Disk operating system or DOS is a much older independent platform that worked with IBM and Microsoft compatible PCs. If you are older than 20, you will definitely remember the likes of Doom, Wolfenstein, Tetris, and thousands more. Gaming technology has come a long way from the old pixelated graphics and, nowadays, a game is considered good if it looks realistic and has an interesting storyline.
DOS is retro gaming, but it is still so popular that millions of gamers choose to go back to their childhood roots and play their old favourites. With improved visualisation and customisable characters, you may wonder why anyone would go back to ancient PC gaming. The reasons are simple, and here is why DOS games are still so fun. If you want to play any DOS games yourself, this guide will also show you how.
It Started an Era
From the early 80s, DOS gaming took the world by storm. It offered a new opportunity for children and teenagers to escape their reality and play an interactive and emotionally engaging game. DOS games started a generation of gamers that have only been evolving since. Many people play DOS games purely because it brings nostalgia for the good old days, and it reminds them of where they started.
Primitive graphics are also something to be appreciated. Some people just enjoy playing games with a lower resolution where everything is in a 2D world. It became an exciting time and gave kids a reason to do something other than playing in the dirt. If you look at the technology of that time period, DOS gaming revolutionised an industry that is still growing today.
Technology is Accessible and Cost-Effective
Not exactly the same processor and graphics card, but the technology to play those old DOS games on a newer PC exists. The physical computer parts of that era are difficult to find; however, there are DOS emulators that work the same. DOS emulators are easy to find, and some computers like thin clients can just have the disk OS installed.
Once you have an emulator installed, you can download hundreds of thousands of the old DOS games, and they take up very little space. These games are mostly free, and some have been remastered to offer slightly better graphics if that is your thing. Just download and install DOSBox Emulator, sit back, and enjoy. It really is that easy.
No Pay to Win
A common feature in recent games is that you can buy game items with real-world currency. Without needing to level up within the game, you essentially just buy the armour, weapons, and passive skills that you need to win. This takes the whole fun out of gaming. Back in the day, there was a competitive nature to playing against your friends to see who could get the highest score or take out more enemies. This doesn’t exist as much in the world of 21st-century gaming and is a big reason why gamers still choose the DOS platform. There is no financial deposit required to play the games. You don’t need to spend any money other than buying the game, and when you do well, you will feel that achievement. Your character’s level will increase based on your skills in the game, and not how much money you have in your pocket.
However, there are still some games today that can only be enjoyed if you put some financial investment in. Games such as casino slots, poker, and online betting are only worthwhile if you play with real money. If you want to know more about these games, check this page on Online Casino’s website. This UK-based company reviews all the available online casinos so that you know which are safe and legitimate. They can also give you advice on placing bets, and they bring the latest news in the world of online gambling.
Modifications Are Easier
As the years went on, game developers cracked their engine, which allowed players to add modifications to their characters and items. Developers now allow you to add various files that change the gameplay. Some of the older games have even been modified to look like the latest games, with similar graphics. With DOS games there is just so much more that you can do to improve your experience.
Graphics Aren’t Everything
Ever heard gamers talk about how amazing the graphics are on a new game? For some, graphics are everything. The only thing that matters is that the gameplay looks like real life. Other people feel that graphics don’t dictate a good game. Just because a game has the best visualisations and effects, doesn’t mean it is a good game by any means.
There are plenty of developers that only focus on graphics. This often means that the storyline will be dull, the dialogue monotonous, and a few bugs in the game can be expected. Having the newest and shiniest game come along doesn’t matter for those that grew up with DOS games. They appreciate the less advanced graphics because there is more substance to the overall game. Some may even say that the subpar graphics are your entrance fee for enjoying a game that will stick with you for years.
The Gamer’s Experience
Probably the simplest reason why gamers still install DOS today is because the developers put their entire budget into creating an intelligent, complicated, and engaging game that drew players in. Graphics may be nice to look at, but that novelty wears off soon. If a game is not captivating with a suspenseful backstory and enjoyable side quests, gamers soon become bored.
Old is in no way obsolete. Old DOS games took the time to play right until the end, and there were always unexpected twists and turns that you just don’t get with modern instalments. The experience of playing old DOS games just cannot be beaten.
DOS games are making a strong comeback. They are easy to source, your options are endless, and you still get to experience the origins of gaming in its purest form.
