8 Classic PlayStation Adventure Games that are Barely Playable Today
Classic PlayStation adventure games from the PS1 era present significant playability challenges for modern players, primarily due to outdated control schemes such as tank controls. Tank controls, a common mechanic in PS1-era games, separate movement and rotation functions: pressing up moves the character forward in their facing direction, while left and right inputs only rotate the character rather than allowing side-to-side movement. This control limitation becomes particularly problematic in gameplay scenarios requiring precision, such as sneaking past enemies, aiming weapons, or executing timed platforming sequences.
These control constraints affected adventure games across multiple genres during the PlayStation 1 era, making them frustrating to play by modern standards, where players expect responsive, directional movement controls. Polygon’s article examines eight classic PlayStation adventure games that are particularly difficult to return to today, with tank controls being a primary culprit, though other technical and design elements also contribute to their outdated feel.
The article begins examining these games’ playability issues, starting with Tomb Raider, one of the most iconic adventure titles from that era. While Tomb Raider remains a landmark game in the adventure genre, its design reflects the technical limitations and control philosophy of the PS1 generation, making it challenging for contemporary players accustomed to modern control schemes.
This discussion highlights broader questions about game preservation and the challenge of experiencing historically significant games in their original form, as gameplay conventions that were once standard have become barriers to accessibility and enjoyment for new audiences.