It’s wild to think about, but the Nintendo 64 is now over 25 years old. That’s a long time in the world of video games! While some games from that era might feel a bit clunky or outdated now, there are still a bunch of N64 titles that are just as fun to play today as they were back then. This list isn’t about the most historically important games, or just for people who grew up with the console. It’s about the top ten nintendo 64 games that are genuinely great to pick up and play right now, no matter your background.
Key Takeaways
- The Nintendo 64 still has many games that are fun to play today.
- Some older N64 games might feel a bit dated, but others hold up really well.
- This list focuses on games that are still enjoyable in the present.
- It’s not just for people who played the N64 when it first came out.
- These games show that good gameplay can last a long time.
1: Banjo-Kazooie
Okay, so Super Mario 64 might get all the credit for revolutionizing 3D platformers, but let’s be real, Banjo-Kazooie is where it’s at. Rareware absolutely nailed it with this one. It’s got that perfect blend of challenge, charm, and just plain fun that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
It’s not just a Mario clone, either. Banjo and Kazooie learn new moves as you progress, which keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting. Plus, Mumbo Jumbo’s transformations are hilarious. And who can forget that final quiz show showdown with Gruntilda? Classic!
I think what really makes Banjo-Kazooie stand out is its personality. The characters are memorable, the worlds are vibrant, and the music is just so darn catchy. It’s the kind of game that sticks with you long after you’ve finished playing. It’s a storybook adventure that’s sweet, but not too sweet, and challenging, but never unfair (well, almost never).
2: Diddy Kong Racing
Okay, so Diddy Kong Racing was a HUGE deal back in the day. It wasn’t just some Mario Kart clone; it actually brought a lot of new stuff to the table. I remember being completely hooked on it. It’s one of those games that still holds up, even if the graphics are a little blocky by today’s standards.
It’s funny, because customers enjoy this racing game so much, and I can totally see why. It’s got that perfect blend of challenge and fun that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the adventure mode was seriously innovative for a kart racer. Who else was doing that at the time?
Here’s what made it so special:
- Adventure Mode: Unlike Mario Kart, Diddy Kong Racing had a full-blown adventure mode with a story, bosses, and everything. It felt like a real game, not just a series of races.
- Multiple Vehicles: You weren’t just stuck with karts. You could race in planes and hovercraft, which opened up a whole new level of track design and gameplay possibilities.
- Great Characters: Sure, you had Diddy Kong, but you also had a bunch of other cool characters like Banjo and Conker making their console debuts! It was a real Rare all-star cast.
I think what really set it apart was the sense of exploration. The tracks were bigger and more complex than anything we’d seen in a kart racer before. And the boss battles? Those were intense! Wizpig was a total nightmare, but finally beating him was so satisfying. It’s a game that deserves way more love, and it’s definitely worth revisiting if you haven’t played it in a while. It’s a Nintendo 64 game that still has that magic.
3: Super Mario 64
Okay, where do I even start with Super Mario 64? This game was a system seller, a genre definer, and honestly, a mind-blowing experience when it first came out. It’s still pretty amazing today. It’s easy to talk about how revolutionary it was, but the real question is: how much fun is it now? The answer is: a whole lot.
What’s incredible is how Nintendo took the core of 2D Mario and made it work in 3D. It wasn’t just a simple translation; they created a whole new set of rules for 3D platformers. It’s different from Super Mario World, but it still feels like a Mario game. Jumping is still super important, after all. And like the 2D games, Super Mario 64 has aged incredibly well.
Sure, the graphics look a bit dated compared to modern games, and the camera can be a pain sometimes. But Mario himself controls perfectly. The sense of control you have over him just feels right. There are fifteen big levels to explore, plus bonus stages, and what I think is the best hub world ever. You’re constantly exploring, fighting enemies, racing penguins, flying, swimming – all to collect those stars.
It’s amazing how much Shigeru Miyamoto and his team got right the first time. It feels like these mechanics were obvious, but they weren’t. Nintendo nailed the 3D formula from the start. We still control Mario in much the same way we did with that weird N64 controller. It’s a joy to play, even after all these years.
4: The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
Okay, so Ocarina of Time is a game that basically everyone agrees is a masterpiece. I mean, for a long time, it was considered the greatest video game ever made. That’s a big statement! Even now, with other games like Super Mario Galaxy and The Last of Us in the mix, Ocarina still holds up incredibly well.
It’s like a perfect blend of A Link to the Past and Super Mario 64. You’ve got this epic quest to save Hyrule from Ganondorf, exploring the land, meeting all sorts of characters, and tackling dungeons. The way it brought the Zelda formula into 3D was revolutionary, and the lock-on combat? Game-changing. It’s still surprisingly close to modern Zelda titles, which is a testament to how well-made it was back in 1998. You can still find the best way to play this classic today.
Now, I know this might be controversial, but I think the soundtrack is a bit weaker compared to other Zelda games. Sure, Saria’s Song and Song of Storms are bangers, but the rest is just okay. And let’s not forget the N64 camera – still a pain sometimes. But even with those minor flaws, Ocarina of Time is an unforgettable adventure. It’s deep, rewarding, and still feels amazing even by today’s standards.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it! My list of the top ten Nintendo 64 games you should really check out again. I know, I know, I haven’t played every single N64 game out there. I just got my hands on those two Goemon games for the N64, and I’ve heard good things, so maybe they’ll make a future list. But I’ve played a ton of these games over the years, so I think my thoughts on this stuff are pretty solid. It’s wild to think the N64 is over twenty-five years old now. That’s like, as old as the movie Twister! Anyway, thanks for reading. I hope this list brought back some good memories for you, or maybe even got you thinking about playing one of these games again. Or, you know, maybe it helped you find a new favorite. (Okay, that last part is probably a stretch. No one’s finding these games for the first time from my blog, let’s be real.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Nintendo 64?
The Nintendo 64 was Nintendo’s third home video game console. It came out in 1996 in North America and was known for its 3D graphics and unique controller.
What made the N64 stand out?
The N64 was special because it was one of the first consoles to really push 3D gaming. It also had a super unique controller with a joystick in the middle, which was new for its time.
What were some of the N64’s most famous games?
Some of the most popular games for the N64 include “Super Mario 64,” “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” “GoldenEye 007,” and “Mario Kart 64.”
Can I still play Nintendo 64 games now?
You can still play N64 games today! You can find old consoles and cartridges, or play them on newer Nintendo systems through special online services or remakes.
Why is the Nintendo 64 so loved by fans?
Many people feel a strong connection to the N64 because it brought so many amazing 3D games to life. It was a big part of growing up for a lot of gamers and holds a special place in their memories.
Did the N64 have any rivals?
While the N64 was a hit, it faced tough competition from Sony’s PlayStation, which used CDs instead of cartridges. The PlayStation ended up selling more units overall.
