Nintendo 64 or N64 is the third home video game console and trust me if you haven’t played games on this one I might have to doubt on your childhood. It was no less than a rage amongst the kids at that time and I think even if our hands are full with advanced consoles, you should still know about best N64 games.
See, I don’t want you people to miss out on some of the greatest games of all time and this is why I have compiled this super cool list which contains the popular N64 based games. And if you cannot find the original console in the current time then you can go for some emulator software too.
25 Best N64 Games of All Times
There are like hundreds of awesome Nintendo 64 console based games and trust me I really wanted to list them all but it is practically impossible. So, here I am with this list of best N64 games which is comprised of the top 25 of them all which are not only critically acclaimed but commercially too.
1. Bomberman 64
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
So, I am kick starting this list of best N64 games with this 1997 game called Bomberman 64. It was the first 3D game of the Bomberman series and it is based on the theme of action and adventure. You can enjoy it in both single player and multiplayer modes.
I really loved everything about this game especially because it is featured in complete 3D visuals and directional control changes.
The player takes up the role of a Bomberman who can move in 8 different directions and have the ability to kick, throw bombs, pick up etc. There are various layers in the game which are discovered as the player moves forward. However, there are still some restrictions regarding the movement of the Bomberman.
2. Rocket: Robot on wheels
Website:Â http://suckerpunch.playstation.com/
Next in this category of best N64 games is Rocket: Robot on Wheels which is a type of platformer video game. The player takes control of the character called Rocket which is a type of Robot.
As the gameplay moves forward, the player is supposed to solve puzzles which are entirely based on various physics principles like friction, inertia, mass etc. There are total 6 differently themed gaming worlds in it along with a final level.
When you find enough tickets in a world then only you can move forward to another world. Each level also has different vehicles. Throughout the game, you also need to focus on a maintenance robot named Tinker. The game can only be won when you gain access to the final level Jojo world which is required to be cleared.
3. Pilotwings 64
Website:Â https://www.nintendo.co.jp/
Pilotwings 64 is a type of amateur flight simulator game featuring single player mode. The goal of the game is to let the player control one of the six pilots and trying to gain a pilot license by performing various forms of aviation.
This next inclusion in the category of best N64 games is consisted of events like hang gliding, autogyro, using jet pack and many more.
Apart from it, several bonus tasks are also offered in order to earn extra points. As the game is set in the 3D world, the gameplay also allows the player to explore this 3D environment freely. The entire set up is a miniature replica of US and I am sure you would love to explore each and every minute details of it.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Website:Â http://www.zelda.com/
The entire series of Zelda does not need any formal introduction as it is entirely based on the ultimate action and adventure theme you can ever imagine. Ocarina of Time is the 5th installment of The Legend of Zelda series which features only single player gaming mode.
Surely one of the most memorable and best N64 games in this row, this one is the first game in this series which features 3D graphics.
The player controls the usual character of Link in the game in the fantasy world of Hyrule. In this version, Link needs to stop Ganondorf from obtaining a sacred relic, Triforce. In this quest, Link needs to go through an adventurous mission involving dungeons and other difficulties.
5. Perfect Dark
Website:Â https://www.gamespot.com/
After going through various best Nintendo 64 games, it is the time to take a look at this first person shooting game called Perfect Dark. First in the series of the same name, this game also involves the element of stealth and features both single player and multiplayer modes.
So, as a player, you take up the role of Carrington Institute Agent Joanna Dark and the gameplay is based on her attempt to stop an extraterrestrial attack planned by counter organization dataDyne.
The game is divided between various levels grouped together in form of missions. The player can use a lot of tactics to survive in the game but to access the multiplayer gaming mode, you need to use the Expansion Pak.
6. Donkey Kong 64
Website:Â https://www.nintendo.com/
Next in the row for the list of best N64 games is Donkey Kong. This is one game which has been specially made for various consoles and surely one of the most popular game in the history of all types of video games. It is an adventure platform game which was released in 1999.
What makes it even more special is that it features 3D gameplay. The player takes up the role of Gorilla Donkey Kong and he needs to explore various levels of an island.
The main objective is to collect various items and rescue the kidnapped friends from K. Rool. In this process, there are various minigames and puzzles featured. The player can also choose from the given five playable Kong characters too.
7. Super Smash Bros.
Website:Â http://www.smashbros.com/
Super Smash Bros. is a special mention in this category of best N64 games mainly because it features a crossover between various Nintendo franchise like Star Fox, Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Yoshi, Kirby and many more. This features a fighting simulation genre in both single player and multiplayer gaming modes.
Not only Super Smash Bros. features these characters but also their locations too and all this makes the game super exciting.
You can choose either of the character to play which is comprised of unique set of skills and abilities. Instead of killing the opponent, the player needs to knock off the opponent off the stage. Throughout this process, taking care of the damage bar of each character is important.
8. Golden Eye 007
Website:Â https://www.gamespot.com/
There are two games of the same name but here I am talking about the one which was released in 1997 and is a true classic. This is a first person shooter video game and based on the 1995 James Bond movie of the same name.
When it is based on James Bond, then it had to be a part of this list of best N64 games for sure. The game runs in single player campaign where player assumes the role of secret service agent James Bond.
There are various 3D levels in the game where some of them feature only free roaming. Each level has its own objective and there are weapons featured in the game which are similar to the movie. Apart from shooting, stealth is also an important element of the game.
9. Star Fox 64
Website:Â http://f.starfox-online.net/
The most common element between all top N64 games is their 3D environment and Star Fox 64 seems to be no different. This is a 3D side scrolling shooter game featuring both single player and multiplayer modes and it is themed around the aircraft combat gaming.
The player controls one of the vehicles which is piloted by Fox McCloud. The vehicle usually propels towards in straight direction and only the speed can be slowed down but cannot be stopped.
The game goes on mainly in Corridor Mode but the boss fights takes place in All-Range mode. This mode also allows the player to roam freely and ultimately get engaged in combat. Taking power-ups throughout the game is really important.
10. Turok: Dinosaur Hunter
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
We are back with the first person shooting game with Turok: Dinosaur Hunter which is an amazing addition to the list of best N64 games. Featuring only single player mode, the gameplay involves the player to control the character of Turok.
The objective of the game is to stop the evil outsiders from conquering the universe with the help of an ancient and powerful weapon.
Like most of the games enlisted here, this one also features 3D environment and also combines the elements of run and gun and strategy games. The game starts from a level where player needs to collect enough keys to unlock the next level. And in this process, exploration, and combat plays and important role.
11. Resident Evil 2
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
Also known as Biohazard 2 in Japan, this one is a survival horror video game where the player controls the characters of Leon S Kennedy and Claire Redfield.
This second installment of the series takes the story forward from the events of first installment and features a scenario of two months later. In order to survive, the player must have to escape from the Raccoon city after a zombie apocalypse hits it.
Way different from other types of best N64 games listed here, this one is surely more complicated but more fun too. The main elements of the focus in the game are combat, exploration, puzzle solving and of course, fighting with the life threating zombies. The graphics and setting of the game is something which is surely to look forward to.
12. Space Station: Silicon Valley
Website:Â https://www.gamestop.com/
Space Station Silicon Valley is a type of platform video game featuring single player mode. The player controls the character of Evo which is a robot who can now just crawl after a ship crash.
The objective of the game is to taking control of animals in order to solve puzzles and fight with the enemies. The game is set from third person perspective and as compared to other best N64 games, it finds is audience in kids and young teens.
As the game proceeds, the player attacks different animals to take control of their bodies and different skills in them. There are timely missions and objectives assigned to the player and amongst all this, survival remains an important part of the game.
13. Super Mario 64
Website:Â http://www.nintendo.co.jp/
This is a special mention for this category of best N64 games as Super Mario 64 is the first Super Mario game which features three dimensional graphics. The objective of the game is similar where Mario needs to explore Princess Peach’s castle and save her from Bowser.
The gameplay is based on open world playability but gaming mode restricts to single player gaming only. There are various courses which defines the entire gameplay.
There is no time limit which usually remains an important part of other Mario games so player can freely move in any direction in a course. Combating, interacting with NPCs, task completion and puzzle solving are the important elements of this game. And of course, you need to gather coins throughout the entire gameplay.
14. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
Proceeding the list of Nintendo 64 games with the next option which is Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. It is the only game in Kirby series to be released for Nintendo 64 console and exhibits the genre of action-platform games featuring both single player and multiplayer gaming modes.
This is set in an environment of 2.5D graphics where the gameplay remains similar as the earlier installments of Kirby series.
Inhaling enemies and exhibiting their skills remains the similar feature but this time Kirby needs to travel across six different planets which are consisted of separate levels. As the name of the game says, Kirby needs to collect the scattered pieces of crystals which are then used to defeat the villain, Dark Matter.
15. Mission: Impossible
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
I am sure you would have come to know about the action genre of this game just by the name. It is actually loosely based on the film of the same name and features single player gaming mode along with adventure genre elements.
Just like other best N64 games, the player needs to take up the role of a character here too and this time it is Ethan Hunt who is an IMF agent.
The game runs in third person perspective and comprised of 20 different levels. In each level, there are various objectives which must be completed in order to move to the next level. And throughout the gameplay, the player must keep in mind that he does not shoot NPC otherwise the level will be failed.
16. Pokemon Stadium
Website:Â http://www.pokemon.com/
Pokemon games are always fun to play and I am sure you are going to love this strategy based Pokemon game too in the list of best N64 games. The gameplay is centered on the theme of 3D turn based battling system and features 151 different creatures from other Pokemon games.
The game can be played in both single player and multiplayer modes and it is important to use the Transfer Pak in order to view, organize, store and trade their Pokemon characters.
However, the main focus of the game remains on the completion of the four stadium cups where each one of them is comprised of a Pokemon battle of three-on-three series. There are other modes too which are especially for the gym leaders.
17. Jet Force Gemini
Website:Â https://www.gamespot.com/
After focusing on Pokemons, this is the time to feature third person shooting genre in this list of best N64 games and Jet Force Gemini surely compliments this genre. The game focuses on the story of 3 Jet Force Gemini members who are on a mission to stop evil Tyrant Mizar and his army.
In the single player mode, player can explore around the galaxy, shooting enemies, dodging attacks and saving Tribals. While in multiplayer mode, two to four players get involved in competing traditional deathmatch games.
Power packed with action and adventure, the game also focuses on the element of shoot ‘em up too. The graphics and gaming environment are set in 3D giving an ultimate fighting game feel.
18. F-Zero X
Website:Â https://www.nintendo.com/
I think I have covered various types of genres for the compilation of best N64 games but this is the time to bring down the racing video game and the pick for this genre is F-Zero X. This is the first installment of F-Zero series to feature 3D graphics.
It features both single player and multiplayer modes and features a futuristic racing game where 30 competitors are supposed to race on high altitude circuits.
The circuits are dangerous as hell including hills, tunnels, loops, pipes etc. There are 26 new vehicles in this installment where each of them has different abilities. There are also various race modes like GP race, death race, VS battle, time attack etc. There are different number of laps in each type of racing mode.
19. WWF War Zone
Website:Â https://www.mobygames.com/
Another different genre game to grace this list of best N64 games is WWF War Zone which features the genre of Professional Wrestling video game and also introduces WWF wrestlers in it too. It was released in 1998 and features the similar era of wrestling too.
In order to proceed in the gameplay, the player must grapple with their opponent and perform various wrestling presses on him.
There are a variety of gaming modes available like WWF challenge mode featuring single player mode, cage matched, royal rumble, gauntlet matches, tag team matches etc. Once a player wins a championship then he needs to defend it against a series of challengers. The entire game is backed up programmed audio commentary too.
20. Conker’s Bad Fur Day
Website:Â http://www.mobygames.com/
It won’t be wrong to consider Conker’s Bad Fur Day as one of the best N64 games of all time. Backed up with critical acclaim, this platformer game follows the story of Conker the squirrel who is a greedy, heavy-drinking squirrel returning home to his girlfriend Berri.
The main elements of this game are fighting enemies, solving the puzzles, platforming, gathering objects and the multiplayer mode involves competing with 3 other players in 7 different game types.
The game is completely restricted for mature audience as it involves alcohol and tobacco use and graphic violence too. The levels are designed in 3D graphics and many of the levels can only be unblocked until Conker earns enough amount of cash.
21. Wave Race 64
Website:Â https://www.nintendo.co.jp/
I am back with another type of racing game to be included in this list of best N64 games and it is Wave Race 64. In the single player mode of this game, the player is supposed to race on Jet Ski on various courses strategically arranged in the gameplay.
While in the multiplayer gaming mode, the player can compete with various other players too. There are various gaming modes available too.
In Championship mode, the player must race with opponents on various courses to win. Other modes are Time Trials and stunt mode. There are total four levels of difficulties i.e. Normal, Hard, Expert, and Reverse. You can only unlock the later three modes when you win in the normal mode.
22. Sin and Punishment
Website:Â https://www.nintendo.co.jp/
A type of rail shooter and shooting gallery video game by nature, Sin and Punishment is different from other best N64 games mentioned here. In this arcade style game, the character of player is controlled from behind the back perspective.
The game features a futuristic 2007 year where humanity is struggling from a famine. The player automatically moves forward because of the rail shooter genre. Throughout the game, the player needs to aim shots through targeting reticle and kill the enemies.
The player can choose from free aiming mode and lock-on mode to target the enemies. The character can either controlled by single player mode or by multiplayer mode collectively where one player control moments while the one control firing duties.
23. Yoshi’s Story
Website:Â https://www.nintendo.com/
The next option for this list of best N64 games is Yoshi’s Story which is a type of side-scrolling platform game. As compared to the prequel of this game, this installment is more focused on puzzle solving which leads to achieving scores too.
The plot of the game is set in a pop-up storybook which also includes the use of 3D graphics too. There are two different gaming modes i.e. Story mode and Trial Mode.
The player choose either of the modes in the starting of the game and then he needs to choose a course. Each course features the goal of filling fruit frame by eating 30 pieces of fruits. Exploration remains an important and as you unlock sections of story mode, trial mode also gets unlocked too.
24. BattleTanx
Website:Â https://www.giantbomb.com/
BattleTanx is a 1998 action game which features a plot belonging to the year 2001 where a virus has killed 99.99% females on Earth. Following the genre of action, this option of the list of best N64 games features both single player and multiplayer modes.
So, according to the plot most of the civilization has been destroyed and now the player takes up the role of Griffin Spade, whose mission is to find his fiancé.
The player needs to choose one from three tanks which is then comprised of 17 levels which must be completed in order to finish the game. The game has brilliantly copied various places of US too.
25. Snowboard Kids
Website:Â http://www.g4tv.com/
And finally, the list of classic Nintendo 64 games is about to be completed with this kids’ oriented game called Snowboard Kids. This is a snowboarding racing game featuring both single player and multiplayer gaming modes.
The gameplay is usual as the rest of the snowboarding games but it is differentiated with the feature called Shots which is a special weapon to attack players.
There are nine main courses in the game where each tracks has unique shape and various obstacles too. The game also features six different playable characters too and there are other elements of the game too which are unlocked later on.
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Conclusion
So, we are kind of done with these popular and best N64 games but still there are like hundreds of more of them to mention. Like The Legend of Zelda series is comprised of more amazing games and so does Super Mario games series.
We would all have to agree on this point that we have learned about these games on one point or another of our lives because let’s face it, they are extremely popular. I could not mention some of the really popular games so you are always free to discover more and more about them.
