The Nintendo 64 was a great gaming console. While some fans may not adore most of its hardware and software offerings, others may have fond memories of the Nintendo 64. As with other gaming articles of the past, we’d love to celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the greatest and unforgettable games we’ve received over the years.
From precious 3D platformers like Banjo-Kazooie to the wacky races in Mario Kart 64, at least one of these games on this list will make audiences smile.
Of course, let us know your thoughts about our choices in the comments below!
Banjo-Kazooie
Fans cheered when news broke out that Banjo and Kazooie were being inserted into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Who could blame them? It’s been ages since these two received a new satisfying game for fans to play. While some folks are hopeful for the duo’s return to the gaming sphere, others remain uncertain.
Regardless, Banjo-Kazooie is a 3D platformer worth playing. In Banjo-Kazooie, players must help Banjo and his female companion Kazooie foil Gruntilda’s dastardly plot involving Banjo’s sister, Tooty. Players must navigate through distinct locales from rocky mountains to spooky mansions.
Banjo and Kazooie may be animals, but they can pack a punch when push comes to shove. With its interesting collectibles, catchy soundtrack, and wonderful dialogue, players should seek this game out immediately.
Diddy Kong Racing
Fun fact, Banjo made his official game debut in Diddy Kong Racing. Conker from Conker’s Bad Fur Day shares a similar debut history with this title. Unlike Banjo, Conker’s character’s personality and lifestyle took a left turn, not in a good way. Regardless, Diddy Kong Racing is an amazing Nintendo 64 racing game.
In it, players can select from a variety of racers. From the iconic Diddy Kong to the not-so-well-known Timber the Tiger, Rareware gave fans a satisfying roster of racers to play as. Additionally, this game offers a gripping adventure mode, featuring many challenges for them to complete.
The game’s nemesis, Wizpig, is an entertaining and snarky villain. Fans will love seeing him appear throughout the game. Next to giving players fancy vehicles to race in, fun battle items to outwit enemy racers, and glorious racetracks to compete in, newcomers are in for a delightful time.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Before The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild amazed players with its open-world gameplay and charming graphics, many 90s gamers were amazed at what Nintendo achieved with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Ocarina of Time). It was a big deal, considering many grew accustomed to the classic 2D Zelda gameplay from titles like A Link to the Past.
While some have revisited this title and pinpointed its flaws, Ocarina of Time remains a classic in the gaming ecosystem, especially for fantasy enthusiasts. In Ocarina of Time, players control Link, who leaves his treehouse-like home to save Hyrule from the evil Ganondorf.
As Link, players must traverse through numerous locales. Each location harbors a shop to purchase goods at, civilizations to interact with, and secrets for fans to discover. It’s worth giving this game a shot if you haven’t yet.
Super Mario 64
Next to Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64 was the talk of the town in the 90s. While Mario had dabbled in non-2D platforming excursions before this game’s release, many were curious to see how Mario, his friends, and enemies would appear when brought to the third dimension.
Although Super Mario 64’s controls haven’t aged well, this game still oozes charm and creativity. In Super Mario 64, players will help Mario roam Princess Peach’s castle. He’ll hop inside numerous paintings, which serve as gateways to different worlds.
Each world offers multiple challenges to complete and important items to retrieve. Once players gain enough stars, they must go one-on-one with the Koopa King, Bowser. With its legendary OST, colorful NPCs, and memorable missions, it’d be foolish not to give Super Mario 64 a try.
Goldeneye 007
Many movie-based games were released during the 2000s era of gaming. Some were decent while others were terrible. While Goldeneye 007 may not have aged well, many adored this title for its enjoyable gameplay and storytelling. Players take control of the famed spy, James Bond, helping him resolve numerous conflicts that come his way.
Players will gain access to numerous guns and engage in fun shoot-outs with Bond’s adversaries. Unlike most shooter games, Goldeneye 007 required players to strategize for most of its levels. Running into gunfights “guns-blazing” wasn’t the best strategy in Goldeneye 007.
Many folks appreciated this title for that decision as it made matters feel more enticing. Next to giving players fun clue-hunting missions, Goldeneye 007 should entertain most gamers.
Pokémon Stadium 2
Pokémon Stadium 2, and its predecessor, Pokémon Stadium gave players a taste of what a 3D Pokémon game could look like. This game found ways to entertain Pokémon fans, despite being a Pokémon battle simulation game. Pokémon Stadium 2 offers a similar experience as the original game.
From challenging gym leaders to competing in mini-games with recognizable Pokémon, fans will marvel at the content stored in this one. However, like the mainline series, Pokémon Stadium 2 introduces fans of the original to the next generation of critters.
Essentially, most of the Pokémon from the Johto region like Totodile and HO-Oh appear in this one. Moreover, this one offers new mini-games. Some may argue these mini-games are more fun than the original’s offerings.
On top of being a more difficult title to beat, something the current mainline series possibly lacks, Pokémon Stadium 2 is worth playing.
Super Smash Bros. 64
Super Smash Bros. 64 is the game that started one of the best fighting game series today. Many Nintendo fans recall having a great time with Super Smash Bros. 64. This game features Nintendo icons like Mario, Link, and Fox McCloud fighting in exhilarating matchups.
It includes several stages, music, and items, some of which come from these gaming icons’ hit games. Additionally, the game offers a fun Classic Mode. In Classic Mode, players must defeat the game’s roster in one-on-one or two-on-two match-ups. Occasionally, players must conquer mini-game trials requiring them to break targets or reach a lit-up door.
Eventually, you’ll meet the game’s infamous boss, Master Hand, who’ll show you no mercy on the battleground. In addition to having some unlockable material, Super Smash Bros. 64 is just as fun to play as the ones that came after.
Paper Mario 64
Like our previous entry, Paper Mario 64 kicked off the Paper Mario series of games. Fun fact, this one was supposed to be a sequel to Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars, however, plans changed so gamers got a new series instead. While the series hasn’t churned out incredible hits, many people reflect on the older Paper Mario titles well.
In Paper Mario 64, players control Paper Mario. Paper Mario embarks on a quest to retrieve the Star Spirits from Bowser. He’ll befriend many colorful partners along the way. From the bookworm Goombario to the snooty female boo, Bow, fans will develop a deep admiration for these characters.
Paper Mario 64 also delivers a tale with depth and emotion, something many of Mario’s 2D affairs lack. On top of giving players a fabulous turn-based combat system that evokes strong theatrical energy, Paper Mario 64 is worth one’s time.
Starfox 64
Starfox 64 is regarded as one of the best Starfox games ever. This game took what fans liked about the SNES title and gave it a wonderful polish. In Starfox 64, players must help Fox McCloud and his comrades save the Lylat System from the evil ape genius, Andross.
Players will navigate through many wonderful areas via Fox’s trusty Arwing spacecraft. The Arwing has many nifty abilities and gadgets for Fox to utilize. From energy beams to bombs, fans will enjoy traversing through these small yet exhilarating maps with this vehicle.
Fox also uses vehicles like the Landmaster to defeat foes and pesky objects. With its delightful soundtrack, compelling multiplayer mode, and charming cast of heroes and villains, we’re optimistic Starfox 64 will entertain everyone.
Hopefully, Nintendo will give fans a new entry sooner rather than later.
Mario Kart 64
The Nintendo 64 was home to many racing games. Diddy Kong Racing, Wave Race 64, F-Zero X, and some racing games based on entertainment properties were a blast to play. While some were better than others, some Nintendo 64 diehards hold Mario Kart 64 to a high caliber.
It may not be the first game in the Mario Kart series, but this Nintendo 64 title was a gateway for many people, even those who never touched a controller. Mario Kart 64 exudes creativity and fun. It does so through its different modes, character roster, and fantastic items.
While the series has evolved from its SNES years, this Nintendo 64 racing game is one gamers shouldn’t ignore.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best Nintendo 64 video games through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!