Hello everyone,

I would like to introduce Siljo Planet, a retro gaming website focused on bringing classic PC multiplayer games back online.

Website: https://www.siljo-planet.net

One of the main features of the site is the IPX Web Lobby, designed for older DOS and Windows games that originally used the IPX network protocol. The goal is to make it easier for players to find each other, create multiplayer rooms and play classic games over the internet.

How the IPX Web Lobby works

The host selects a game and creates a room. The lobby generates a unique Room Code, which can then be shared with other players.

Players who want to join simply select the same game, enter the Room Code and receive the correct connection information, including the host’s IP address and port.

The lobby supports two main connection methods:

Port Forwarding Mode
This is the standard direct connection method. The host forwards the required UDP port in the router and other players connect directly.

VPN Mode
This can be used as a fallback when port forwarding is unavailable or does not work. Players can use tools such as Tailscale, ZeroTier or Hamachi and connect through the virtual network address.

Depending on the game, the connection may use tools such as:

IPX Wrapper for Windows games
DOSBox or DOSBox SVN for DOS games
IPX NullModem Server
CnC-DDraw for compatible Windows titles
Custom configuration files and launch scripts

For many supported games, prepared configuration files and connection tools are available for download. In most cases, players only need to place the provided files into their existing game directory and start the game using the included HOST.bat or JOIN.bat launcher.

Please note that Siljo Planet does not provide, host or distribute any full games, game installation files or CD ISO images. Users must own and use their own legitimate retail copies of the supported games. The website only provides multiplayer connection tools, configuration files, launch scripts and setup instructions where applicable.

The lobby includes a growing selection of classic games from different genres, including first-person shooters, real-time strategy games, racing games, action games and other DOS and Windows multiplayer titles.

Some examples include:

Atomic Bomberman, Diablo, Warcraft II, StarCraft, Red Alert 2, Doom, Doom II, Duke Nukem 3D, Blood, Shadow Warrior, Descent, Death Rally, Carmageddon, Screamer, Transport Tycoon Deluxe, Theme Hospital, Worms, Wacky Wheels and many more.

Each supported game can have its own help page with setup instructions, required utilities, downloads and troubleshooting information.

Creating and joining rooms is handled directly through the web browser. Active and waiting rooms are displayed on the website, making it easier to see when somebody is available to play.

Siljo Planet also includes a retro arcade section, rankings, achievements, daily challenges, weekly tournaments, downloads and a community forum.

The project is still being developed, and more games, setup packages and instructions are being added over time. Feedback, testing and suggestions from retro gaming enthusiasts are very welcome.

You can visit the IPX Web Lobby here:

https://www.siljo-planet.net/ab/lobby.php

I hope this project can help preserve the online multiplayer side of classic PC gaming and make it easier for people to enjoy these games together again.