this post was submitted on 17 May 2026
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I haven't played much this week, but I have been installing and configuring a bunch of old PC games which is its own type of game for me. It started with getting a software synth set up for Sonic & Knuckles Collection and then I figured I should find some fun DOS games to try to get more use out of the synth. So far I've got Blood, Star Wars Dark Forces, Ultimate Doom, Jazz Jackrabbit (although I'm not using MIDI for that one), Ultima Underworld, and Warcraft. I don't know which game I'm actually going to play first though lol, probably Doom? I've never played any of those old shooter games (or really DOS games in general) so I feel like I owe it a shot. Ultima Underworld is the game I'm most interested in trying, but I don't know if I'm ready to commit to something like that yet.
Due to the fact that the Doom source code was released under the terms of the GPL license, there are well over a hundred so-called "source ports" available which extend the game in various ways. Most of these will be much more convenient than running the original binaries in DosBox. Chocolate Doom is a good choice if you are looking for the classic experience (including screen resolution limits and faithful reproduction of all known bugs). DSDA-Doom is the port of choice for modern speed-running, with a lot of convenience features but identical "demo-compatible" gameplay mechanics (this is the one I use the most). Then there is ZDoom which adds a ton of advanced modding features. There are a number of incredible maps which require it.
Be sure to check out Doomworld's 100 most memorable maps and Cacowards for a list of some of the greatest maps of all time (the original maps are largely forgettable IMO).
One of the most memorable aspects of Doom is its original MIDI soundtrack, and the custom levels include thousands of great MIDI soundtracks as well. Lots of great original compositions, lots of tracks shamelessly ripped from other games, and most of all, lots of really fun MIDI adaptations of contemporary metal, alternative rock, and pop tracks.
Appreciate the tips! I had taken a look at UZDoom before but I was put off by the massive amount of stuff added in, and trying to bring it back in line with the original game seemed like more effort than it was worth lol. I'm sure it's cool for people who have played the original game thoroughly, but I wanted something as faithful as possible.
I took a quick look at Chocolate Doom a minute ago and that seems like what I wanted out of a modern port, and is only a little larger in install size than DOS Doom so that's nice. I've gotten pretty familiar with DOSBox-X recently so getting Doom up and running on there was actually pretty easy, but I'll keep that as a backup option in case I have problems later.
Doom and Dark Forces are both favorite shooters of mine. I regularly start up Doom for a quick shooting session because you can jump right in and start playing. Dark Forces has an actual story that sets up the origin of Kyle Katarn of the Jedi Knight games that come later. Both have great soundtracks that I think will take advantage of your synth.
Warcraft 1 is a game I haven't played in decades, and now I'm getting nostalgic. I love the Warcraft games, and I love Blizzard for making huge manuals filled with lore. It's worth it to flip through a copy of the manual for the lore and controls. It can be a little clunky to play, like OG C&C, but it has a charm and style that was the seed for the whole series. Another great soundtrack for your synth.
Oh cool, I'll definitely take a look at the manuals whenever I get going with Warcraft! I only have a little RTS experience from playing Age of Empires II with my friends when I was like 13, so I'm pretty curious about it.