Revisiting PS1 Favorites: The Best New Steam Deck Verified Games

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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Action-Adventure Reimagined: Capturing the PS1 Spirit

The action-adventure genre was a cornerstone of the PS1 era, and many modern titles successfully capture that spirit. These Steam Deck Verified games offer a thrilling blend of exploration, combat, and storytelling that will resonate with fans of classic PS1 adventures.

Spiritual Successors & Similar Gameplay

Many modern games offer gameplay reminiscent of PS1 classics. Here are some excellent examples, all verified for optimal Steam Deck performance:

• Kena: Bridge of Spirits: This stunning action-adventure game features charming characters, a vibrant world to explore, and satisfying combat mechanics reminiscent of classic adventure titles. Its charming art style also subtly echoes the charm of PS1 graphics. The Steam Deck Verified status ensures a smooth and enjoyable handheld experience.

• Hades: While stylistically different, Hades' fast-paced combat, rewarding progression system, and compelling narrative share a similar structure to many PS1 action-RPGs. The rogue-lite elements add a modern twist while maintaining the engaging core gameplay loop. Perfectly optimized for Steam Deck.

• Hollow Knight: While a Metroidvania, Hollow Knight's exploration, challenging combat, and atmospheric world perfectly encapsulates the spirit of PS1 adventure games, offering a modern, polished take. Its Steam Deck Verified status ensures seamless gameplay.

These games all share core gameplay elements echoing PS1 classics: exploration of interconnected environments, challenging boss fights, puzzle-solving elements, and engaging storylines.

Visual Style & Atmospheric Echoes

Beyond gameplay, several titles successfully evoke the aesthetic of PS1 games, transporting you back to that era.

• Oceanhorn: This Zelda-inspired adventure boasts a beautiful, slightly stylized low-poly aesthetic reminiscent of early 3D PS1 games. The engaging story and exploration will have you hooked. It’s a Steam Deck Verified title, making it perfect for on-the-go adventures.

• Eastward: With its charming pixel art style and captivating storytelling, Eastward perfectly captures the spirit of classic PS1 RPGs, boasting a Steam Deck Verified rating.

These games masterfully blend modern game design with the visual charm of PS1-era titles, offering a delightful nostalgic experience on your Steam Deck.

RPG Adventures on the Go: Modern Takes on PS1 Classics

The PS1 era saw the rise of iconic RPGs, and many modern titles build on that legacy. These Steam Deck Verified games offer immersive RPG experiences tailored for handheld play.

Isometric RPGs & Turn-Based Combat

Fans of classic PS1 RPGs like Final Fantasy VII and Chrono Trigger will find much to love in these modern isometric RPGs featuring turn-based combat:

• Divinity: Original Sin 2: This critically acclaimed RPG boasts a rich story, deep character customization, and tactical turn-based combat reminiscent of the best PS1 classics. Its Steam Deck Verified status guarantees a smooth experience.

• Baldur's Gate 3: This epic RPG offers a sprawling world, deep story, and rich characters, all while retaining the charm of classic RPGs. This Steam Deck Verified masterpiece provides hours of playtime.

These games capture the essence of classic RPGs: extensive storylines, character development, world exploration, and challenging battles.

Story-Driven Experiences & Narrative Depth

Beyond combat, some games excel at delivering compelling narratives that echo the emotional depth of PS1 RPGs:

• Disco Elysium: This unique RPG prioritizes its narrative and character development over combat, presenting a rich and unforgettable story. Its Steam Deck Verified compatibility makes it a perfect handheld experience.

• Knights of Pen & Paper 2: This charming RPG features a meta narrative and fun turn-based combat, bringing back memories of classic PS1 RPGs. Optimized and verified for Steam Deck.

These titles offer richly detailed narratives, memorable characters, and impactful choices that mirror the emotional resonance of PS1 classics.

Puzzle & Platformer Perfection: The Best of Retro Gameplay, Reimagined

The PS1 era boasted incredible puzzle and platformer games, and the Steam Deck’s library echoes this legacy with many modern, verified alternatives.

Challenging Puzzles & Creative Solutions

These puzzle games offer the same satisfying ingenuity as PS1 classics:

• The Witness: This breathtaking puzzle game presents beautiful environments and intellectually stimulating challenges that will test your problem-solving skills. Steam Deck Verified for perfect portability.

• Portal 2: A classic for a reason, Portal 2 delivers ingenious puzzles and memorable moments. It’s a Steam Deck Verified title, making it ideal for handheld play.

These games offer cleverly designed puzzles that require careful observation and creative thinking.

Precision Platforming & Retro Charm

These platformers capture the precise controls and rewarding gameplay of PS1 platformers:

• Celeste: This challenging platformer rewards precision and timing, offering a retro aesthetic and incredibly satisfying gameplay loop. Steam Deck Verified.

• Hollow Knight: (Already mentioned above but bears repeating in this section due to its strong platforming elements)

These games offer tight controls, challenging levels, and a sense of accomplishment that recalls the best PS1 platformers.

Conclusion

Revisiting PS1 favorites on the Steam Deck is easier than ever thanks to a growing library of verified games that capture the spirit and charm of the original classics. From action-adventures and RPGs to puzzles and platformers, there's a wealth of incredible titles offering a modern take on beloved retro gameplay.

So grab your Steam Deck, explore this list of fantastic Steam Deck Verified games, and embark on a nostalgic adventure. Relive your childhood favorites or discover new games worthy of becoming your new PS1-inspired obsession! Start exploring the best Steam Deck Verified games today!