Mhm, was going to mention that a lot of old PS1 games were still 2D. Though Ridge Racer was '94 and looked pretty damn good for the time.

I also think it's important to note that there's a distinction between going to the arcade and playing at home though, some people didn't go to or have access to arcades so you weren't able to see the latest and greatest light-gun stuff.

Mario 64 I've only ever heard good things about when people talk about it's released. If I have my history correct it pretty much set the standard for 3D platformers, right? Like it was the first and immediately perfected it.

Say what you want about Nintendo they knew how to make a good fuckin' game.