Best Old School Computer Games and computers?

Hey guys. I might be moving soon, and if it works out i will have more room for game crap! YAY!   (half the reason i sold off my nes boxes was because i had no room at my home "now"for anymore stuff lol.)

So i always wanted to get into some classic PC gaming. But Im not sure what to look for though.... Im sure Dangevin can chime in, because what got me curious was some of the game shows i was at in PA. There was all these old school computers set up and lots of guys were playing some really neat looking games. 

I remember one game that looked like Silk Worm, like a little jeep jumping around and shooting stuff in some side scrolling action.  And it had bright colors and looked neat.

So anyways can anyone recommend any suggestions on what are some good old school computers, and what are some good old school games for them.

Thanks in advance!

-MArk
«1

Comments

  • the world of old school computer gaming is very diverse... how old are we talking about? DOS? If that's so, I'll start recommending DOOM, Leisure Suit Larry (1-3 are specially old school), Epic Pinball, the Commander Keen series, Flashback, Out of this World, Prince of Persia 1 and 2... ah, the memories.
  • im talking like atari style/nes style 8 bit graphics stuff
  • probably 80's
  • i got a adam computer, its pretty cool,,,

  • Most of Sierra's adventure games were awesome...remember getting my PCjr off a friend because I wanted to play some King's Quest and she was throwing it all in the trash...glad I salvaged it though, it's collectively about $800 worth of shit.
  • I really liked the quest for glory series. Also, X-Wing is a sweet game.
  • Originally posted by: Parpunk

    Hey guys. I might be moving soon, and if it works out i will have more room for game crap! YAY!   (half the reason i sold off my nes boxes was because i had no room at my home "now"for anymore stuff lol.)

    So i always wanted to get into some classic PC gaming. But Im not sure what to look for though.... Im sure Dangevin can chime in, because what got me curious was some of the game shows i was at in PA. There was all these old school computers set up and lots of guys were playing some really neat looking games. 

    I remember one game that looked like Silk Worm, like a little jeep jumping around and shooting stuff in some side scrolling action.  And it had bright colors and looked neat.

    So anyways can anyone recommend any suggestions on what are some good old school computers, and what are some good old school games for them.

    Thanks in advance!

    -MArk




    Jeep Command!   Has some of the best music too.

    I also like Break Street.  

  • Just thought about this...check out http://www.abandonia.com - they have a huge archive of old PC games, most of which are downloadable. Manuals are available, but even if you don't wanna pirate the games, they have extensive reviews as well. Might help you image
  • NICE! thanks for all the info so far guys, but what are the names of these computers that play these games?? also are they like floppy disc games or what?? im a total newb when it comes to this stuff lol
  • Most of them played on multiple computers. Just make sure you get compatable software...for starters, despite using the same discs, you can't use Apple II software on an IBM PC, and vice versa. Those are the standards though, Apple II and IBM PC. Only really know what I do because of the PCjr I got, kinda had to learn about the specs and shit.
  • http://computers.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=&_sacat=11189&_odkw=ibm+pc&_osacat=11189&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313



    Start with that, if you see something you like, or have specific games in mind, look up compatable systems and pick one image
  • I'm also a big fan of the Lucas Arts/Sierra Adventure games. Not really considered 8-bit, but I have many hours invested in both of those companys games.
  • cool i might have to snoop around at my local flea for some old school set ups. they are always really cheap i just never know what i need
  • I'd recommend Leisure Suit Larry - Land of the Lounge Lizards (first in the series, from 1987)



    and for later DOS first person shooters, I'd recommend: Blood (1997) and System Shock 2
  • from 90's:



    X-Com

    Masters of Orion 2

    Heroes of Might and Magic 2

    Warcraft 2

    Starcraft

    Simcity 2000

  • Originally posted by: Gavica

    from 90's:



    X-Com

    Masters of Orion 2

    Heroes of Might and Magic 2

    Warcraft 2

    Starcraft

    Simcity 2000


    Play the original.  And Master of Magic.

  • Originally posted by: Parpunk

    NICE! thanks for all the info so far guys, but what are the names of these computers that play these games?? also are they like floppy disc games or what?? im a total newb when it comes to this stuff lol

    You know you can emulate computers right?  Look into "DOSBox", that's what I used to play all of the Sierra games I wanted.

    I'm usually against emulation because it feels better to play them on a console, but a computer is a computer!  You don't need to go archaic and get a slow hunk of computer junk when the controls are going to be exactly the same... use a keyboard and joystick or keyboard and mouse.

    To add to the list:

    King's Quest I - IV
    Leisure Suit Larry (all must plays)
    STREET FIGHTING MAN!!!!! (One of my favorite games ever, music kicks ass and one of the original beat-em-up brawlers that pushed the envelope of violence in video games)
    Space Quest / Police Quest / Other misc. Sierra
  • Originally posted by: jonebone

    Originally posted by: Parpunk

    NICE! thanks for all the info so far guys, but what are the names of these computers that play these games?? also are they like floppy disc games or what?? im a total newb when it comes to this stuff lol

    I'm usually against emulation because it feels better to play them on a console, but a computer is a computer!



    It's funny you would say that, because with a decent console emulator and a good USB controller, it should have a similar level of authenticity.

    It's not like older consoles are hard to emulate, and in fact, what DOSBox does is a MUCH more impressive feat.

  • Originally posted by: arch_8ngel

    It's funny you would say that, because with a decent console emulator and a good USB controller, it should have a similar level of authenticity.


    Yes but that requires buying a controller and I'm extremely tight with my money.  With a DOSBox, you don't need to buy any additional hardware at all, plus you'll have the entire library at your finger tips.  Not to mention the space savings also.  A true no-brainer IMO.
  • The Seven Cities of Gold is a really great old computer game, made for multiple platforms. Discover America, rob the natives, gain glory for Spain!!
  • Originally posted by: jonebone

    Originally posted by: arch_8ngel

    It's funny you would say that, because with a decent console emulator and a good USB controller, it should have a similar level of authenticity.


    Yes but that requires buying a controller and I'm extremely tight with my money.  With a DOSBox, you don't need to buy any additional hardware at all, plus you'll have the entire library at your finger tips.  Not to mention the space savings also.  A true no-brainer IMO.

    Nice thanks for the tips! So if i DL the DOSBox program, what computer games can i DL?? or will it play any of them from vintage pc games to newer ones? also any good sites to find the games?>

  • Just Google DOSBox and "DOS Roms" and I'm sure you'll find plenty. I'd think that you'd be able to play just about anything from the 80s through most of the 90s.
  • Most of the stuff on Abandonia will run with DOSBox. I believe the platform of the game is stated in the description.
  • Think Abandonia even tells where to find DOSBox...not really sure though, haven't used a DOS emulator in some time image
  • Do yourself a favor and download a separate front-end for DOSBox.



    It's going to be just like the "good old days", when you had to manually write batch files to get games to load with the right memory allocation and drivers!



    Not all games need that kind of attention, but a lot of the really good ones do.
  • If you want to go REALLY old school, then I have to recommend Zork and it's sequels.  It may be text only, but the storytelling was ahead of it's time.  Also, Strategic Simulations (SSL) I believe offered up a fine line of strategic (what else?) games, most notably games set in the D@D universe, I recall.

    Finally, If you're in the Commodore 64 era, don't forget to check out Jumpman (Mario's former identity)
  • Castle Adventure!
  • two pages and just one casual mention of the Commodore 64?



    image



    also, the Atari home computers were pretty nice as well (400/800/1200/65xe/130xe/etc). Amiga too!
  • Originally posted by: Kagemusha
     Also, Strategic Simulations (SSL) I believe offered up a fine line of strategic (what else?) games, most notably games set in the D@D universe, I recall.

    Of these, I would recommend hillsfar, Pool of Radiance, and Curse of the Azure Bonds. (if you are into RPGs).  The nes versions are pretty awful, but the PC ones are pretty fun I thought.  They let you keep your characters and move them through the different games.
  • Day of the tentacle image
Sign In or Register to comment.