I'd also add Civilization to the mix - it has awful graphics (not entirely, but the world map is what you see most of the time and it looks like shit) and a bit tidious controls, but man, does it make you feel good, when half of the world runs smoothly under your command!
What else... Wing Commander is a game I avoided for a VERY long time (and with no apparent reason), but when I finally tried it out, I fell in love with the whole series. I'm currently trying to beat WC IV but it's really damn hard!
Also if I were you I wouldn't miss Dreamweb - it's a game that not many remember, which is a big shame, 'cause there aren't many better in terms of atmosphere and plot out there.