The nostalgia train continues chugging along in the video game industry. During my visit to PAX East 2024, I saw my fair share of pixel-art style titles, but what I also noticed were the return of some other long-forgotten gaming attributes, including fixed camera angles. In my opinion, I think fixed camera angles should come back in a major way.
Some look back on the fixed-camera angle days of yesteryear, seen in the early Resident Evil and Silent Hill games, a nuisance; however, it’s starting to pop up in modern games, and when used correctly, it could enhance the gaming experience.
This first time this thought popped into my head was when playing Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (remastered) for Boss Rush Book Club. The fixed camera angles only occurred in a few spaces like on the German U-boat near the start of the game. Naughty Dog cleverly planted these fixed camera angles to amp up the suspense. It didn’t overstay its welcome and made me think we could utilize this old mechanic more often.
I saw this again when Pat and I checked out the demo for Sorry, We’re Closed at the Akupara booth at PAX East 2024. This single-player survival horror title is a major throwback to the PlayStation 1 days in both art style and gameplay mechanics. The fixed camera angles hurtled me into a mood so dark, that chills constantly ran up and down my spine, and with modern gaming “sensibilities”, it felt smooth, fun, and immersive.
Now that pixel-art style games have been around for a few years, I feel that the next level of nostalgia will move to PS1 style, including the use of fixed camera angles. If you need further proof, read up on this new mod that allows you to play Resident Evil 2 (remake) with fixed camera angles!
What do you think of bringing back fixed camera angles in video games? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
The Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast About Video Games
The Boss Rush Podcast is the flagship podcast of The Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, hosts Corey Dirrig, Stephanie Klimov, LeRon Dawkins, and Pat Klein come together with their friends, colleagues, and fellow creators to talk about their week in video games, discuss industry topics, conduct interviews, answer listener questions, and more. New episodes every Monday. Get each episode one week early and more perks over on the Boss Rush Network Patreon page.
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