So, there are projects like these;
https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2
Projects that in one way or another aim to modernize a classic, or try make it more playable on modern machine, or just try to expand on things (like gzdoom does)
what other projects are out there in a similar vein?
I find this a little difficult to search for, even with specific terms (i tried finding myself)
CorsixTH - Theme Hospital
OpenRCT2 - Rollercoaster Tycoon 2
RVGL - Re-Volt
Rollcage
Rollcage 2
The Zod Engine - Z
so many choices coming in, thank you for the contribution
Also found this buried in my bookmarks!
https://trilarion.github.io/opensourcegames/index.html
now thats a treasure trove
https://osgameclones.com/ is also a good one
bu gawd, thats lie the library of alexandria, thank you