Was the PS1/N64/Saturn Generation Actually the Best? - Retro Bird

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Games played: Ape Escape (0:00), Super Mario 64 (0:10), Soukyugurentai (1:15), Panzer Dragoon Zwei (1:50), Final Fantasy Tactics (2:35), Mario Tennis (3:15), Metal Gear Solid (4:35), Resident Evil 2 (5:00), Rayman (5:40), X-Men vs Street Fighter (6:20), Super Smash Bros. (7:25)

[@CasepbX]

I never understood why characters walked in place on final fantasy tactics...

[@shigshug8581]

thank you!

[@mmapounding]

Dude, great video!

[@WhatInTheActual]

Good idea on putting the game titles along with the times here in a pinned comment. You definitely go the extra mile for your viewers and fans!

[@WhatInTheActual]

​@@CasepbX- lol, it is to differentiate them from the otherwise static background. The graphics were such that it would have been difficult to articulate much other nuanced movement in a uniform manner among characters. Considering the smaller scale of the characters and the moment, movement was especially needed so that they did not get lost visually to the player on the playfield.

[@cainanneedham9022]

The point about open-world fatigue in modern gaming is an excellent one. Exploring “open” worlds in n64 titles were still crammed full of interesting content. Exploration felt productive and didn’t require 16 minutes of horseback riding through monotonous forests/plains.

[@joeykeilholz925]

I completely agree, but I admit I had dk64 in the back of my head as a counterpoint

[@xeno-thecorgiqueen]

At this point, when I hear that has a "massive open world", I cringe a little. I do like a couple of games that have that feature, but I miss smaller worlds/levels that help streamline the story with the hidden bonuses here and there (I enjoy RPGs XD). Sometimes the worlds feel too big and overwhelming since you feel like you will miss something if you don't explore every square inch.

[@WilliamSmith-ex9et]

Body Harvest!! ❤

[@daviddeath6029]

Open world is over hyped I want to get from A2B and not wander about aimlessly doing side missions or getting lost on your horse 🐴! Tomb raider etc were the ultimate game design IMO😊😊😊

[@wettuga2762]

I would argue that the PS1/N64/Saturn generation is a tie-in with Genesis/SNES for the best generations. The 16-bit era brought 2D Arcade-like games to the home consoles in a way we would never believe it was possible, and the next generation brought the 3D revolution we were long awaiting for. Also, many 2D franchises also transitioned to 3D between these 2 generations.

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

The PS1 generation was the first that could handle ANY scenario you could imagine given the scale was confined to a few hundred feet. Any boss battle you could think of could be presented in 3D there were no limits except imagination

[@chrisagu28]

The intro of this video “staying up to 3am, purple ketchup, yourself” had me cracking up. Love your videos

[@themonotropicguitarist]

Probably was the best generation of unique and interesting game design. After this era, things started to settle and designers fell into what felt like templates for certain genres. I'm glad to have started gaming long enough before this gen to appriciate what it brought to the table. It's one of the most collectable eras too with tons of classics.

[@GreyMatterShades]

I totally agree. The paradigm shift to 3D meant the rules weren't written yet, which lead to unbridled creativity. I miss those times. Since then, the closest I've experienced to that spirit of wild experimentation of the mid-90's was the renaissance of VR starting in 2016, and now even that is starting to settle into tropes and templates.

[@Realmreaver1]

Well let's face it. You can do only so many things with 2D and only so many things with 3D. Since PS 3. Ever noticed the only improvements are more ram for higher resolution? The peak I ever saw was Zero Dawn. Not due to resolution or fps but world details. When you walk around and see the world 'breathing' and flowing in the wind it looks real. 4k resolution. 4k textures. They end up eating resources for what? Not for realism. When I noticed native 720p looked just about as good as a native 1080p or native 4k? What are missing? Details. Sure the picture IS more detailed sure. But all the other ways to make it look real. Animation. Abundance of 'noise' trash on streets or foliage in the woods. Hell number of trees and it's all sacrificed for higher res and its textures? We took a wrong turn on what real evolution of graphics actually mean. Small improvements do not warrant new systems. Innovation does.

[@daisukegori2112]

Dreamcast era and post Dream cast sega arcade. Model 3, Naomi and Hikaru.

[@linkinaball]

I absolutely love that era of gaming. So unique and creative. And also the last gen that you can play games without downloading stuffs!

[@ChampionOfSkyrim]

I think something that doesn't get brought up as much is how much this generation was a racing game all you can eat buffet. Especially the N64. There are so many legends that began with this era - Need for Speed, Sega Rally, Ridge Racer, Gran Turismo, Wipeout, TOCA/Grid, Wave Race, Chocobo Racing, Crash Team Racing, Rush, and Cruis'n. We also got the first 3D games in long running series like Mario Kart, F-Zero, and Tokyo Xtreme Racer. Plus some standout titles that flew under the radar like Initial D, High Velocity/Touge, Beetle Adventure Racing, V-Rally, MRC, GT 64, Star Wars Episode 1, World Driver Championship, Gale Racer, Motor Toon Grand Prix, and Jet Moto

[@dapperfan44]

All true, all true. And CTR will be 25 this year.

[@rene.s.s]

True but I think next gen was even better while almost retaining the same depth of games and genres. To me, likely biased, that gen had perfect 2D games, evolved 3D games, and 4 companies with incredible libraries. A close second for games that are amazing and timeless yet generally can be picked up, played, and most of them completed in one sitting was the SNES/Genesis era. P.S. what a crazy value Genesis was if you got it near launch.

[@Kadamose]

You can say what you want about Sega, but the fact that they had the balls to turn a rail shooter into an RPG, and do it successfully, made me a fan for life. Panzer Dragoon Saga, to this day, is the best game I have ever played or experienced, and I will always be grateful to Sega for that.

[@Chubzdoomer]

I feel dirty for never having played any of the Panzer Dragoon games. A rail shooter RPG sounds like an amazing concept!

[@Kadamose]

@@ChubzdoomerYou can experience Panzer Dragoon Saga yourself, since the emulation is now perfect. Just type in google: Panzer Dragoon Saga roms and then look for the emulator mednafen. When using mednafen, before you even begin to play, be sure to create an m3u file so you can properly swap disks, otherwise when you get to Disc 2, the emulator will not see your save file and you won't be able to continue. If you have a Raspberry Pi 5, you can PDS via Batocera with no issues. It sounds like a lot of trouble, but it is worth it. Easily the best game I have ever played in my life.

[@Kadamose]

@@ChubzdoomerGet a Raspberry PI 5 and play with Batocera for the best results. You won't regret it.

[@themailman3331]

My initial reaction was no, for whatever reason. But the more I think about it, it was an absolutely awesome generation. The PS1 finally made being a gamer kinda cool and video games in general were finally accepted by most people, instead of it just being a nerdy thing. The 5th generation was such a drastic leap in technology over the previous that actual arcade ports were much more possible. The PS1 and specifically FF VII gave RPG’s the much overdo respect they deserved outside of Japan. Hard to say if it was the best generation, but I feel like it might be the most important generation, if that makes any sense.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Definitely makes sense. I think you'd find more people willing to say it's the most important generation before they'd say it's the best.

[@ivanniothemannio]

We desperately need "Mr. Domino STILL Can't Be Stopped" on PS5

[@JesusSaves86AB]

*Mr. Domino Will Never Stop Never Stopping*

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

That would be an incredible crisis...@@JesusSaves86AB

[@dav786]

Why? PS5 already has 12 games.

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

@@JesusSaves86AB If he stops it will be of his own volition!

[@ivanniothemannio]

@@dav786 lmaooo

[@putridscene]

There's a level of nostalgia built up for me with this generation because there were so many games my friends had that I was dying to play. Now I can and even my kids love it.

[@rhetttr0]

Thank you retrobird! Best gaming channel on YT!!!

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Thanks for watching!

[@rhetttr0]

🙌

[@joespeigle1240]

I grew up with pong/Atari 2600/Intellivision in the early 80's, so upgrading to the Sega Master System/Genesis and eventually to the NES/SNES was the best era for me. Also, borrowing my friend's Turbografx 16 was an additional surprise. The lack of media information and no internet made everything seem magical when only hearing aboot games from schoolmates or discovering them myself. Not to knock the generation for this video, but my pick for best time is roughly 1985-1995.

[@Gamevet]

I bought gaming magazines dating back to the original Electronics Games and Computer Entertainment magazine. I was always in touch with what was coming out and being developed. I even remember when a mag brought up that Nintendo was making a home console. Gamefan Magazine kept me informed with what was out in Japan and EGM did so as well. My upgrade path was from the Atari 2600 to the C-64. Let me tell you, I had a hard time ditching the C-64 for the NES, but I had to have Super Mario Bros. and Mike Tyson's Punch-out!!! I have the TG-16, Genesis (traded in the Sega CD and 60 something games), SNES (Amiga 500 too), along with the N64, Saturn and PlayStation. That being said; the 5th generation is my favorite. The innovation coming from devs, on all 3 consoles, was just phenomenal!

[@demonology2629]

That is basically the biggest leap the years you said

[@joespeigle1240]

@@demonology2629 It's because none of those consoles came out in the same year, so there was constant new stiff happening

[@demonology2629]

@joespeigle1240 But they're closely Released around the same generation era. Can call this generation to 4th generation of consoles

[@asimplenameichose151]

I'm just a bit younger, but would agree with this take as well ... NES alongside C64 / Apple II moving forward into the SNES - I'm sure I see it as the 'best' era partly due to nostalgia, but as someone who loved the RPG genre it was definitely a golden period

[@lonreed9743]

I was a PlayStation teen. Although I did pick up an N64 but only had 3 games-Mario Kart64, Super Mario64, and Killer Instinct Gold. PlayStation had more teen/adult themed games that excited me.

[@shaggymcdaniel3216]

Definitely my favorite generation. Grew up with PlayStation and N64, then later down the road went head first into Saturn.

[@ShonenJump121]

I've never minded the early 3d look that many games had. I find them often sort of charming in their own way. Anyhow, I like all of these consoles. I really like all of the one of a kind experiences on the Saturn like Dragon Force, Silhouette Mirage, Guardian Heroes, Princess Crown and Nights. Yeah I know the PS1 had Silhouette but the Saturn ver. is considered superior. The PS1's library is so massive I could probably spend my entire life playing it and still find games I've never heard about. The amount of variety is staggering. I mean have you ever heard of Carnage Heart or Power Shovel? The N64's biggest drawback at least for me is just its library. As someone who likes RPGs, aside from a few standouts like Ogre Battle and Paper Mario, there wasn't a lot. Still, the combination of Rareware and Nintendo gives a whole lot of fun hours.

[@legacy4L]

I think this generation was great, but man, that 6th generation went hard too. dreamcast, ps2,xbox,and GameCube up the stakes and exclusives

[@megamob5834]

It was definitely a special time in gaming. Felt like a quantum leap from the 4th generation. Glad I was there for it at a prime age to fully appreciate how special it was

[@michaels4610]

Depending on your age, you really got to appreciate the leap in gaming that happened during this gen! I was in college at the time, and we were literally blown away! Still love to come back to these games! The jump in controllers, and 3D was HUGE!!!! then it became refined ever since! "I eat juries like this for breakfast!" Love it! Keep up your gamer thoughts!

[@klocks2543]

When I got into the hobby right after college, I knew I’d want a few more N64 games because it was my first modern console and it holds a special nostalgic place. But I never thought I’d find the low poly, simpler games of the era charming. Lo and behold, a few years later, you play enough of them and listen to others’ experience enjoying them and you too can find yourself smitten with the whole generation. Also, couch co-op is best co-op. It’s half the reason I collect.

[@dreadpirates_]

between open world fatigue, option fatigue ( side quests VS main line), shovel-ware fatigue, and First person shooter fatigue ... 4th, 5th, and 6th gen ( SNES, N64 Game Cube) were the gaming hay day .... period and i dont wannna fight about it

[@elodvezer1790]

you guys need to mention "SIN AND PUNISHMENT" for the N64 a lot more when talking about Treasure etc... Such an underrated amazing game :)

[@RetroBirdGaming]

You know, that's a good reminder for me to show some gameplay footage of that game. It really is amazing.

[@wantsome-zs5sq]

I had an n64 when I was younger and missed out on the PS1. Around 2010 my local stores couldn't give PS1 games away. I was on an insane PS1 buying spree. I was getting bangers for $10 a game.

[@GreyMatterShades]

That generation was my favourite time in gaming. With the shift to 3D, everything was new and fresh, and nobody had a clue what the heck they were doing! It lead to wild creativity and technical innovation and a ton of absolute classic games. 3D gameplay was greatly refined in the following generation, but as things got formalized/standardized, the industry as a whole just became less interesting to me. That's continued on to present day, with a few blips of interest here and there (the emergence of the indie scene, VR... that's about it). I miss the days of being able to pick up a videogame magazine (I also miss videogame magazines) and read it cover to cover and find every single game interesting (except maybe some sports or sim games).

[@FlorianMark]

I really like your video essays and you seem such a nice guy.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Thanks!

[@creechrfeechr8094]

Completely agree that each of these were different enough that they complemented each other. I was lucky enough to own each of them at one time or another in the late nineties, and it's fair to say I was a screaming fanboy for all of them! Nothing but fond memories for such amazing systems. Praise be for modern emulation indeed!

[@carlosabregosuarez]

8:41 this part really crack me up! XD

[@nintenjoel]

Best part haha

[@danbauer3669]

When we were in the era, I thought N64.... afterward, I think PS1.... then I started collecting for Saturn and I really like that one, too! But it's hard to compete with PS1's 2000 titles. Great video, as per usual, Mr. Retro Bird!! I'd just like to add, I've been collecting Saturn since 2018 and I've easily spent over $5000 on it. 30 games, 4 cartridges I'm not even sure what they do, 2 3D controllers, 2 regular controllers and 1 Retro Bit controller with a nice long cord! But, damn! 😢 money...

[@KingC89]

I've been looking toward to this one. My best gaming memories are in this generation.

[@mausmalone]

While there were very very few truly open-world games in this generation, there are the infamous Virtual Hydlide on the Saturn and the infamous Aidyn Chronicles on the N64. Aidyn Chronicles in particular is a technical marvel - that is if you can stick with it long enough to actually see what it's doing. (It's fairly tedious.)

[@DeanError]

saturn is so underrating by the mainstream looking back at its full library.

[@weekendroady2060]

Nothing beats the craziness of this generation. So many consoles entered the fray: PS1, Saturn, N64, 3DO, Jaguar, CD-i, CD32, PC-FX. Pure Madness in the early-to-mid 90s. Never will see that again.

[@breakfasthole3851]

This was a weird era. The hardware was very limited, meaning the graphics were mostly terrible and developers were still learning how to make 3D games. That said, there was lots of innovation and new ideas. Everything felt much more experimental.

[@CasepbX]

I didn’t know a single person with a Saturn... All my friends had N64 and some had a PS1. Loved how very different the N64 and PS1 was to each other.

[@creechrfeechr8094]

I knew ONE bloke I worked with who had a Saturn same time as me, and we were incredible fanboys! Sadly, no amount of evangelizing would convince our colleagues to get one, but it didn't matter - we had Exhumed!

[@allen0088]

Saturn was hot in mostly 1995 only. Ps1 quickly took over by the middle of 1996.

[@firewind369]

​@@creechrfeechr8094I loved exhumed so much. I played the PS version recently and it seems shorter in areas, the Night dive remaster is awesome though! My jaw dropped when I saw Clockwork Knight on Saturn, that was nearly a Mario 64 omg moment too.

[@HypnoGenX]

That opening made me rewind and do a double take. Purple ketchup? That's a thing? 😲

[@dapperfan44]

It was.

[@8bitboss929]

Man that was such an awesome generation. I had the PlayStation one, because that’s what Final Fantasy was coming out on, and my friends had the N64. So when I was at my house, I was playing all the Final Fantasy, games, Parasite, Eve, Tony Hawk, resident evil, and so many other great games and then when I was at their house will be playing Diddy Kong racing goldeneye doom 64, 1080 and so many others. So many franchises either got their start during that generation or evolved into some thing. Amazing. Everything just felt fresh.

[@willybadonkatonka8465]

I think this gen is now getting the praise it deserves. There were so many haters for the low poly aesthetic and game design, but now the people who grew up and loved this gen have been doing a good job of explaining the appeal in youtube videos and such. People are starting the see the appeal of low poly like they did with sprites. More and more indie games are going for this look. Also, there were just a ton of amazing games from this gen.

[@eggsngaming]

Whenever I think of the N64, I think about how much I missed 4 player local multiplayer. I really wish modern game devs would bring this back since our TVs have gotten so much larger.

[@cultivatedgamer]

No kidding. Couch co-op and couch competition is missing from modern games. It is a completely different experience than online co-op.

[@dapperfan44]

One 4 player game I played called Duck Game-Man, what a fun, chaotic time.

[@eggsngaming]

@@dapperfan44 Yes! We need more games like that

[@brendanroberts1310]

They got rid of splitscreen games so they can earn more money from online. Halo being a prime example.

[@eggsngaming]

@@brendanroberts1310 Yeah I know why it was phased out, I was just reflecting on how cool it was.

[@thevideogamecabinet3681]

I think the 5th gen is my favorite gen ever. I made a video of my top favorite games of each gen, and the 5th gen has so many bangers. It also has my favorite game ever, Xenogears.

[@yagisencho]

The Saturn may still be my favorite system. While I sold my original system, I bought a couple of others over the years and have rebuilt my games library. I bought an N64 in Japan on the day it was released just to play Mario 64. Worth it.

[@MrFox-tc6tc]

One note about the controls from this generation is that 3d games were a new medium at this point and the optimal control schemes hadn't been discovered yet

[@justsayin4632]

Ah Soukyugurentai, a man of culture I see🤌🏼

[@RayTheProducer]

Loved it! I skipped this gen but rediscovered games in the PS2 era. And I’ve never looked back since. Rediscovered some incredible PS1 games on the backwards compatible PS3, some of which happen to be 2D shoot ‘em ups: the incredible Einhander and R-Type Delta, as well as the great Metal Gear Solid.

[@Demokirby]

I think best generation to take part in when it was happening. So much innovation unique design all over the place.

[@OtterloopB]

The AAA industry looks ready to crash so yeah, the PS1/Saturn/N64 era, more than ever, is peak.

[@Vulpas]

I'm glad, the industry is rife with bad business practices and is woke.

[@jimmymac2292]

This isn't true, it's just speculation based off of layoffs.

[@Vulpas]

@@jimmymac2292 Nah, PS & XB sales are sluggish. Only Nintendo is doing well.

[@pilotmemes]

​@@Vulpaswhat company do you think is the most woke?

[@Vulpas]

@@pilotmemes Sony and Microsoft are virtually tied. Sega and Capcom aren't far behind. Nintendo, Valve, and Falcom are some of the best.

[@ReinMixTape]

It was a pivotal generation. The kids (anyone under 21) currently saying these games look bad, will find themselves as adults talking about their beloved PS4/PS5 titles and having future kids tell them that their beloved PS4/PS5 games looked like *bleep*.

[@The_IN_Famous_ElGuapo_714]

I skipped straight from SNES to PS1. Barely ever played N64 or anything else except maybe at a friends house from time to time. PS1 was amazing for it's time without a doubt. But after playing later Playstations I am too spoiled on the graphics and it is hard to play PS1 sometimes. SNES is still my all time favorite. Great game selection and graphics seem to be good on CRT or HD.

[@alecpryde1979]

I was a just starting high school when this generation came out and I remember we were blown away by it. Mario64, running around in a 3D environment? How is that possible?! Sega Rally on the Saturn was amazing fun with friends, sliding the Lancia Delta round the stage! But holy smoke stacks, when Song 2 starts up on Fifa 98 on the PlayStation in crystal clear CD quality? What a time to be alive! The transition from 4th to 5th generation was the absolute peak. We had it all. An amazing spread of consoles aiming at very different targets. Loved it.

[@victorromero8010]

I have a CRT with component hook ups and I have an RGB modded N64 with an Everdrive 64 X7, looking to get a Saturn (possibly with Fenrir) and a PS1 with Xstation.

[@davidgill7412]

Man after my own heart. Got the N64 with a Everdrive clone and it's fantastic. My PS1 laser assembly is currently broken, but I plan on getting a Xstation installed in it. Whenever I purchase a Saturn, I'd like to get a Satiator but I'll probably get a Mode because it's more available.

[@MasaCheez]

Satiator is quite honestly amazing although I will say I can't compare it to anything as it's the only ODE I've tried. It's sweet though and is literally plug and play. I love it because I can still play discs and collect games while being able to try things out I simply can't afford given how much some of the library goes for these days.

[@PolybiusArcadia]

n64 is a video game station on which you can play on

[@WayOutGaming]

Honestly I just lump the 4th and 5th generations together and consider it the greatest gaming decade. Most of my favorite console games came out during these two generations, and the only one that came afterwards that came close to recapturing the magic was the 6th generation. At least for me.

[@WhatInTheActual]

Retro Bird you're so funny .. such great videos - I wish we were able to hang out and play lots of retro games together. I just got a 6 TB hard drive full of all the US PS2 games on it to put in my phat ps2. Also a miyoo mini Plus handheld game emulation device .. . And various other recent gaming endeavors. 😉 So much time transferring files though!! Anyway, you have such a knack for comedy and have become one of my favorite youtubers. Hopefully you never stop!! 🏝️🎮📺😊🏝️ Been gaming since around 82' when I was 4yo! Started on the Vic20/C64 a few years prior to continuing forward with the nes, etc etc.

[@da69one23]

So sad that I never got to experience the Sega Saturn during that time. But the N64 was my favorite and loved Final Fantasy and Castlevania on the Playstation. It was truly one of the best time for gaming.

[@TheKayliedGamerChannel-YouTube]

It definitely was a great gaming generation for sure, for certain lots of great consoles got released in the 90's, all offering us a different experience and options to enjoy our hobby. 😎👍

[@michaelblosenhauer9887]

I recently purchased a handheld emulator device so have been playing a fair amount of ps1 classics. It's been amazing to not only reconnect with these old games but to also realize just how many laid the ground work of modern console games. Graphically, games have certainly advanced but mechanics wise has only been refined over the last 4 generations.

[@theomegared02]

Jazz Jackrabbit......I miss this game!

[@joshmcgootermier2301]

Most important from a progress standpoint.... But going back to it is super painful when it comes to 3d. Still the sparse 2d games that came out at this point time were beautiful.

[@theangriestgamer]

A jury of my peer’s was always going to be kind of bananas.

[@Kuduloka]

My kids and I have been playing through Klonoa Door to Phantomile (on a PS2 through a CRT; true old school experience). I've got to say, those graphics with the art style is something unique and beautiful to look at in its own right.

[@anon_y_mousse]

I'm inclined to agree with that being the best generation. I still play all of the FF games from that generation. Although, I'd probably be labelled a heretic by most because I tend to only play via emulation these days. In some cases my actual hardware no longer works, but game discs and cartridges are still intact and given a means to play them completely playable. I would even argue for increased resolutions not being garbage if you use the right emulator.

[@WilliamSmith-ex9et]

I love the look of gen 5 games when displayed properly.

[@IndohNintendo]

I've thought about this long and hard. I can't say for sure, objectively, that it's the best. I can say, without a doubt, that it's my absolute favorite. I was 9-14 years old during this gen, and man, was it a special moment in time.

[@user-pv9pv4xf9c]

Ocarina of Time is basically the granddaddy for 90 percent of games today. Big open world action RPG. But for me the 4th gen reigns supreme.

[@danielespeziari5545]

Out of these consoles, I only own the N64, and it's not the system I play the most, so my experience with this generation is quite limited. However, it's undeniable that the 16-bit generation was more balanced in terms of competition between the different companies (even NEC was doing pretty well in Japan), whereas the PS1 totally dominated its generation. Also, this generation saw the demise or at least the decline of several classic genres, such as beat'em ups and 2D platformers. On the other hand, it saw the rise of FPS, which aren't my cup of tea at all. So, I can't pick this gen as my favorite (not even close), and even from an objective standpoint it lacks something that previous generations had

[@cburks6207]

Not sure if it was from Nintendo power but I had a promo video for n64 before it released as a kid I watched that thing every night and was blown away.

[@HammerHeadBubba]

That reset button is quite bangin

[@Geryboy666]

5+ saturn bomberman was the hit, always will remember fondly.

[@mixedmattaphors]

That lawyer motif was perfect.

[@RTPJu]

There is a trap in retrogaming. If you lived the time it will be easier to reconnect with the old vibes, but for people that didn't, they need to be more selective or lucky. I was watching a gameplay video of The Last of Us for the PS5 because wanted to see if this second remaster had something to justify this existence as I originally played it on the PS3. Man... the game is nerfed into the kingdom come... you don't even need to aim on the PS5 version and you begin the game with all the weapons. In my mind, TLOU for the PS3 still a brand new game, but it is three generations old. Ok, three generations that are basically more of the same with better textures and screen resolution... it's not a shock like jump from Chrono Trigger into some early 80s DOS text RPG, but Naughty Dog understood that even an already easy and simple game needed adaptation to newer audiences. So, I can really understand someone that stretches old console images in new monitors and see its graphics with some dogsht googles. I can understand a player that didn't lived that generation and dislike Goldeneye gameplay (it's not a flame, but I disliked that game even when it was new... and I were already seasoned on fps multiplayer and games overal)... or anyother game. I'm not strange to games that I used to be a good player and nowadays can't stand by it's gameplay. We are basically three or four generations playing the same gameplays (some genres way more that that) but, yet, this is the aspect of gaming that saw the biggest improvement since the fifth gen... not to mention a lot of quality of life improvements that today are the standard and I'm too lazy to quit on it lol

[@benwhite1546]

I loved this generation. Never owned N64 but it was great for multiplayer at friends houses. And PS1 which I owned was wonderful for RPGs and Tony Hawks Pro Skater as well as many others. Love your channel and videos. Thanks to Red Cow Entertainment for turning me onto you!

[@StarlightMirror]

Imo 5th Gen is the best Gen, simply because it has the Sega Saturn in it. Which's the best console of all time, this whole Gen was full of bangers too! It had Mario 64 which's the best Mario game of all time, Nights, Mega Man X4, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9, Crash and Spyro. It's my personal favorite console Gen and I still play them often to this day.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Yeah, so many great games and such variety amongst them.

[@mattb6522]

Great video! I grew up gaming during the fifth gen and it was quite an exciting time for video games! The jump from the SNES to the N64 made my jaw drop as I had never seen anything like it! I only could afford an N64 during that time, but it was a blast to play alone or with friends. The multiplayer was a huge draw and the N64 got some amazing exclusives! I eventually got a PS1 and Saturn years later. I loved both of those as well. The PS1 and Saturn had some excellent exclusives as well (quite different than Nintendo's offerings). I still play all three of these consoles and they are just as fun as they used to be. Yes, early 3D graphics aren't the prettiest to look at in a lot of cases, but many of the games still hold up where it counts in terms of gameplay! People underestimate the importance of this generation. These consoles were the gateway into a new era of 3D gaming!

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

I had graduated out of high school when this generation happened. I think it holds up for being many people's first intro to 3D gaming.

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

Gen 5 is the most progressive era in video gaming. We forget 3DO, Jaguar, 32X, and CD32 were part of it as well. PS1 is my all-time favorite home console. It’s the one I played the longest (1996-2002) and played and beaten the most games for. It made sense I played that one the most since I was in high school from 1995-1999 and didn’t get a car until after it. Final Fantasy VII and Tekken 3 are two of my top 3 favorite games of all-time. I poured in thousands and thousands of hours on them. Beaten FF7 at least four times. I also played tons of Metal Gear Solid, Gran Turismo, Ridge Racer and R4, WipEout, Tekken 2, Parasite Eve, Xenogears, and beat every Final Fantasy mainline from IV-IX + Tactics on a PS1. On my hacked PSP and Vita slims, I have more PS1 games than PSP games. About 16-17 to PSP’s 13-14. As great as Gen 6 was and what a graphical leap we got going from PS1 to PS2, I didn’t enjoy my PS2 as much as I did with my PS1. I was already working, had my own condo, and had a girlfriend that I wasn’t able to game as much as I did as a 90s teenager. Now PS1 and N64 are difficult to revisit thanks the very pixelated and outdated 3D graphics. The Saturn’s library ended up aging better thanks to it’s 2D prowess. Saturn became the ultimate Sega 2D MAME machine. But in terms of LIVING DURING THAT GENERATION, Gen 5 is my personal favorite. Great time to be a PS1 owner from 1996-1999. The only two games I do replay from the PS1 era are FF7 and Tekken 3. The latter is a game I mastered and once beat my college buddy and cousin by going 56-0 against them using mostly Mokujin while high on Ecstasy and weed. FFX is my favorite game on PS2 but I still love FF7 and Tekken 3 more. And I do prefer Tekken 3 over 4 and 5 on PS2. My favorite library to revisit is Gen 4. I still play Super Mario World, Sonic 1 & 2, and Street Fighter II (Genesis’ SF2SCE and MAME’s SSF2) when I want to kill a quick 10-15 minutes. The 2D platformers from Gen 3 and 4 are pretty much timeless to replay. I can play Super Mario Bros. 1-3 and World when I reach my 70s and 80s. They’re infinitely replayable. *512* *+* *512* I have a 512 GB LCD Steam Deck I got for $250 from OfferUp over three weeks ago. Then bought a Kingston 512 GB microSD for $25 from OfferUp which was sealed, btw. I definitely can survive with 1 TB combined. Reason being is I don’t plan to use EmuDeck for it. I have a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 with Snapdragon 888 that can play up to GameCube/PS2 pretty well. I only plan to have maybe 10-12 games on the Deck which are AAA titles released within the last 15 years since I stopped console gaming between 2008-2016. I missed out on the PS3 during it’s heyday. Then the PS4 slim I did get in 2017, I didn’t really game much on it. I got more into phones by 2004, so my interest in gaming waned by the time the iPhone came out. My Steam Deck is basically being used as a portable PS4/Xbone. I only want games that I always wanted to play but never did. I also notice if I have too many games, I won’t end up finishing a game because my ADHD will want to play another game. I’m better off limiting my library so I can beat all the games I have. I’m good with my 512 + 512 combination. With the Steam Deck, it’s more about quality over quantity. I want to make sure every game I have on it is a banger. 2024 Purchases - Art Spirits Godzilla 1989 figure 1/11 ✅ Team Godzilla hat 1/19 ✅ Team Kong hat 1/19 ✅ Hiya Godzilla 2021 figure 1/20 ✅ Kawhi Leonard jersey 1/22 ✅ Dreamcast logo hat 1/25 ✅ PlayStation logo hat 1/25 ✅ PS Vita sleeve pouches (2) 1/25 ✅ Back to the Future Part II jacket 1/25 ✅ Switch OLED 1/26 ✅ (sold 2/1) ❌ Art Spirits HSS Kong 2021 figure 1/26 ✅ Shenmue III on Steam 1/28 ✅ LA Clippers pendants (2) 1/29 ✅ Switch OLED slim travel case 1/30 ✅ Nintendo Online membership 1/30 ✅ Red Dead Redemption on Switch 1/31 ✅ MK8D Booster Pass on Switch 1/31 ✅ TVA hat 1/31 ✅ Bill & Ted hat 2/5 ✅ Switch Lite 2/6 ✅ Back to the Future hoodie 2/7 ✅ Godzilla (XXL) shirt 2/7 ✅ Steam Deck LCD 512 GB 2/17 ✅ Rock Hard Ten 🏇 hat 2/17 ✅ The Witcher 3 on Steam 2/17 ✅ ACIV: Black Flag on Steam 2/17 ✅ Batman: Arkham Collection for SD 2/19 ✅ Kingston 512 GB microSD 2/22 ✅ Batman hoodie 2/24 ✅ Back to the Future hat 2/24 ✅ Team Daemon hat 2/24 ✅ Indiana Jones hat 2/28 ✅ The Goonies hoodie 2/29 ✅ Top Gun: Maverick hat 2/29 ✅ Back to the Future Part II hat 3/1 ✅ Loki hat 3/2 ✅ Godzilla (4XL) shirt 3/4 ✅ Kong (4XL) shirt 3/4 ✅ TomToc (black) case for the Deck 3/4 ✅ OUATIH shirt 3/6 ✅ Final Fantasy VII hat 3/11? Shenmue hat 3/11? Hasn’t Arrived - Final Fantasy VII hat Shenmue hat Loki shirts (2) Black Andor (Printerval) Black Indiana Jones (Printerval) Black Back to the Future (Printerval) Black Loki (Printerval) Black PlayStation (Printerval) I’m going to retcon my AliExpress and Redbubble hats with Printerval. I don’t like the quality that the other two uses. I already deleted Redbubble on my phone. AliExpress is better with hoodies while Printerval is better with hats. Future Purchases - FF7 Remake Intergrade on Steam God of War (2018) on Steam Red Dead Redemption II on Steam Uncharted 4 on Steam ^ I’ll be waiting until mid March and late June for Steam’s spring and summer sales to get each game between $20-$35. Key dates Mar 14 - Mar 21, 2024: Steam Spring Sale Jun 27 - Jul 11, 2024: Steam Summer Sale Steam Deck (512 GB / LCD) Date of purchase: February 17, 2024 Price: $250 from OfferUp Current Steam Deck library - Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Batman: Arkham Asylum Batman: Arkham City Batman: Arkham Knight Shenmue III The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Wishlist - Final Fantasy VII Remake God of War Red Dead Redemption II Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection Hope to get these games within 2 years - God of War: Ragnarok Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Grading my 2024 purchases - Art Spirits Godzilla 1989 figure 1/11 = A Team Godzilla hat 1/19 = B Team Kong hat 1/19 = B Hiya Godzilla 2021 figure 1/20 = A Kawhi Leonard jersey 1/22 = A Dreamcast logo hat 1/25 = B PlayStation logo hat 1/25 = A Back to the Future Part II jacket 1/25 = C Art Spirits HSS Kong 2021 figure 1/26 = A LA Clippers pendants (2) 1/29 = C TVA hat 1/31 = B Bill & Ted hat 2/5 = A Switch Lite 2/6 = A Back to the Future hoodie 2/7 = A Godzilla (XXL) shirt 2/7 = B Steam Deck LCD 512 GB 2/17 = A Rock Hard Ten 🏇 hat 2/17 = A Batman hoodie 2/24 = B Back to the Future hat 2/24 = A Team Daemon hat 2/24 = B Indiana Jones hat 2/28 = B The Goonies hoodie 2/29 = A Top Gun: Maverick hat 2/29 = A Back to the Future Part II hat 3/1 = C Loki hat 3/2 = B Godzilla (4XL) shirt 3/4 = B Kong (4XL) shirt 3/4 = B TomToc (black) case for the Deck 3/4 = A OUATIH shirt 3/6 = B Favorites (excluding games and minor accessories ) A-listers 😍 1. Steam Deck LCD 512 GB 2. Hiya Godzilla ‘21 3. Art Spirits Kong ‘21 4. Switch Lite 5. Art Spirits Godzilla ‘89 6. Rock Hard Ten hat 7. Bill & Ted hat 8. Top Gun: Maverick hat 9. Back to the Future hoodie 10. Back to the Future hat 11. The Goonies hoodie 12. Kawhi Leonard jersey B-listers 1. Team Daemon hat 2. Team Kong hat 3. Team Godzilla hat 4. Loki hat 5. Indiana Jones hat 6. PlayStation logo hat 7. Dreamcast logo hat 8. Batman hoodie 9. TVA hat 10. Godzilla (XXL) shirt C-listers 1. Back to the Future Part II hat 2. Back to the Future Part II jacket 3. Clippers pendants (wrong ones sent) I have a plan to bring both my Steam Deck and Switch Lite while waiting for deliveries. So instead of 3 hours of gameplay from a Deck with games at 30 fps, the Switch Lite adds another 3-4 hours of gameplay depending what game I’m playing on it. I’ll leave my PSP back home next to my Vita. I’m not interested in any Windows handheld. I left Windows back in 2016 for a MacBook Air and never looked back. But if I did have a choice between an Ally or Legion Go, I’d pick the latter. I HATE ASUS! I left Windows because of them. Currently playing Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Batman: Arkham Asylum on my Steam Deck after beating Shenmue III and enjoying them both! I already played Black Flag on my Switch Lite almost a year and a half ago but decided I wanted a better-looking version of it. If say my Steam Deck runs out of battery, then I have the Switch Lite inside my glove compartment and I will play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Red Dead Redemption on that. I never run out of handhelds to play. Steam Deck and Switch Lite make a great dynamic duo like Godzilla and Kong.

[@rhetttr0]

The controls for Rascal on PS1 are the stuff of legend.

[@rotallyPumpered]

I'm definitely a far bigger fan of the PS1 than either the N64 or Saturn, even if there's a handful of my all-time favourite games on either one. It was a really challenging time for game design, and developers took a while to find their stride, with Nintendo having to enter the generation years late, when they had a few games they were happy to release, and Sega unable to produce their promised system selling Sonic game. I'd argue that the following generation was far healthier for everyone (even if Sega called it quits entirely a couple years in), with more varied games made by more experienced teams. I don't know if the GameCube has the same fervour around it that the N64 does, but I think you can find far more great games on it.

[@joeg4707]

"Just got back from checkin' out dog turds." 🤣 Man, you showed the Xenogears disc case...I lost that in a move. That one hurts!

[@firewind369]

I don't think I'll ever get that wow feeling again as when I first loaded Mario 64 and sat waiting for the game to start, only to then realise that the graphics weren't an intro but the game itself. I have never been so impressed since

[@sonicmania9993]

Yeah, I tell people that our jaws were on the floor for literally the first hour playing SM64. Such a magical feeling of newness and surprise that a game world and gameplay like that was possible. No game has given that feeling since.

[@arenschultz]

My absolute favorite generation! Ideas were fresh and everything was fun and different. I’m still diving into the libraries of these 3 consoles finding new games to try all the time!

[@sonicmania9993]

My feeling is that arcade games were the best in the early-mid 80s when I was a teenager, and home videogames were the best in the late 90s during the 5th gen when I was in my late 20s. Most inspiring creativity and newness, astounding visuals and music, and optimistic and joy-loving fun always the top priority. Games could magically transport you back then. Games magazines, E3, and independent videogame stores were also at their coolest point in the late 90s. The scene was a blast, and so positive! There have been plenty of great games since the 90s, and I still play and really enjoy tons of new games ... but once violent and realistic shooting became the main focus of the majority of mainstream gamers in the 2000s, something essential was lost. Also, videogames became mega-big business after the 90s, which is why suits have been doing their best to ruin them, fire people, and chase profit-growth-building microtransactions ever since. So far, we gamers and a few strong-minded developers and publishers have resisted and pledged our time to fun games ... but for how long can we hold out?

[@koolaid33]

In my eyes the three consoles do compliment each other, but each of them had a specific strength more in-depth than just genres. I'd say the Sega Saturn was THE home for 2D gaming but wasn't very good for 3D gaming, the Nintendo 64 was the best platform by far for 3D games but didn't play 2D games very well, and the PS1 can do a blend of both just fine but doesn't excel at either. There's also the 3DO and Atari Jaguar and PC-FX (Japan only), which competed amongst themselves in their own race along with the PS1, Saturn and N64 race. The 3DO was a blend of both and does them just fine but not stellar, the Atari Jaguar was the best platform of the three for 3D gaming since it was the most comparable in hardware to the N64, and the PC-FX was the best platform for 2D games (especially FMV games) since that's really all the hardware could handle anyway.

[@IcePakOG]

I love what RetroBird had to say in this episode. It's like the generations that came after this watered down what this and the sixth generation offered.

[@LukeDodge916]

My favorite video youve done yet. I love the 5th gen systems (including 3DO and Jaguar) but this is just the perfect topic for me personally. These systems produced games that, years after the 6 gen came out i got rid of most of my 5th gen games and thought i would never want to return to them ever again. 25 years later and I'm absolutely addicted and in love with these systems and games again; i never saw that comin!

[@booyashaka17]

Those banana jurors looked like they were ready for lunch...ba-dum-TSH

[@ドリフト180X]

So many fantastic games between these 3 consoles. It was a great time to play games. Personally I think the low poly look has a charm to it. Some indie games even replicating the look these days.

[@matthewheupel8960]

While I much prefer the 4th and 6th generations, the fifth generation really did feel special. Playing Mario 64 for the first time was absolutely magical for me. It was the only time I ever really thought "the future is here". And the jump from Street Fighter II on the Genesis to Street Fighter Alpha on the Saturn was absolutely mind blowing for me. Those Saturday morning cartoon graphics were just amazing.

[@MCHH-ml2qq]

This generation of gaming in the mid to late 90s (especially 1997 to 1998) will always be the GOAT for me and this will never change still keep original hardware for PSX, N64, and even Sega Saturn as well as 13in CRT to run them all to this day.

[@ewrooney]

juror number eight look like they don't wanna be there.

[@Crazy_Gamer_OG]

I think 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, & 7th are all comparably pretty great. Meanwhile, the current generation is only great because of indies replicating those gens & how easy the new tech makes it to play those older generations again.

[@ANDRECotozinho]

The best not sure , but was my first and deserves a special place in my heart. As always , huge greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Greetings to you all the way out in Portugal! Thanks for stopping by :)

[@piccolo1976]

You make a compelling argument, thats for sure. I can still appreciate these consoles for laying the 3D ground work, Pilotwings on the N64 was the single biggest leap into 3D I had seen at that time. All 3 have a decent back catalogue to enjoy.

[@ps3inquisition441]

I see you included the most visually impressive scene from any shmup ever. Nice.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Glad you like it. It's pretty amazing but there's actually a scene in Batsugun that I might like even more.

[@ps3inquisition441]

@@RetroBirdGaming you have me intrigued.. I’ve played through Batsugun countless times, and it’s a spectacular looking game.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

​@@ps3inquisition441 It's in stage 4 where you're flying through the clouds blasting all the ships away. You're just cruisin' through and stuff is blowing up everywhere. I think the music goes really well with it too. Artistically, Souky may have it beat but I just think that part of Batsugun is such a thrill ride. There's a stage in Battle Garegga where you're slowly moving through the clouds (with lightning underneath you) taking down massive airships that I love too. What can I say? I'm a sucker for cloud stages!

[@ps3inquisition441]

@@RetroBirdGaming good choice! Learning how to get through stage 4 unscathed took a lot of practice, but it’s definitely my favorite stage now.

[@LukeDodge916]

Yes, i wholeheartedly agree that the 5th gen was and still is the best generation! That's pretty much most of my collection save for some Genesis and SNES. But these 3 systems (incl. 3DO) are just so fascinating and yes nostalgia plays a huge part in my fascination with these systems. It was just a great time to be alive in the 90s and everything just clicked! I think with thenadvent of true 3D gaming this was just such a great leap over the 16-bit systems, but it wasnt perfect, and i came to love a lot of the quirks this gen was fraught with...

[@deckersafl4523]

Nearly 53k!!???🎉

[@bbeaup]

This is one of your best videos yet!

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

I'd give that honour to the PS2/GC/OG XBox-generation. Online multiplayer started to become a thing, wireless controllers started to come out, 3D-graphics hit a point where they didn't look like low poly abominations anymore, but still hadn't hit the uncanny valley yet. Controls were great and pretty standardised, but not yet too complex for people to have a hard time getting into gaming

[@shiruotakuno28]

That opening statement better not have been meant for the game you are shown playing. Ape Escape is a bloody masterpiece and I'll love it until the day I die.

[@RetroBirdGaming]

Haha. Nah, that was just a general statement. I love Ape Escape myself :)

[@shiruotakuno28]

@@RetroBirdGaming Best PS1 platformer not named "Crash Bandicoot 2"

[@CarlosPineda-v6l]

The 90s was definitely the funest time everybody got together I remember walking from school meeting up with friends after school 🎒 everyone brought there own controller and difrent games to play we enjoy the graphics now day it's almost like watching a movie 🍿 playing modern games

[@83Chrisaaron]

5:43 Looking in good shape! The 32-bit generation was my favorite by far. Besides being a teen, there was indeed so much experimentation and each console offered something different. N64: Peak 3D game design. PS1: So many 'cool,' edgier titles. Saturn: Peak 2D and Sega was very profilic.

[@polarfamily6222]

IMO? Yes. Better games and stories. Thank you emulators!