For the controls of tanks, see Tank steering systems. Tank controls refers to a control system used in video games. In a game with tank controls, players control movement relative to the position of the player character.

When did they start using tank controls in games?

Tank controls were common in 3D games in the late 1990s, such as Grim Fandango and the early Resident Evil and Tomb Raider games. Tank controls allow players to maintain a direction when the camera angle changes.

Why did they use tank controls in Resident Evil?

Shinji Mikami, director of the first Resident Evil (1996), chose to use fixed camera perspectives and tank controls to make the game scarier. He explained that in this way the player could not see a zombie coming, yet could still hear its footsteps without knowledge of its position.

Why do you need tank controls in Grim Fandango?

Tank controls allow players to maintain a direction when the camera angle changes. Grim Fandango designer Tim Schafer chose the system as it allowed the developers to create “cinematic” camera cuts without disrupting the controls.

For the controls of tanks, see Tank steering systems. Tank controls refers to a control system used in video games. In a game with tank controls, players control movement relative to the position of the player character.

Tank controls were common in 3D games in the late 1990s, such as Grim Fandango and the early Resident Evil and Tomb Raider games. Tank controls allow players to maintain a direction when the camera angle changes.

Are there any horror games that use tank controls?

While tank controls work for horror games in a very specific context, it’s easy to recognize games where they don’t work. They felt awkward in the 1996 Tomb Raider game, where they detracted from the game’s platforming/adventure style of gameplay.

Tank controls allow players to maintain a direction when the camera angle changes. Grim Fandango designer Tim Schafer chose the system as it allowed the developers to create “cinematic” camera cuts without disrupting the controls.