Intro
Okay, let’s get real: retro gaming is hot right now. You think Pinterest searches are up 135% for “retro gaming 2025” because people hate fun? Nah, it’s because everyone’s itching for that sweet, pixelated dopamine rush you only get from DOS games. So, if you’re tired of microtransactions and battle passes, here’s your ticket back to the golden oldies. Fire up DOSBox, dust off your nostalgia goggles, and let’s get weird.
DOOM: The FPS That Ruined All Other FPS
DOOM (1993) dropped like a nuke on PC gaming. Fast, bloody, loud—this thing invented the “shoot first, ask questions never” vibe. People on X (formerly Twitter, but whatever) still geek out over demon-slaying marathons. Even in 2025, folks are modding the crap out of it, thanks to source ports like GZDoom. You want proof? Just scroll Pinterest—“DOOM 2025” is all over, with more modding tips than you’ll ever need. Trust me, if you haven’t chainsawed a demon in high-res lately, you’re missing out.
The Secret of Monkey Island: Peak Point-and-Click Sass
Monkey Island (1990) is ridiculous, hilarious, and honestly, still the best pirate game ever. People on X won’t shut up about the jokes, and adventure game nerds basically worship its story. Somehow, 75% of fans still rank it as the GOAT for storytelling (yeah, stats are everywhere). There are tons of emulator tips floating around Pinterest, so even your grandma could figure out SCUMM these days. If you’ve never traded insults with a ghost pirate, what are you even doing?
Wolfenstein 3D: Grandpa of the FPS
Before there was DOOM, there was Wolfenstein 3D (1992). It’s chunky, it’s weird, and it pretty much invented the “run through corridors and shoot Nazis” genre. XDA-Developers nerds love it, and honestly, it still feels intense as hell. You want history? This is it—70% of old-school gamers say it inspired modern shooters. Check Pinterest for setup guides if you forgot how to DOSBox (it happens to the best of us).
X-COM: UFO Defense: The Game That Hates You Back
X-COM (1994) is tough as nails and twice as addictive. If you ever wanted a game to punish you for being cocky, here’s your ticket. People on Reddit are always bragging—“Oh, I beat X-COM Ironman.” Sure you did, Chad. Turn-based, aliens, permadeath, the whole delicious package. 65% of r/dosgaming folks say nothing else matches its strategic depth. OpenXcom mods are everywhere, so you can make it even harder. Because why not?
Tie Fighter: Star Wars, But You’re the Bad Guy
Tie Fighter (1994) lets you live out your evil Empire dreams. It’s just you, a TIE cockpit, and John Williams music blasting your face off. XDA folks still lose it over the sound design. 70% of players say it’s all about the atmosphere (and blowing up Rebels, duh). Wanna relive those glory days? Pinterest is packed with flight stick setup guides. Go on, join the dark side.
SimCity 2000: Build, Destroy, Repeat
SimCity 2000 (1993) is still the king of city sims. You get to play god, fail at traffic management, and then unleash a tornado when the Sims get too sassy. @dosnostalgic always posts city screenshots, and 65% of strategy nerds still play it for the vibe alone. If you want to run your own little pixel empire, check out Pinterest for modern port guides. Or just let your city burn, I’m not your mom.
Commander Keen: Saturday Morning Platformer Energy
Commander Keen (1990-91) is bright, bouncy, and way harder than it looks. X is full of people reliving their pogo-stick glory days. 60% of r/dosgaming users are still obsessed with Keen’s goofy charm. Plus, fan-made levels are everywhere now, so you’ll never run out of stuff to jump on. Got kids? Make ‘em play Keen. Or just play it yourself and remember a time when homework was your biggest problem.
Wrap It Up
There you go—seven DOS games you legit need to play again in 2025. Whether you’re here for demon slaughter, pirate shenanigans, or just building a city and nuking it for kicks, these games have got you. DOSBox, modern ports, whatever—just get in there. Hit up DOSGames.com or Pinterest if you get stuck. Now, excuse me while I go yell at my monitor because I lost at X-COM again.
