Steam Deck's Expanding Library: Verified PS1-Inspired Games

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 15, 2025

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Top PS1-Inspired RPGs on Steam Deck

PS1 RPGs captivated players with their intricate storylines, memorable characters, and often, challenging turn-based combat. These elements, combined with the portability of the Steam Deck, create a perfect storm for nostalgic gaming sessions. Here are some standout titles:

• Chained Echoes: This modern classic expertly blends classic JRPG elements with a captivating story, memorable characters, and a compelling turn-based battle system. It's a true testament to the enduring appeal of the genre.

  • Key Features: Turn-based combat, sprawling world map, multiple endings, unique airship combat.
  • Steam Deck Compatibility: Runs flawlessly, offering excellent performance and intuitive controls.

• Eastward: A beautiful pixel art RPG with a compelling story and engaging puzzle elements. Its unique blend of genres makes it a must-play.

  • Key Features: Pixel art visuals, blend of RPG and puzzle elements, charming characters, captivating story.
  • Steam Deck Compatibility: Fully verified and performs exceptionally well.

• Undertale: While not strictly a PS1-style game visually, Undertale captures the spirit of classic RPGs with its deep story, memorable characters, and unique battle system.

  • Key Features: Unique battle system, memorable characters, emotional story, multiple endings.
  • Steam Deck Compatibility: Perfectly playable and runs smoothly.

• Octopath Traveler: This modern take on classic JRPGs features stunning HD-2D graphics, a compelling story, and a job system that adds depth to gameplay.

  • Key Features: HD-2D visuals, eight unique characters, job system, challenging combat.
  • Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified and performs very well.

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Action-Adventure and Platformer Gems

The PS1 era boasted some truly innovative and challenging platformers and action-adventure games. The precise controls and rewarding gameplay of these titles translate beautifully to the Steam Deck. Let's explore some highlights:

• Blasphemous: This brutally challenging Metroidvania features stunning gothic pixel art and punishing combat. Prepare for a difficult but rewarding experience.

  • Key Features: Gothic pixel art, challenging combat, Metroidvania exploration, deep lore.
  • Steam Deck Compatibility: Runs well, though some might prefer using a controller.

• Axiom Verge: A retro-inspired Metroidvania with a rich atmosphere and challenging gameplay. Its exploration and combat are both highly engaging.

  • Key Features: Retro sci-fi setting, exploration, challenging combat, deep lore.
  • Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified and optimized for Steam Deck.

• Celeste: A challenging precision platformer with a compelling narrative and beautiful pixel art. Its difficulty is matched only by its rewarding sense of accomplishment.

  • Key Features: Precision platforming, emotional narrative, beautiful pixel art, challenging gameplay.
  • Steam Deck Compatibility: Runs flawlessly.

• Shovel Knight: A retro-inspired platformer that expertly captures the feel of classic NES titles. Its charming characters and engaging gameplay make it a must-play.

  • Key Features: Retro-style platforming, multiple playable characters, charming pixel art, challenging gameplay.
  • Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified and works perfectly on the Steam Deck.

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Fighting Games & Other Genres

While RPGs and platformers dominated the PS1 landscape, other genres also made a significant mark. The Steam Deck offers several verified titles drawing inspiration from these classics:

• Skullgirls: A gorgeous 2D fighting game with deep mechanics and a vibrant cast of characters.

  • Key Features: Deep fighting game mechanics, stunning visuals, online multiplayer.
  • Steam Deck Compatibility: Works well with a controller.

• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2: This addictive puzzle game combines the best elements of two classic puzzle franchises into one engaging package.

  • Key Features: Fast-paced puzzle gameplay, various game modes, online multiplayer.
  • Steam Deck Compatibility: Fully verified and runs exceptionally well.

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Optimizing Your Steam Deck Experience for PS1-Inspired Games

To get the best experience playing PS1-inspired games on your Steam Deck, consider these optimizations:

• Adjust Graphics Settings: Lowering settings like shadows and anti-aliasing can significantly improve performance and battery life.
• Control Schemes: Experiment with different control schemes to find what's most comfortable for each game.
• Battery Life Management: Reduce screen brightness and adjust performance settings to extend playtime.

The Future of PS1-Inspired Games on Steam Deck

The future looks bright for PS1-inspired games on the Steam Deck. We can expect to see more developers embrace the retro aesthetic, blending classic gameplay with modern conveniences. Independent developers are particularly well-suited to create these titles, and the Steam Deck's popularity will only fuel this trend. Keep an eye out for upcoming releases and new entries in established franchises.

Conclusion

From the deep storytelling of RPGs like Chained Echoes to the challenging platforming of Celeste, the Steam Deck provides a fantastic portable platform for experiencing a wide array of PS1-inspired games. We've only scratched the surface of the amazing titles available. Discover PS1-inspired gems on your Steam Deck today! Play PS1-inspired games on your Steam Deck and share your experiences – expand your Steam Deck library with PS1 classics and let us know your favorites in the comments!