I just don't get how they seem to be unplayable or completely impenetrable to so many people. I'd say it's a generational thing but even many people who grew up playing PS1 games act like trying to figure them out in 2024 completely short circuits their brains
Now, would I want to play some hypothetical fast paced 3D action game from the 90s where they used tank controls because they didn't know any better? No, but they work perfectly fine in slower-paced games like Resident Evil-style survival horror or the first five Tomb Raider games (though the camera kind of sucks in those, but it took a long time for 3D games to figure out how to handle that in general)
Maybe I'm just weird for enjoying tank controls. Some survival horror games that came out in the PS2 era like Silent Hill 2 and 3 gave you the option between 2D and 3D (tank controls) movement and I always pick the latter if I get the chance
Just wanted to throw in that I'm with you. Tank controls have a place and are wildly maligned. Horror games that utilize them are better for having used tank controls. The moment where resident evil really went off rails was RE4 when the horror stopped being scary, and it turned into an action game.
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I guess I feel that I don't consider RE4 and future titles as having tank controls due to the precise control you're given with aiming. I might be splitting hairs with that opinion. After the success of RE4 in the way that it was guaranteed that future titles would be made with the same formula, leaning further into cinematic action and departing from horror, and the over-the-shoulder perspective only facilites better movement and gunplay.