7 Classic DOS Games Revived Through Incredible Modern Remasters

DOS games are like fossilized time capsules of a generation — often remembered, rarely played. These classic titles bring back memories of boot disks, config file tweaking, and late nights struggling with autoexec.bat, just to get games like Blood or Quake running. While DOSBox remains the most reliable emulator, it lacks the seamless experience many modern gamers expect. That’s where remasters come in—reviving these classics with enhancements while preserving their soul.

The Doom Remaster : A Benchmark in Revival

No game has seen as many ports as Doom, and its Unity and PrBoom versions have made it both modern and nostalgic. In its remastered form, Doom I and II run at 60fps, offer online multiplayer, and introduce useful features like an automap with kill/item statistics. There's widescreen support, various aspect ratios, level selection options, and even an Ultra-Violence+ mode. These remasters retain the game's brutal charm, now with polished delivery.

Doom + Doom II

• Developer: id Software
  
  
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

Engine: Unity, KEX

Released: August 9, 2024

Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition – A Redemption Arc

The 1997 DOS classic Blade Runner initially stumbled in its remaster, launching with visual bugs, stiff controls, and poor cutscene upscaling. However, Nightdive Studios responded effectively, bundling the original version, enhancing visuals, and updating the interface. All 13 original endings are now included, and the game’s moody complexity remains—only now, it’s enjoyable once more.

Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition

• Developer: Westwood Studios, NightDive Studios
  
  
• Publisher: NightDive Studios, Limited Run Games
  
  
• Engine: KEX Engine
  
  
• Released: June 23, 2022
  
  

Quake Enhanced – A Masterclass in Preservation

Quake revolutionized FPS games, and its Enhanced Edition delivers everything fans could want: dynamic lighting, widescreen support, online multiplayer, and new levels that integrate seamlessly with the originals. It's the most complete way to relive this FPS legend.

Quake + Quake II

• Developer: Nightdive Studios, id Software, MachineGames
  
  
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
  
  
• Released: December 18, 2023
  
  

Star Wars: TIE Fighter – GOG’s Gold Standard

The GOG bundle of TIE Fighter modernized three different versions of this classic space sim. Now compatible with Windows 10/11, it includes cloud saves, refined DOSBox settings, and improved audio via enhanced sound card emulation. It retains all the original charm, now easier than ever to access.

Star Wars: TIE Fighter Special Edition

• Developer: Totally Games
  
  
• Publisher: LucasArts, LucasFilm, Disney
  
  
• Released: July 1, 1994
  
  

Command & Conquer Remastered – A RTS Renaissance

EA's remaster of Command & Conquer and Red Alert added 4K visuals, remastered audio, and instant toggling between original and enhanced graphics. Every sprite, UI element, and map has been faithfully rebuilt. Multiplayer is smooth, making it a benchmark for remastering RTS games.

Command & Conquer Remastered Collection

• Publisher: Electronic Arts
  
  
• Released: June 5, 2020
  
  
• Engine: GlyphX
  
  

Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition – Unapologetically Wild

Known for its over-the-top violence and absurd gameplay, Rise of the Triad returns in the Ludicrous Edition. It includes a new episode, restored beta content, 4K support, controller compatibility, and a new lighting system. LAN/online multiplayer and a level editor complete this chaotic nostalgia trip.

Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition

• Developer: NightDive Studios
  
  
• Publisher: NightDive Studios
  
  
• Engine: GZDoom
  
  
• Released: July 31, 2023

Blood: Fresh Supply – Cult Classic, Perfected

Blood was violent, fast-paced, and unforgettable. Fresh Supply enhances it with 4K support, antialiasing, ambient occlusion, full keybinding, and controller compatibility. New multiplayer netcode enables smooth 8-player matches, with options for both split-screen and 3D view. It’s the remaster this cult title always deserved.

Blood: Fresh Supply

• Developer: NightDive Studios
  
  
• Publisher: NightDive Studios
  
  
• Released: May 9, 2019

7 Classic DOS Games Revived Through Incredible Modern Remasters
Remasters do more than polish nostalgia—they preserve gaming history. They allow a new generation to appreciate classics without the headaches of outdated tech. For veteran players, these modern editions recapture youthful joy, offering smoother, frustration-free gameplay without sacrificing the essence. That’s what true preservation should feel like—authentic, familiar, yet adapted for the present.