Doom (ID Software, 1993, PC) Although used as the scapegoat for recent, monstrous adolescent crimes, mature gamers remember this game well, if just for its revolution in 3D game design. It was a bold, new look in 3D technology, with intricate environments you could explore at will. Unlike other 2D games, you could actually move 360 degrees, go up stairs, push buttons to use lifts, search for keys for key locks, and so on. It also had fantastic, inspired enemies, like the "arachnotron" shown here: a demonic robot with a giant brain and spider like robot limbs. This game became so popular, it was even mentioned casually in TV shows. As Chandler in NBC's Friends said in one second season episode, "So...anyone for DOOM?" Coolest Added Touch: Regardless of the current controversy, this game's engine spawned the 3D game revolution as we know it today, leading to a plethora of superior interactive action-adventure fare. It can be argued that there would be no Half Life, Deus Ex, nor Thief 2: The Metal Age, if it wasn't for Doom.

DragonSphere (Microprose, 1994, PC) As one of the first full-voiced CD-ROM adventures, you'd think this game would have attracted more kudos and recognition. Well, probably because of "purtier" games like Myst and 7th Guest, it didn't...and that's a real tragedy. Dragonsphere was twice as fun as either one, and with more intriguing puzzles. The evolving story was great as well. Coolest Added Touch: By the time you think the game is finished, a never-saw-it-coming plot twist shows you're not even halfway done; the game time more than doubles, and the game's plotline becomes even more gripping.

Elvira 2: The Jaws of Cerberus (Accolade, 1991, PC) I know that RPG fans will squawk when I label this as one of the elite few RPGs on this "best classics" list (others on the list include Ultima VII and AutoDuel). However, when it comes to inspired storyline and intriguing puzzles integrated into an Role Playing Game, products like this are a rare find. The concept was that Elvira's movie set was cursed, so that each studio actually was that horror movie! One set was a zombie-filled house; another was a dank, muddy maze of catacombs, while one more was an underground lair of giant insects. You could search these three game worlds in any order, while trying to find Elvira herself (no matter what, she'll always be in the third game world you choose). In the end, you must fight Cerberus, in a battle that was pretty ultra-gruesome, though in touch with the horror aspect. Coolest Added Touch: You want creepy? The giant spider in the insect world is so well animated, it's bound to make you itch. Cool!

Gabriel Knight 2 : The Beast Within (Sierra, 1995, PC) This was one whale of an interactive movie! What's so amazing about the game is how much fun designer/author Jane Jensen was able to pull out of the Sierra game engine at the time. IMO, this was the first CD-ROM, live-action, FMV movie that truly rivaled actual movies; the acting, film-editing, and storyline are excellent. Well done! Coolest Added Touch : Seeing the world through canine eyes--with murky, mono-color graphics-- when you (temporarily) become a werewolf.

Hocus Pocus (Apogee Software Ltd., 1994, PC) One of the last of the great 2D scrollers on PC computers, this shareware title was fun for many reasons. One, its graphics were top notch, including backgrounds seen through windows, that would scroll at a different speed than the foreground characters, for a nice 3D/2D effect. Music by The Fat Man enhanced the fun of playing each level, to hear another music theme by him (he's made music for several other games as well, including, from what I hear, Seventh Guest and Lexi Cross). Even the finale to the game is amusing. Coolest Added Touch: Completing each level in a flash of light effects and a "Yahoo" from your character.

The Horde (Crystal Dynamics, 1994, CD-ROM) Paul Reiche III created a nice strategy/action game with an amusing, evolving story. Kirk Cameron stars in the FMVs as a clumbsy-turned-brave farm dweller who, with your help, becomes heir to the throne. Along the way, he must protect villages from The Horde, with whatever arsenal he can find. Protect enough crops and gain enough money for a larger protection force. Surprise cutscenes add to the fun, including a small comet hitting your current game map! Coolest Added Touch : As the "meek" farm boy wins more battles, the cutscenes show him more confident and stronger...

Indiana Jones and The Fate of Atlantis (LucasArts, 1992, PC) This game was nearly not on the list, due to a potential ruling against games based on a movie. This game was worth breaking that rule! Its strength came from three different plot branches, leading to puzzles involving brute force, conversation skills, or expert puzzle solving. Add to this one of the top ten best endings I ever saw in a game, and you have a great adventure classic. Coolest Added Touch: Sophia Hapgood, the intriguing love-interest amalgam of all of Indy's three movie girlfriends. Added Note: LucasArts (as of this page's last update) still sells all of its classic games! Just go to their LucasArts Company Store, and click on "original classics" at the bottom menubar (Mac owners should, click on "Mac Classics").

Jill of the Jungle (Epic Megagames,1992,PC) A truly fun 2D scroller that puts you in charge of a George-of-the-Jungle of the opposite gender. The only ill feeling felt is the lack of any sequel. After all, if Duke Nukem can be "3D," why not Jill? Coolest Added Touch : The saved Prince proposes: "uh...okay," replies Jill. Added Note : Much like LucasArts, Epic Megagames still respects the classic games that got them where they are today. Just go to Epic Classics, and you can buy this game for any DOS-friendly PC. THANKS, Epic, for being so busy with Unreal, yet still saluting your classic titles...

Karateka (Broderbund, 1984, Apple //e) Jordan "Prince of Persia" Mechner made this classic side-to-side fighting game, which is often imitated to this very day (yet rarely duplicated). With an intro that makes you truly hate the villain, you fight numerous baddies karate-style to make it to the sobbing princess...and save the day! The romantic finale, with an epilogue and cool continuous victory music, made things even more memorable. Coolest Added Touch : In case you were wondering; if you approach the princess at the end in "fight mode," she will promptly kick your butt!