Most of us remember the “old days” of computer gaming when shotty pixelated graphics were thought to be high-end.

Games like Leisure Suit Larry, Dune, Kings Quest, Populus, Wolfenstein 3-D, and even Duke Nukem 3-D are just a few in an endless list of games that are now branded as Abandonware. Surprisingly enough, those games and many others are readily available on the internet.

This guide will show you how to find and play all your favourite classic games without breaking out the old x486.

 

 

Definition of Abandonware

Games that are at least five years old and not sold by companies anymore. They are generally considered illegal but the copywrite has expired. Sometimes the game company re-issues the game as a classic and then it is not abandonware anymore.

Legal Issues:

The legal issues surrounding Abandonware are always in debate. I for one feel that if gamers are that fond of a game that are no longer published, what’s the harm in letting them continue to enjoy it? Now that’s my opinion, and yours may differ, so, do what YOU feel is right. With that said, here’s how to get started in the world of Abandonware.

1.0 How To Find Abandonware

 

Doing a simple search on Google will yield thousands of results for Abandonware, but ALOT will be cheap rip-off sites taking you through an endless journey of advertisements without the pleasure of finding your game. To save you some time and stressful keyboard pounding here are some sites that we have come up with that are easy to use and legitimate sources of classic games:

Abandonia
The BEST resource of Abandonware that I have found so far. It lists games by genre, popularity, and type. Along with providing the games, Abandonia also gives links to Art, Music and Programs all relating to Classic DOS Games.

Abandoneer
Another good no BS resource of games. Although, the list of games isn’t quite as extensive as Abandonia, it’s still as great resource worth checking out.

FreeOldies.com
This site acts as a portal for most Abandonware sites on the internet with full searching capabilities. It’s a good resource, but I would still prefer going to the actual sites themselves.

2.0 I Have the Games, Now How Do I Play Them?

I’m assuming that many of you are running on an updated version of Windows (ME, 2000, XP) and playing the classic games, which were intended for use in the MS-DOS environment, can be a little tricky at first to figure out. Don’t worry, there are many options for you to try.

2.1 - Tweaking XP Settings

This is the first (and most tedious) way was to try to get your classic game to operate under a Window’s environment, but it may just work.

Tweak 1: Optimize Your Memory:

Back in the day (if I may use such a phrase) DOS used funky memory settings like XMS, EMS, and other strange things you shouldn’t have to worry about now. Use the following to “trick” the memory allocating of the game:

• Open My Computer and find your game’s executable file.
• Right Click on that file and choose Properties
• Click the Memory tab
• Change all the values in the Drop-Down Boxes to the Highest values possible.
• Make sure Protected and Uses HMA are both checked.
• Now click Apply and then OK

Tweak 2: Slow Down a Bit:

The processors of today exceed that of old machines by leaps and bounds. Older games do not know how to handle such speeds, and in most cases they either run at a much higher frame rate than intended or just crash! Try the following for a fix:

• Open My Computer and find your game’s executable file.
• Right Click on that file and choose Properties
• Click the Program Tab
• Click the Advanced Button
• Make sure the Compatible Timer Emulation is checked.
• Now click Apply and then OK

 

If the above two tweaks do not solve the problems that occur while running your game there are other steps you can take in order to resolve the issues, BUT in the end it might be easier to start using a DOS emulator.

3.0 - Using a DOS Emulator

Using a DOS Emulator versus using XP’s file properties is much easier (and my own personal preference) and reliable. There are many DOS emulators on the net to choose from, but I would highly recommend DOSBox. I have successfully executed many programs through this emulator.

DOSBox
DOSBox is a DOS-emulator that also emulates CPU:286/386 realmode/protected mode, Directory FileSystem/XMS/EMS, Tandy/Hercules/CGA/EGA/VGA/VESA graphics, a SoundBlaster/Gravis Ultra Sound card for excellent sound compatibility with older games.

DOSEMU
DOSEMU stands for DOS Emulation, and allows you to run DOS and many DOS programs, including many DPMI applications such as DOOM and Windows 3.1, under Linux. That’s it! In just a few minutes you’ll be fragging Nazis in Wolfenstein, playing God in Populus, or learning the art of safe sex in Leisure Suit Larry. Always remember, Ken Sent Me!