Top 10 PC Games of the 20th Century

These are the best of the best of computer gaming pre-2000. If you're interested in what the best of the more modern games are click on over to the Top 10 PC Games of the 21st Century list.

10 Doom (FPS, 1993) - Full of shoot-if-it-moves FPS action. While the Wolfenstein 3D put id on the map, Doom made people take notice. This is the first FPS that many people played... and we're still playing.


9. Command & Conquer (RTS, 1995) - The original Command & Conquer too the rock, paper, scissor style RTS games to a new level and with the addition of cheesy FMV took RTS to the masses.


8. Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars (Turn-Based Strategy, 1996) - Turn-based strategy set in a fantasy universe is rare enough and to actually have one that's fun is even rarer. This game is a time sponge.


7. Quake (FPS, 1996) - The game that spawned 2 must have features for all future FPS games. Modding tools and online matchmaking. Competitive gaming hasn't been the same since.


6. Full Throttle (Adventure, 1995) - While tragically short and comparatively easy, Full Throttle kept LucasArts at the top of the point-and-click adventure gaming with something a little less goofy than talking dogs & rabbits.


5. Half-Life (FPS, 1998) - While id may have really kick started the FPS genre, Valve perfected it. The online play of the original and some of its mods is still going strong today.


4. The Curse of Monkey Island (Adventure, 1997) - The pinnacle of 2d adventure gaming. Awesome Disney-esque graphics, logical yet zany puzzles and insult swordfighting make this game magical.


3. Command & Conquer: Red Alert (RTS, 1996) - Alternate history RTS. It may look like the original C&C on the surface but the similarities stop there. Huge maps, huge armies, huge campaigns and, of course, more over-the-top FMVs to push the over-the-top story.


2. Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness (plus Beyond the Dark Portal) (RTS, 1995) - The game that started my love for RTS. When Battle.net launched the play really took off. With perfectly balanced sides and quirky units, this game just rocked.


1. Diablo (RPG, 1997) - I remember playing the demo for this title and leaving it running just to hear the town music. This game started a genre. The hack-n-slash, item quest games owe it all to this classic.