PC users get dose of PS1 nostalgia with free Elden Ring meets Resident Evil taster

Resident Evil fans are going to love this new PC exclusive, as it’s exactly what we’d imagine a game like Elden Ring would look like had it launched for the OG PlayStation.

As a console player, I’m horrendously jealous of the PC users, now more than ever after seeing the rumoured price for Xbox Project Helix.

Video game graphics are constantly improving and as such, the price of hardware is skyrocketing. Part of me wishes I’d just caved and bought a PC back in the day.

I’m even more jealous of PC users though after trying the False Oath demo on my Steam Deck.

Developed by Daniel Almenara and Nytelynn, False Oath is an upcoming Steam game that pays homage to PS1 games like Resident Evil, Dino Crisis, and more.

The synopsis reads: “False Oath is a retro-style survival horror game set in a medieval era. A deadly plague spreads across the kingdom. Search for a cure before it’s too late.”

After looking at the screenshots and gameplay footage, you can tell the FromSoftware vibes are strong with this one. It’s very Kings Field-esque, but it’s exactly the type of game I’d picture in my head if you told me to imagine the likes of Elden Ring, Dark Souls or Demon Souls as a PS1 game.

It’s got a retro eeriness I haven’t seen since Crow Country, and it stands out from other games in the genre. I’m honestly surprised the idea hasn’t been done sooner.

False Oath is due to launch in Q1 of 2027 exclusively for PCs, but in the meantime, you can play a free demo to get a taste of what’s to come.

I played False Oath myself and it’s as good as it looks

Despite Steam yielding no answer on whether the demo would work on Steam Deck, I threw caution to the wind and gave it a go anyway.

It didn’t work flawlessly, but it did the trick for some first impressions of the story, world design, and general gameplay. Hopefully when the full-game releases, it’ll be optimised for the Steam Deck.

From my own experience, I’d confidently say this is a game for me, and again that’s speaking as a huge fan of both Resident Evil and FromSoftware games. This scratches my itch for more modernised retro throwbacks.

It has that authentic clunkiness you’d expect from a game like this, and if the visuals weren’t so crisp, I’d have been fully convinced that this was some sort of long-lost PS1 game.

I’d recommend it to anyone with a fondness of old-school gaming and, of course, indie fans. Again, I’m gutted that this probably won’t come to consoles, though if it’s at least Playable on Steam Deck, I’ll be happy.