Experience PS1 Nostalgia With These Verified Steam Deck Games

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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Classic PS1-Style RPGs on Steam Deck

The PlayStation 1 era was a golden age for RPGs. Thankfully, many classics, and games inspired by them, have found a home on the Steam Deck, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern convenience.

Chrono Cross

Chrono Cross, with its unique gameplay and unforgettable story, feels right at home on the Steam Deck. The vibrant pixel art, unforgettable soundtrack, and satisfying turn-based combat perfectly evoke the PS1 era.

• Authentic PS1 Experience: The game's pixel art, character designs, and soundtrack are incredibly faithful to the PS1 aesthetic, transporting you back to the late 90s.
• Optimized for Steam Deck: Chrono Cross benefits from excellent Steam Deck compatibility, offering smooth performance and intuitive controls. The handheld format is ideal for experiencing this sprawling RPG.

Final Fantasy VII

No discussion of PS1 RPGs is complete without mentioning Final Fantasy VII. Its legacy is undeniable, and its transition to the Steam Deck is surprisingly seamless.

• Enhanced Experience: While not a graphical overhaul, the Steam Deck offers excellent performance and customization options for controls, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preference.
• Cross-Platform Comparison: Compared to playing on a PC or other consoles, the Steam Deck offers unparalleled portability, letting you enjoy this epic adventure wherever you go. Minor performance tweaks may be needed depending on your Steam Deck model.

Suikoden I & II

These strategy RPGs offer immense scale, charm, and depth. The pixel art is endearing, the characters memorable, and the gameplay endlessly engaging. The Steam Deck's controls are perfectly suited to managing armies and navigating complex storylines.

• Massive Scale, Handheld Convenience: Suikoden's large cast of characters and intricate storylines are perfectly suited to longer play sessions on the Steam Deck.
• Community Feedback: The Steam Deck community offers plenty of tips and tricks for optimizing performance and control schemes for these beloved RPGs.

Action-Adventure Gems Perfect for the Steam Deck

The PS1 also boasted a fantastic library of action-adventure games, many of which translate beautifully to the Steam Deck's handheld format.

Resident Evil (Remake)

The original Resident Evil remake perfectly captures the survival horror atmosphere of the PS1 era. The tank controls and fixed camera angles might seem dated to some, but they add to the game's unique charm and tension. The Steam Deck's portability makes those tense moments even more gripping.

• Atmospheric Immersion: The fixed camera angles and sound design create an intense atmosphere, perfectly complemented by the Steam Deck's immersive handheld experience.
• Performance Considerations: While generally well-optimized, you might need to adjust the graphics settings to maintain smooth performance on lower-end Steam Deck models.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

This action-adventure title stands out for its innovative gameplay mechanics and dark, gothic atmosphere. Exploring the world of Nosgoth on the Steam Deck enhances the game's already immersive experience.

• Portable Gothic World: The Steam Deck's portability makes exploring Nosgoth's dark and atmospheric world even more engaging, letting you delve into its lore wherever you are.
• Customizable Controls: Experiment with different control schemes to find the perfect setup for navigating Soul Reaver's challenging environments and combat scenarios.

Syphon Filter

This stealth-action game, a PS1 classic, offers thrilling gameplay. The Steam Deck's controls translate surprisingly well, making this a perfect portable spy thriller.

• Control Scheme: The Steam Deck's analog sticks and buttons provide precise control for aiming and navigating levels.
• Performance: Syphon Filter runs well on the Steam Deck, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Other Notable PS1-Inspired Titles on Steam Deck

While not direct ports, many games on the Steam Deck evoke the spirit of the PS1 era. Games with similar pixel art styles, gameplay mechanics, or thematic elements offer a similar nostalgic experience.

• Examples: Check out titles like Oceanhorn, Hollow Knight, and Salt and Sanctuary for similar gameplay and artistic styles. These games capture the essence of PS1 adventures with modern enhancements.
• Steam Links: Search for these titles on the Steam store for more information and gameplay videos.

Conclusion

From classic RPGs like Chrono Cross and Final Fantasy VII to action-adventure titles such as Resident Evil and Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, the Steam Deck offers a fantastic library of PS1-inspired and verified games. These titles perfectly capture the charm and excitement of the original PlayStation while benefiting from the portability and convenience of the Steam Deck. Ready to embark on a nostalgic gaming journey? Grab your Steam Deck and dive into these fantastic titles! Experience PS1 nostalgia like never before with these verified games. What are your favorite PS1-inspired games on Steam Deck? Share them in the comments below!