This batch ranges from dice-table shareware to dense military commands, with several board-game conversions and Dynamix air-war staples in between.

1830: Railroads & Robber Barons

the 1830 board-game conversion puts its emphasis on share dealing, company control, and route building rather than the day-to-day spectacle of running trains. The hex map, operating decisions, and hotseat play make it a particularly stern railway game; would you rather build a dependable line or unsettle the table with stock sales?

1942: The Pacific Air War

this Pacific air-war sim lets a pilot move between cockpit action and an overhead command map, with American and Japanese campaigns alongside standalone missions. Its mission recorder is an appealing period extra, especially for anyone who enjoys revisiting a strike from another camera angle.

21 Gewinnt

this dice-driven 21 game trades Blackjack cards for repeated rolls of two dice, asking when to stand before the total passes 21. The shareware version is CPU-only, so compare its push-your-luck rhythm with card Blackjack: does the dice roll make you play more cautiously?

A Line in the Sand

this Middle East board-wargame adaptation covers Gulf War and hypothetical regional scenarios through turn-based land, air, and naval operations. Its Diplomatic Mode adds alliances, ceasefires, oil, and international pressure beside the military map; which side of that split would you spend more time with?

Abrams Battle Tank

this Abrams tank simulation centers on eight Warsaw Pact missions and switches among commander, gunner, loader, and driver stations. Ammunition choice, separate turret and track control, and missions across several environments give it a busier cockpit than its straightforward premise suggests.

Absolute Pinball

these four digital pinball tables include a rally, underwater treasure, Hollywood, and baseball themes, each with three flippers and scoreboard mini-games. The choice between scrolling and full-table views is worth debating: which perspective do you prefer when a table is packed with ramps and targets?

Aces of the Deep

this German U-boat command sim spans the Battle of the Atlantic in campaign form, while single missions can vary convoys, weather, and targets. Ten realism settings and crew automation let players decide how much of the boat to run themselves, from plotting and periscope work to routine tasks.

Aces of the Pacific

this Pacific Theater flight sim offers American and Japanese aircraft, carrier operations, anti-shipping work, bomber escorts, and a career across major battles or the whole war. Blackouts, weather, sun glare, and collision settings can be adjusted, making the same sortie feel very different from one setup to the next.

Aces Over Europe

this Western Theater sequel shifts the series to American, British, and German squadrons, with bomber escort, ground attack, and dogfight assignments. Its randomized objectives and varied aircraft roster make a useful comparison with its Pacific predecessor: which theater gives you the more tempting mission list?

Aces: The Complete Collector’s Edition

this Dynamix compilation bundles A-10 Tank Killer, Aces of the Pacific, Aces Over Europe, and Red Baron on one CD-ROM. It also includes the documentary “The Aviation Pioneers 1903–1939,” giving the set an early-flight-history companion alongside its combat simulations.

Of these DOS simulations, which one best captures the pleasure of managing a whole operation rather than simply steering one vehicle?