The Nintendo 64 (N64) is cherished by gamers. Released in 1996, it made a significant jump to 3D gaming, establishing some of the most well-known games in video game history. The N64, for a lot of people, was more than a console. It was more than a tool to play video games, it was a portal to realistic worlds, well-known characters, and highly competitive multiplayer matchups.
In this article, we will take a look at the best N64 games that every gamer, whether they are a retro gamer or not, must play.
Let’s get started!
Why the N64 Still Matters?
The Nintendo 64 or N64 was a technological marvel at the time of its release. It pushed the boundaries of portable gaming with its analog stick and four controller ports. N64 played a key role in transitioning major franchises into 3D. It started innovating with multiplayer gaming and setting new standards for gameplay mechanics.
Best N64 games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time weren’t just critically acclaimed games but they set the tone for the future of gaming. The templates set by these games are still followed by the modern games.
Top 16 Must-Play N64 Games (Grouped by Genre)
Today, we will take a look at the top 15 must-play N64 games by genre. Have a look.
Action & Adventure
The best N64 games in the action & adventure genre are as follows.
1 – The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
It is considered one of the greatest games ever as it combines puzzle-solving, combat, and storytelling like never before. It was considered by many to be the best game in the Zelda franchise. It used innovative features like a camera lock-on system, a timeless 3d sword combat system, and more.
2 – The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
It was an innovative, darker, and more challenging Zelda adventure with time loop mechanics. It was built on the same engine but introduced a whole new realm of notable set pieces. It also included a three-day time loop and two dozen transformative masks.
3 – Banjo-Kazooie
Banjo-Kazooie is a charming platformer with witty humor and clever level design. It is a 3D platformer with a unique cast of characters. These characters include Gruntilda and Mumbo Jumbo. Players used to search wide and far for the iconic golden puzzle pieces called Jiggies.
4 – Conker’s Bad Fur Day
Rare came up with Conker’s Bad Fur Day. Conker’s Twelve Tales was one of the games released by Rare but they faced problems during its development. Instead, they made a mature game in the form of Conker’s Bad Fur Day that included potty humor, violence, and cuss words.
Platformers
Here is the list of best N64 games in platforming.
1 – Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 is the first 3D Mario game and is still a masterclass in platforming. It is regarded as one of the greats in 3D world design and character movements. It was a single-player game, perfect for people who like to play alone. A lot of things were changed in Super Mario 64 that made it stand out from the crowd.
2 – Donkey Kong 64
The greatest platformer from Rare came in the form of Donkey Kong 64. It was an evolution in gameplay design and the 3D environment made it a real joy for players to explore. Players used to switch between different Kong characters and used their abilities to reach new areas. The game also included some interesting soundtracks.
3 – Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Rayman was kind of a bizarre platformer that was launched on the 3D consoles. However, in the list of best N64 games, it ranks higher due to some reasons. It was the only platformer that was compared to Super Mario 64. The game included puzzles that left players thinking at almost every stage.
Racing Games
Now, we will be looking at the best N64 racing games.
1 – Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart 64 was built upon the pixelated game and was introduced in 3D for the Nintendo Switch. It quickly became the party favorite that defined multiplayer racing games on consoles. The game was packed with tunnels, giant ramps, and iconic Nintendo characters and locations. It was a fun and competitive racing game that introduced many to the world of kart caring.
2 – Diddy Kong Racing
Diddy Kong Racing was the best kart racer at the time of its release. It was best because of the multiple vehicles you can use in the game. It was quite an achievement back in the day. The game also included a hovercraft and a plane. The best part was the ability to combine different vehicles in a single race.
3 – F-Zero X
F-Zero X was a fast-paced futuristic racer and one of the few that ran at a consistent sixty frames per second. F-Zero X is a game that will test players to the hilt because the basics are easy to learn but the game is very difficult to master. Along with track variety, it has energy zones placed in strategic locations to recover the craft’s shields when you drive over them. It’s an amazing racing game that you should not miss.
Fighting & Wrestling Games
If you want the list of best N64 wrestling games, then look at the three.
1 – Super Smash Bros.
Super Mario Bros was the first game in the series that was released for Nintendo 64. It offered a unique gameplay that allowed players to knock each other off of final stages by accumulating damage with various attacks, distinct from traditional fighting games. Typically, the game offered multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete in various game types.
2 – WWF No Mercy
WWF No Mercy was one of the best N64 wrestling games with super easy fighting mechanics. The simple mechanics made it easy for even casual wrestling fans to play with ease. This game didn’t require a split screen. It also had a single-player story mode in the wrestling genre. So, the performances of a player in a single-player wrestling match made a difference in the storyline.
Shooters & FPS
The best N64 games in the shooting category are listed below.
1 – GoldenEye 007
GoldenEye 007 is a first-person shooter for Nintendo 64. The game was based on the film of the same name including scenes from the movie. The game brought out the Bond-inspired weapons, gadgets, and more to make it more interesting. The multiplayer mode was widely received where players together can play in the same room for hours. It had varied multiplayer levels, customizable weapons, and gizmo sets that made it popular among a group of friends.
2– Perfect Dark
The best N64 shooter game ever is Perfect Dark. The gameplay of this game is simply incredible as you get a wide variety of gadgets to play with. The developers came up with so many unique ideas in this game that the objectives make unparalleled use of these in truly inventive ways. The multiplayer mode of the game was the star of the show. It had so many customizations that it would be difficult to find such a game today.
RPGs
The best RPG games for N64 are listed below.
1 – Paper Mario
In the Super Mario world, Nintendo came up with a completely different game, Paper Mario. It was a bold move from Nintendo and it became an instant success. The battle system in the game is really unique and based on timing. If we take RPG standards into account, it can be termed as a simple game, however, it has enough to make it great.
2 – Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber
Heavily inspired by The March of the Black Queen on SNES, Ogre Battle shares map-based real-time strategy mechanics and more importantly, an RPG-like battle system. On its surface, it is a strange assemblage of 2D with 3D, RTS and RPG, story and exploration, and a gameplay model that emphasizes planning almost more than the act of battle itself. But somehow, it all works.
Conclusion
There is no denying the effect the Nintendo 64 has had on gaming. It may be your first time playing these games, or maybe you’re revisiting childhood favorites. No matter how you came, these N64 games are some of the true classics from the golden age of console gaming. With delightful designs, interesting gameplay, and committed fans since this generation of consoles, these must-play games show the world that good games never go out of style.
Suugestion: Find and play your favorite N64 retro game at TheGameArchives and enjoy the classics all over again.
FAQs
1. What’s the rarest N64 game?
Ans: The rarest Nintendo 64 game is widely considered to be Clay Fighter: Sculptor’s Cut.
2. Was N64 or Ps1 stronger?
Ans: Technically, Nintendo 64 was more powerful than PlayStation 1 (PS1). It had a faster CPU, RAM, and stronger GPU.
3. Which N64 game had the best graphics?
Ans: It is subjective to different gamers but Conker’s Bad Fur Day and Perfect Dark were considered to be the best visually represented games.
4. Is Mario 64 the best game ever?
Ans: Yes, it is considered one of the greatest games and most influential games of all time.
