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Step into November 1997, when PlayStation style met N64 power and Sega teased a comeback that sounded too bold to be real. We lock into that exact moment—magazine pages, shop shelves, and CRT glow—to unpack why this slice of time still sticks. Colony Wars shows Psygnosis at full command of the PS1, a space sim that felt elegant and cinematic on a humble television. Tomb Raider 2 delivers the rare sequel that truly expands the vision—bigger spaces, better pacing, and that satisfying blend of puzzles and peril. And then there’s GTA’s top-down debut: a noisy, punk statement fueled by tabloid shock and the thrill of being a villain, long before the series went fully 3D.
We also trace the console battlefield as it really felt. The PS1 didn’t just have games; it had identity—club culture, Chemical Brothers vibes, and packaging that made hardware feel adult. N64 held its ground on character and craft, with Rare turning out playful worlds that made cartridges worth the price. Trade show roundups reveal Sony’s open-door approach to developers, while Nintendo curated heavy hitters. An odd, self-deprecating Acclaim feature says the quiet part out loud about middling tie-ins, capturing the era’s tone better than any press release could.
Then come the whispers about Sega’s next machine: PowerVR silicon, Windows CE, 128-bit headlines that magazines doubted and fans hoped for. With hindsight, you can see the Dreamcast forming—ambitious, ahead of its time, and already destined to shape Xbox’s future. We close with a tour through December 1997’s pickups, from Gran Turismo’s transformative take on racing to WCW vs NWO’s late-night multiplayer grind, and share the small, personal moments that define why 1997 still matters.
If this trip scratches that nostalgic itch, follow and subscribe so you don’t miss the next flashback. Share your 1997 memories in our Discord, and leave a quick review on your podcast app—your support helps more listeners find the show and keep the time machine running.

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Chapters

1. A look at gaming in November 1997 (00:00:00)

2. Setting The 1997 Time Machine (00:00:30)

3. Early PS1 Days And Upside-Down Fixes (00:10:30)

4. PlayStation Cool Vs Saturn Confusion (00:22:00)

5. N64 Highs, Rare Magic, And Pricey Cartridges (00:35:00)

6. What We Played In November 1997 (00:45:30)

7. GTA’s Top-Down Chaos And Shock Marketing (00:53:00)

8. Acclaim’s Edgy Ads And Questionable Catalog (01:03:00)

9. Dreamcast Rumors, 128-Bit Hype, And CE (01:16:30)

10. Trade Show Snapshots And The Flood Of PS1 Titles (01:29:00)

4 episodes