Any rare PC games?

[norkusa]

Hey, I was just wondering about that one - someone at the new HOTU forums was asking about it. (While downloadable copies exist, apparently all of them are corrupted!)

Heh, I actually just uploaded the full ISO along with the 1.10 patch to Underground-Gamer a few weeks ago. You need an invite to get in though.

Yeah, from what I've heard it's impossible to find a unripped, working copy online. One guy in the torrent comments section said he was about to pay money to join a site just so he could grab the ripped version.

[roushimsx]

now if only I could get some help with getting all my old DOS games to work in XP... I know DOSBOX is the answer, but I still don't understand exactly what I'm supposed to do with it... the explanations just confuse the hell out of me... why can't I just install DOSBOX as a second OS and be done with it?

The beauty of DOSbox is that you don't need to install it as a separate OS. You don't even need to "install" it, you just need to throw it in a directory and you're good to go. It's amazingly convenient (multitask like crazy, record direct copy videos, clean screenshots, emulate hardware you'd have a bitch tracking down, toggle between hardware configurations in seconds, etc) and useful.

Hit me up via AIM/MSN/YahooIM/PM sometime and I'd be happy to step you through the process of getting it running whatever you're looking at getting running. Once you fiddle with it for one or two games, it all clicks and you'll grow completely fucking spoiled. Seriously. You'll hate going back to raw DOS on an old 286/386/486 for general use instead of nostalgia.

[BetaWolf47]

The beauty of DOSbox is that you don't need to install it as a separate OS.
Hit me up via AIM/MSN/YahooIM/PM sometime and I'd be happy to step you through the process of getting it running whatever you're looking at getting running.

Or I'll just tell him how to do everything right now: simply drag the game's executable onto the DOSbox executable. Ta-da!

[roushimsx]

Or I'll just tell him how to do everything right now: simply drag the game's executable onto the DOSbox executable. Ta-da!

But you still have to learn how to properly mount disc images and configure your video output for maximum sexiness (native LCD res or GTFO!)

Too many people don't do that and miss out on CD audio (Blood's CD audio is fucking amazing) or get stuck letting their monitor/desktop hop between silly resolutions. Better to just let DOSbox handle the scaling (especially if you have a widescreen monitor), not to mention being able to snag some nice sized screenshots that don't take up much room.

Plus: Recording videos!

[phreakindee]

If you're only interested in the content, I'm pretty sure it was included in the Special Edition of SC2K, along with the SimCity Urban Renewal Kit - which, come to think of it, is something else I never saw in stores. I did once see the SimCity Classics Graphics Pack, at least.

Oh I found the boxed game of Great Disasters eventually, just saying if anyone else can find it, it's no small feat - it took me years and eventually searching through Dutch channels to find one. And yes, the content came on the CD Collection and the Special Edition, but a collector's job isn't complete unless you have the originals boxed. I despise shovelware.

[phreakindee]

The beauty of DOSbox is that you don't need to install it as a separate OS. You don't even need to "install" it, you just need to throw it in a directory and you're good to go. It's amazingly convenient (multitask like crazy, record direct copy videos, clean screenshots, emulate hardware you'd have a bitch tracking down, toggle between hardware configurations in seconds, etc) and useful.

Hit me up via AIM/MSN/YahooIM/PM sometime and I'd be happy to step you through the process of getting it running whatever you're looking at getting running. Once you fiddle with it for one or two games, it all clicks and you'll grow completely fucking spoiled. Seriously. You'll hate going back to raw DOS on an old 286/386/486 for general use instead of nostalgia.

This is partly off-topic, but trying to record some of these hard-to-find games we have listed here with DosBox's video recorder, I cannot seem to get the videos to be editable in Adobe Premiere or anything else, even after installing the codec. They only show a black screen with audio. Anyway, just a heads-up to anyone who may be trying this. Perhaps I'm missing something.

Another game which I have also been having one hard time to find: Hard Drivin' by Sega for DOS, came with CGA and EGA

[Diatribal Deity]

Lessee. The Sierra anthologies aren't worth much of anything since Vivendi released those crappy DOSBox compilations. Emperor Battle For Dune? I've never seen a CIB copy go for more than $10. Loom's only worth 2k moneys if it has the -proper- CD print (something about a misprint of the bonus CD, not sure what that was about?).

Several of these games were also been rereleased in LEGIT budget versions in Europe. FF7, Grim Fandango, Alien Crossfire, the Fallout series except for 3, X-Com...

Meh. Maybe I'm just cursed.

-You may be referring to Dune 2000 (I used to get the two confused).
-As far as Star Trek games, watch out because some are not worth much now. It's more of a speculative buy for some, as all seem to be slowly increasing in value over time. If your looking for an immediate flip, look for the Star Trek Action Pack.

If I get motivated and have some free time I will help develop/tweak a list with a range of values or at least collude with others so it will give something even more tangible for everyone to work with.

CORNELIUS "excellent job so far!"

***REMEMBER CORNELIUS' LIST IS NOT FOR ULTRA HIGH PRICED RARE GAMES BUT GAMES IF YOU SEE IN THE WILD FOR A FEW BUCKS ARE WELL WORTH PICKING UP.***

Remember also that I am solely basing my titles on the fact that you may be able to find them in the wild in varying conditions (although I reserve the right to throw out there some interesting tidbits as well). As has been mentioned too, you need to be willing to ship internationally to really maximize values on many of these.

Also as a reference for everyone...watch the listings of "warehouse31" on ebay. He/She/They really milk value out of PC titles, many disc only. So everyone get out there, start looking, make some money, support/supplement your gaming habits, family whatever...and most importantly don't forget to try out many of these titles before you sell them because many are excellent (unless they are sealed of course).

[Gameguy]

- Cival War Generals 2 (For PC by Sierra)

That's worth something? I bought a copy as a gift for someone shortly after it came out. I didn't think it would be rare or valuable.

OK here is another one I always forget to mention...

- Return of Arcade Anniversary Edition (Microsoft)

I have that, I bought it new shortly after it came out. How much does it go for? I didn't think it was worth much either.

The original version came with an audio drama on cassette, and the game itself was later released as a CD version. Not sure what you mean by a "bonus" CD. Either version is probably worth a bit if it's CIB.

The floppy disk version had the audio drama on cassette, the CD-ROM version had the audio drama on CD. I have to look up more about the CD-ROM version, I wasn't aware that there were printing errors for the CDs(I'll have to check that out).


I'm actually surprised, it seems I either have or had several games that are listed here. Everything from my collection I've purchased locally or in person while traveling(next to never as I rarely travel anywhere), I've never had anything shipped to me so it's kind of more amazing. I had a copy of the Ultima Dragon Edition that I got off craigslist along with several other games, but I wasn't into the Ultima games so I sold it. The seller didn't even mention that it was the Dragon Edition, it was just listed as "Ultima Ascension". I only wanted the lot of games because Grim Fandango was in it, I only found out it was the Dragon Edition when I met to buy it and I had to look it up as I didn't know anything about it.

[Ed Oscuro]

I saw a color version of Oregon Trail for Mac (Color? somewhat old) that I didn't buy (d'oh) a while back. No idea how "rare" the game is - but I didn't know it existed before that. Probably much less common than the original Apple II and 1993 Oregon Trail II releases.

I believe the Super Solvers games aren't terribly common but I don't think there's much market for them now.

[Jorpho]

This is partly off-topic, but trying to record some of these hard-to-find games we have listed here with DosBox's video recorder, I cannot seem to get the videos to be editable in Adobe Premiere or anything else, even after installing the codec. They only show a black screen with audio. Anyway, just a heads-up to anyone who may be trying this. Perhaps I'm missing something.

VirtualDub will probably do the trick.

The floppy disk version had the audio drama on cassette, the CD-ROM version had the audio drama on CD.

No, the CD-ROM version just had voice work for the game's dialog and did not feature the original cassette audio drama at all (unless it was on a second CD or something).

I saw a color version of Oregon Trail for Mac (Color? somewhat old) that I didn't buy (d'oh) a while back. No idea how "rare" the game is - but I didn't know it existed before that. Probably much less common than the original Apple II and 1993 Oregon Trail II releases.

Did you mean to type "Mac" there? I'm not sure I understand. Anyway, there was indeed a BASIC version of Oregon Trail that predates MECC's Apple II version, but I can't recall if it was released commercially.

I believe the Super Solvers games aren't terribly common but I don't think there's much market for them now.

You can still buy most of those all over the place for pretty cheap.

[NayusDante]

This is partly off-topic, but trying to record some of these hard-to-find games we have listed here with DosBox's video recorder, I cannot seem to get the videos to be editable in Adobe Premiere or anything else, even after installing the codec.

Try Windows Movie Maker. If you can get the videos in there, save them as WMV and put the WMV in your editor.

[Gameguy]

No, the CD-ROM version just had voice work for the game's dialog and did not feature the original cassette audio drama at all (unless it was on a second CD or something).

There were a couple of CDs included with the CD-ROM release, including the audio drama.
http://www.onlinegamesdatenbank.de/i...me&gameid=3642

http://www.onlinegamesdatenbank.de/i...1d494939180b88

[roushimsx]

VirtualDub will probably do the trick

This is what I do. Import the zmbvs in VirtualDub and then steam out as huffyuv if I'm going to be working in something else or just encode it right there.

[Jorpho]

There were a couple of CDs included with the CD-ROM release, including the audio drama.
http://www.onlinegamesdatenbank.de/i...me&gameid=3642

http://www.onlinegamesdatenbank.de/i...1d494939180b88

I see. Someone should update Wikipedia.

[Ryaan1234]

You should add Master of Magic to the list, both floppy and CD version. I've seen it go in the $30 range and as high as $50, which is pretty good for a PC game. The CD version came in it's own box as well as a pack-in with Master of Orion II for a while. Both CD versions seem to have no difference in price.

I have a boxed Les Manley on 5.25'' floppies. It's a Leisure Suit Larry knockoff by Accolade. I haven't seen a copy on ebay so I imagine it's rare.

I'm also a very proud owner of a copy of The Neverhood.

[Diatribal Deity]

You should add Master of Magic to the list, both floppy and CD version. I've seen it go in the $30 range and as high as $50, which is pretty good for a PC game. The CD version came in it's own box as well as a pack-in with Master of Orion II for a while. Both CD versions seem to have no difference in price.

I have a boxed Les Manley on 5.25'' floppies. It's a Leisure Suit Larry knockoff by Accolade. I haven't seen a copy on ebay so I imagine it's rare.

I'm also a very proud owner of a copy of The Neverhood.

Agree with Master of Magic. Les Manley: Search for the King was actually pretty good. There was also Les Manely: Lost in LA that came out later. The value of the two CIB fluctuate alot, very similar to Innocent Until Caught and its sequel.

Freespace 2 is another good one also a great game (PC jewel or CIB)

[Iron Draggon]

on the subject of unusual shaped boxes, the box for X-CAR is sort of an X shaped box... it's not a very rare one though... I see it on ebay fairly often

as for rare games, Heroes of Might & Magic 4 usually sells for a pretty penny too... not sure why... apparently it had a smaller than normal print run I guess

Axis & Allies: Iron Blitz is extremely sought after also... apparently it had a very small print run as well, cause it always sells for triple digits on ebay

timing is everything for trying to sell rare PC games on ebay though... the best time to post something like that is September - December, same as everything else... that's when everyone is on ebay looking for the rarities... the rest of the time is hit & miss... you might luck out or you might strike out

But you still have to learn how to properly mount disc images and configure your video output for maximum sexiness (native LCD res or GTFO!)

Too many people don't do that and miss out on CD audio (Blood's CD audio is fucking amazing) or get stuck letting their monitor/desktop hop between silly resolutions. Better to just let DOSbox handle the scaling (especially if you have a widescreen monitor), not to mention being able to snag some nice sized screenshots that don't take up much room.

Plus: Recording videos!

that's exactly what I need to know, cause I'm using a 24" widescreen LCD monitor at 1920x1200 resolution, and I know none of my DOS games include any settings for running that high, so they'll all prolly look like hairy ass on it!

mostly what I'm looking to run in DOSBOX are a bunch of old pinball games, and the few Windows 95/98 games I have that won't run in XP compatibility mode... a few old racing games, and maybe a few old RTS and other genres

it's the disc mounting thing that confuses me... that's why I wish I could just install DOSBOX on a separate drive, and have whatever games I install on that drive run like they would if I installed them on an old 486 or something

then there's also the potential problem of my system being a screamer... I've got a 3GHZ CPU, 2GB of RAM, and a 512MB graphics card, so I'm afraid that even if I get all those old games to run on it, they'll run at supersonic speeds!

[Baloo]

Also as a reference for everyone...watch the listings of "warehouse31" on ebay. He/She/They really milk value out of PC titles, many disc only. So everyone get out there, start looking, make some money, support/supplement your gaming habits, family whatever...and most importantly don't forget to try out many of these titles before you sell them because many are excellent (unless they are sealed of course).

Yeah, warehouse31 has a lot of the classic DOS games, I bought Ducktales: The Quest for Gold for my Tandy off of him for I think under $10, he's got the Amiga version of the same game for like $22 on there now, and there's one other DOS version up there complete for $50 from someone else. Unfortunately the copy I bought didn't come with any of the paperwork, the one up there now does. Really, just scope out the 80s 5 and 1/4 floppy games I say, they're the ones that make a good amount of money and are pretty tough to find. Disney licensed games, Leisure Suit Larry, King's Quest, Sierra is a good company that has a good amount of valuable PC games. Don't deal with stuff from the 90s and up though, 95 percent of those games most likely aren't work jack shit.

[Kitsune Sniper]

That's worth something? I bought a copy as a gift for someone shortly after it came out. I didn't think it would be rare or valuable.

I can sell Civil War 2 disc only for $35-45, and I sold a complete copy sold $65 two years ago (when sales were much better). There's a pack with both Civil War games that goes for good prices too (but that one was reprinted in Europe so it's not as uncommon) - and there's an even rarer pack out there that I stumbled upon earlier this year called The Great Civil War, which includes both those games and "Edward Grabowski's The Blue & The Gray". The DOS/Windows 3.1 version of the game is common, but the Windows 95 version (included in this pack) is not. I managed to sell that one for $60 loose (and that one took a while to sell because nobody knows about it!).

[Volcanon]

A lot of mac games like SMAC are kind of expensive due to short print run.