Difference between revisions of "Cabinet-Friendly DOS Games"

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This is a listing of DOS games that are [[cabinet-friendliness|cabinet-friendly]].  Some games are friendly by default, and others require a substantial amount of tweaking in DOSBox.  See the tips where applicable.
+
This is a work-in-progress listing of DOS games that are [[cabinet-friendliness|cabinet-friendly]], meaning they play well using a MAME-compatible control panel.  Some games are cabinet-friendly as-is, while others require a substantial amount of keymapping in [[Emulator:DOSBox|DOSBox]].  See the tips where applicable.
  
 
To make a suggestion for this list, please see the [http://www.anti-particle.com/forum_phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=569&start=0 Cabinet-friendly DOSBox games] thread at the [http://www.anti-particle.com/forum_phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=2 Wah!Cade forums].
 
To make a suggestion for this list, please see the [http://www.anti-particle.com/forum_phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=569&start=0 Cabinet-friendly DOSBox games] thread at the [http://www.anti-particle.com/forum_phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=2 Wah!Cade forums].
  
−
{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="1" width="100%" style="border: 3px solid darkgray;"
+
== Games Requiring No Keyboard Intervention ==
 +
 
 +
The games in this list require no keyboard intervention at any point.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="1" width="100%" style="border: 2px solid darkgray;"
 
! Title
 
! Title
 
! Year
 
! Year
−
! Author/Developer
+
! Developer
 
! License
 
! License
 
! Description / Tips
 
! Description / Tips
Line 17: Line 21:
 
* Mouse/Trackball.
 
* Mouse/Trackball.
 
* Exits automatically on game over.
 
* Exits automatically on game over.
−
* Keymapping CTRL-F9 to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
+
* Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Battle Chess'''
 +
| 1988
 +
| Interplay
 +
| Commericial
 +
| Animated Chess simulation
 +
* Trackball or mouse controlled.
 +
* Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Beats of Rage'''  
 
| '''Beats of Rage'''  
Line 24: Line 36:
 
| Open Source ([http://www.senileteam.com/beatsofrage.html link])
 
| Open Source ([http://www.senileteam.com/beatsofrage.html link])
 
| 1-2 Player side-scrolling fighter. Clone of Streets of Rage/Final Fight.
 
| 1-2 Player side-scrolling fighter. Clone of Streets of Rage/Final Fight.
−
* Keys are redefinable.
+
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 
* Menu navigation is done using game keys.
 
* Menu navigation is done using game keys.
−
|-
+
* ESC exits by default
−
| '''Bio Menace'''<br \>Episodes 1, 2, & 3
 
−
| 1993
 
−
| Apogee
 
−
| Freeware ([http://www.3drealms.com/menace/ link])
 
−
| Action platformer.
 
−
* Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
 
−
* Exiting the game requires a "Y" keystroke to confirm, so keymapping CTRL-F9 to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''Classic Jumpman'''
 
−
| 2001
 
−
| Ingenieurbüro FRANKE
 
−
| Freeware ([http://www.icfs.de/english/jumpman.html link])
 
−
| Action / puzzle platformer. Clone of Jumpman.
 
−
* Spacebar jumps, but keymapping to CTRL is recommended.
 
−
* Keymapping CTRL-F9 to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
 
−
* High score entry requires the keyboard.
 
−
* Extra game modes & options require keyboard.
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons'''
 
−
| 1990
 
−
| Apogee / id Software
 
−
| Shareware
 
−
| Action platformer.
 
−
* Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
 
−
* Exiting the game requires a keystroke prompt to confirm, so keymapping CTRL-F9 to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''Commander Keen IV: Goodbye, Galaxy!'''
 
−
| 1991
 
−
| Apogee / id Software
 
−
| Shareware
 
−
| Action platformer.
 
−
* Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
 
−
* Exiting the game requires a "Y" keystroke to confirm, so keymapping CTRL-F9 to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Cyberdogs'''  
 
| '''Cyberdogs'''  
Line 66: Line 45:
 
| Freeware ([http://cyberdogs2001.tripod.com/cyberdogs.htm link])
 
| Freeware ([http://cyberdogs2001.tripod.com/cyberdogs.htm link])
 
| 1-2 Player top-down shooter.
 
| 1-2 Player top-down shooter.
−
* Keys are redefinable.
+
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 
* Menu navigation is done using game keys.
 
* Menu navigation is done using game keys.
 +
* Keymapping Enter to 1 is recommended to start game using the player-1 start button.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''C-Dogs'''  
 
| '''C-Dogs'''  
Line 74: Line 54:
 
| Freeware ([http://cyberdogs2001.tripod.com/cdogs.htm link])
 
| Freeware ([http://cyberdogs2001.tripod.com/cdogs.htm link])
 
| 1-2 Player top-down shooter.
 
| 1-2 Player top-down shooter.
−
* Keys are redefinable.
+
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 
* Menu navigation is done using game keys.
 
* Menu navigation is done using game keys.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''Digger (Remastered)'''  
+
| '''Cybersphere / Cybersphere Plus'''  
−
| 1983
+
| 1996/1997
−
| Windmill Software
+
| Psycon Software
−
| Freeware ([http://www.digger.org link])
+
| Freeware ([http://www.classicdosgames.com/game/Cybersphere_Plus.html link])
−
| Clone of Dig Dug/Mr. Do!  This is ''not'' the original version. This is a remake.
+
| Ball-and-paddle game. Clone of Arkanoid.
−
* Keymapping F10 to ESC for to exit is recommended.
+
* Mouse/Trackball.
−
* Keymapping F1 to CTRL to shoot is recommended.
+
* ESC returns to main menu, where exiting is easily done.
−
* High score entry requires the keyboard.
+
|-
 +
| '''Electro Man'''  
 +
| 1993
 +
| Epic Megagames
 +
| Freeware ([http://www.classicdosgames.com/game/Electro_Man.html link])
 +
| Action / puzzle platformer.
 +
* Exiting the game requires a "Y" keystroke to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Executioners '''  
 
| '''Executioners '''  
Line 96: Line 82:
 
* Joystick X-axis must be keymapped to D (left) and G (right).
 
* Joystick X-axis must be keymapped to D (left) and G (right).
 
* Joystick buttons 1 and 2 must be keymapped to A and S respectively.
 
* Joystick buttons 1 and 2 must be keymapped to A and S respectively.
 +
* ESC exits by default.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''Galactix '''  
+
| '''Galactic Battle'''  
−
| 1992
+
| 1990
−
| Cygnus Studios
+
| Softdisk Publishing
−
| Freeware ([http://www.dosgamesarchive.com/download/galactix link])
+
| Shareware ([http://www.retrocpu.com/dos/games/g/galactic_battle link])
−
| Space shooter. Galaxian/Galaga clone.
+
| Space Invaders/Galaxian clone.
−
* Mouse/Trackball controlled.
+
* Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
−
* Keymapping B Left Shift for megabomb is recommended.
+
|-
−
* High score entry requires the keyboard.
+
| '''Hard Hat Mack'''
 +
| 1983
 +
| Electronic Arts
 +
| Commercial
 +
| Action Platform / Puzzle
 +
* Keymapping Spacebar to CTRL and Enter to Alt is recommended.
 +
* Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Jump 'n Bump'''
 +
| 1998
 +
| Brainchild Design
 +
| Freeware ([http://brainchilddesign.com/Bottom.php?Page=Games&SubPage=JnB link])
 +
| Multiplayer arena fighting.
 +
* LEFT/RIGHT/UP For player 1.
 +
* A/D/W For player 2, keymap to D/G/R.
 +
* Mouse buttons control player 3.
 +
* ESC exits by default.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''MsPac Pc'''  
 
| '''MsPac Pc'''  
−
| ?
+
| 1996
 
| JROK
 
| JROK
 
| Freeware ([http://www.jrok.com/games_orig.html link])
 
| Freeware ([http://www.jrok.com/games_orig.html link])
Line 113: Line 116:
 
* No config necessary for gameplay.
 
* No config necessary for gameplay.
 
* Changing options requires keyboard.
 
* Changing options requires keyboard.
 +
* ESC exits by default.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''One Must Fall: 2097 '''  
 
| '''One Must Fall: 2097 '''  
 
| 1994  
 
| 1994  
 
| Epic MegaGames
 
| Epic MegaGames
−
| Freeware ([http://www.acid-play.com/download/one-must-fall-2097 link])
+
| Freeware ([http://www.classicdosgames.com/game/One_Must_Fall_2097.html link])
 
| 1-2 Player versus fighting.
 
| 1-2 Player versus fighting.
 
* Player 1 controller is keyboard, and player 2 controller is joystick.
 
* Player 1 controller is keyboard, and player 2 controller is joystick.
Line 125: Line 129:
 
* Joystick buttons 1 and 2 must be keymapped to A and S respectively.
 
* Joystick buttons 1 and 2 must be keymapped to A and S respectively.
 
* Changing options requires keyboard.
 
* Changing options requires keyboard.
 +
* Run the game with FILE0001.EXE instead of OMF.EXE to avoid the cabinet-unfriendly menu at the beginning.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Pac PC '''  
 
| '''Pac PC '''  
−
| ?
+
| 1997
 
| JROK
 
| JROK
 
| Freeware ([http://www.jrok.com/games_orig.html link])
 
| Freeware ([http://www.jrok.com/games_orig.html link])
Line 133: Line 138:
 
* No config necessary for gameplay.
 
* No config necessary for gameplay.
 
* Changing options requires keyboard.
 
* Changing options requires keyboard.
 +
* ESC exits by default.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''PC*Bert '''  
 
| '''PC*Bert '''  
−
| ?
+
| 1997
 
| JROK
 
| JROK
 
| Freeware ([http://www.jrok.com/games_orig.html link])
 
| Freeware ([http://www.jrok.com/games_orig.html link])
Line 141: Line 147:
 
* No config necessary for gameplay.
 
* No config necessary for gameplay.
 
* Changing options requires keyboard.
 
* Changing options requires keyboard.
 +
* ESC exits by default.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''Raptor: Call of the Shadows '''  
+
| '''Prince of Persia '''  
−
| 1994
+
| 1989
−
| Apogee / Cygnus Studios
+
| Brøderbund
−
| Shareware
+
| Commercial
−
| Vertical-scrolling flying shooter.
+
| Action / adventure / puzzle
−
* Keymap Fire to CTRL, Subweapon select to ALT and Megabomb to Spacebar.
+
* Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
−
* Main menu may be fully navigated with a trackball.
 
−
* Name/codename entry at start of game requires a keyboard.
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Round42 '''  
 
| '''Round42 '''  
Line 157: Line 162:
 
| Lo-res shooter. Space Invaders/Galaxian clone.
 
| Lo-res shooter. Space Invaders/Galaxian clone.
 
* Keymap F1 to CTRL, F2 to ALT
 
* Keymap F1 to CTRL, F2 to ALT
−
* Keymapping CTRL-F9 to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
+
* Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Spot'''
 +
| 1990
 +
| Virgin Mastertronic
 +
| Commericial
 +
| Multi-player puzzle / Ataxx clone
 +
* Trackball or mouse controlled.
 +
* Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''TerraFire '''
 +
| 1997, 2004
 +
| Ort Software
 +
| Freeware ([http://www.ortsoftware.com/tf.html link])
 +
| Multi-directional flying shooter. Plays like Asteroids.
 +
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 +
* Up arrow thrusts, but redefining to ALT is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Tyrian/Tyrian 2000 '''
 +
| 1995/1999
 +
| Eclipse
 +
| Freeware ([http://www.classicdosgames.com/game/Tyrian_2000.html link])
 +
| 1-2 Player vertical-scrolling flying shooter.
 +
* Main menu may be fully navigated with a trackball.
 +
* Player 1 controller is keyboard, and player 2 controller is joystick.
 +
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 +
* Joystick Y-axis must be keymapped to R (up) and F (down).
 +
* Joystick X-axis must be keymapped to D (left) and G (right).
 +
* Joystick buttons 1 and 2 must be keymapped to A and S respectively.
 +
* The '''timed''' option must be set to '''false''' in the dosbox conf file.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Games Requiring Some Keyboard Intervention ==
 +
 
 +
The games in this list cannot be played without at least one instance of keyboard intervention.  In most cases the intervention is limited to game saves, high-score entry, or option configurations.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="1" width="100%" style="border: 2px solid darkgray;"
 +
! Title
 +
! Year
 +
! Developer
 +
! License
 +
! Description / Tips
 +
|-
 +
| '''Alien Carnage'''
 +
| 1993
 +
| Apogee
 +
| Freeware ([http://www.3drealms.com/news/2007/05/alien_carnage_freeware.html link])
 +
| Action platformer.
 +
* Basic movement and action keys are redefinable in-game.
 +
* Other hotkeys are not redefinable, but could be keymapped.
 +
* Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
 +
* Exiting the game requires a keystroke prompt to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Bio Menace'''<br \>Episodes 1, 2, & 3
 +
| 1993
 +
| Apogee
 +
| Freeware ([http://www.3drealms.com/menace/ link])
 +
| Action platformer.
 +
* Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
 +
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 +
* Exiting the game requires a "Y" keystroke to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Classic Jumpman'''
 +
| 2001
 +
| Ingenieurbüro FRANKE
 +
| Freeware ([http://www.icfs.de/english/jumpman.html link])
 +
| Action / puzzle platformer. Clone of Jumpman.
 +
* Levels/difficultly selected by typing 1-9 on keyboard.
 +
* Spacebar jumps, but keymapping to CTRL is recommended.
 +
* Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
 +
* High score entry requires the keyboard.
 +
* Extra game modes & options require keyboard.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons'''
 +
| 1990
 +
| Apogee / id Software
 +
| Shareware ([http://www.3drealms.com/downloads.html link])
 +
| Action platformer.
 +
* Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
 +
* Exiting the game requires a keystroke prompt to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Commander Keen IV: Goodbye, Galaxy!'''
 +
| 1991
 +
| Apogee / id Software
 +
| Shareware ([http://www.3drealms.com/downloads.html link])
 +
| Action platformer.
 +
* Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
 +
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 +
* Exiting the game requires a "Y" keystroke to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Commander Keen VI: Aliens Ate my Baby Sitter'''
 +
| 1991
 +
| id Software
 +
| Commercial
 +
| Action platformer.
 +
* Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
 +
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 +
* Exiting the game requires a "Y" keystroke to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Commander Keen: Keen Dreams'''
 +
| 1991
 +
| Softdisk Publishing / id Software
 +
| Shareware ([http://www.classicdosgames.com/game/Keen_Dreams.html link])
 +
| Action platformer.
 +
* 5 key is required at the start to begin the game.  This is conveniently mapped to player 1 coin.
 +
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 +
* Main menu may be fully navigated with a trackball.
 +
* Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Dangerous Dave'''
 +
| 1990
 +
| Softdisk Publishing
 +
| Freeware ([http://www.classicdosgames.com/game/Dangerous_Dave.html link])
 +
| Action platformer.
 +
* High score entry requires the keyboard.
 +
* Exiting the game requires a keystroke prompt to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Dangerous Dave in the Haunted Mansion'''
 +
| 1991
 +
| Softdisk Publishing / id Software
 +
| Commercial
 +
| Action platformer.
 +
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 +
* Exiting the game requires a keystroke prompt to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Digger Remastered'''
 +
| 2001
 +
| Andrew Jenner
 +
| Freeware ([http://www.digger.org link])
 +
| Clone of Dig Dug/Mr. Do!  This is ''not'' the original 1983 version by Windmill Software.  This is an enhanced remake.
 +
* Keymapping F10 to ESC for to exit is recommended.
 +
* Keymapping F1 to CTRL to shoot is recommended.
 +
* High score entry requires the keyboard.
 +
* Run "DIGGER /C" to play the game with its original CGA graphics.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Galactix '''
 +
| 1992
 +
| Cygnus Studios
 +
| Freeware ([http://www.dosgamesarchive.com/download/galactix link])
 +
| Space shooter. Galaxian/Galaga clone.
 +
* Mouse/Trackball controlled.
 +
* Keymapping B to L-Shift for megabomb is recommended.
 +
* High score entry requires the keyboard.
 +
|-
 +
| '''God of Thunder'''
 +
| 1993
 +
| Adept Software
 +
| Freeware ([http://www.adeptsoftware.com/got/ link])
 +
| Action/adventure. Zelda clone.
 +
* Name entry requires the keyboard.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Jazz Jackrabbit'''
 +
| 1994
 +
| Epic MegaGames
 +
| Shareware ([http://www.dosgamesarchive.com/download/jazz-jackrabbit link])
 +
| Action shooter/platformer.
 +
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 +
* Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Kiloblaster'''
 +
| 1992
 +
| Epic MegaGames
 +
| Freeware ([http://www.classicdosgames.com/game/Kiloblaster.html link])
 +
| Space shooter. Galaxian/Galaga clone.
 +
* High score entry requires the keyboard.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Raptor: Call of the Shadows '''
 +
| 1994
 +
| Apogee / Cygnus Studios
 +
| Shareware ([http://www.3drealms.com/downloads.html link])
 +
| Vertical-scrolling flying shooter.
 +
* Keys are redefinable by running SETUP.EXE.
 +
* Main menu may be fully navigated with a trackball.
 +
* Name/codename entry at start of game requires a keyboard.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Scorched Earth: The Mother of All Games '''  
 
| '''Scorched Earth: The Mother of All Games '''  
−
| 1995  
+
| 1991-1995  
 
| Wendell Hicken
 
| Wendell Hicken
−
| Shareware ([http://whicken.com/scorch/index.html link])
+
| Freeware ([http://whicken.com/scorch/index.html link])
 
| Multi-player turn-based tank strategy.
 
| Multi-player turn-based tank strategy.
 
* Trackball/mouse controlled.
 
* Trackball/mouse controlled.
 
* Name entry requires keyboard.
 
* Name entry requires keyboard.
−
* Keymapping CTRL-F9 to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
+
* Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''SkyRoads '''  
 
| '''SkyRoads '''  
Line 172: Line 350:
 
| Bluemoon Software
 
| Bluemoon Software
 
| Freeware ([http://www.bluemoon.ee/history/skyroads link])
 
| Freeware ([http://www.bluemoon.ee/history/skyroads link])
−
| 3D single-player timed obstacle course.
+
| 3D puzzle / obstacle course.
 +
* Keymapping Enter to 1 is recommended to start game using the player-1 start button.
 
* Spacebar jumps, but keymapping to CTRL is recommended.
 
* Spacebar jumps, but keymapping to CTRL is recommended.
 
* Also trackball or mouse controlled.
 
* Also trackball or mouse controlled.
−
* High-score entry requires keyboard.
+
* High score entry requires keyboard.
−
* Keymapping CTRL-F9 to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
+
* Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''TerraFire '''  
+
| '''Stargunner'''  
−
| 1997
+
| 1996
−
| Ort Software
+
| Apogee
−
| Freeware ([http://www.ortsoftware.com/tf.html link])
+
| Freeware ([http://www.3drealms.com/stargunner link])
−
| Multi-directional flying shooter. Plays like Asteroids.
+
| Side-scrolling space shooter (think R-Type, Gradius).
−
* Up arrow thrusts, but keymapping to ALT is recommended.
+
* Main menu may be fully navigated with a trackball.
 +
* Keys are redefinable in-game.
 +
* High score entry requires keyboard.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''Tyrian 2000 '''  
+
| '''Wacky Wheels'''  
−
| 1995
+
| 1994
−
| Epic MegaGames
+
| Apogee / Beavis Soft
−
| Freeware ([http://www.camanis.net link])
+
| Shareware ([http://www.3drealms.com/wacky/ link])
−
| 1-2 Player vertical-scrolling flying shooter.
+
| Arcade kart racing. Clone of Mario Kart SNES.  
−
* Player 1 controller is keyboard, and player 2 controller is joystick.
+
* Basic movement and action keys are redefinable by running SETUP.EXE.
−
* Keys are redefinable.
+
* Giggle keys are not redefinable, and must be keymapped.
−
* Joystick Y-axis must be keymapped to R (up) and F (down).
+
* Menu navigation is done using game keys.
−
* Joystick X-axis must be keymapped to D (left) and G (right).
+
* High score entry requires keyboard.
−
* Joystick buttons 1 and 2 must be keymapped to A and S respectively.
 
−
'''''IMPORTANT NOTE:''' There is a joystick calibration issue that prevents two player games.''
 
−
* Changing options requires keyboard.
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
== Disqualified Suggestions ==
 +
 +
The titles listed here were suggestions found to not provide a cabinet-friendly experience.  Comments are provided to indicate why not.
 +
 +
* '''Mega Man''' - Basic movement and actions may be remapped easily.  However, the weapons menu requires a keystroke of the letter of the desired weapon (P-Plasma, V-Volt Shield, ESC to close) for each available weapon.  Each of these keys ''could'' be mapped to an unused cabinet button, but you will quickly run out of buttons this way, and the experience won't be enjoyable.  The configuration menu before the title screen is also annoying to navigate.
 +
* '''Mega Man 3''' - Same reasoning as given for Mega Man, but add three more buttons for three more weapons.
 +
* '''Monster Bash''' - The options on the main menu are only selectable by typing the first letter of the desired option.
 +
 +
== Not Yet Reviewed ==
 +
 +
This space is reserved for suggested titles that have not yet been reviewed for cabinet-friendliness.
 +
 +
* Avoid the Noid
 +
* Freddy's Rescue Round up.
 +
* Beetlejuice
 +
* Galacta: The Battle for Saturn
  
 
== External Links ==  
 
== External Links ==  
  
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_MS-DOS_games Index of MS-DOS games] on Wikipedia.
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_MS-DOS_games Index of MS-DOS games] on Wikipedia.

Latest revision as of 19:44, 7 May 2012

This is a work-in-progress listing of DOS games that are cabinet-friendly, meaning they play well using a MAME-compatible control panel. Some games are cabinet-friendly as-is, while others require a substantial amount of keymapping in DOSBox. See the tips where applicable.

To make a suggestion for this list, please see the Cabinet-friendly DOSBox games thread at the Wah!Cade forums.

Games Requiring No Keyboard Intervention

The games in this list require no keyboard intervention at any point.

Title Year Developer License Description / Tips
Bananoid 1989 William Rieder Freeware (link) Horizontal-scrolling ball-and-paddle game. Clone of Arkanoid.
  • Mouse/Trackball.
  • Exits automatically on game over.
  • Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
Battle Chess 1988 Interplay Commericial Animated Chess simulation
  • Trackball or mouse controlled.
  • Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
Beats of Rage 2003 Senile Team Open Source (link) 1-2 Player side-scrolling fighter. Clone of Streets of Rage/Final Fight.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Menu navigation is done using game keys.
  • ESC exits by default
Cyberdogs 1994 Ronny Wester Freeware (link) 1-2 Player top-down shooter.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Menu navigation is done using game keys.
  • Keymapping Enter to 1 is recommended to start game using the player-1 start button.
C-Dogs 1997-1999 Ronny Wester Freeware (link) 1-2 Player top-down shooter.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Menu navigation is done using game keys.
Cybersphere / Cybersphere Plus 1996/1997 Psycon Software Freeware (link) Ball-and-paddle game. Clone of Arkanoid.
  • Mouse/Trackball.
  • ESC returns to main menu, where exiting is easily done.
Electro Man 1993 Epic Megagames Freeware (link) Action / puzzle platformer.
  • Exiting the game requires a "Y" keystroke to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
Executioners 1992 Bloodlust Software Freeware (link) 1-2 Player side-scrolling fighter. Clone of Streets of Rage/Final Fight.
  • Player 1 controller is keyboard, and player 2 controller is joystick.
  • INS and DEL must be keymapped to CTRL and ALT respectively.
  • Joystick Y-axis must be keymapped to R (up) and F (down).
  • Joystick X-axis must be keymapped to D (left) and G (right).
  • Joystick buttons 1 and 2 must be keymapped to A and S respectively.
  • ESC exits by default.
Galactic Battle 1990 Softdisk Publishing Shareware (link) Space Invaders/Galaxian clone.
  • Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
Hard Hat Mack 1983 Electronic Arts Commercial Action Platform / Puzzle
  • Keymapping Spacebar to CTRL and Enter to Alt is recommended.
  • Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
Jump 'n Bump 1998 Brainchild Design Freeware (link) Multiplayer arena fighting.
  • LEFT/RIGHT/UP For player 1.
  • A/D/W For player 2, keymap to D/G/R.
  • Mouse buttons control player 3.
  • ESC exits by default.
MsPac Pc 1996 JROK Freeware (link) Ms. Pac Man clone.
  • No config necessary for gameplay.
  • Changing options requires keyboard.
  • ESC exits by default.
One Must Fall: 2097 1994 Epic MegaGames Freeware (link) 1-2 Player versus fighting.
  • Player 1 controller is keyboard, and player 2 controller is joystick.
  • Keys are redefinable.
  • Joystick Y-axis must be keymapped to R (up) and F (down).
  • Joystick X-axis must be keymapped to D (left) and G (right).
  • Joystick buttons 1 and 2 must be keymapped to A and S respectively.
  • Changing options requires keyboard.
  • Run the game with FILE0001.EXE instead of OMF.EXE to avoid the cabinet-unfriendly menu at the beginning.
Pac PC 1997 JROK Freeware (link) Pac Man clone.
  • No config necessary for gameplay.
  • Changing options requires keyboard.
  • ESC exits by default.
PC*Bert 1997 JROK Freeware (link) Q*Bert clone.
  • No config necessary for gameplay.
  • Changing options requires keyboard.
  • ESC exits by default.
Prince of Persia 1989 Brøderbund Commercial Action / adventure / puzzle
  • Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
Round42 1986 Elven Software Shareware (link) Lo-res shooter. Space Invaders/Galaxian clone.
  • Keymap F1 to CTRL, F2 to ALT
  • Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
Spot 1990 Virgin Mastertronic Commericial Multi-player puzzle / Ataxx clone
  • Trackball or mouse controlled.
  • Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
TerraFire 1997, 2004 Ort Software Freeware (link) Multi-directional flying shooter. Plays like Asteroids.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Up arrow thrusts, but redefining to ALT is recommended.
Tyrian/Tyrian 2000 1995/1999 Eclipse Freeware (link) 1-2 Player vertical-scrolling flying shooter.
  • Main menu may be fully navigated with a trackball.
  • Player 1 controller is keyboard, and player 2 controller is joystick.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Joystick Y-axis must be keymapped to R (up) and F (down).
  • Joystick X-axis must be keymapped to D (left) and G (right).
  • Joystick buttons 1 and 2 must be keymapped to A and S respectively.
  • The timed option must be set to false in the dosbox conf file.

Games Requiring Some Keyboard Intervention

The games in this list cannot be played without at least one instance of keyboard intervention. In most cases the intervention is limited to game saves, high-score entry, or option configurations.

Title Year Developer License Description / Tips
Alien Carnage 1993 Apogee Freeware (link) Action platformer.
  • Basic movement and action keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Other hotkeys are not redefinable, but could be keymapped.
  • Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
  • Exiting the game requires a keystroke prompt to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
Bio Menace
Episodes 1, 2, & 3 		1993 Apogee Freeware (link) Action platformer.
  • Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Exiting the game requires a "Y" keystroke to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
Classic Jumpman 2001 Ingenieurbüro FRANKE Freeware (link) Action / puzzle platformer. Clone of Jumpman.
  • Levels/difficultly selected by typing 1-9 on keyboard.
  • Spacebar jumps, but keymapping to CTRL is recommended.
  • Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
  • High score entry requires the keyboard.
  • Extra game modes & options require keyboard.
Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons 1990 Apogee / id Software Shareware (link) Action platformer.
  • Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
  • Exiting the game requires a keystroke prompt to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
Commander Keen IV: Goodbye, Galaxy! 1991 Apogee / id Software Shareware (link) Action platformer.
  • Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Exiting the game requires a "Y" keystroke to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
Commander Keen VI: Aliens Ate my Baby Sitter 1991 id Software Commercial Action platformer.
  • Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Exiting the game requires a "Y" keystroke to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
Commander Keen: Keen Dreams 1991 Softdisk Publishing / id Software Shareware (link) Action platformer.
  • 5 key is required at the start to begin the game. This is conveniently mapped to player 1 coin.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Main menu may be fully navigated with a trackball.
  • Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
Dangerous Dave 1990 Softdisk Publishing Freeware (link) Action platformer.
  • High score entry requires the keyboard.
  • Exiting the game requires a keystroke prompt to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
Dangerous Dave in the Haunted Mansion 1991 Softdisk Publishing / id Software Commercial Action platformer.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Exiting the game requires a keystroke prompt to confirm, so keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for easy exit is recommended.
Digger Remastered 2001 Andrew Jenner Freeware (link) Clone of Dig Dug/Mr. Do! This is not the original 1983 version by Windmill Software. This is an enhanced remake.
  • Keymapping F10 to ESC for to exit is recommended.
  • Keymapping F1 to CTRL to shoot is recommended.
  • High score entry requires the keyboard.
  • Run "DIGGER /C" to play the game with its original CGA graphics.
Galactix 1992 Cygnus Studios Freeware (link) Space shooter. Galaxian/Galaga clone.
  • Mouse/Trackball controlled.
  • Keymapping B to L-Shift for megabomb is recommended.
  • High score entry requires the keyboard.
God of Thunder 1993 Adept Software Freeware (link) Action/adventure. Zelda clone.
  • Name entry requires the keyboard.
Jazz Jackrabbit 1994 Epic MegaGames Shareware (link) Action shooter/platformer.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • Game saves and high score entry require the keyboard.
Kiloblaster 1992 Epic MegaGames Freeware (link) Space shooter. Galaxian/Galaga clone.
  • High score entry requires the keyboard.
Raptor: Call of the Shadows 1994 Apogee / Cygnus Studios Shareware (link) Vertical-scrolling flying shooter.
  • Keys are redefinable by running SETUP.EXE.
  • Main menu may be fully navigated with a trackball.
  • Name/codename entry at start of game requires a keyboard.
Scorched Earth: The Mother of All Games 1991-1995 Wendell Hicken Freeware (link) Multi-player turn-based tank strategy.
  • Trackball/mouse controlled.
  • Name entry requires keyboard.
  • Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
SkyRoads 1993 Bluemoon Software Freeware (link) 3D puzzle / obstacle course.
  • Keymapping Enter to 1 is recommended to start game using the player-1 start button.
  • Spacebar jumps, but keymapping to CTRL is recommended.
  • Also trackball or mouse controlled.
  • High score entry requires keyboard.
  • Keymapping "Shutdown" to ESC for quick exit is recommended.
Stargunner 1996 Apogee Freeware (link) Side-scrolling space shooter (think R-Type, Gradius).
  • Main menu may be fully navigated with a trackball.
  • Keys are redefinable in-game.
  • High score entry requires keyboard.
Wacky Wheels 1994 Apogee / Beavis Soft Shareware (link) Arcade kart racing. Clone of Mario Kart SNES.
  • Basic movement and action keys are redefinable by running SETUP.EXE.
  • Giggle keys are not redefinable, and must be keymapped.
  • Menu navigation is done using game keys.
  • High score entry requires keyboard.

Disqualified Suggestions

The titles listed here were suggestions found to not provide a cabinet-friendly experience. Comments are provided to indicate why not.

  • Mega Man - Basic movement and actions may be remapped easily. However, the weapons menu requires a keystroke of the letter of the desired weapon (P-Plasma, V-Volt Shield, ESC to close) for each available weapon. Each of these keys could be mapped to an unused cabinet button, but you will quickly run out of buttons this way, and the experience won't be enjoyable. The configuration menu before the title screen is also annoying to navigate.
  • Mega Man 3 - Same reasoning as given for Mega Man, but add three more buttons for three more weapons.
  • Monster Bash - The options on the main menu are only selectable by typing the first letter of the desired option.

Not Yet Reviewed

This space is reserved for suggested titles that have not yet been reviewed for cabinet-friendliness.

  • Avoid the Noid
  • Freddy's Rescue Round up.
  • Beetlejuice
  • Galacta: The Battle for Saturn

External Links

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