboratory on Saturn, and you play an elite anti-terrorist agent trying to prevent the destruction of the planet. You must climb ladders and jump around with special high jump boots, collecting all of the little orbs that represent bombs on each level, while avoiding enemies and trying not to fall too far. It's a bit like Jetpack, without the jetpack, or Moraff's Escapade without the ability to move blocks. The commercial version has 45 levels. Jumpman Lives! Registered Version (142k) NOTE: Apogee does not distribute, sell, register, or retain copyright on this game. This is officially abandonware.
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| Keen Dreams Softdisk Publishing, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 5 | DOS Shareware (full version) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||
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Under contract to make another game for Softdisk, id created a Commander Keen game called Keen Dreams. It was published between Invasion of the Vorticons and Goodbye Galaxy!, and is often referred to as Episode 3.5. The graphics will be instantly familiar, but Keen no longer has a pogo stick or ray gun. The story takes place in Commander Keen's dreams, which explains why he wears his pajamas. Keen finds himself in a vegetable kingdom ruled by Boobus Tuber, an evil potato king Boobus Tuber (Super Mario Bros. 2 anyone?). Keen can still jump really high, duck, drop from platforms, and climb fire poles, as he can in Goodbye Galaxy!, but he uses "Flower Power" seeds to temporarily turn enemies into flowers. The graphics and sound are very similar to Goodbye Galaxy!, minus the incredible backgrounds. I find the game to be more difficult than most others in the series, in no small part because Keen throws seeds in an arch, rather than firing a raygun charge in a straight line. The seeds will bounce around for a while before disappearing, so sometimes you hit an enemy on the rebound.
I have found no ordering information for this game, and it is not listed on Softdisk's website.
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| Monster Bash Apogee Software, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 8 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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A Halloween-themed game with lots of animated blood and gore, by the standards of the time. You play a kid named Johnny Dash, and you need to rescue your dog, and many other cats and dogs, from a bunch of monsters using only a slingshot. Version 2.1 was also released as "Monster Bash Lite", which included only the first three levels to make it a smaller download. There are 3 episodes in this game, creatively named Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Complete version history:
Apogee still sells the registered version of this game for $10 on floppy disk or registered download.
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| Monuments of Mars Apogee Software, 1990 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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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, which was really always the case in Apogee's FAST CGA games because of the save feature, but this is more convenient. Poor collision detection makes some of the later levels more frustrating than necessary. 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 Shareware Episode (134k)NOTE: Apogee no longer takes orders for the full version of this game, and it is not in their downloads section. It couldn't hurt to politely ask them if they could make the game available for sale again, or make the registered version freeware.
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| Moraff's Escapade MoraffWare, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||
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A maze platformer with platforms that are can be reached by ladders or climbing across ropes, Escapade is a lot like Jumpman, except that the levels generally have to be solved by trapping the enemies by picking up and dropping bricks. Your goal is to collect all of the diamonds in each level. Your character can fall from any height without dying, and can even walk on the heads of some enemies! Escapade claimed to be the only 1024×768 arcade game at the time but, like many MoraffWare games, it hardly looks like it takes advantage of that resolution. In the MCGA version (320×200 and 256 simultaneous colors from a palette 262,144), the hero is drawn with only two colors: red and green. The Tseng Super VGA mode, which is 1024×768, features a very detailed background, but there hero is still composed of only three colors: red, blue, and green. There are 10 difficulty levels with 5 levels in each. The registered version contains more levels. Moraff's Escapade Shareware (138k) I have found no ordering information for this game, and it is not listed on Moraff's website.
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| Pharaoh's Tomb Apogee Software, 1990 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | Screenshot | |||||||||||||||||||
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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 Pharaoh's Tomb v3.0 Shareware Episode (114k) NOTE: Apogee no longer takes orders for this game, which they discontinued on March 2, 2000, and it is not in their downloads section. It couldn't hurt to politely ask them if they could make the game available for sale again, or release the game as freeware. Sign our petition to Apogee
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| Pickle Wars MVP Software, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 9 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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A strange platformer in which the peaceful planet Arcadia has been invaded by aliens who look like pickles. You must guide both the hero and heroine as they find ancient weapons to fight off the invasion. The hero and heroine look surprisingly real, but the graphics and sound are otherwise not very impressive. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Invasion of the Pickle People Pickle Wars Shareware Episode (1550k) MVP Software still sells the registered version of this game for $19.95 by mail or registered download.
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| Realms of Chaos Apogee Software, 1995 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 7 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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A challenging platformer where you can switch between a hero and heroine during battle. The hero is strong but has only a sword for a weapon, while the heroine can jump higher and throw fireballs, but casting magic costs gems. Characters often need to be switched between to complete levels, and since the characters have separate health meters, characters can also be switched to save a character is weak until health potions can be found. The first level is extremely difficult because anything that touches you will knock off you of the platform onto the spikes below for an instant death. Once you get through the first level, the game becomes easy by comparison and the game becomes fun. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Complete version history:
Apogee still sells the registered version of this game for $10 on CD-ROM or registered download.
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| Secret Agent Apogee Software, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 4 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Basically this is Crystal Caves, except that you're Agent 006 and you travel islands instead of planets. The Diabolical Villain Society has stolen blueprints to a satellite-based laser and you must stop them. Like Crystal Caves, you have infinite lives and a map screen that gives you some flexibility in the order you complete the levels. Some EGA games actually have good graphics and sound, but this game does not. It does have interesting enemies, cheesy James Bond references and puns, and fun gameplay. Another fun little diversion. Version 1.0 may cause your system clock to lose 100 years if run from Windows XP. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - The Hunt for Red Rock Rover Complete version history:
Apogee still sells the registered version of this game for $10 on floppy disk or registered download.
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| Skunny: Back to the Forest Copysoft, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Skunny: Back to the Forest is a speedy sidescroller that attempts to be the PC version of Sonic the Hedgehog. You can play as either Skunny or Rosie, who seem to differ only in their gender. Rather than health, there is a time limit. Time is removed from the clock when you are hurt by enemies, and replaced when you eat food. Skunny and Rosie have no weapons and can only kill enemies by jumping on them. Your goal in each level is to find a nut that makes you invincible and allows you to fly and destroy everything in your path, landscape and all. Once invincible, you can defeat the evil toad in each level and save your friend. There are 10 episodes in this game, with only the first 2 episodes playable in the shareware version. Skunny: Back to the Forest v1.0 Shareware (570k) Copysoft still sells the full version of this game for $30.
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| Skunny: Save Our Pizzas Copysoft, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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An evil chef has caused everyone in the world to forget how to make pizza and only a squirrel named Skunny can restore pizza to the world by going back in time to ancient Rome to recover the recipe and ingredients. I am not making this up. In this platformer, Skunny can jump on mindless Roman soldiers or blow them up with bombs, which apparently were plentiful at the time. There are 10 episodes in this game, with only the first 2 episodes playable in the shareware version. Skunny: Save Our Pizzas v1.1 Shareware (470k) Copysoft still sells the full version of this game for $30.
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| Skunny: Wild West Copysoft, 1994 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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A western platform game starring Skunny the squirrel. Attempting to return from ancient Rome following Skunny: Save Our Pizzas, Skunny's time machine takes him to the wild west in 1909 where his parents are living. His father's sheep have been stolen and Skunny must save every single one of them. Skunny can carry and drop items, and the background moves when Skunny jumps, to create the illusion of depth. The registered version has more and longer levels. Skunny: Wild West v2.0 Shareware (644k) Copysoft still sells the full version of this game for $20.
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| Space Chase Safari Software (Epic MegaGames), 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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The graphics, sound and engine should remind you a lot of Crystal Caves and Secret Agent in this simple EGA platformer. There's no map screen, though; this game is linear. In Space Chase you play Jason Chase, a former marine who can really jump. Your mission is to defeat the leaders of Evil Guys, Inc. Levels are full of jewels and other bonuses, as well as monsters and robots. Ammunition is limited, so it's sometimes wiser to avoid enemies rather than shoot everything that moves. The graphics and sound aren't the greatest, but they're better than some EGA games I've played, and the fun factor makes the game worth playing through. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1: City Under Siege Space Chase v2.02D Shareware Episode (410k) I have found no ordering information for this game, and it is not listed at www.epicclassics.com.
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| Super Angelo Wiering Software, 1997 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Angelo is a guy with a big nose and a mustache who must save a princess from a dragon in a world that has a lot of pipes and blocks in it. Yes, it's a Super Mario Bros. clone, including enemies that look like Goomba, Koopa Troopa, Spiny, Cheep-Cheep and Podoboo. Angelo becomes Super Angelo when he eats a strawberry, and can shoot bullets in a straight line when he gets a gun. If he gets another gun power-up, he can shoot three shots at once and run much faster. There are no mid-way save points, so dying requires you to start at the beginning, although you can save at any level. The game is short, but everything Wiering Software makes is kid-friendly, so this is a good diversion for younger gamers. There are 3 worlds in this game, with only the first world playable in the shareware version. Super Angelo v2.2 Shareware (231k) This game has been discontinued.
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| Vinyl Goddess From Mars Union Logic Software Publishing, 1995 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: No rating | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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Originally developed for Epic to be Jill of the Jungle II, the game became Vinyl Goddess From Mars when Union Logic decided to publish games independently. Gameplay is certainly reminiscent of Jill of the Jungle, but the graphics look more like Xargon, especially the identical overhead map system. This game takes place in the year 200 billion, when Vinyl's spaceship crashed on a strange planet while she was on her way to the esteemed intergalactic B Movie convention. Vinyl can jump very high and use a variety of weapons to fight monsters during her quest to gather pieces of her spaceship so that she can make it to the convention on time. There are a lot of secret areas, making exploration important. Controls are generally good, although Vinyl slides a bit when she stops running. The graphics, music and voices are also pretty good. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1 - Forests of Old Vinyl Goddess From Mars v1.0 Shareware Episode (1319k) I have found no ordering information for this game.
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| Xargon Epic MegaGames, 1994 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| User rating: 8 | DOS Shareware (partial game) | No screenshot yet | |||||||||||||||||||
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In Xargon you play Malvineus Havershim, an archaeologist who was studying ruins in Madagascar when a trap caused him to lose consciousness and wake up in a strange world ruled by the evil Xargon. Presumably this planet has very low gravity because you can jump very high and fall from great heights without injury. I question the ethics of the hero at times. He's an archaeologist visiting a new world and some of the creatures in the earlier levels seem to be minding their own business and merely defending their territory, but he gets points for killing them anyway. The monsters and power-ups are interesting, and the graphics are extremely detailed and shiny. The music sets the mood well, and there is a reasonable variety of voices. The difficulty level is lower than many platformers, reducing the frustration factor, and the game focuses on exploration and has many secret areas, which is exactly the way I like a game to be. The quality of the graphics, music and exploration remind me of Hocus Pocus. A score card or completion indicator to let you know when you've found everything would have been nice, but otherwise the game is quite enjoyable by any audience. There are 3 episodes in this game, with only the first episode playable in the shareware version. Episode 1: Beyond Reality Xargon v3.0 Shareware Episode (580k) I have found no ordering information for this game, and it is not listed at www.epicclassics.com.
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