We provide a list of companies that developed abandonware games.
Select a company to view its games.
To make searching easier, use pagination by number or letter.
Abu Simbel Profanation arrived on the MSX in 1985 as an enigmatic postcard from the edge of arcade culture. The game invites a lone traveler into a sunbaked tomb labyrinth where hieroglyphs pulse with strange logic and every doorway echoes with a puzzle waiting to be solved. Its title, a sly pun on a real Egyptian temple, signals a mood that refuses to stay solemn. Instead of heroic conquest, players chase subtle clues through an isometric maze, assembling meaning from silhouettes, sounds, and coded hints. The tone mixes curiosity with mischief, a rare blend on home computers of that era.
Movement hinges on careful navigation rather than rapid reflexes, and the player learns by experimenting with routes, switches, and locked doors. Items collected along the way unlock new chambers, while subtle environmental cues point toward hidden paths. Puzzles emphasize order, timing, and pattern recognition rather than brute force; a sequence of glyphs, a cracked statue, or a shifting tile floor might reveal the next corridor. The absence of a verbose map pushes curiosity outward, inviting players to map memory with pencil and imagination. Sound effects crackle with character, giving each interaction a sense of consequence. The pacing rewards patient exploration.
Visually the game trades realism for a vibrant abstraction that reads well on modest hardware. Tiles glow with saturated hues, shadows wobble, and the temple architecture leans toward surreal geometry rather than strict accuracy. The soundtrack thrives on compact chirps and looped motifs that snap into memory, mirroring the compactness of the code itself. Designers juggled limits of color palettes and sprite counts, yet their choices yield a playful atmosphere that feels almost ceremonial. The result is a paradox a rugged 8 bit surface concealing a dreamlike labyrinth where every corner hints at another riddle. Its charm endures beyond genres.
Though not a blockbuster, Abu Simbel Profanation collected a loyal following among MSX hunters and retro fans who prize oddball artifacts from hardware's formative years. It exemplifies a period when creators treated digital space as a playground for poetry and puzzle rather than pure action. Critics recalling the era often remark on its cryptic visuals and its gentle invitation to persevere, traits that elevate curiosity over frustration. In contemporary retrospectives the game is cited as a reminder that constraint can fuel invention, transforming a modest cartridge into a small museum piece of 1980s experimentation. Its eccentric hallway still invites discovery.
After the War is a post-apocalyptic DOS game released in 1989. In the game, the player controls a character who is trying to survive in a world that has been destroyed by nuclear war. The player must scavenge for food and water, and avoid radiation. The game is played from a top-down perspective, and the player can use a variety of weapons to defend themselves.
After the War was one of the first post-apocalyptic games, and it was very popular at the time. The game's popularity led to a sequel, After the War II, which was released in 1991.
The game is set in the year 2089, after a global nuclear war. The player's task is to survive in a world that has been left destroyed by the war. The player must scavenge for food and water, and avoid radiation. The game is played from a top-down perspective, and the player can use a variety of weapons to defend themselves.
The game was well-received at the time of its release. Critics praised the game's open-ended gameplay, and its unique setting. Today, After the War is considered a classic of the post-apocalyptic genre.
Army Moves is a timeless classic game that was released in 1989 by Dinamic Software. This DOS game takes players on a thrilling journey through various scenarios and missions, making it a must-have for any fan of military-themed games. From its engaging game play to its impressive graphics, Army Moves has proven to be a game that has stood the test of time.
The game is set in the midst of an intense combat zone and players are given the role of an army soldier whose job is to navigate through various obstacles and missions. As the game progresses, players are required to maneuver through enemy lines, destroy enemy tanks, and even rescue hostages held in enemy territory. The game's difficulty level increases with each level, keeping players constantly on their toes.
One of the most notable features of Army Moves is its impressive graphics. For a game released in 1989, the level of detail and intricacy in the graphics is truly impressive. From the landscapes to the detailed animations of the soldiers and enemies, every aspect of the game has been expertly designed to provide players with a realistic gaming experience.
Aside from its graphics, Army Moves also offers an engaging and challenging game play. Players must strategize and think quickly in order to successfully complete each mission. The variety of missions in the game also adds to its replay value, as players can continue to improve their skills with each playthrough.
Furthermore, Army Moves also incorporates different types of gameplay, making it a well-rounded game that caters to various gaming styles. From side-scrolling action to first-person shooter, players will never get bored as they switch between different game modes throughout the game.
Another standout feature of Army Moves is its fantastic soundtrack. The game's music, composed by the legendary game composer, Jonathan Dunn, perfectly complements the intense and fast-paced game play. The sound effects also add to the overall immersive experience, making players feel like they are truly in the midst of a battlefield.
Released in 1985 by Datasoft, Camelot Warriors was a groundbreaking game for the Commodore 64. It combined elements of adventure, action, and strategy to create a truly immersive experience for players. Set in the mystical land of Camelot, players take on the role of three brave knights on a quest to save their kingdom from an evil sorcerer.
The game features stunning graphics and a captivating storyline that immediately draws players in. The attention to detail in the game is impressive, from the richly detailed landscapes to the unique character designs. The soundtrack, composed by legendary composer David Warhol, adds an extra layer of depth to the game and enhances the overall experience.
One of the unique aspects of Camelot Warriors is the ability to switch between the three knights – Arthur, Lancelot, and Galahad – each with their own strengths and weaknesses. This adds a strategic element to the game as players must carefully choose which knight to use in different situations. Arthur, for example, is a skilled swordsman, while Lancelot excels in archery and Galahad is a master of magic.
The game is divided into different levels, each with its own challenges and enemies to defeat. Players must explore the vast kingdom of Camelot, encountering mythical creatures such as dragons, griffins, and witches along the way. The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, requiring quick reflexes and precise movements to defeat enemies and progress through each level.
One of the standout features of Camelot Warriors is the variety of weapons and magic spells available to the knights. Swords, bows, arrows, and magical spells can be found and collected throughout the game, each with its own unique abilities. The magic spells, in particular, add an exciting element to the gameplay, allowing players to unleash powerful attacks on their enemies.
As players progress through the game, they will encounter challenging boss battles that require skill and strategy to defeat. These boss battles add a thrilling element to the game and provide a sense of accomplishment when successfully defeated. Additionally, hidden areas and secret items scattered throughout the levels add an extra layer of exploration and discovery for players.
Cobra's Arc is a classic MSX game released in 1986 that captured the hearts of many gamers during the golden age of video gaming. Developed by Koei, a renowned Japanese video game company, this action-packed game follows the journey of a brave warrior named Cobra as he embarks on a perilous quest to save his beloved kingdom from the clutches of an evil sorcerer.
The game's plot centers around Cobra and his trusty steed, Arc, as they traverse through various levels filled with challenging obstacles and enemies. As Cobra, players must use their quick reflexes and strategic thinking to defeat monsters, collect treasures, and ultimately face the final boss in a final showdown. The game's compelling storyline and immersive gameplay kept players on the edge of their seats, making it a must-play for any MSX enthusiast.
What truly sets Cobra's Arc apart from other games of its time is its unique blend of action and adventure. Players have the freedom to explore the game's vast world, discovering hidden secrets and taking on enemies in their own pace. The controls are smooth and responsive, making it easy for players to execute complex moves and combos as they take on increasingly challenging levels.
One of the most remarkable features of Cobra's Arc is its stunning graphics that truly pushed the limits of the MSX's capabilities. The vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds add depth and dimension to the game, creating a visually stunning experience for players. The game's soundtrack also deserves praise, with its catchy tunes and epic sound effects that enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Moreover, Cobra's Arc features an in-game shop where players can trade treasures they collect for items that will aid them in their journey. These items range from basic health and attack boosts to powerful weapons and magic spells that can turn the tide of any battle. This element adds an element of strategy to the game, as players must decide which items to purchase and when to use them.
Cobra's Arc also offers a multiplayer mode where two players can battle each other in an epic showdown. This feature was ahead of its time and added a whole new level of excitement to the game. Players could challenge their friends and see who truly has mastered the game's mechanics.
Cosmic Sheriff is a classic DOS game that was released back in 1989 by Activision. It is a space-themed action-adventure game that truly captured the hearts of gamers during its time. The game follows the story of a cosmic sheriff who is on a mission to save the galaxy from the evil forces of the Darkor empire.
The game is set in a futuristic and visually stunning universe where the player takes on the role of the cosmic sheriff. The objective of the game is to travel to different planets and eliminate the Darkor empire's minions and their powerful bosses. Along the way, the sheriff must collect power-ups and weapons to aid in their quest for justice.
One of the most impressive aspects of Cosmic Sheriff is its graphics. The game features colorful and detailed pixel art, which was revolutionary during its time. The game's visuals truly transport the player into the vastness of space and add to the overall immersive experience. The music and sound effects also add to the game's atmosphere, making it a treat for both the eyes and ears.
The gameplay of Cosmic Sheriff is challenging yet addictive. The player must navigate through various levels, each with its unique challenges and enemies. The sheriff's primary weapon is a laser gun, which has a limited range but can be upgraded by collecting power-ups. There are also special weapons, such as homing missiles and bombs, that can be obtained throughout the game to help the sheriff in their battles.
As the player progresses through the game, the difficulty increases, and the bosses become more challenging to defeat. The game also introduces new features, such as puzzles and platforming elements, to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. With seven different planets to explore and an epic final battle against the Darkor empire, Cosmic Sheriff offers hours of entertainment.
Cosmic Sheriff was well received by critics and gamers alike, with its immersive gameplay, stunning graphics, and engaging storyline. Many consider it to be one of the best DOS games of all time, and its legacy still lives on with fans still playing it through emulators and nostalgic discussions. It is a timeless classic that continues to inspire modern game developers and stands as a testament to the golden age of DOS gaming.
Don Quijote is a Spanish-style DOS game published by Dinamic Software in 1987. The game is set in 16th century Spain, during the adventures of the legendary character Don Quijote and his imaginative and mischievous sidekick Sancho Panza. Players navigate a multilayered scrolling environment as they travel through forests, mountains, and deserts, while avoiding the obstacles of a giant windmill, few flying policemen, and a pack of ravenous wolves. Unlike many games of the era, Don Quijote has robust 3D graphics that adjust the characters’ faces, clothes, and textures to match the levels.
The objective of the game is to help Don Quijote and Sancho Panza to conquer the obstacles and reach their ultimate goal of saving the local princess in distress. Each level of the game contains its own set of enemies and objectives. Players must make use of several items and weapons scattered throughout the levels to help them advance, such as a sword and a crossbow. Using these items and weapons effectively in hand-to-hand combat is necessary to defeat the many enemies that stand in the players way.
Other elements of the game include collecting money and other rewards from defeated enemies, as well as bonus levels where the players must accomplish various tasks such as finding the keys to a treasure chest. The game also features several boss fights to challenge even the most experienced player. These boss fights are often exponentially more difficult, and require greater strategy to win.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Don Quijote is its masterful use of sound, which enhances the atmosphere of 16th century Spain. The accompanying soundtrack is an excellent mix of instrumental and 8-bit music that sets the stage for the effects of the windmill and other sound effects.
Don Quijote is an engaging and entertaining DOS game that effectively captures the spirit of the source material. It offers a unique gaming experience, from its 3D graphics to its 8-bit setting, all of which provides plenty of challenge and fun for those who dare join Don Quijote and Sancho Panza on their journey.
Dustin is a classic MSX game released in 1986 by the Japanese company, Hudson Soft. It is a side-scrolling action game that has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts. The game follows the adventure of Dustin, a brave warrior who must battle his way through treacherous dungeons to save his kingdom from an evil sorcerer.
The game’s graphics were ahead of its time, with vibrant colors and detailed pixel art that brought the fantasy world of Dustin to life. The gameplay itself was challenging yet addicting, with players having to master various sword-fighting techniques and navigate through tricky platforming sections. The game also featured a unique magic system where players could collect magical orbs scattered throughout the levels and unleash devastating spells on enemies.
One of the standout features of Dustin is its soundtrack. Composed by the legendary Japanese composer, Yuzo Koshiro, the music perfectly captures the game’s medieval fantasy atmosphere. From the epic main theme to the intense boss battle music, the soundtrack is a testament to Koshiro’s talent and adds an extra layer of immersion to the gameplay experience.
The game’s story takes place in the kingdom of Duskonde, where the wicked sorcerer Zephyr has taken over with his dark magic. As Dustin, the player must journey through various environments, such as dark forests, treacherous mountains, and eerie caves, to confront Zephyr and his army of monsters. Along the way, the player will encounter memorable boss battles and must use all their skills to emerge victorious.
Dustin’s popularity spread beyond Japan, and it was released in various other regions, including Europe and North America. The game received critical acclaim for its graphics, gameplay, and overall design. It also spawned a sequel, titled “Dustin II: Zephyr Strikes Back,” which was released in 1987 and further expanded upon the game’s world and mechanics.
Even after all these years, Dustin remains a beloved title in the MSX gaming community. It is considered one of the best action games on the system, and its legacy lives on through ports and remakes for modern platforms. Its challenging yet rewarding gameplay, beautiful graphics, and epic soundtrack continue to captivate players of all ages, making Dustin a timeless classic in the world of gaming.
El Capitán Trueno, released in 1990, is an action-adventure DOS game that captured the hearts of players around the world with its thrilling storyline and challenging gameplay. Based on the popular Spanish comic book series, El Capitán Trueno follows the adventures of the legendary knight, Captain Thunder, and his loyal companions through a fantasy world of epic battles and treacherous villains.
The game begins with our hero, El Capitán Trueno, receiving a distress signal from the kingdom of Thule, which is under attack by the fearsome King Finistern. As a defender of justice and peace, El Capitán Trueno sets off to rescue the kingdom and stop King Finistern from taking over the world. The journey takes players through different landscapes, from lush forests and treacherous mountains to dark, underground caves. Along the way, players must solve puzzles, fight enemies, and uncover secrets in order to progress through the game.
One of the most notable features of El Capitán Trueno is its impressive graphics and dynamic gameplay. The game's 16-bit graphics were ahead of their time and brought the fantasy world of El Capitán Trueno to life. The character designs and environments were intricately detailed, and the animations were smooth, adding depth and realism to the game. The sound effects and music also added to the immersive gameplay experience, further enhancing the feeling of being on a grand adventure.
But what truly sets El Capitán Trueno apart from other DOS games of its time is its unique combat system. Instead of relying on mindless button-mashing, players must strategize and time their attacks and defenses carefully. Each enemy encountered requires a different approach, and players must use a combination of weapons and skills to defeat them. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the game and keeps players engaged throughout.
In addition to its engaging gameplay, El Capitán Trueno also offers a rich and evolving story. Players are introduced to a variety of characters, each with their own unique motivations and backgrounds. As players progress through the game, they uncover more about the characters and their interconnected stories, making for a truly immersive experience.
Despite its release over 30 years ago, El Capitán Trueno still holds a special place in the hearts of many DOS game enthusiasts. Its captivating storyline, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics continue to draw players in and keep them hooked. And with its recent re-releases on modern platforms, a new generation of players can experience the thrill of El Capitán Trueno for themselves. So, if you're a fan of action-adventure games and haven't played El Capitán Trueno yet, it's time to embark on an unforgettable journey and become the legendary knight yourself.
Fernando Martín Basket Master is a classic DOS game that was released in 1990 and quickly became a fan favorite. Developed by Dinamic Multimedia and published by the popular gaming company, Zigurat Software, this game was based on the Spanish basketball player, Fernando Martín. As one of the first basketball video games to hit the market, it created a sensation among avid gamers and sports fans alike.
The game features eight different teams, each with their own unique skills and strategies, competing in fast-paced matches that keep players on the edge of their seats. The teams were inspired by real-life basketball teams from Spain and Europe, such as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. This added an element of realism to the game that set it apart from other sports games of that era.
One of the most impressive features of Fernando Martín Basket Master was its realistic gameplay. The game combined elements of both simulation and arcade-style gaming, making it accessible for both novice and experienced gamers. The controls were simple and intuitive, allowing players to move their players, pass, and shoot with ease. The graphics, although primitive by today's standards, were quite advanced for its time, providing a visually appealing playing experience.
What made this game stand out even more was its emphasis on strategy. In addition to controlling players on the court, players could also manage their team's roster, tactics, and formations, adding a layer of depth to the game. This meant that success in the game required both skill and strategic thinking, making it a thoroughly addictive and engaging experience.
Fernando Martín Basket Master also stood out for its use of sound effects and music, which added to the overall immersive experience. The game's soundtrack was composed by famous Spanish composer, Paco Pastor, and featured energetic tunes that perfectly complemented the fast-paced action of the game.
Despite being released over 30 years ago, Fernando Martín Basket Master remains a cult classic amongst DOS games. Its popularity led to multiple sequels and spin-offs, ensuring that the legacy of the game continues to live on. It was also a significant milestone in the development of sports games, paving the way for future titles in the genre.
