It’s about time we did a best Nintendo 64 games compilation. Well, we’ve already covered the NES, SNES, GameCube and newer consoles, leaving just this one left to go. The console in question retained the cartridge based system from its predecessor and it competed against the mighty PlayStation from Sony and the Sega Saturn, both of which featured releases on CD. While the latter two consoles suffered from long loading times, waiting screen weren’t an annoyance on the N64 which gave it an advantage over the competition. Not only that, it spawned a pretty great roster of titles over the year, some of which are listed below.
1. Super Mario 64:
We’ve said this multiple times before and we’re saying it again (hopefully not for the last time) – Nintendo consoles have always been particularly famous for their Super Mario releases and guess what, they still are. Back on the N64, the Super Mario 64 was one of the launch titles for the console.
The game takes place in an open world environment which can be roamed freely to a certain extent and it was the first in the series to offer 3D graphics. Various new gameplay features were also introduced such as special jumps, collectable items and a 360-degree camera system amongst others. The story is basically predictable and yes, it involves a princess being taken hostage again by the main antagonist.
2. Paper Mario:
Paper Mario isn’t your everyday Mario game. It’s the second in the series to feature RPG elements and the graphics are a blend of 2D as well as 3D. Like the Final Fantasy franchise, combat here is turn-based. The strength and effectiveness of an attack can be influenced through timed button presses. Once again, the main story is pretty much predictable.
Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach and has managed to make himself invincible by using the power of the Star Rod. Set in the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario sets out to rescues the princess by locating the seven Star Spirits. You’ll meet and be accompanied by various other characters along the way that come in handy for solving puzzles.
3. Bomberman 64:
If you’ve not seen any new Bomberman releases after the ones on the SNES console, then you’re about to be amazed. The gameplay was totally overhauled for the N64 system where the visuals are now in 3D and the campaign offers action adventure and platforming elements.
The adventure mode takes place on planet Bomber where pirates have invaded the world with aims to steal all of its energy. You take control of Bomber Man and set out to destroy the Black Fortress ship and its leader, Artemis. Coming to multiplayer, up to four players can battle each other in 3D maps. The goal is to defeat all players to win the round.
4. Resident Evil 2:
Resident Evil 2 originally made its debut on the PlayStation from Sony and was later ported to various platforms including the N64. Unlike other versions, this one was treated to some exclusive features such as higher quality music, visual enhancements, 16 new in-game documents, the ability to select alternative costumes and an option to change the level of violence shown.
Being the second release in the popular survival horror series, the title is set in the American town of Raccoon City where the residents are now zombies. The protagonists here are Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield who attempt to escape the city and take down the people responsible for unleashing the virus.
5. Pokemon Snap:
Unlike most Pokemon games for Nintendo hardware which offer action adventure gameplay, Pokemon Snap is more of a casual title where your goal is to click pictures of different critters in the wild. You take on the role of Todd Snap who sets out to an island to capture images of Pokemon upon request from Professor Oak. The gameplay here features first-person visuals and you travel across the island in a vehicle called the Zero-One.
There are different types of environments available to explore and a maximum of 60 images can be captured on each run. You’ll also have access to various items to lure out Pokemon and also get their attention. At the end of each level, you chose what pictures to present which are scored based on quality.
6. GoldenEye 007:
GoldenEye 007 is based on the 1995 film and it puts you in the shoes of James Bond, an agent for the British Secret Intelligence. This FPS title offers a free roam world where you’ll have to explore rooms and different locations to find your way around and progress through the level. Missions are objective based where you’ll have to destroy items, rescue hostages or locate allies amongst others.
Along with fast-paced gameplay, you’ll also have access to a nice inventory of weapons which can be acquired by killing enemies. Where the story is concerned, you’ll be treated to the same plot seen in the movie, but with a few modifications.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time:
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the most loved titles on the N64 console. Set in an open world environment, the title offers action adventure gameplay as well as role playing and puzzle solving elements. Here, you take control of the protagonist Link who travels across the kingdom of Hyrule to stop Ganondorf from acquiring gold-like powers through the Triforce.
The title also features time travel where you will have to go back to the past to complete certain objectives. Visuals here are in 3D and you’ll have a sword and a shield for combat, while other abilities such as bombs as well as magic can also be utilized to defeat enemies.
Conclusion:
Apart from the aforementioned best Nintendo 64 games, you might also want to take a look at other enjoyable titles such as Pokemon Stadium, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 and Excitebike 64.