Which Verified Steam Deck Games Capture The PS1 Spirit?

Hugo van Dijk

5 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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RPGs Recapturing the PS1 Vibe

Many modern RPGs successfully capture the essence of classic PS1 RPGs. Let's look at two key aspects: combat and narrative.

Classic Turn-Based Combat

The deliberate pace and strategic depth of turn-based combat were hallmarks of PS1 RPGs. Several verified Steam Deck games perfectly capture this feeling.

• Chained Echoes: This indie gem boasts a robust turn-based system with a strategic Overdrive meter, reminiscent of the intricate battles found in classic PS1 titles. Its pixel art style further enhances the retro feel.
• Underrail: A deep, challenging RPG with a complex skill system and a vast underground world to explore, Underrail demands strategic planning in its turn-based battles, echoing the careful resource management of many PS1 RPGs. Its retro aesthetic adds to the experience.
• Divinity: Original Sin 2: While more graphically advanced, Divinity: Original Sin 2’s turn-based combat, coupled with its rich story and party management, captures the spirit of classic PS1 RPGs like Final Fantasy VII and Chrono Trigger. The Steam Deck's portability allows for extended play sessions for this expansive game.

These games offer features reminiscent of PS1 RPGs:

• Deep party customization and management
• Extensive exploration and world-building
• Compelling storylines and memorable characters

Story-Rich Narrative Experiences

PS1 RPGs often prioritized narrative, delivering engaging stories with memorable characters. These modern titles share that focus:

• Baldur's Gate 3: Though graphically distinct, Baldur's Gate 3's epic story, morally grey characters, and choice-driven narrative mirror the grand scope and impactful choices of classic PS1 RPGs. Its verified status on Steam Deck ensures a smooth playthrough.
• Disco Elysium - The Final Cut: While technically an isometric RPG, Disco Elysium's focus on narrative and character development, coupled with its unique writing style, surpasses many PS1 titles in storytelling. Its dialogue system and branching narrative create a truly immersive experience.

These games prioritize:

• Branching storylines impacting the overall narrative.
• Memorable and well-developed characters.
• Rich, engaging world-building that draws you into the story.

Action-Adventure Titles with a PS1 Feel

The action-adventure genre also saw its golden age on the PS1. Let's look at games that recapture that feeling on the Steam Deck.

Isometric Perspective and Exploration

The isometric perspective was a staple of many PS1 action-adventures. These titles retain that perspective while adding modern twists:

• Grim Dawn: This ARPG features a classic isometric viewpoint and a deep loot system, reminiscent of dungeon crawlers from the PS1 era. Its vast world and character customization options offer many hours of engaging gameplay. Its verification on Steam Deck makes it a perfect choice for portable adventures.
• Tyranny: Obsidian's Tyranny offers a unique take on the isometric RPG, placing the player in the role of a villain enforcing the rule of law. Its rich lore, intriguing world, and isometric perspective strongly evoke the feel of classic PS1 titles.

Key features echoing PS1 action-adventures include:

• Open worlds ripe for exploration.
• Engaging puzzle elements woven into the environment.
• Meaningful character progression and build customization.

Fixed Camera Angles and Environmental Storytelling

Fixed camera angles were common in PS1 games, often used to create atmosphere and tension. While less common now, some modern games still use this technique:

• Many indie titles on Steam employ fixed camera angles to create a specific mood or to highlight environmental details. Searching the Steam store for "isometric RPG" or "retro RPG" with "verified" filter should reveal hidden gems.

These games effectively utilize:

• Strategic camera placement to highlight environmental details and create tension.
• Limited camera movement, forcing players to explore their surroundings thoroughly.
• A retro aesthetic, reinforcing the PS1 feel.

Other Genres Evoking the PS1 Era

The PS1's impact extended beyond RPGs and action-adventures. Many other genres on Steam Deck offer a similar nostalgic experience:

Fighting Games

Several fighting games on Steam Deck, like Skullgirls or Guilty Gear Strive (check for verified status), offer a retro-inspired aesthetic, fast-paced combat, and a deep roster of characters, echoing classic PS1 fighters like Tekken and Street Fighter.

Platformers

2D platformers like Axiom Verge, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, or 3D titles with retro-inspired aesthetics, capture the charm of classic PS1 platformers like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon. Look for verified titles on Steam.

Survival Horror

Games like Resident Evil remakes or indie titles with a similar atmosphere capture the claustrophobic tension of PS1 survival horror. Check Steam for verified titles in this genre.

Each of these games offers distinct features reminiscent of PS1 classics: sprite-based graphics, challenging gameplay, atmospheric soundtracks, and engaging stories.

Conclusion

Many verified Steam Deck games successfully recapture the spirit of PlayStation 1 classics. From the turn-based battles and narrative-driven RPGs to the isometric action-adventures and retro-inspired platformers, the options are abundant. Remember to check for the "verified" status to guarantee optimal performance on your Steam Deck. Explore these games and discover the magic of the PS1 era, revisited! Share your own discoveries of Steam Deck games capturing the PS1 spirit – we'd love to hear your recommendations!