Close search results
Close search results
Awkward Controls For
Good Reason
 

Usually, when you press a direction in a game, your character moves their limbs (and other parts) to go in that direction automatically. There are some games where you control your character's body directly with the controller sticks and buttons.

At first, these games seem uncontrollable. But give them some time (and shouting and swearing and throwing the controller) and these controls can actually be more effective than the more helpful schemes.

Rocket League is super challenging when you start, but once it clicks there's no going back to arcade-style driving controls. Similarly, games like LocoRoco or Just Pogo seem overly limiting at first. But keep trying and you discover that there's much more control than first appeared.
 
This list includes 54 games from the last 18 years, with 824 likes. They come from a range of different genres and play-styles and are all good games if you want to grapple with thumbs and limbs. We break them down into the following areas:

Direct Limb Control

Grapple With Momentum

Indirect Controls

Rag Doll Physics

Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

Subscribe to our free newsletter

Subscribe
Carina Initiatives
PlayStation
HSBC
GameOpedia
Xbox
YouTube
Facebook
Twitter
Discord
Contact Us
About