Many classic PlayStation games are difficult to return to today, largely due to outdated control schemes like tank controls and frustrating camera angles. These design choices, once common, can make even the most beloved titles a chore to play by modern standards.
Tomb Raider (1996)
Lara Croft's original adventure, Tomb Raider, is a prime example of how tank controls can impede gameplay, particularly in a platformer. Precision jumps, a core mechanic, required a specific sequence of button presses and precise timing for running, walking, and standing jumps. The inability to quickly adjust character positioning or camera perspective meant that every jump demanded meticulous setup. Fortunately, a 2024 remaster introduced modern control options, and a full remake is slated for February 2027.
Fear Effect (2000)
The 2000 action-adventure game Fear Effect also employs tank controls, complicating its stealth and combat elements. Set in a futuristic Hong Kong, the game features a unique fear meter that increases with enemy encounters or damage. While a 2025 re-release by Limited Run Games made tank controls optional and added modern features like widescreen and rewind, the original experience is defined by its challenging mechanics.
Resident Evil (1996)
Resident Evil, a foundational title in the survival horror genre, utilizes tank controls in conjunction with fixed camera angles. This combination, while effective at building atmosphere by obscuring threats, makes combat difficult as players often cannot see enemies until they are too close. The original game's analog stick support was introduced in the Director's Cut, available on PS Plus Premium. However, the 2002 remake and its 2015 HD remaster are generally considered superior ways to experience the game due to improved graphics and level design.
Metal Gear Solid (1999)
While not strictly tank controls, Metal Gear Solid's movement and aiming mechanics present similar challenges. Players can switch to a first-person view for scouting, but combat often reverts to a top-down perspective where precise aiming is difficult, especially against armored enemies. The game's stealth mechanics are unforgiving, and landing headshots requires a slow, manual aim. Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is available on modern platforms, offering a way to play the original title.
Dino Crisis (1999)
Dino Crisis, often described as Resident Evil with dinosaurs, suffered from stiff controls and a unique "DANGER!" prompt system that could seize player control at critical moments. While featuring quick-turn functionality, the game's deliberate movement and combat pacing were hampered by its control scheme, leading to frustrating encounters where precise input was often overridden by scripted events.
Syphon Filter (1999)
This spy thriller, Syphon Filter, features unresponsive controls that make its fast-paced action sequences challenging. While offering lock-on targeting, the need for precise headshots against armored opponents necessitates a slower first-person aiming mode, often leaving players vulnerable to off-screen attacks. The game's control scheme is a significant hurdle for players accustomed to more fluid modern shooters.
Parasite Eve 2 (1999)
A departure from its turn-based RPG roots, Parasite Eve 2 adopted real-time combat with tank-like controls. Players guide Aya Brea through pre-rendered environments as she hunts mutated creatures. The game's core difficulty often stems from mastering its stiff and stubborn control scheme, which requires a significant adjustment period. Despite this, the game offers a unique blend of horror and RPG elements.
Silent Hill (1999)
The original Silent Hill is largely unplayable today due to accessibility issues rather than inherent control problems. The source code for the game has been lost, preventing official ports and remasters on modern consoles. Currently, the only ways to play are via an original PlayStation disc or through the PS3 store. A fan-led reconstruction project has recently completed, which may lead to unofficial ports in the future. While the game's atmosphere and narrative remain compelling, experiencing it requires significant effort to overcome access barriers.