After our readers so enthusiastically took to the idea of listing the best classic PC games of all time, I wanted to pull out the alphabetical directory in order to make it easy for everyone to find their favorite games.
Updated over several weeks in September of 2013, the list has an absolutely absurd number of excellent PC games—we’ve stopped doing official updates, but there are still new PC games coming in every now and then. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed.
2015 note: Sometime between when this article originally ran and now, Kinja decided to insert related links/images for every entry. On the one hand, it looks a little bit weird to see every game’s title listed twice. On the other hand, I really like the image thumbnails. So, for now, I’ll leave em in.
And so! Our full directory of the Classic PC Games You Must Play:
0-9
https://kotaku.com/4d-sports-boxing-why-in-1991-a-sports-masterpiece-was-1255493731
https://kotaku.com/the-7th-guest-1993-why-the-7th-guest-produced-by-tri-1259820582
https://kotaku.com/xiii-why-because-it-is-thirteen-its-narrative-its-v-1281244926
A
https://kotaku.com/abes-oddysee-why-games-just-arent-difficult-enough-any-1253685130
https://kotaku.com/adventure-aka-colossal-cave-why-its-the-first-adventu-1266651714
Age of Empires II: Age of Kings (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/age-of-empires-ii-age-of-kings-why-age-of-empires-ii-1253653645
https://kotaku.com/age-of-mythology-and-expansion-age-of-mythology-the-ti-1254465898
https://kotaku.com/why-i-just-recently-heard-about-the-aow-series-and-w-1253665754
https://kotaku.com/albion-why-this-european-rpg-was-released-in-1995-and-1250688597
https://kotaku.com/aliens-vs-predator-2-why-the-sequel-to-the-1999-surpr-1254202614
https://kotaku.com/alley-cat-why-one-of-the-first-colour-ibm-pc-games-tha-1254456752
https://kotaku.com/alone-in-the-dark-why-its-basically-the-original-survi-1254082539
https://kotaku.com/americas-army-why-the-official-us-army-game-was-certai-1260518800
https://kotaku.com/american-mcgees-alice-why-the-idea-concept-of-this-gam-1285284403
https://kotaku.com/anachronox-why-because-its-a-unique-blend-of-jrpg-mech-1253695480
Another World/Out of This World
https://kotaku.com/out-of-this-world-another-world-why-one-of-the-big-d-1253747651
Arcanum: of Steamworks and Magick Obscura (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/arcanum-of-steamworks-and-magick-obscura-why-its-an-u-1254103680
https://kotaku.com/arx-fatalis-why-this-is-arkane-studioss-dishonored-1255023968
https://kotaku.com/axis-allies-why-this-game-is-actually-an-adaptation-1257792241
B
https://kotaku.com/bad-mojo-why-bad-mojo-tells-the-story-of-a-young-man-1253831386
http://kotaku.com/http-img-gawkerassets-com-img-18z5y4b9dc67jpng-origin-1254368635
Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn
https://kotaku.com/battle-bugs-why-at-first-glance-you-might-mistake-it-f-1261341769
https://kotaku.com/battle-chess-why-its-chess-but-instead-of-dull-gener-1256676734
https://kotaku.com/battlefield-1942-why-this-game-spawned-the-entire-batt-1252142225
https://kotaku.com/https-www-youtube-com-watch-v-jhvstzrjdnq-battle-isle-1258038943
Battle Realms: Winter of the Wolf
https://kotaku.com/battle-realms-winter-of-the-wolf-why-this-fantasy-ori-1256628061
Battlezone (Seconded) (Thirded)
https://kotaku.com/battlezone-1998-why-an-amazing-balance-of-rts-and-me-1253622446
https://kotaku.com/the-bards-tale-why-this-game-set-a-very-high-bar-in-19-1257389919
https://kotaku.com/game-name-beast-and-bumpkins-why-this-is-an-old-schoo-1255856820
Betrayal at Krondor (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/betrayal-at-krondor-why-its-the-first-true-3d-open-wor-1254083170
https://kotaku.com/https-upload-wikimedia-org-wikipedia-en-7-7b-black_-2-1253684385
https://kotaku.com/bladerunner-the-game-why-one-of-the-very-few-games-bas-1255499599
https://kotaku.com/blake-stone-why-this-game-was-released-in-1993-and-was-1254083780
https://kotaku.com/blood-why-released-in-1998-monolith-productions-first-1255086863
https://kotaku.com/bloodnet-why-vampires-and-cyberpunk-cyberpunk-and-vam-1249726478
https://kotaku.com/bioforge-why-because-its-one-of-my-fondest-memories-as-1256539709
https://kotaku.com/birth-of-the-federation-why-birth-of-the-federation-is-1259060906
Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars
https://kotaku.com/broken-sword-shadow-of-the-templars-circle-of-blood-i-1255763102
C
https://kotaku.com/catechumen-why-what-could-be-any-better-a-christian-th-1253639322
https://kotaku.com/caesar-iii-why-after-simcity-2000-this-is-next-best-c-1255364480
https://kotaku.com/carmageddon-1-2-why-on-the-surface-carmageddon-look-1250857442
https://kotaku.com/castles-ii-siege-conquest-why-an-old-school-strate-1255118230
https://kotaku.com/chex-questwhy-take-doom-and-reskin-it-with-green-ooze-1255635177
https://kotaku.com/might-be-cheating-a-little-since-its-originally-a-bbc-m-1255030697
https://kotaku.com/circuits-edge-why-the-plot-character-and-dialogue-wer-1253747868
Clive Barker’s Undying (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/why-horror-games-are-a-difficult-lot-to-make-and-judge-1257864496
Close Combat II – A Bridge too Far
https://kotaku.com/close-combat-ii-a-bridge-too-far-why-this-game-to-t-1253766273
https://kotaku.com/the-clue-why-its-a-heist-game-that-blew-my-mind-back-1257858724
Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord
https://kotaku.com/comanche-4-why-we-all-know-these-guys-nova-logic-for-1265990948
https://kotaku.com/http-youtu-be-d8g74vtpxas-t-2scommand-conquer-gener-1253835105
https://kotaku.com/command-conquer-renegade-why-its-one-most-entertai-1254840001
https://kotaku.com/command-conquer-red-alert-why-if-it-wasnt-for-this-1305833428
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
https://kotaku.com/command-and-conquer-red-alert-2-why-first-off-before-1253649632
https://kotaku.com/commander-keen-why-im-having-difficulty-believing-this-1259141859
https://kotaku.com/commander-keen-4-the-lost-oracle-first-episode-of-g-1263955376
https://kotaku.com/commandos-behind-enemy-lines-why-its-awesome-nuf-sai-1254287933
https://kotaku.com/conquests-of-camelot-why-its-a-sierra-adventure-game-t-1259814886
Conquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin Hood
https://kotaku.com/conquests-of-the-longbow-the-legend-of-robin-hood-why-1255686002
https://kotaku.com/constructor-why-in-this-isometric-city-building-sim-y-1257336373
https://kotaku.com/counter-strike-why-counter-strike-was-and-still-is-one-1253780636
https://kotaku.com/crimsonland-why-a-definite-cult-classic-hardcore-shoot-1276554761
https://kotaku.com/why-awesome-sci-fi-isometric-shooter-this-game-has-t-1254430493
https://kotaku.com/the-secret-of-monkey-island-2-lechucks-revenge-you-pro-1253792569
https://kotaku.com/cyber-gladiators-why-this-3d-fighting-game-made-by-si-1253832242
D
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-uehrflpujps-why-dark-ag-1266095247
https://kotaku.com/the-dark-eye-why-this-creepy-atmospheric-point-and-cl-1258199237
https://kotaku.com/darklands-why-its-elder-scrolls-meets-ultima-and-all-s-1254837480
https://kotaku.com/http-www-abandonia-com-files-games-3579-dark-20legion-1255586414
https://kotaku.com/dark-reign-why-old-school-yet-unique-rts-game-probabl-1255391154
https://kotaku.com/descent-why-the-first-3d-game-that-really-made-me-vomi-1253733626
https://kotaku.com/delta-force-black-hawk-down-why-in-a-time-before-cod-1266056908
Diablo I and II (Seconded) (Thirded)
https://kotaku.com/diablo-ii-diablo-ii-lord-of-destruction-1253682397
https://kotaku.com/dink-smallwood-why-i-feel-like-i-always-speak-into-a-v-1258075601
https://kotaku.com/dino-park-tycoon-why-the-best-sim-game-ever-made-yo-1254125506
https://kotaku.com/dark-seed-why-one-of-the-earliest-horror-games-this-p-1253489122
Day of the Tentacle (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/day-of-the-tentacle-why-day-of-the-tentacle-sequel-to-1262888238
https://kotaku.com/deathtrack-why-deathtrack-not-to-be-confused-with-the-1260939390
https://kotaku.com/deus-ex-why-in-many-ways-deus-ex-is-the-game-cons-1252015814
https://kotaku.com/die-by-the-sword-why-a-dark-and-violent-sword-fight-1254024589
https://kotaku.com/the-dig-why-i-think-this-lucas-arts-game-has-been-forg-1259096932
https://kotaku.com/the-ultimate-doom-why-its-one-of-the-earliest-and-o-1253631758
https://kotaku.com/drod-deadly-rooms-of-death-why-its-the-perfect-puzzle-1254789778
https://kotaku.com/duke-nukem-3d-atomic-edition-why-its-inappropriate-f-1254008491
Dune 2: The Building of a Dynasty
https://kotaku.com/dune-2-the-building-of-a-dynasty-why-it-was-one-of-t-1253989341
https://kotaku.com/dungeon-keeper-why-another-classic-god-sim-strategy-1253691659
https://kotaku.com/dungeon-keeper-2-best-game-ever-made-1253656899
https://kotaku.com/dungeon-siege-legends-of-aranna-why-unlike-its-seque-1253833062
Dust: A Tale Of The Wired West
https://kotaku.com/why-released-in-1995-this-games-art-and-graphics-pret-1261435705
E
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (Seconded) (Thirded)
https://kotaku.com/why-aside-from-its-ridiculously-large-yet-copy-paste-w-1254396802
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
https://kotaku.com/the-elder-scrolls-iii-morrowind-why-a-first-person-no-1253698891
https://kotaku.com/emperor-battle-for-dune-why-dune-ii-1992-may-have-g-1254042179
https://kotaku.com/emperor-of-the-fading-suns-why-this-turn-based-4x-game-1254270396
https://kotaku.com/epic-pinball-why-one-of-the-classic-pre-unreal-epic-ga-1258664954
Escape Velocity Nova (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/escape-velocity-nova-why-for-top-down-space-shooter-wi-1254140147
https://kotaku.com/exile-3-ruined-world-avernum-3-why-this-is-one-of-the-1254587088
https://kotaku.com/general-note-the-requested-format-of-970×546-for-the-s-1259507839
F
https://kotaku.com/f-117a-nighthawk-stealth-fighter-2-why-for-a-start-i-1260280267
https://kotaku.com/fatal-racing-whiplash-why-if-you-like-arcade-racing-1255736777
https://kotaku.com/fallout-why-the-first-fallout-game-was-an-instant-class-1254007036
https://kotaku.com/fallout-2-why-not-only-does-it-give-you-the-freedom-to-1253600676
https://kotaku.com/why-the-game-was-a-insanely-fun-with-smooth-animation-1258717454
Freddy Pharkas, Frontier Pharmacist
https://kotaku.com/freddy-pharkas-frontier-pharmacist-why-just-think-of-1255443184
https://kotaku.com/why-freedom-fighters-is-arguably-the-definition-of-a-p-1256863452
https://kotaku.com/freedom-force-why-well-its-made-by-the-same-studio-tha-1254909150
https://kotaku.com/freespace-2-why-better-than-the-first-game-descent-f-1253751228
https://kotaku.com/freelancer-why-pretty-awesome-space-battles-with-many-1253644349
https://kotaku.com/frontier-elite-2-why-the-original-and-still-unbeaten-1253793115
https://kotaku.com/why-its-great-full-throttle-was-a-wholly-unique-settin-1253770344
https://kotaku.com/fury-3-why-classic-futuristic-air-combat-game-included-1258577626
G
https://kotaku.com/g-nome-7th-level-why-g-nome-is-a-mech-game-that-to-t-1262020710
Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers
https://kotaku.com/gabriel-knight-sins-of-the-fathers-why-tim-curry-wel-1254456319
Gabriel Knight: The Beast Within
https://kotaku.com/the-beast-within-a-gabriel-knight-mystery-why-one-of-1255155814
https://kotaku.com/gender-wars-why-this-was-an-utterly-ridiculous-game-in-1260257105
Giants: Citizen Kabuto (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/author-is-participating-giants-citizen-kabuto-1256351320
https://kotaku.com/goblins-3-great-puzzler-spent-way-too-much-time-tryin-1253904329
https://kotaku.com/gothic-why-an-inescapable-prison-a-magic-barrier-that-1255751060
https://kotaku.com/gorillas-qbasic-why-when-ms-dos-5-0-released-this-w-1261799927
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-wjl5wx-d-q-gorky-17-ak-1253966214
https://kotaku.com/for-any-racing-fan-1998s-grand-prix-legends-is-a-must-1254702973
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-roqstkto_n4-grand-theft-1253789324
https://kotaku.com/why-its-the-swan-song-of-the-lucasarts-adventure-game-1253632560
https://kotaku.com/ground-control-why-ground-control-and-its-sequels-we-1262572489
H
https://kotaku.com/half-life-why-half-life-was-the-first-game-to-successf-1253615769
Halo: Combat Evolved (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/halo-combat-evolved-pc-edition-why-its-halo-on-pc-w-1253873989
https://kotaku.com/hardwar-1998-why-frequently-forgotten-flight-sim-s-1253691041
https://kotaku.com/game-heavy-gear-2-why-this-game-is-what-i-would-consi-1254990610
H.E.D.Z. (Head Extreme Destruction Zone)
https://kotaku.com/h-e-d-z-head-extreme-destruction-zone-1998-why-this-1255204047
https://kotaku.com/hexen-beyond-heretic-why-hexen-beyond-heretic-is-as-1255937296
https://kotaku.com/hexxagon-why-currently-casual-gamers-have-long-had-add-1255527810
Heroes of Might & Magic III (Seconded) (Thirded)
https://kotaku.com/heroes-of-might-and-magic-iii-complete-why-heroes-of-m-1253920520
https://kotaku.com/hidden-and-dangerous-2-game-name-why-it-was-a-gre-1258191376
https://kotaku.com/hocus-pocuswhy-it-was-a-clever-game-by-apogee-to-relea-1305883420
https://kotaku.com/homeworld-why-true-3d-rts-with-epic-soundtrack-and-t-1253974913
https://kotaku.com/hostile-waters-antaeus-rising-2001-why-hostile-wate-1255746094
I
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-iw-88h-lctk-i-have-no-mo-1254304963
https://kotaku.com/i-war-deluxe-edition-why-i-war-is-an-immersive-space-1259976112
https://kotaku.com/why-is-icewind-dale-ii-not-on-this-list-1254757607
https://kotaku.com/iji-why-iji-is-one-of-those-games-that-shows-why-ga-1258095892
https://kotaku.com/imperium-galactica-2-why-where-to-begin-this-game-is-1254357233
Independence War 2: Edge of Chaos
https://kotaku.com/independence-war-2-edge-of-chaos-released-2001publis-1258816360
Incubation: Time is Running Out
https://kotaku.com/incubation-time-is-running-out-us-title-why-a-tac-1258622388
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (Seconded) (Thirded) (Fourthed)
https://kotaku.com/indiana-jones-and-the-fate-of-atlantis-why-indiana-jon-1258722602
Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine
https://kotaku.com/indiana-jones-and-the-infernal-machine-1999-why-unde-1258858867
https://kotaku.com/interstate-76-is-still-my-favorite-game-of-all-time-1253695892
https://kotaku.com/the-incredible-machine-why-because-its-how-you-do-educ-1253820862
https://kotaku.com/it-came-from-the-desertwhy-this-is-an-adventure-game-d-1296412640
J
https://kotaku.com/jazz-jackrabbit-2-why-think-about-your-favorite-fps-ga-1256025796
https://kotaku.com/jagged-alliance-2-and-ja2-unfinished-bussiness-why-on-1254266471
https://kotaku.com/jill-of-the-jungle-why-its-a-great-sidescroller-that-i-1260332844
https://kotaku.com/the-journeyman-projectwhy-this-was-one-of-the-first-cd-1254488901
The Journeyman Project 2: Buried in Time
https://kotaku.com/journeyman-project-2-buried-in-time-why-its-the-best-1260024767
https://kotaku.com/judge-dredd-dredd-vs-death-why-judge-dredd-dredd-vs-d-1256206460
https://kotaku.com/jumpman-why-first-off-you-said-classic-pc-nothing-i-1257231038
Jurassic Park: Trespasser (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/trespasser-why-this-game-was-innovative-in-many-ways-1262242562
K
https://kotaku.com/king-of-dragon-pass-1999-why-kodp-is-an-excellent-t-1258652013
King’s Quest V: Absence Makes The Heart Go Yonder!
https://kotaku.com/kings-quest-v-why-this-is-the-creme-de-la-creme-of-poi-1253740555
L
Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos
https://kotaku.com/lands-of-lore-the-throne-of-chaos-why-this-is-one-o-1258522667
https://kotaku.com/the-last-express-why-the-last-express-is-one-of-the-gr-1253680712
https://kotaku.com/lemmings-why-challenging-puzzle-game-the-goal-is-to-g-1253955894
The Legend of Kyrandia, Book 2: Hand of Fate (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/legend-of-kyrandia-book-2-the-hand-of-fate-why-the-1249267215
https://kotaku.com/lego-island-why-the-first-open-world-game-i-ever-playe-1254119949
Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards
https://kotaku.com/leisure-suit-larry-in-the-land-of-the-lounge-lizards-wh-1255348593
https://kotaku.com/lighthouse-the-dark-being-1996-sierra-on-line-why-l-1255629749
Little Big Adventure 2 (Seconded) (Thrirded) (Fourthed!)
https://kotaku.com/little-big-adventure-2-twinsens-odyssey-why-lba-2-is-1253755228
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-0tevgkorj4w-the-longest-1250358749
https://kotaku.com/loom-why-an-adventure-game-with-no-inventory-all-the-1258649429
https://kotaku.com/lords-of-the-realm-2-why-one-of-the-greatest-strategy-1266069514
M
https://kotaku.com/image-http-upload-wikimedia-org-wikipedia-en-thumb-b-1297517621
https://kotaku.com/manhunter-new-york-why-one-of-the-most-underappreciat-1254652999
https://kotaku.com/maniac-mansionhis-ambition-was-to-rule-the-world-one-1261847482
Marathon Series (Seconded) (Thirded)
https://kotaku.com/marathon-series-why-fast-paced-fps-action-engaging-st-1254781672
https://kotaku.com/master-of-magic-why-old-school-civilization-meets-magi-1253631533
Majesty: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim
https://kotaku.com/majesty-the-fantasy-kingdom-sim-why-its-an-rts-sim-hy-1255910469
Master of Orion (s) (Seconded) (Thirded) (Fourthed) (Fifthed)
https://kotaku.com/master-of-orion-why-still-have-the-dna-of-a-microprose-1256095377
https://kotaku.com/master-of-orion-ii-battle-at-antares-why-the-absolute-1257915109
https://kotaku.com/max-payne-why-max-payne-is-a-gritty-noir-third-person-1258033879
https://kotaku.com/mdk-why-this-game-is-incredibly-underrated-mostly-bec-1256094099
https://kotaku.com/why-because-thats-a-bioware-game-from-times-when-biowa-1253877519
https://kotaku.com/mean-streets-why-most-people-first-met-future-noir-det-1255761600
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-11xfnlrjdhg-medieval-to-1253945987
https://kotaku.com/metal-fatigue-metal-conflict-why-this-is-great-strat-1262559185
https://kotaku.com/metal-marines-pc-1994-why-metal-marines-is-a-real-1253814308
Medal of Honor: Allied Assault
https://kotaku.com/medal-of-honor-allied-assault-why-the-precursor-to-ca-1257765794
https://kotaku.com/megazeux-originally-a-shareware-title-megazeux-eventua-1255315150
https://kotaku.com/mech-commander-2-why-its-a-tactical-strategy-game-wher-1254356531
https://kotaku.com/mechwarrior-2-31st-century-combat-why-the-first-time-1254156876
https://kotaku.com/meridian-59-why-released-in-1996-meridian-59-may-well-1255332987
Microsoft’s “Best of Windows Entertainment Pack”
https://kotaku.com/microsofts-best-of-windows-entertainment-pack-why-it-1254799860
Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/might-magic-vi-the-mandate-of-heaven-why-it-has-eve-1251762440
https://kotaku.com/might-and-magic-world-of-xeen-why-its-the-best-i-play-1259907345
Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge
Moraff’s Dungeons of the Unforgiven
https://kotaku.com/why-this-is-a-simple-dungeon-maze-turn-based-game-i-f-1293530405
https://kotaku.com/motocross-madness-why-apioneer-of-open-world-racing-an-1253932232
https://kotaku.com/myst-why-its-the-grandaddy-of-the-first-person-puzzle-1253848238
https://kotaku.com/myth-the-fallen-lords-why-myth-was-largely-overlook-1254536785
Myth II: Soulblighter (Seconded) (Thirded)
https://kotaku.com/game-myth-ii-soulblighter-why-myth-2-forgoes-the-b-1254558885
N
https://kotaku.com/nethack-why-even-explaining-why-would-take-too-long-1254333283
https://kotaku.com/neverwinter-nights-1254000650
https://kotaku.com/the-neverhood-why-the-neverhood-is-a-point-and-click-1254451379
https://kotaku.com/neuromancer-why-this-1988-pc-game-was-a-loosely-based-1255022114
https://kotaku.com/nitemare-3d-why-this-game-plays-like-wolfenstein-3d-e-1254104531
https://kotaku.com/why-you-play-as-stranger-a-man-with-a-hatred-of-th-1254793299
https://kotaku.com/no-one-lives-forever-1-2-why-as-ive-already-detailed-1248071625
Nosferatu: The Wrath of Malachi
https://kotaku.com/nosferatu-the-wrath-of-malachi-why-nosferatu-the-wra-1302463587
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-xkv0ovlx13gnox-why-this-1256338374
O
https://kotaku.com/omikron-the-nomad-soul-why-so-many-reasons-3d-bowi-1253770160
https://kotaku.com/one-must-fall-2097-why-back-in-the-early-90s-the-pc-1254026929
https://kotaku.com/openttd-why-because-its-an-open-source-update-of-the-1-1256040352
Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/operation-flashpoint-cold-war-crisis-why-this-is-t-1254954202
https://kotaku.com/the-oregon-trail-deluxe-why-the-original-game-was-desi-1257927230
https://kotaku.com/outpost-2released-1997-published-by-sierra-developed-1253989286
https://kotaku.com/outlaws-oulaws-is-first-fps-to-feature-zooming-for-the-1257954313
https://kotaku.com/why-because-this-game-does-what-every-modern-game-does-1253690488
P
https://kotaku.com/panzer-general-2why-one-of-the-best-wargames-ever-made-1253753314
https://kotaku.com/patrician-iii-why-because-its-one-of-the-last-true-hybr-1253733031
https://kotaku.com/phantasmagoria-why-at-that-time-that-kind-of-tension-1254965636
https://kotaku.com/pharaoh-why-pharaoh-is-one-of-the-best-city-building-g-1256221031
https://kotaku.com/pizza-tycoon-on-one-hand-a-beautiful-pizza-restaurant-1257751940
Planescape Torment (Seconded) (Thirded)
https://kotaku.com/planescape-torment-why-a-contender-for-the-title-of-b-1253719724
https://kotaku.com/prehistorik-1-2-why-who-said-pc-is-only-for-point-cl-1253922270
https://kotaku.com/project-snowblind-technically-a-spiritual-predecessor-1255329005
https://kotaku.com/pod-gold-why-made-and-published-by-ubisoft-in-1997-po-1253899866
https://kotaku.com/http-youtu-be-y8tvtkmn2gs-police-quest-iii-why-its-t-1249865259
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-bif-dcswhwc-populous-3-t-1253701854
https://kotaku.com/prince-of-persia-original-why-prince-of-persia-is-a-1261117006
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-vmxyn4hqey0-project-eden-1312427468
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-2w4pgc16xts-name-pune-w-1260403499
Q
https://kotaku.com/quake-ii-why-the-single-player-is-a-straight-up-shoote-1260134243
https://kotaku.com/quake-3-arena-why-though-deathmatch-technically-existe-1253900549
https://kotaku.com/quarantine-http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-a4rk5iqjke8-w-1258505506
The Quest for Glory Series (Seconded) (Thirded)
https://kotaku.com/the-quest-for-glory-series-why-the-quest-for-glory-ser-1253644843
R
https://kotaku.com/ramawhy-this-game-is-great-if-you-are-a-fan-of-the-leg-1254324320
https://kotaku.com/raptor-call-of-the-shadows-why-because-it-is-one-of-t-1253776199
https://kotaku.com/rayman-why-the-original-rayman-holds-up-today-as-a-bri-1257518245
https://kotaku.com/rainbow-six-raven-shield-why-this-series-placed-tacti-1255108111
https://kotaku.com/realms-of-the-haunting-why-the-horror-action-rpg-genr-1258560979
https://kotaku.com/one-of-my-favorite-whimsical-pc-games-posted-here-s-1255348277
https://kotaku.com/republic-the-revolution-why-while-long-considered-vap-1255136957
https://kotaku.com/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-why-this-game-was-the-1253963314
https://kotaku.com/rise-of-nations-why-rise-of-nations-helped-shape-the-s-1256386220
https://kotaku.com/rise-of-the-robots-why-this-was-one-of-the-very-first-1254519513
https://kotaku.com/rise-of-the-triad-why-to-this-day-it-remains-a-wholly-1253683297
https://kotaku.com/riven-the-sequel-to-myst-why-it-is-simply-the-most-im-1254139674
https://kotaku.com/rocket-jockey-the-most-goddammit-why-is-there-no-moder-1259233158
https://kotaku.com/roller-coaster-tycoon-why-the-addictive-classic-blend-1253887295
https://kotaku.com/rollercoaster-tycoon-2-why-released-october-of-2002-i-1253992291
https://kotaku.com/rune-why-because-its-an-excellent-third-person-brawler-1256090009
https://kotaku.com/runescape-why-chances-are-if-you-call-yourself-a-gamer-1259166909
S
https://kotaku.com/sacrifice-why-sacrifice-is-a-unique-take-on-the-rts-1254269445
https://kotaku.com/sam-and-max-hit-the-road-day-of-the-tentacle-bundle-pl-1253658952
https://kotaku.com/sanitarium-why-sanitarium-is-one-of-the-few-psycholog-1258017977
https://kotaku.com/the-scarab-of-ra-along-with-sid-meiers-pirates-this-1253828617
https://kotaku.com/scorched-earth-why-before-there-was-worms-there-was-s-1254560831
Septerra Core: Legacy of the Creator
https://kotaku.com/septerra-core-legacy-of-the-creator-why-septerra-core-1253642805
Serious Sam 2: The Second Encounter
https://kotaku.com/serious-sam-the-second-encounter-why-the-sequel-to-th-1254354993
https://kotaku.com/settlers-2-why-a-very-different-take-on-the-rts-genre-1257872140
https://kotaku.com/severance-blade-of-darkness-blade-of-darkness-blad-1253955136
https://kotaku.com/why-loved-playing-this-in-old-school-lan-parties-and-h-1253859404
https://kotaku.com/shogun-total-war-why-the-very-first-game-in-a-long-li-1258890431
https://kotaku.com/shufflepuck-cafe-why-because-you-havent-truly-experien-1254449879
Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri/Alien Crossfire (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/sid-meiers-alpha-centauri-alien-crossfire-1999-why-a-1253718043
https://kotaku.com/sid-meiers-covert-action-microprose-1990-ms-dos-ami-1259199084
https://kotaku.com/sid-meiers-civilization-ii-why-same-hard-to-put-down-1254348441
https://kotaku.com/sid-meiers-colonization-why-because-its-the-perfect-st-1249585816
https://kotaku.com/sid-meiers-pirates-why-pirates-is-quite-simply-a-ma-1254760229
https://kotaku.com/silver-why-silver-was-released-in-1999-and-was-an-a-1253899154
https://kotaku.com/simcity-2000-why-one-of-the-few-games-that-kept-me-awa-1255258661
https://kotaku.com/sim-city-4-why-its-probably-the-best-version-of-sim-ci-1254173665
https://kotaku.com/sim-tower-the-vertical-empire-1994-why-simtower-th-1259664385
https://kotaku.com/simon-the-sorcerer-1-and-2-why-a-fantastic-adventure-g-1258836939
SkiFree (Ha, ha.)
https://kotaku.com/skifreewhy-because-youre-running-a-computer-that-has-l-1253626378
https://kotaku.com/http-image-dosgamesarchive-com-screenshots-skyroads1-1253713629
https://kotaku.com/why-space-quest-was-a-humorous-text-adventure-filled-w-1253869536
https://kotaku.com/why-it-looks-like-this-ubisoft-franchise-has-been-forg-1253814015
https://kotaku.com/spellforce-the-order-of-dawn-why-the-flawless-com-1255597530
Spycraft: The Great Game (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/spycraft-the-great-game-why-this-is-one-of-those-unsu-1259138267
Star Control II (Seconded) (Thirded) (Fourthed)
https://kotaku.com/star-control-ii-why-star-control-ii-is-funny-weird-an-1253801392
https://kotaku.com/starflight-1986-why-the-granddaddy-of-space-e-1253815703
https://kotaku.com/starcraft-why-because-rts-its-so-easy-to-pickup-and-1253597646
https://kotaku.com/stargoose-why-its-a-deceptively-brutal-shmup-with-some-1259749204
https://kotaku.com/starlancer-why-its-chris-roberts-forgotten-child-and-i-1275118121
https://kotaku.com/starsit-was-released-in-multiple-languages-including-e-1254061332
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-pjuu2s3s5sm-starsiege-t-1254106018
https://kotaku.com/startopia-why-a-dungeon-keeper-like-strategy-sim-based-1253843083
https://kotaku.com/http-youtu-be-aw8yk_eihju-star-wars-dark-forces-why-1249597110
Star Wars: Dark Forces 2: Jedi Knight
https://kotaku.com/star-wars-jedi-knight-dark-forces-2-mystery-of-the-sith-1258152382
https://kotaku.com/star-wars-episode-1-racer-why-brilliant-racing-game-1260551051
Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds
https://kotaku.com/http-img-gawkerassets-com-img-18z5phrs6rx19jpg-origin-1254029331
Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
https://kotaku.com/star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast-why-its-an-exc-1253829622
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
https://kotaku.com/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-why-knights-of-1249618906
https://kotaku.com/http-img-gawkerassets-com-img-18z5okvxndr8jjpg-origin-1253877214
https://kotaku.com/star-wars-x-wing-why-yes-wing-commander-should-be-so-1251623455
Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter
https://kotaku.com/star-wars-x-wing-vs-tie-fighter-why-it-is-fun-to-pl-1259815233
https://kotaku.com/strife-why-strife-was-a-first-person-shooter-using-a-s-1290766329
https://kotaku.com/ubisoft-subculture-why-when-i-had-my-first-computer-as-1256122716
https://kotaku.com/superhero-league-of-hoboken-why-this-1994-pc-title-was-1254961946
https://kotaku.com/why-theres-way-too-much-to-say-here-if-you-ever-wante-1294226077
https://kotaku.com/syberia-1-2-why-sigh-this-game-this-game-made-me-1267850711
https://kotaku.com/i-didnt-see-this-one-mentioned-i-searched-syndicat-1253895936
https://kotaku.com/syndicate-wars-why-syndicate-wars-was-yet-another-clas-1289356473
https://kotaku.com/system-shock-why-im-shocked-heh-that-nobodys-mention-1291713740
T
https://kotaku.com/temple-of-elemental-evil-why-well-its-the-closest-vide-1258898103
Tex Murphy: Under a Killing Moon
https://kotaku.com/under-a-killing-moon-why-meet-tex-murphy-an-ex-cop-who-1253812014
https://kotaku.com/theme-hospital-why-if-you-like-strategy-simulation-and-1254884524
https://kotaku.com/thexter-why-while-i-dont-really-believe-that-this-is-1255337802
https://kotaku.com/thief-the-dark-project-thief-ii-the-metal-age-why-1251050149
https://kotaku.com/time-commando-why-a-very-original-pc-adventure-game-in-1257114149
Titanic: Adventure out of Time
https://kotaku.com/why-titanic-was-the-ultimate-adventure-then-and-now-i-1256900796
Total Annihilation (Seconded) (Thirded ) (Fourthed) (Fifthed)
https://kotaku.com/total-annihilation-1997-by-cavedog-entertainment-why-1255927528
https://kotaku.com/tomb-raider-why-a-fantastic-game-that-inspired-awe-and-1289807947
https://kotaku.com/why-this-was-one-of-the-unknown-greats-in-my-mind-its-1253893561
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-i79lvbtqr6a-traffic-depa-1257931608
https://kotaku.com/treasure-quest-why-i-saw-this-game-on-a-rack-in-a-star-1266700811
https://kotaku.com/tron-2-0-why-published-in-late-2003-this-video-game-h-1255532395
https://kotaku.com/tyrian-why-for-many-pc-gamers-in-the-tansitional-era-b-1257051676
U
https://kotaku.com/ultrabots-why-ultrabots-was-a-basic-game-with-some-1259115774
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-enrocp5tmbk-urban-assaul-1259035189
Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar
https://kotaku.com/ultima-iv-why-it-broke-ground-in-what-made-todays-rpgs-1257980452
https://kotaku.com/ultima-v-warriors-of-destiny-why-ultima-v-was-a-groun-1257421318
https://kotaku.com/ultima-6-why-while-ultima-7-arguably-nailed-the-sandbo-1257130010
https://kotaku.com/ultima-vii-the-black-gate-why-a-culmination-of-many-o-1253807041
https://kotaku.com/ultima-viii-paganwhy-as-much-as-the-rest-of-the-ultim-1259307612
https://kotaku.com/ultima-underworld-why-one-of-the-first-great-free-movi-1253520800
Ultima Worlds of Adventure 2: Martian Dreams
https://kotaku.com/game-ultima-worlds-of-adventure-2-martian-dreams-why-1253632745
https://kotaku.com/why-we-have-unreal-tournament-but-not-the-game-that-ki-1256184985
https://kotaku.com/http-images1-wikia-nocookie-net-__cb20110326235548-un-1253646825
https://kotaku.com/uprising-why-back-in-the-days-where-you-play-red-alert-1253847244
V
Vampire: The Masquerade: Redemption (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/vampire-the-masquerade-redemption-why-well-before-c-1253770545
W
Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/warcraft-ii-tides-of-darkness-why-i-am-amazed-that-1255479927
https://kotaku.com/warcraft-3-why-id-like-to-say-because-it-changed-the-w-1253642194
Warlords III: Darklords Rising
https://kotaku.com/warlords-iii-darklords-rising-why-by-red-orb-entertai-1255298716
https://kotaku.com/warpath-for-windows-3-x-used-to-come-in-all-the-freewa-1256777072
https://kotaku.com/warzone-2100-why-one-of-the-very-first-3d-rts-games-w-1260237583
https://kotaku.com/wasteland-why-why-why-ok-deep-breath-waste-1255804090
Wizardry VI: Bane of the Cosmic Forge
https://kotaku.com/wizardy-vi-bane-of-the-cosmic-forge-why-probably-one-1254641008
Wizardry VII: Crusaders of Dark Savant (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/wizardry-vi-bane-of-the-cosmic-forge-and-wizardry-vii-1254588247
https://kotaku.com/wizardry-8-why-the-final-release-in-the-wizardry-seri-1258474462
Wing Commander: Privateer (Seconded)
https://kotaku.com/wing-commander-privateer-why-in-the-shadows-of-the-fr-1255006482
https://kotaku.com/wing-commander-iii-heart-of-the-tiger-why-the-wing-co-1253868174
https://kotaku.com/the-wheel-of-time-why-the-wheel-of-time-was-largely-ig-1256361653
https://kotaku.com/why-first-fps-of-hitory-where-you-can-get-it-steam-1254641028
Wolfenstein 3D: Spear of Destiny
https://kotaku.com/spear-of-destiny-why-spear-of-destiny-the-forgot-1260375906
Worlds of Ultima 1: Savage Empire
https://kotaku.com/worlds-of-ultima-1-savage-empire-why-savage-empire-is-1255712503
https://kotaku.com/worms-world-party-why-are-you-kidding-concrete-donke-1255370014
WWF Wrestlemania The Arcade Game
https://kotaku.com/wwf-wrestlemania-the-arcade-game-why-the-ms-dos-versio-1255571704
X
https://kotaku.com/x-com-ufo-defense-been-playing-it-since-it-came-out-on-1253952760
https://kotaku.com/x-com-terror-from-the-deep-why-harder-than-the-first-1254007154
https://kotaku.com/x-com-apocalypse-why-its-the-game-that-made-me-a-big-1254984842
Z
https://kotaku.com/zeus-master-of-olympus-why-maybe-im-alone-in-this-bu-1254536707
https://kotaku.com/zoombinis-logical-journeywhy-if-you-dont-remember-pla-1255891258
https://kotaku.com/zork-why-it-is-one-of-the-first-video-games-ever-orig-1254995463
https://kotaku.com/zork-grand-inquisitor-why-https-www-youtube-com-wa-1259090687
https://kotaku.com/http-www-youtube-com-watch-v-4pjbxin1iz8-feature-play-1254417516
Second update: 9/5/2013 AM, added 150+ games. Keep ‘em coming.
Third update: 9/6/2013 PM, added 80+ games.
Fourth update: 9/18/2013 AM, added 20+ games. This will probably be our last official update. If you’ve added a game that you feel desperately needs to be included in the list, don’t hesitate to email me.
Image via Shutterstock
To contact the author of this post, write to [email protected] or find him on Twitter @kirkhamilton
https://kotaku.com/the-classic-pc-games-you-must-play-1246823468
