Note: This is a special collection of all of the games on dosgames.com that are less than 50k in size (zipped). All of the games listed on this page are also included in the listings by category.
This is a fairly basic but well done version of draw poker. You use the mouse to make your bet, then decide whether to draw or stay, etc. The only bad thing is that the different suits can sometimes be hard to distinguish. Other than that it's very well done.
A pretty good conversion of the classic game 'Asteroids'. You won't find any bells & whistles here, but it does present solid gameplay and smooth flowing graphics. The only real problem is that the keys take a bit of getting used to ... using the arrow keys would've been much easier! If you can get used to the odd key placement, you'll probably like it.
If you are looking for a clone of the Windows Solitaire card game for DOS, this is it. This game almost exactly mirrors the seminal Windows card game, and is quite well executed. The only bad thing is that the different suits can sometimes be hard to distinguish. Other than that it's very well done.
Eliza was an early attempt at computer AI. The idea was that it would be something like a computer therapist, where you would enter your problems and it would reply with further probing questions to help you with your problems. In practice, due to the simplistic algorithms used, it was most often a thoroughly frustrating experience. (See the screenshot for an example.) This thing is probably good for a laugh and nothing more ... it's all text. ;) As the author says, "Eliza can either cure your psychosis or generate new ones depending on how you take it."
Ever wanted to play funky puzzle/adventure game with ASCII graphics where you must flee or otherwise use your wits and collected items to flee from trolls? Well, if so, this is the perfect game for you! While the controls and interface need some getting used to (read the included docs before playing) this game is fairly unique, includes both puzzle and adventure elements, and yeah I'm always a sucker for ASCII games. :) (The author notes if you run this from Windows to be sure to maximize the window.)
An interesting puzzle game with many different levels, despite the lack of great graphics and sound effects. The object is to match up different shapes in order to cosntruct perfect squares/rectangles of predetermined sizes. There are various tangible (storebought) versions of this game, but this one is easier to play and includes a lot more different puzzles.
Fire Fighter is an interesting ASCII-based strategy game which is not nearly as long and drawn-out as most strategy games. An entire game/scenario can last only a minute or two. The idea is to use three different methods (water, fire breaks, and backfires) to control the spread of fires and save homes on a randomly generated map. It's a neat idea and plays well enough but honestly there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of careful strategy required to be successful.
This game mimics the classic Connect Four vertical checkers board game published by Milton Bradley. The object is to take turns dropping your pieces onto the board until one of the two players gets four in a row. This game includes a "learning" computer opponent that improves as you play. A well made game, despite having no fancy graphics or sounds.
This was an early favorite of mine. Its not very complicated, but this game is a fun, simple space shooting game that somehow can seem relaxing at times. Wave after wave of enemies come at you, and you must shoot them all before your fuel runs out. You can earn credits to buy upgrades (hint: if you have a lot of fuel left over, don't refill between the wave for an extra credit!), and every so often a boss battle occurs. Simple but crisp EGA graphics (new enemy design for each wave) and PC speaker sound effects in a tiny 48k package!
It sorta looks and plays like the original Zelda for the NES. I say sorta because it's very simplistic in nature, and probably won't hold your interest for very long ... however, the zipfile is so small (22k!), it's probably worth downloading anyways.
Giana Sisters was apparently a popular game on the Commodore64 computer, and it was recently ported to PCs so the game can be enjoyed on recent computers as well. The gameplay is very similar to the original Super Mario Bros by Nintendo, where you run through short side-scrolling levels hitting blocks and stomping enemies. Fairly good graphics, but no sounds on this one, although its small size and good compatibility makes it a good choice for older computers.
Goferpop (aka "Gofer Pop", "Gopherpop" or "Gopher Pop") is a rather stupid and extremely simplistic game where the object is to shoot gophers with your gun as they pop their heads out of the ground. Slightly gory, and extremely simple in every way, this probably won't hold your interest for long, but I remember playing it many years ago so I figured I'd include it on the site. (Plus, it's amazing how far someone's little 50k game project made in BASIC can travel around the world, and still be played 15 years after it was created!)
A really cool, innovative idea. The object is to fill a 5x5 grid with playing cards, trying to make the best possible poker hands going across and down the square. Take a look at the screenshot. It may use basic ASCII graphics (the mark of a true classic DOS game) but it's really innovative, and fun to play, since playing a game doesn't take much time at all. Small zipfile, too!
The author claims that this simple color-matching puzzle game is based on an old pocket game of the same name by a company called "M-Squared Incorporated". I can verify this fact, because I own the very same (annoying) game. :) Actually it's not a bad game at all. Basically you match colors by rotating the pieces around ... look at the screenshot and you'll see what I mean. As usual with puzzle games, poor graphics, no sound, etc. but it might be a fun diversion for puzzle fans.
Remember "Adventure" for the Atari2600? If so Indenture will seem very familiar! :) The author programmed this game from scratch in order to recreate the original as closely as possible, so don't look for any graphics/sound imporvements. However he did add some additional modes with new screens/items/etc to play with. (Note: Press F1 after starting the game and read the help text! Starting the game is not done in a usual way!)
Looking for a space invaders clone? This one is pretty good. It takes the authentic, "no-frills" route, and does a pretty good job. It isn't pretty to look at, but it does play well, and has some SB sound effects as well.
A unique and interesting ASCII text-mode game where the object is to destroy all of the missle-launchers on each island. The missle launchers fire seemingly smart missles at you that you must dodge or destroy. The game features a smoothly scrolling playing field, its gameplay is fairly fast-paced and the game is quite enjoyable to play.
I think this game is supposed to be relaxing ... but to me, IT ISN'T!!! Like those wooden puzzles, you have to roll your ball around the maps to the exit, trying to avoid the holes. It's harder than it sounds. Average graphics and PC speaker effects. (Note: Once in awhile I seemed to have keyboard trouble with this game ... I have no idea what the problem was.)
At its heart Lawn Mower is a maze or Pac-Man like game. Although I had seen some recent shareware Windows games with a similar theme, I was surprised to find this ASCII DOS game from 1987. The object is to mow the text-mode lawn as efficiently as possible by avoiding obstacles, using as little gas as possible, etc. It looks decent enough and plays reasonably well, but there isn't a whole lot of depth. (Note: You must use the numeric keypad to move.)
Leygref's Castle is apparently a remake of an old BASIC game called Wizard's Castle. It features randomized dungeons like a Roguelike game but its gameplay is greatly simplified. You move around on floors comprised of 8x8 "rooms", each potentially containing an item or a monster, which you fight with simple Attack/Run prompts. A decent but simple game with basic text-mode graphics.
Majik is an interesting ASCII-based text RPG game which is not a Roguelike. The levels are randomly generated, but the gameplay is significantly simplified. Playing as a wizard who seeks to "achieve greatness" by exploring some caverns, you'll face a multitude of text-character enemies and obstacles. A colorful and fairly unique ASCII adventure. (Note: You'll need a numberpad on your keyboard to play this game.)
A mostly faithful version of the original Mario Bros arcade game. This version includes VGA graphics (not very pretty graphics, though) as well as two player gameplay. (The original was made by Nintendo, who had nothing to do with this copycat version.)
Mastermind is a copy of the classic game by Pressman (Hasbro for PC). Here you can play against the computer or a second player. Unfortunately there does not seem to be any option to use a mouse so you have to use the keyboard to do everything. ALSO! You MUST go to the commandline and use commandline switches to play this game! Just running it from Windows Explorer WILL NOT WORK. ;) Try "mmind" at the DOS (or DOSBox) prompt to get a list of options or "mmind /d" to use the defaults and play a "medium difficulty" game against the computer.
Micropede is a clone of the classic Centipede (or Millipede) arcade games. It is a fast moving arcade game where the goal is to eliminate the "micropede" without contacting any of the many obstacles in the game. While not as popular or entertaining as games like Pacman or Galaga, this style of game was very popular in arcades at the time of its original release. (Note: A mouse is required for this game.)
You've probably played Monopoly before; the Parker Brothers' board game has become a ubiquitous game to play when you want to engage in a bitter and fruitless contest with your friends and/or relatives. Now you can play it in text-mode! This version of the game is fairly basic but it does attempt to simulate the board game as closely as it can using basic text 'graphics'.
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