Play Monster Bash online — free shareware episode Works — shareware Episode 1 runs via DOSBox in your browser
Guide updated July 2026 · Runs via DOSBox + WebAssembly
Monster Bash — Apogee's 1993 platformer, in which Johnny Dash goes after Count Chuck's monster army to rescue every kidnapped pet in the neighbourhood. It's the best-looking of Apogee's EGA platformers, with a genuinely gothic art style and a slingshot instead of a gun. The complete shareware Episode 1 is hosted here — click Play and it boots in your browser.
D-pad: move · JUMP: ctrl · FIRE: alt · ESC: menu
⌨ Keyboard — for menus & name entry
Controls — what does what
| Action | Keyboard | Mouse / touch |
|---|---|---|
| Move | Arrow keys | — |
| Jump | Ctrl | Right-click |
| Fire slingshot | Alt | Left-click |
| Menu / back | Esc | — |
| Sound | — | Use the Sound button under the screen to mute |
Runs in your browser tab with DOSBox + WebAssembly — nothing is uploaded. Click the screen to capture input; press Ctrl+F10 to release mouse.
Episode 1 of Monster Bash is Apogee's freely-distributable shareware episode. Episodes 2–3 are commercial and not hosted here. Provenance: /apps/monster-bash/NOTICE.md.
Get the full game
Episode 1 plays here free. Episodes 2 and 3 were the commercial release:
How it works & what to expect
The original 1993 DOS release running in a WebAssembly build of DOSBox. Rescuing pets is the actual objective — they're caged around each level and the exit doesn't care whether you've found them, so completion is on you. Johnny's slingshot has unlimited ammo but a slow arc, so lead your shots.
Playing tips
Cages need one hit to open, and the pet then follows you until it reaches safety — don't lead it back through the monsters you just dodged. Candles light dark rooms permanently, so grab them before exploring. Watch for false floors in the crypt levels; they drop you a screen and cost health.
Shareware episode — and the full game
Episode 1 is the free shareware episode Apogee distributed; its VENDOR.DOC permits sharing that episode and forbids distributing any registered version, so only Episode 1 is here. The full three-episode game is still sold — look for Monster Bash on Steam or GOG.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monster Bash legal to play here?
Yes. This is the official shareware Episode 1, distributed freely by Apogee under its shareware model — the same basis as the Commander Keen, Cosmo, Crystal Caves and Hocus Pocus episodes we host. Episodes 2 and 3 are commercial and are not included.
What are the controls?
Arrow keys move, Ctrl jumps, Alt fires your slingshot. Esc opens the menu. The full control table is under the game.
What am I actually meant to do?
Rescue the caged pets scattered through each level. One hit opens a cage and the pet follows you to safety. The exit will let you leave regardless, so finding them all is the real challenge.
Does my progress save?
Yes — saved games and high scores persist in this browser between visits, best-effort.
Can I play on a phone?
Yes, a touch d-pad with JUMP and FIRE buttons appears below the game on touch devices.
More you can play in your browser
Related guides
- Crystal CavesApogee's crystal-collecting mine platformer.
- Cosmo's Cosmic AdventureApogee platformer with suction-cup climbing.
- Hocus PocusApogee's wizard platformer.
- Bio MenaceApogee run-and-gun — freeware.
- Games that need nothing installedThe full list of titles that run on a locked-down school or work network.