Which is Better: C64 or NES? Let's Compare!

In this video, we take a nostalgic trip back to the 80s and compare the legendary Commodore 64 with the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). We've picked 7 classic games and examined them side by side on both platforms to see which system offered the best gameplay, graphics, and sound.
First up is 1942, a classic arcade-style shooter game that was a hit on both systems. Next, we dive into 1943: The Battle of Midway, a game that brought the intense Pacific War to the screen. Then, we'll spin our way into 720 Degrees, a skateboarding game that tested your skills and balance.
After that, we'll delve into the horror genre with A Nightmare on Elm Street, a game based on the hit movie franchise that kept us on the edge of our seats. Then, we'll soar into the sky with After Burner, an action-packed jet fighter game that challenged your reflexes.
But that's not all, we'll also take a look at two classic sci-fi games - Alien 3 and Alien Syndrome - that tested our bravery and survival skills against the xenomorphs!
So, grab some popcorn and get ready for a fun and informative trip down memory lane as we compare these classic games on the Commodore 64 and the NES. Whether you're a die-hard retro gamer or just curious about the history of gaming, this video is sure to entertain and inform!
#commodore64 #nintendoentertainmentsystem #retrogaming

[@ClassicGameSessions]

Such a great comparison of popular 80's games that they shared from their libraries here - it's cool to see you bring the NES to the table. I think each has a bit of it's own unique experience in terms of visuals, audio, and controls. It's a bit tough for me to compare the systems though as I have always loved them both! I can say that while they each have their own slight strengths and weaknesses that they each have their own place and game libraries, truly great gaming systems!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Well said, my friend! It was a blast to bring out the NES for this video.

[@easyerthanyouthink]

Totaly agree, c64 vs nes is near impossible for me. I was a c64 then apple 2 then pc then amiga. Mixed bag. No console though. I really enjoyed the c64

[@FloppyDeepDive]

The C64 was a fantastic system to grow up with!

[@Aegelis]

I was fortunate to have both growing up but the C-64 was my game machine of choice. The biggest reason was the ability to copy disks with friends and swap hundreds of games rather than the 2 or 3 cartridges we could each afford. Overall C-64 had better games that needed depth like role playing games, simulators, and cinematic style. Skate or Die on C-64 was so much fun! 1943 was more fun on NES as the system had excellent arcade-style most of the time. As an exception, Commando was awesome on C-64. Great comparison video and excellent descriptions. Thank you!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yes, the C64 is my favorite for many of the same reasons. I couldn't connect my NES to a BBS and download the latest release. My NES library was much smaller. C64 kept me entertained for many years. (Still today!) As always thanks for watching and commenting! More to come!

[@gaminglazarus4343]

@@FloppyDeepDive my favorit are amiga games, c64 games, atari st games. floppy deep dive you are on my favorit youtuber list . my openion : afterburner c64 vs nes - c64 win, 1942 c64 vs nes- c64 win, alien 3 c64 vs nes- c64 win, alien syndrome c64 vs nes- c64 win

[@FloppyDeepDive]

@@gaminglazarus4343 Thank you Gaming Lazarus for putting me on your favorite KZbinr list. I appreciate the support! It's amazing how well the Commodore 64 holds it's own against the NES! Thanks for watching!

[@johnps1670]

I had the C64 and not only for gaming. So I go for the C64.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yes the C64 had so much you could do with it. Such an awesome computer

[@mrmojorisin8752]

Fun video! Thanks! NES wins with these particular games. But if you were to compare NES Three Stooges and Winter Games with their C64 counterparts, C64 simply blows away the NES. (Those two games were among my C64 favorites). I’ve owned both systems forever and enjoy them both to this day.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thank you! 2 excellent choices! I will play them both as I work my way through the alphabet. Thanks for watching.

[@RetroDorotea]

I’m a Commodore 64 team based on purely nostalgic reasoning. When I grew up in Croatia everyone had c64 and no one had the NES. Would be cool if someone would (be allowed to) compare the banned Super Mario Bros 2019 c64 port to the NES SMB. Never had Mario as a kid but Gian(n)a Sisters was one my favs.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Hello! I love the C64 too. A Mario comparison would be good. Thanks for watching!

[@realmchat6665]

Cool stuff, love the premise of this series, good content, good job :)

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching and your kind comments.

[@robertgijsen]

Just found your channel, I'm going to check some of your vids! What I noticed here with 720, when you talk about the C64 version you play the NES audio, and vice versa. You might want to switch that around 😁

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Hey Robert, glad you found us and hope you stick around. Agree, need to edit that a little tighter. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@djrmarketing598]

I never had an NES but rather a C-128 because my parents wanted me to "learn computers", which thankfully I did because today I'm a self-taught software developer, still coding almost 35 years later. I just wish I had picked up on the idea that remapped "characters" were how you made graphics and not just using sprites. Kinda kicking myself in the ass never realizing there wasn't some "magic graphics mode" I could never figure out.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

It's amazing how many lives the Commodore impacted. Thanks for watching!

[@gametimewithunclejer]

Great stuff as always, Tom. I was lucky enough to have both of these systems back in the day. The main takeaway I had in 1987 was that I didn't like the NES controller at first as I was so used to playing my C64 games with just a simple joystick. I got used to it eventually, but not without a copious amount of bitching and moaning on my part...

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Lol! I have to agree, I still bitch about controllers. Just give me a joystick and one button!!

[@patsfan4life]

c64 just sounded soooooo much better in every case ! Plus the sheer variety of titles.... I'm sorry it's not much of a competition

[@FloppyDeepDive]

You can’t beat the SID chip! Thanks for watching!

[@timlocke3159]

The NES has a larger palette of colors so games have the potential to look better than the C64 but, as the games in this video show, it also depends on what colors the programmer chooses because some C64 games look a lot better than the NES version. The NES has 64 8x8 sprites while the C64 has 8 24x21 sprites. I think this makes the NES sprites more flexible and capable of more colors as each 8x8 sprite has its own palette. The NES has a resolution of 256x240 while the C64 has 320x200 or 160x200 letting the programmer choose between finer graphics and fewer colors or less fine graphics and more colors. I think I'd rather have the NES medium resolution graphics with the larger palette and the more, smaller sprites for better flexibility, even though it would require a bit more CPU work to create large sprites out of the small sprites. The C64 has the amazing SID and I don't like the NES sound. The SID has 3 voices, each of which can produce one of 5 waveforms: sawtooth, square, triangle, noise and PCM. The NES has 5 voices, each of which can only produce one of four specific waveforms: pulse (2 voices), triangle (1), noise (1), PCM (1). The SID has 9 octaves while the NES has 7. In the end, both systems can look great but the NES has more capability while the SID is definitely the best sound chip. I think the ideal system would have the NES graphics paired with the SID.

[@IsaacKuo]

There are a number of factors that make the NES sprites far less flexible and less powerful than the C64 sprites. The big limitation that's annoying to deal with in NES development is the limit of only 8 tiny sprites in a scanline. This is a big problem for arcade ports where the original game has a lot of sprites horizontally (like beat 'em ups, or similar games like N.A.R.C.). It's the reason why Samus turns into a ball rather than having the ability to crawl. In contrast, the C64 can literally cover the entire width of the screen with sprites and then some (with sprite multiplexing, it's possible to cover the entire screen with sprites). There are a number of annoying limitations with C64 sprites, but they are still ridiculously flexible in ways that are weird compared to the other 8-bit platforms.

[@FindecanorNotGmail]

The NES had hardware scrolling, whereas on the C64 the program had to copy the entire screen every few frames (which was often done incrementally). You _could_ get more sprites on the C64 with careful timing against the video chip to reuse a sprite on the vertical. This meant that the C64 required a lot more out of the programmer than coding for the NES.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Tim, I always learn from your comments. I agree if the NES had a SID chip, that would have been incredible! Thank you for watching and for your comments!

[@gateroozeink5061]

I love both systems, though C64 will always be my sentimental favourite. My vote for winners: * Nightmare on Elm Street - NES. C64 is a bit weird, though has a lot more to it and is more innovative. Just not fun to play. * 720 - C64. Plays a lot better, smoother movement. * 1942 - C64. NES is just a bit too slow/jerky for me. * Alien 3 - haven't played either version (only Amiga and SNES, SNES being my fave of the two). C64 seems better based on this video, though. * Alien Syndrome - C64. More fun, though the graphics are a little worse. My only problem is the lack of space between the edge of the screen when scrolling, that is handled better on the NES.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I am a C64 homer but this was a fun one to do for sure because the NES defiantly made its mark on video game history. I don't disagree with any of your choices. The scrolling on Alien Syndrome drove me crazy. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mcd3379]

Really interesting comparison. To be honest, not one of the best games for the C64 was in that comparison, which probably reflects the fact that both systems were very different and came out at different times with varied target markets. The C65 belonged to the early 1980s and was a true computer - as well as a gaming system. But its competitors were more the likes of the Atari, Tandy and Sinclair computers. From a console perspective it's only real competition was the Atari 2600 which really came from an earlier era. By the time NES arrived in late 1986 / 87 the C64 had ruled the roost for a long time. The NES' most popular games were those Nintendo proprietary ones - Mario, Zelda etc - which were never on the C64 and targeted a younger audience and also a broader one. The entry point to a NES was also lower - you didn't need a disk drive as well as computer. Although interestingly both were powered by a variant of the 6502. So at the end of the day, I think they were just different. A bit like PCs and consoles are different today, although there's also a lot more convergence with consoles becoming more like PCs.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I agree with you! I just found it fascinating to see how close the game experience was between the two. This would be just one video of many if you noticed I'm just going alphabetically. These games either started with a number or the letter A. Maybe an Amiga vs NES would match it to the same time frame. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@darylmodjeski698]

correction...AfterBurner by Tengen was approved and did have Sega's permission. It was Nintendo who did not permit the game because Tengen and Nintendo were fighting. So it is an unofficail Nintendo cart because Nintendo did not approve it.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Good stuff! Thanks for the correction. Love learning the back stories. Thanks for watching!

[@luxdico]

commodore 64 and commodore amiga ruled my youth. I was never a console guy in the 80s.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Right there with you! Commodore ruled my youth! Thanks for Watching!

[@francescosmith7859]

Fun video. I have no experience with the C64 or any real computer gaming and I look forward to watching more of the comparison videos. By any chance are you a fan of the C64 or A500 mini consoles? I've thought about giving them a try but haven't convinced myself yet.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I only use original hardware so never tried the mini. Appreciate you watching the video.

[@michaellong8812]

Good list, I loved this video! Love my C64 and NES. My Vic-20 too. And too many others to name. 😅

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thank you! I love them all too! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@krisreddish3066]

I had both and, well it was better to have both than just one. Games on the NES were often made by larger teams. Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Super Mario 3 and games like that were unmatched in the era. On the C64, games like the Pool of Radiance or really the entire gold box TSR catalog. RPGs are all of the the system's library. Older classics like the first three Ultima Games, Might and Magic, Action games like the Last Ninja series. Simulation games like Project 19 Stealth fighter, or FX19 as it was called in some regions. Sound was a big win on the C64 vs the NES. I did not like games like Skate or Die but I did enjoy hearing it tell me. "Skate or Die".

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I agree 100% You described it perfectly.

[@tshock22]

I love both of these systems. I think a well programmed c64 port could beat an average NES port (as shown in some of your later videos). There are a lot of videos showcasing some really clever sprite multiplexing techniques on the C64 that are amazing. Turrican, in particular, did some clever tricks to enable its large boss sprites. A talented dev could really make that little box do wonders. One major drawback with the C64 (and then onto the Amiga) was the 1 button limitation on the joysticks DE-9 port. The Amiga could support 2 buttons thru that interface but game programmers never really built that support into the games. By the time the late 80s came around, so many games required more than one button that the controller became a disappointing limitation.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching, I agree 100%. The controller held Commodore back. Great comment!

[@cobrag0318]

Great video, and reviews of the differences between similar games between the 2 systems. A suggestion I would add is a brief technical comparison between the 2 systems. I'm not talking super detailed. But maybe list technical stats, like color depth, RAM size, CPU speed, etc. So the viewer understands the significance of what they're seeing, say when you point out that the NES version of a game is more colorful (since it has more colors to work with.), or if the C64 with it's 16 colors still somehow looks better, it tells you truly how lacking the NES version was. Or why the C^$ version has better music with the sound chip, the SID, capable of 3 channels with 3 distinct voices available to each, advanced envelop filters,etc , plus a 4th channel for noise effect. Can be a simple text screen showing the technical details with maybe voice-over reading them and maybe providing a short opinion for like 60secs max. These details can also be referenced when talking about the different qualities of the 2 versions of the games later. for example when talking about 1941's soundtrack you can say something to the tune of this being where the c64's more advanced soundchip shows it's strength giving us a background music track the NES version lacks. I'm sure someone out there will perceive this as some sort of harsh complaint, but it's not. I loved the video, and want to see more like this. And if I can provide input that allows it's creator to add features that might make the videos more attractive to hopefully other viewers, then hopefully that'll mean he will succeed more, and we get more videos like this. But if he decides that the suggestion isn't in line with his image of what he wants, I'm still game too. It's his show.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Excellent feedback! I appreciate your input and welcome it! Always looking to improve each time I make a video. I'm glad you loved the video, and welcome to the community. I hope you stick around. I am open to all ideas, and thanks for trying to improve it. More videos to come! Thanks for watching!

[@sprterrifichappyhour8324]

I was an NES kid but it looks like the C64 competed pretty well this round. Nightmare on Elm Street C64 captured the frantic horror atmosphere a little better but both games look fun.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

The C64 holds its own for sure! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@georg6876]

The NES never got r-type, while the C64, master-system and even the zx spectrum got some pretty solid conversions. That says it all for me.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Valid point! Thanks for watching

[@TheBasementChannel]

I had a C64 as a kid and I remember when the NES was released I used to ride down to the local dept store after school and play Mario Bros. I was mesmerised with the gameplay, it seemed so much smoother and more advanced than C64.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Right, I would play games at a friends house who had an NES and it felt like it was a huge difference but side by side its really game to game.

[@theevilmuppet]

You may be interested to know that there are 2 versions of Afterburner on the C64 - Larry Bundy Jr covered this in his "Games Ported to the Same System Twice" videoes.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

That is interesting! I will go check that out! Thank you.

[@theevilmuppet]

@@FloppyDeepDive the thanks is mine to offer - love your content!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thank you!

[@StRoRo]

NES 1942 was smoother? Was there a capture issue as it didn't look smoother at all on the video.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yep, it was smoother. I believe that video was when my capture card died so possible capture card was at fault. Thanks for watching!

[@RandomBitzzz]

@10:02 - Tom shows off his TAC 2. best... joystick... ever... Great selection of games. I've only played about 75% of them, and I didn't realize some of them were on both platforms. I always thought 1942 on the NES was weak compared to the C64. Music on the NES was awful. Alien 3 on the NES looked like the developer reused an engine or assets from another game and put an Alien skin on it. C64 was way better. Great video, and great job on the audio levels. What are you using to make your intro graphics?

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I had to show off the TAC 2. It is my favorite. Didn't know if anyone would notice. I didn't realize so many games were shared until I started doing the research. I only did the games starting with a number or the letter A. So a lot more to come. I'm just using Canva mostly for my graphics. Glad you noticed the audio levels. Keep the feedback coming. Always trying to be better and your comments help me. Being a one man show I sometimes don't catch everything so others eyes are very helpful. As always thanks for watching and commenting!

[@sandmanxo]

These were the 2 systems i had growing up, and it really depends on the game to which i like better. Overall I like the c64 better but the limited color pallette and single button joystick limited it in a lot of games. The nes got a lot of extra life with mapper chips but that added costs and made copying close to impossible. I still consider what was done with the c64 towards the end of its life way more amazing than the nes though, as the c64 hardware was set in stone in 1982, but the nes carts had several mapper upgrades after its 1983 start.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for sharing your story. It was amazing what they did with the C64. They are both fun systems. I would have loved a double-button controller on the C64. Thanks for watching.

[@IsaacKuo]

I think that you can only really compare/contrast the C64 and NES by looking at the best games that were only available on one or the other. There are entire genres that aren't available on the NES, while the really great NES classics were just a cut above the nearest equivalents on the C64. In theory, the C64 could have offered equivalents as good as, say, Metroid or The Legend of Zelda, but in actual practice? No, not really. Conversely, NES hardware limitations meant that lots of genres just weren't going to happen - such as complex wargames or CRPGs, or games with level editors, or games that required lots of disk space (such as graphic adventures, mystery games ... heck, even text adventures). Lack of bitmap graphics makes 3D games on the NES particularly rare ... even though that's not a great strength of the C64, the C64's CPU speed was adequate for 3d golf games. There are also genres which are mostly missing on the NES for no obvious reason, such as Gravitar/Asteroids/Space Taxi type games. Anyway, one arcade port available on both is N.A.R.C. ... I think this is an interesting example, because it highlights the particular limitations of the two systems. The NES has better resolution than C64 Multicolor resolution, and is generally capable of more sprite detail (the C64 is usually limited to a 16K video chip bank, while the NES video chip can access large amounts of cartridge ROM). However, the NES video chip is far more limited in how many sprites it can display on a scanline. With a game like N.A.R.C., where there are hordes of enemies horizontally ... this is a problem. So the NES version has a "where is everybody?" problem. Very few enemies. The C64 has lots of enemies, but the graphics detail on them is poor. As far as the overall experience goes, there is one elephant you can't ignore though ... load times. As long as you "had a life", and could do homework or something while waiting for the C64's infamously slow drive to load up, then I suppose it was no big deal. And also the C64 joysticks generally available were simply not as good as the NES controller. But I still say it's really no contest. The C64 was a better experience overall. But even better is both, because there were some really awesome NES games that were really something special, that equivalents on the C64 just didn't measure up to.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Isaac, thank you for your excellent comment. I always learn something from you, and you described it perfectly!! I think both systems have a lot to offer, but C64 is still my favorite. I find it fascinating to see them side by side. I couldn't describe it better and will use your wisdom in future videos on these two systems. As always, thank you for watching and commenting and being an active community member.

[@Sinn0100]

I had a Commodore 128, Nes, and Master System. While I think comparing them is an apples to oranges argument...I prefer the Nes and Master System. Addendum- Very few Nes games had an options menu. That was more of a 16-bit thing.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I enjoyed the Master System myself. I just got it recently though. You must not be in the US. No one has the Master System in the US.

[@Sinn0100]

@@FloppyDeepDive I actually am from the US. Born and raised in sunny Florida.

[@dgwaters]

NES may be better I’m really a Commodore 64 guy. We got our first C64 way back in 1983 and most of the floppy disks that we got with it are STILL working to this day!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

That’s awesome! ME TOO! Thanks for watching. Hope you stick around.

[@ImpaledGryphon]

maybe it's worth pointing out that namcot made an official afterburner in japan and even though very similar one was tagged as afterburner and the other as afterburner 2 but i forget which was which without digging out the carts and booting them up to see.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Good to know. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@MarginalSC]

NES Afterburner's kinda funny since you can beat it by flying in a corner. Nothing hits you.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Lol, I didn’t know that, will have to give it a try! Thanks for watching.

[@Thrashpotato]

Dude the c64 all the way man that's me I grew up with a c64, a 128, then moved over to the Amiga my nes just sat lol great vid man

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching. Do you still have any of the computers you grew up with?

[@Pinman1973]

The Commodore Amiga came out roughly the same time as the NES.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yep, that could be a fun comparison.

[@caeserromero3013]

C64 version of Alien 3 is great. I originally played the Genesis version when it came out as I had switched to Sega by then, buy playing the C64 version years later it compares well to the Genesis version. It's also better than the Master system version IMO.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I agree with you 100%. I appreciate you watching!

[@congoballs9725]

The one that sells more and is still around

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching!

[@phantomharlock999]

Tengen (Atari Games under a different name) did in fact license Afterburner from Sega as well as other games. The reason that it's "unofficial" is not because it's not a Sega license, it's because it is not licensed by Nintendo. All official NES games had a chip that talked to the lockout chip in the NES which allowed Nintendo tight controls on 3rd party game releases. Tengen developed their own method to defeat the chip so they didn't have to play by Nintendo's rules. Otherwise good job on the video! Though I think it's hard to compare the same games as the 2 machines are vastly different. I was always a C64 guy (and still am) but did develop a love for the NES later.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Good stuff, I always learn from my community. Thanks for sharing watching and commenting! I just find it interesting how each system compares to each other. It's really closer than I thought and I only got through to the letter A so far. More to come. Maybe Amiga vs NES would be fun too.

[@phantomharlock999]

@@FloppyDeepDive Thanks for the content I actually just found you today and subbed. Looking forward to more!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Welcome to the channel! I’m glad you found us. What retro systems do you own?

[@phantomharlock999]

@@FloppyDeepDive Thank you! I've been a collector since my youth so I have too many to list. My favorites that I own are; Atari 2600, PC-Engine with Super CD-Rom unit+Arcade Card, Sega Saturn, and of course my Commodore 64. I also just got an Atari 800xl for Christmas.

[@the_kombinator]

I've had about 4-5 C64s (have one now and a VIC 20) and about the same amount of NES. Any NES I had always worked, recently I had to buy a PCB off eBay for the joystick - $10. First thing that broke so far. C64s? Got a non ALPS diskette drive? Good luck. Even with ALPS, good luck. SID chips, video processor, slot adapter, I've never had a C64 that wasn't somehow broken. The one I have now, its power supply failed (thankfully not damaging the C64) and it came to me with several non-working keys. I've had to replace RAM in the past, too. NES is still pretty cheap, widely available. I've been looking for a C64 monitor for decades now... Impossible to find now for a good price.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I’ve got 3 1702’s I got all for $100 or less in the past year. Thanks for watching!

[@the_kombinator]

@@FloppyDeepDive Can't find one in Canada for less than $150 ATM

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Canadians love their Commodores!

[@the_kombinator]

@@FloppyDeepDive There's 10% of us compared to the States. As it stands, the vast majority of my retro computer eBay sales go to you Yanks ;)

[@merman1974]

Good comparison. 1943 is definitely better on the NES. It's a close call on Alien Syndrome - the C64 layouts are much closer to the arcade version, and the boss fights are brilliant. Interesting fact - Alien3 was in development on the C64 first, and then other machines followed. There are other differences between formats, most notably between SNES and Genesis.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I didn't know that about Alien 3, good stuff! Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@RayTheProducer]

Grew up with the 64 and loved it but there is no question: the NES could do what Commodore couldn’t. That SID chip though…

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching!! The SID chip is incredible! I think the C64 held it own in the comparison, even being older.

[@Intersektionalitet]

Just pop in Journey to Silius in the NES and watch how the C64 is blown to smithereens.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I'll have to check it out.

[@Intersektionalitet]

@@FloppyDeepDive It has nice music and sound too. But then again, so has the C64! Soundwise, these 2 systems are both awesome.

[@ArttuTheCat]

- A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (Commodore 64) - 720° (Commodore 64) So... COMMODORE 64 FOREVER 😺👍🕹️! - 1942 (Commodore 64) - ALIEN SYNDROME (Commodore 64) 😺👍🕹️

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Great list

[@TheLemminkainen]

C64 shined on all stages 1982 system it was and still is beast!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@JustMe99999]

Afterburner for the SMS is the best 8 bit version in my opinion.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

It's a good one!

[@valley_robot]

The only think the nes had was carts , so no load times , the c64 was way more interesting

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yep, no load times were nice. C64 had so much you could do with it. Nothing like calling up BBS’s and downloading the latest games. Thanks for watching!

[@MyNameIsBucket]

Cool video; the only thing I would add is that some games had multiple releases on the C64, with varying levels of quality. Maybe that's worth looking into for a follow-up video.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Great idea, thanks for watching!!

[@lastburning]

You called the C64 version of Nightmare on Elmstreet a platformer? There's jumping? I don't think so.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I stand corrected. Thanks for watching.

[@jona1pail122]

Comparison with Amstrad 6128 and Basic 1.1 and play these games in Basic 1.1 language only.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching!

[@charlene2400]

in all fairness, you should include the Master System, in this comparison, as many titles chosen, began there. C64 had the best Space Harrier, IMHO. I had c64, still do, and my brothers got NES much later. Overall, the C= seemed to always have better detail, but able to do less at same time, than NES. 1942 being great example of that. C64 Alien Syndrome seemed better to me, because you had wider view of the playfield, than NES. I thought C64 1943 was buggy, in that on the ships, always pairs of guns vertically, blew up, despite only hitting lower one. The NES 1943 was more realistic in that each one was an individual sprite and target, with c64 using pairs as one sprite to save RAM, losing less speed. Nice presentation, but unlicensed games are often on barebones budget, and not fair to the NES. Perhaps some licensed titled like Xenophobe, Double Dragon, Gauntlet, etc

[@FloppyDeepDive]

SMS is a great system. I'm just working my way down the numbers and the letter A in this video. Lots more to come. You offered great feedback thank you so much for the comment. Hope you stick around and welcome to the channel!

[@lurkerrekrul]

Alien Syndrome - You neglected to mention the biggest negative about the C64 version, the horrible scrolling. The developers clearly didn't know what they doing. That's actually the European version that you showed. The U.S. version is slightly different. The screen still doesn't scroll until you get about 3/4 of the way to the edge, however once it starts scrolling, it keeps pace with your character, and then re-centers on them when you stop. It's slightly better, but still causes many cheap deaths due to you being too close to the edge of the screen to react to aliens that appear as you move. In my opinion, this problem ruins what would have otherwise been a solid conversion. Even the Amiga port didn't have continuous scrolling, although, the re-centering was faster and less annoying than in that C64 version. Of course to make up for the fact that the Amiga version was much more playable, they left out two levels, adhering to the unwritten rule that all home conversions of arcade ports must be inferior to their arcade counterparts, regardless of the strength of the hardware that they're running on. :(

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Great insight! Thank you for sharing I love learning more from the community. I didn't realize it was the European version. It did have cheap deaths. You described it better than I did. Thanks for watching and your comments!

[@BuddyBoy600alt]

I go for...... The Apple IIGS!

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I never had a Apple IIGS. Will have to put on my list.

[@BuddyBoy600alt]

@@FloppyDeepDive Hmm, The Apple IIGS had The Three Stooges.

[@Faceplant-hl5yn]

you're being a bit harsh on 1942, because I think C64 gameplay/game speed is much more fluent than the NES version. I do agree NES version is more pleasant to look at.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Probably because I kept dying in the C64 version. Lol. I loved the C64 music and sound in 1942.

[@Faceplant-hl5yn]

@@FloppyDeepDive 🤣 I hate it when I keep dying in games too

[@FloppyDeepDive]

@@Faceplant-hl5yn 🤣

[@CoolDudeClem]

NES - Better Graphics C64 - Better Sound While I prefer the C64 overall (it's one of the computers I used to have and I'm more a computer person than a "console kid", game consoles are just toys to me), I never really liked the C64's colour pallet.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I'm just like you, C64 overall but I found seeing these games side by side fascinating. The colors on the NES do pop! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@IBelieveInCode]

C64's colours were pure crap. Especially when it comes to games.

[@KarloSiljeg-ci6wg]

They are different architectures and although they have a 6502 processor the NES has better graphics as it was designed as an arcade machine with tile graphics the Commodore 64 was a general purpose computer with the SID and VIC II which falls short of the Nintendo NES graphics architecture. The only letdown of the NES is a poor sound chip and in this is biggest shortcoming of the NES.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Well said! It was fun still seeing these systems side by side. I appreciate you watching and Commenting!

[@michaelsegal3558]

I have the NES version of 1942

[@FloppyDeepDive]

awesome!

[@michaelsegal3558]

@@FloppyDeepDive yea

[@d_vibe-swe]

One of them is a computer and one of them is a games machine. What's to compare? The C64 wins because of its more useful.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

The games, it's always about the games! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@d_vibe-swe]

@@FloppyDeepDive OK. I disagree. ;)

[@FloppyDeepDive]

That’s ok, I respect your opinion. 😀

[@jkeelsnc]

Simple. the NES had a superior graphics chip and the C64 had a superior sound chip. Both systems had legendary games. Even in graphics the C64 can often hold its own in the hands of programmers who know how to push the VIC II graphics chip. I like the NES 1943 over the C64 but prefer alien 3 on the C64. There are some games that pushed the C64 to the limits that were either not made for the NES or the NES version was a joke. Defender of the Crown comes to mind among many others. I liked having the C64 at the time in the late 80s because I didn’t have to buy the expensive NES games. All I needed was a new box of floppy disks at the next neighborhood copy swap. I had 100’s of games and programs on disk for the C64.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Well said my friend! Thanks for watching!

[@cacheslovakia]

This comparison makes no sense. C64 was all purpose 8bit microcomputer, NES was 8bit gaming powerhouse. It is like comparing station wagon with race car. Yes, of course race car wins on race track. But with station wagon you can get your whole family packed with clothes and food for a monthly trip right after it arrives second in that race on race track.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

But isn’t it fun to see how great that all purpose computer stood up to the powerhouse. I think 720 was better on the C64. I also think Alien 3 too. I’m going to do Amiga 500 vs NES next. Who’s the powerhouse then? Thanks for watching and comments. Love to hear from the retro community.

[@williamoverton7775]

The c64 thrashes nes up one side and down the other hard. It's like I said the pc cd thrashes the the 3D0 and cd-i

[@FloppyDeepDive]

C64 is an amazing system! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TheRogueMonk]

i think that the SMS was best one of the time i still prefer sms over nintendo ..

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I enjoy the SMS myself. I picked one up last year. Could do a comparison vs the Amiga 500. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Sh4rkeable]

194... comodre looks and plays better ? ?

[@FloppyDeepDive]

1942 was great on both systems. My capture of the NES was poor. It looks much better than that. Thanks for watching.

[@dennyhaynes3]

Great video again Tom, always been a Commodore man. Never understood the love for the NES or Master system, both were absolutely awful in reality even when they came out.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks, Denny; you know where I stand with the Commodore, I compare everything to it. As always, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Foebane72]

The C64 wins for one reason alone: the modern Demoscene.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

The demo scene has always been amazing! Great stuff!

[@westmcgee9320]

As someone who owned and enjoyed both, this comparison is laughable on its face. But now, I will play the video, prepared to have my mind changed.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Yikes! No pressure, thanks for watching West!

[@jarredkrum9894]

Nes for the win! 😎🤘🏻

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching!

[@jmogler]

I grew up on the Commodore 64 and was always biased when I was a kid, touting it's superiority to all my nes owning friends. In hindsight that was hardly the case however there was one title I remember the C64 version that held it's own. The Bard's Tale. The C64 version was not only vastly superior to the nes but arguably the best port of the game overall. In fact I think most versions are a port of the C64 version. That being said the nes version of this game is a disgraceful abomination. Only 4 party members, reduced class choices, very little graphical differences from cities to dungeons to background artwork and monster variety. The c64 crushed the nes on role playing games. Other series like Ultima and the AD&D Gold Box games are another example where the C64 dominated the nes versions.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

You are 100% right. Great observation the role playing games are better on the C64. Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope you stick around and welcome to the community

[@JULIO-jv6mb]

C64 lifetime...after 40 years produce new games

[@FloppyDeepDive]

So true!

[@BassGoesBoom1]

NES Is better because it had 2 buttons, 1 button isn't enough

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Lol 😂 C64 had a whole keyboard full of keys to push.

[@BassGoesBoom1]

@Floppy Deep Dive Most games didn't support using the keyboard so I'm not sure what your point is.Having to use up to jump is nowhere near as accurate as pushing a button.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

No point; I am just making an observation as you did. I thought you were being funny. Most C64 games did support keyboards and had keyboard layouts to use. Did you ever have a C64?

[@BassGoesBoom1]

@Floppy Deep Dive Yes I had one for several years in the 90s.The main advantages were the games were cheaper than the NES plus you could copy them easily of course.Overall the game quality was higher on the NES in my opinion.

[@blacksitefox]

is an unfair comparison! the commodore 64 relese date 1982 vs a new system 1983, like comparing nes vs PC-FX! a full year is a huge diference. (sorry for my bad english)

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching!

[@shaolin1derpalm]

Einter Games and Ghostbusters are far superior on C64.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Winter Games and Ghostbusters were better. When I get to the letter G games it will be included.

[@1luarluar1]

I was waiting for this kind of comparison, I think they have such a different flavour that is just a pleasure to have them both...the c64 has a darker and more primitive mood, in my opinion.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed the comparison. Agree both systems are fun and the NES does have great colors! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@eijentwun5509]

Alien 3 C64 version is better than the Amiga version...How sad.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

That is sad!

[@b213videoz]

Sonicwise Commodore 64 is MUCH better

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching!

[@Umtree]

Learn to code, write your own games. C64 for sure.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@shaunbebbington6411]

Why start by comparing two totally different games?

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I found it interesting that a C64 user and an NES user had two different experiences even though the game was called the same. Imagine two kids at school thinking they are talking about the same game. That is why. Thanks for watching.

[@nickolasgaspar9660]

Alien 3 had better graphics on the C64? I am sorry but I can't see that.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Hey Nickolas! That's what makes this so fun, we all have opinions. Thanks for watching!

[@Hwi1son]

The NES won this list. Next titles to compare on c64 versus NES. Platoon Skate or die Last ninja

[@FloppyDeepDive]

I'll get to them eventually. I am going alphabetically, so these were games starting with a number and the letter A.

[@johneygd]

Those nintendo’s own donkeykong games on the c64 put those nes versions including the 2010 version on the wii, into pure shame,why??? Shame on you nintendo???consodering the nes was slightly more powerful then the C64 and the nes is nintendo’s own system👎

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Agree! Thanks for watching!

[@maxmirni2768]

NES was less than nothing where I live. I missed nothing.

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Where do you live?

[@Suhadisgood]

Their both trash what you should be asking which is better is it PC xbox series X PS5 real gaming hardwares the reason arcade machines never failed on games is cause they were PC if they had Nintendo Sega Commodore 64 consoles they would of failed

[@FloppyDeepDive]

Thanks for watching