Top 100 Best Nintendo 64 Games of All Time

I’ve long wanted to write about the top 100 best Nintendo 64 games, and today felt like as good a time as any. The holiday season reminds me of Nintendo after all. First let’s start with some backstory. The Nintendo 64 is often considered to be Nintendo’s first major mistake in the home console market. They shunned third parties early on, and instead of the emerging cheap and high capacity compact disc medium they instead focused on expensive to produce low capacity cartridges. It also didn’t help that they shunned third party developers by charging high licensing fees to release games for the platform. Coming off of the Super Nintendo and Game Boy the company was too large to fail.

Because of the aforementioned factors the Nintendo 64 did have significantly less games than its competitors. Thankfully they themselves are often considered the best developer in the world with franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon. This means that while releases were far and few between what’s there is absolute gold. The Nintendo 64 has a huge portion of the generation defining software in its library. Today we’re going to look at it. This is our list of the top 100 best Nintendo 64 games of all time. Let’s-a go!

#100. – Fighter’s Destiny

Unfortunately the Nintendo 64 didn’t have a lot of good fighting games. This fact stuck out like a sore thumb when the Sony PlayStation had the likes of Soul Blade, Street Fighter, Tekken, etc. Even the Sega Saturn had Virtua Fighter and a miriad of other classics. The Nintendo 64 though? Fighter’s Destiny. Yes, at one point this was considered to be the best 3D fighting game on the platform. I have to give it props though because Fighter’s Destiny at least tried to do something different. It uses a unique scoring system where your goal isn’t to dwindle the opponents life bar. Instead you gain points by performing throws, ring outs, etc. It’s fun in small bursts and because it’s an underrepresented genre on the console Fighter’s Destiny is a standout title.

#99. – Cruis’n USA

The Nintendo 64 didn’t have a lot of options at launch. There were just a handful of games available for the platform even going into the holiday season. Cruis’n USA was one of the select few racers released for the platform. I go back and forth on this one, but honestly I like it. Cruis’n USA is pure arcade racing bliss. It’s super over the top as well. This means that anyone seeking a realistic racing experience should look elsewhere. The fundamentals work well enough, and the scenery in the tracks is pretty nice. You can at least tell what location each course is supposed to represent. Cruis’n USA is fun, but kind of short lived.

#98. – Star Soldier: Vanishing Earth

In my opinion you can’t go wrong with Star Soldier. These shmups were some of the very best in the 8-bit era, and continued the legacy with 16-bit consoles. Vanishing Earth is classic Star Soldier for better or worse. The only issue is that it doesn’t move the franchise forward in any meaningful way. While the graphics are fully 3D and polygonal gameplay still uses a 2D perspective. The power-up system is the same old thing we’ve come to expect from the franchise, and there aren’t any notable new mechanics. It’s Star Soldier, but with polygons. At least you know what to expect, right? Thankfully I like Star Soldier so Vanishing Earth is a shoe in. It’s a shame the franchise has largely disappeared because I’m still hungry for more.

#97. – Bomberman 64: The Second Attack

The original Bomberman 64 was great, but I recall purists being disappointed about how much of a departure it was. Second Attack is more in line with classic Bomberman in numerous ways. For one thing it reverts back to the classic + shape for explosions. That alone is pretty significant. The single player story mode also plays much more similarly to the older games with less focus on exploration. Of course a Bomberman game is only as good as its multiplayer, and this one has several great options. You can play co-op on the story mode as well as battle against up to four players. It’s pretty similar to classic Bomberman, and in 3D. At least gamers know what they’re getting into with this one.

#96. – World Driver Championship

I don’t normally rank a game high just because of it’s graphics, but in this case I couldn’t help it. World Driver Championship has overly touchy controls, wonky physics, and terrible music. It’s also very difficult to master. It’s also bar none the prettiest game on the Nintendo 64. Seriously. This looks like it could have been a Dreamcast title with incredibly detailed models, environments, and hyper advanced reflections/lighting effects. I was annoyed with the gameplay but I couldn’t put it down because I had to see each new course. Despite how much I resisted I eventually got a bit hooked. There’s also a lot of options (more than in most arcade style racers). World Driver Championship may not be an amazing game, but it’s worthwhile in my opinion.

#95. – Extreme-G 2

Futuristic racers were taking off in a big way this generation. Developers were there to cash in on the phenomenon. The original Extreme-G was a fun futuristic motorized bike like vehicles. Think Tron. That’s the best comparison I can think of. The developers had a small hit on their hands and so they made a sequel. Extreme-G 2 has more tracks, racers, and yes, is more ‘extreme’ than the original. Unfortunately gameplay just isn’t quite as tight in this sequel. The track designs suffer a bit. They’re more awkward and the layouts aren’t as good. It’s a clear case of quantity over quality in this case. You move so fast it can be hard to react in time, and the game requires too much accuracy. Still, Extreme-G 2 is fun, but I recommend the original over it. You’ll be seeing the first one later on in this list.

#94. – S.C.A.R.S.

Here’s yet another futuristic racer, but this one’s a bit different from the others. For one thing the cars are based off of animals. This one is also a lot more combat focused than the others. Besides those facts S.C.A.R.S. Is pretty par for the course as far as the genre goes. One thing I didn’t like is how slow the vehicles move. Come on, this one is supposed to be a futuristic racer. Why does it feel like I’m driving a Ford Taurus? The graphics are also a bit plain. With a hit in visuals you’d expect this one to run at a great framerate. Sadly that’s not the case. Despite it’s shortcomings S.C.A.R.S. Is still fun especially in multiplayer.

#93. – San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing

Getting tired of racing games yet? Well we aren’t done yet! San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the world and I was all about racing down its streets. Rush let’s you do just that. Heck, there’s even the ever present fog the city is famous for here! That’s probably unintentional, and more of a hardware limitation though. San Francisco Rush is all about ripping around courses and hitting checkpoints to extend your time. It does two things particularly well. First of all it has a fantastic sense of speed. This is much moreso than your typical racer from this generation. Secondly the shortcuts are extremely well done. They’re a ton of fun to find and take advantage of. San Francisco Rush may have been forgotten about, but it’s still one of my favorite Nintendo 64 games.

#92. – Robotron 64

Robotron is a classic arcade concept. Your only goal is to blast everything in sight and survive. Translating this into a full priced 3D title, to compete against modern (at the time) games, must have been quite daunting. I mean, the concept is simple and there’s only so much you can do with it. Thankfully the developers knocked Robotron 64 out of the park. The 3D perspective does change the gameplay balance a bit but by and large this is the original concept fully realized. While I wouldn’t recommend marathoning Robotron 64 it is amazing to pick up and play in short bursts.

#91. – Mario Golf

Hey, I’m no golfer. I don’t even like golf. The simple fact of the matter is that Mario and friends make even the most mundane activities a blast. That’s the case here with Mario Golf. My favorite part of this release is that Nintendo simplified the concept at a time when developers were over-complicating it. You do still have variables such as slope and wind, but aiming and swinging the club for a shot is intuitive and easy to understand. Basically, Nintendo made the sport more accessible for kids and people like me. Mario Golf is the sport at its best with some classic Nintendo charms start to finish. Despite my dislike of the activity it’s based on I’d be remiss if I didn’t say this is one of the best Nintendo 64 games of all time.

#90. – Fighting Force 64

What did we want? Beat ’em ups. When did we want them? The 32/64-bit era. It’s unfortunate that the genre basically died out when 3D graphics hit the scene. These games were just hitting their stride in the 16-bit era so it’s sad most developers stopped releasing them. Fighting Force 64 is one of these such games. It was ported from the PS1 a few years after the original release. The biggest complaints were that it sticks too close to the basic beat ’em up formula. That’s just fine by me because I love the genre so much. Fighting Force 64 is a great game for the console, and is still worth playing even today. Just don’t go expect anything that re-invents the wheel.

#89. – Tetrisphere

Tetris is obviously a hard concept to adapt into 3D. The developers at the time apparently decided making the entire playfield spherical was the answer. I can’t complain too much because it works. Tetrisphere is actually quite different the original puzzle title despite referencing it in the title. The play field is completely three dimensional and contained in a sphere. Hence the title. You eliminate the blocks at rest by lining up three together. The thing is you can only make three mistakes. This dynamic makes Tetrisphere more difficult and far less relaxing. It’s a fun and unique take on the classic puzzle formula that hasn’t been ported anywhere else.

#88. – Bomberman Hero

Originally I didn’t expect Bomberman Hero to look any good. Right out of the gate there are several red flags for fans of the franchise. For one thing Bomberman can now jump. Yes, this game has platforming elements. No other title in the franchise up to this point had used them. The other big problem is the fact that there’s no multiplayer. That’s probably the biggest problem. Multiplayer is inarguably the biggeset part of the franchise. To leave it out here was a really bold move. Despite these departures I’m happy to report that Bomberman Hero is still an enjoyable experience. The new focus on platforming works surprisingly well. The single player experience is well designed enough that it succeeds even without a battle mode.

#87. – Mortal Kombat 4

As much as I’ve fought it throughout the years I can no longer deny that I’m a Mortal Kombat fan. This cheap fighting franchise focused on blood and guts had a huge base in the 90s, and fans were eager to see when it would finally advance into 3D. The answer was Mortal Kombat 4. This took all the violence into the third dimension with all the classic nuances. There are even some new features such as being able to use weapons as well as the handy sidestep function. Coming off of Mortal Kombat Trilogy it was a little disappointing due to how comparatively small the roster was. It’s still a good fighting game however.

#86. – Space Station Silicon Valley

Who would have ever expected that the developers behind this title, DMA Design, would later change their name to Rockstar and create the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Space Station Silicon Valley was a humble start for sure, but it’s actually a really neat platformer. It’s actually one of the best Nintendo 64 games of all time. Here you play as a sentient microchip. Yes, that’s a bold move, but in this case it worked out for them. You can inhabit the bodies of various animals by first disabling them, and then jumping in. Each of these furry friends has their own sets of attacks and abilities. You’ll need to use these to both fight enemies and solve puzzles. The gameplay was very inventive for its time.

#85. – Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater

I was very briefly into skateboarding. No, I wasn’t hardcore enough to watch skater videos nor did I know any tricks. I was mostly into it as a means to get from point A to point B a little faster. I wasn’t really interested in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater when it was released. I eventually played it at a friends house and became hooked. This is a fully 3D title wherein you select your skater, music, and well, skate. At a time when most games were going the cinematic route this was refreshing. It’s a game about skating, and it has pretty much no fluff. You just ride around really well designed courses performing tricks and getting points. It sounds simple, and it is, but it’s the encapsulation of what makes Tony Hawk so enjoyable.

#84. – Hybrid Heaven

I remember reading previews for this one. Hybrid Heaven was the bone Konami threw the Nintendo 64 to make up for Metal Gear Solid releasing on the PS1. We all know how that went. Hybrid Heaven was really ambitious for the hardware on which it was released. It has a lot of voice acting, and is a role playing game at its core. Hybrid Heaven however is a weird one. The combat system is unlike anything else I’ve played. It’s kind of like a traditional RPG combined with Tomb Raider, and wrestling thrown in. Gameplay generally feels unfocused, but you know what? I like it. Hybrid Heaven clearly isn’t for everyone, but if you want something different then give it a shot.

#83. – WinBack: Covert Operations

We take for granted genres that are commonplace now, but weren’t back in the day. I’m talking right now about third person shooters. Back then it felt like most everything even vaguely similar was either focused around adventure elements or was an FPS. WinBack: Covert Operations plays more like a modern third person shooter. It makes light use of stealth elements (which weren’t that common back then) as well as a really well done cover system. Gunplay is also surprisingly good. I’m very thankful for the laser sight whichi shows where you’re aiming. WinBack may be forgotten, but it’s still worth playing.

#82. – Mario Party

Nintendo is well known for both creating and popularizing genres. In this case it’s the ‘party’ genre. Yes we had multiplayer games prior, but none that played like a traditional board game with events you could compete in real-time. It’s a fantastic mix. It’s clear that Nintendo was playing on the console’s strengths. After all, with the four controller ports the Nintendo 64 was clearly the best choice for multiplayer titles. The first Mario Party is still a joy to play. Your goal here is to collect the most stars of any participant. These are won in mini-games and on the board itself. Multiplayer is an absolute blast, but even going solo is a lot of fun. Mario Party is simply fantastic.

#81. – Jet Force Gemini

Jet Force Gemini is a game I actively tried to dislike for years. The controls are awkward, and I hate the art style. Yeah, petty I know. It has grown on me recently though. This one is two parts third person shooter and one part action adventure. It’s also from Rareware who isn’t exactly known for making this type of game. Despite the cutesy art style the gameplay here can be pure mayhem. The developers throw a lot of enemies your way at once. I enjoyed the gunplay as well as the fact that you have an endless magazine for each weapon. Jet Force Gemini may be a bit clumsy in its approach but I assure you it’s a lot of fun.

#80. – Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense

Here we have another genre that was sorely lacking on the Nintendo 64 compared to the PS1. Vehicular combat games. One of the premier PS1 franchises was Twisted Metal, and the N64 had no response. Thankfully Activision fixed this problem with their Vigilante 8 games. These follow the basic formula but with a really neat 1970s vibe. That’s really what makes Vigilante 8 2nd offense stand out. The game itself doesn’t add a ton to innovations to the formula. There are some environmental attacks which are neat. They’re secondary to this being just a good vehicular combat game. N64 owners that liked the genre had no other choice, but it was a good option regardless.

#79. – Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Normally any Kirby game will be an instant top ten in any best of list for most Nintendo consoles. Something went wrong here however. In this era Nintendo (specifically HAL labs) didn’t understand what made Kirby games so fun in the past. Kirby 64 is too slow paced. The pink puffball moves like a snail. Given the hardware it’s surprising that This one does get points however for the new elements it introduces to the franchise. Notably for the first (and only as far as I know) time Kirby can combine different powers into one. It’s neat, but doesn’t quite make up for the poor movement speed. What was Nintendo thinking with that one?

#78. – Chameleon Twist

I kind of stalled here when making this list. That’s because I’m not really sure which genre Chameleon Twist fits under. I settled on action puzzle gamae. Chameleon Twist is a fully 3D title viewed from a semi-overhead perspective. The twist (get it?) is that your character’s tongue can be shot out and manipulated in a variety of different directional inputs. It’s more interesting than it sounds. Trust me. Gameplay despite being unorthodox works really well here. I was resistant at first but found that Chameleon Twist is actually a really good game.

#77. – Bomberman 64

This one represented a huge change in the franchise. Not only was it the first time the graphics were fully 3D, but also, Hudson altered the mechanics of the series in some pretty big ways. For one thing bomb explosions are now shaped circular (instead of the traditional + pattern). Stages are also less maze-like in design with more open areas. Oh and did I mention it’s in 3D? That’s not as important as it sounds. Bomberman 64 still uses a semi-overhead view (you can move the camera around slightly) so it doesn’t feel groundbreaking. The adventure mode is decent, and customizing your Bomberman for multiplayer is a blast. Despite the changes this one’s a winner.

#76. – Cruis’n World

Cruis’n USA was good, but not great. So what would make it better? How about traveling the world instead of just one country? Well that’s what we got with Cruis’n World. It has more stages that are more interesting, more cars, and more, well, everything. There’s also a new stunt system which adds some much needed flair to the series. It doesn’t have the best graphics or sound, but the tracks are interesting enough and the scenery is decent. Cruis’n World isn’t amazing, but it’s definitely one of the best Nintendo 64 games. If you have an itch for an arcade racer then this is a good choice.

#75. – Pokemon Snap

You may have caught them all, but have you snapped photos of them all? Nintendo hoped that the premise of photography would blend well enough with Pokemon to make for a fun game. For the most part they were right. Pokemon Snap has you riding aboard a special craft in the world of Pokemon (specifically the first generation) while you take photos of all that you see. Your photos are rated at the end of each stage. The challenge comes from trying to take the best pictures. You get extra points for having the subject centered, and facing you. The photos are rated even higher when you catch them striking a pose. It’s a fun game, but rather short lived and lacking in content.

#74. – Yoshi’s Story

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island was a big hit. Clearly it wasn’t a traditional Mario title though, and I suspected it would be a one off. I was excited when Nintendo was finally giving the premise its own side story with Yoshi’s Story. While this one is fun it’s definitely not as good as its predecessor. This is a side scrolling platformer (rare for the Nintendo 64) wherein you play as a variety of differently colored Yoshi’s. The dino can still throw eggs, and flutter in the air, but a few major changes have been made. There’s now a weird emphasis on eating fruit. Also, it’s almost too easy. They went a really cutesy route with Yoshi here which most fans didn’t like. It’s clear Yoshi’s Story was made with kids in mind, but if you can get past that you’ll find a decently fun time.

#73. – Cruis’n Exotica

While most racing fans prefer Cruis’n World I actually like Exotica best. This is the point in the series where Midway basically jumped the shark. I say that in the best way possible. It has all new tracks which are completely over the top. You have more realistic locales such as Hong Kong, India, Alaska, etc. Then there’s Atlantis, the Amazonian Jungle (with dinosaurs roaming around for some reason) and even the surface of Mars. Like I said, they kinda went overboard but I’m here for it. The game uses a slightly upgraded version of the previous engine and looks pretty decent. My only issue is that there seems to be more pop-in, but because we’re talking about Nintendo 64 games today, I’m going to cut it some slack.

#72. – Extreme-G

I already touched upon the sequel, and how it’s not as good as the first one. Well, here’s the original I was talking about earlier. Everything I said about it earlier still stands. The sense of speed here is really well done. You zoom around each track making turns and dodging environmental elements. I hope you have fast reflexes because you’ll need them. One of my favorite parts of Extreme-G is the loop-de-loops. They add tremendously to the sense of speed. Additionally there are weapons and defensive items you can collect on the track. It’s a blistering fast and fun racer that competes very favorable with the likes of Wipeout.

#71. – Iggy’s Reckin’ Balls

Speaking of racers this one is very, very different. For one thing you play as balls. Hence the title. This one is also 2D but employs fully polygonal graphics. Basically you race from the start of a stage to the end. You can run, jump, and grab on to things. Stages are very vertically inclined. That’s where the grappling hook comes in to play. You have to propel yourself upward because the stages are all designed like towers. It takes some getting used to, but once you do there’s plenty of frantic fun to be had. Iggy’s Reckin Balls is unlike any other game you’ve played for better or worse. I for one like it, but I can see why reviews were so mixed at the time of release.

#70. – Pokemon Stadium

Pokemon was the big new RPG in the late 90s, and the Nintendo 64 was sorely lacking in the genre. Fans were wondering when Nintendo would finally release a 3D installment in the franchise for their console, and this was what we got. This one is all battles. Besides some mini games (that are a blast) it’s just battle after battle, but in glorious 3D. Pokemon Stadium is almost entirely a companion game. It came with a special controller add-on that allowed you to connect your Game Boy Pokemon titles, and actually download them into the Nintendo 64 game. Pokemon Stadium was disappointing at release, but still a lot of fun.

#69. – Lego Racers

Honestly Lego and racing games is a perfect mix. As a kid I used to make my own cars out of the blocks and race them. Imagine how excited I was when I discovered that a video game based entirely around this premise was released on the Nintendo 64. For a fifth generation console game there’s a ton of customization here. That’s to be expected with a game based around the Lego franchise though. This one has some fun course designs, decent items, and fun gameplay. It’s a little clunky now, and the gameplay engine has obviously aged, but Lego Racers is still a pretty fun time.

#68. – Doom 64

Doom and the Nintendo 64 go together like peas and carrots. After all the platform was home to the very best first person shooters of its generation. On that merit Doom 64 was meant to be. What’s really interesting is the fact that rather than port the original, or even its sequel, the developers instead opted to make an entirely new game. For a primarily PC based publisher that’s quite the undertaking. What’s more is that Doom 64 is better than any of the other games in the franchise up to this point. This was one of the first games I played on the console. Doom 64 cemented my interest in the first person shooter genre.

#67. – Pokemon Puzzle League

Nintendo did their best to avoid releasing a mainline Pokemon game for their home consoles for years. Instead they focused on spin-offs, and shoehorning the license into existing popular franchises. Pokemon Puzzle League is Panel De Pon but with a heavy dose of Pocket Monsters. It’s the same basic gameplay but with graphics from the TV show and game series. There are a few new features here such as a 3D mode, and a bunch of other more basic options. What’s really impressive about this cartridge is that Nintendo was able to put some FMV video sequences that are animated just like the TV show. Pokemon Puzzle League may be just a licensed game basically, but I liked it quite a bit.

#66 – Rakuga Kids

Nintendo 64 owners basically latched on to any fighting game they could. This console was severely lacking in the genre while the other two consoles had huge libraries. Because of this Rakuga Kids is a very interesting release. It only came out in Europe and Japan. That’s probably because it’s so strange. From what I’ve read the word ‘rakuga’ is kind of like ‘doodle’ in Japanese. It’s fitting because you’re playing as crude drawings of characters cut out from paper. Despite the weird art style gameplay is largely similar to Street Fighter. That’s not a bad franchise to take notes from in my opinion. Rakuga Kids is much better than I expected it to be.

#65. – Donald Duck: Goin’ Quackers

Do you like Crash Bandicoot? Well this is basically that, but a little better in my opinion. I didn’t have a lot of hope for it initially because it’s a licensed platformer after all. We’ve all been burned by those at one point or another. I’m happy to report that this one is actually pretty good. As Donald Duck you work your way through both 3D and 2D areas. Unfortunately the three dimensional areas are restricted. Remember when I say this one is like Crash Bandicoot? Basically it kind of feels like you’re running through hallways. Still, the level designs were good enough to keep my interest.

#64. – Destruction Derby 64

The Destruction Derby series made a name for itself on the PS1. The developers wanted to branch out to cash in on the Nintendo 64 userbase, and so they released this exclusive version for the platform. What I’ve always loved about this series is that it features both racing and arena style battles. Destruction Derby 64 is no different. This one does get extra props because it features a four player mode. Because of this the Nintendo 64 game is probably my favorite in the franchise. The graphics are also improved as is the framerate. Destruction Derby 64 is surpassed by many other racers, but I had a ton of fun with this one.

#63. – Star Wars Episode I: Battle for Naboo

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron was an incredible game. Factor 5 decided to try again, but using the newly released Episode I as a foundation. Unfortunately they weren’t able to re-create the same magic. It’s not that I dislike Episode I (it’s my guilty pleasure Star Wars film) rather, gameplay just doesn’t feel as focused. Also, it’s a little strange that the game isn’t based on battles or characters from the movie. Instead it just kind of uses the film as a backdrop for a new scenario. This is a 3D shooter where you participate in both land and air battles. It’s entirely vehicular based though. Honestly it’s quite a bit of fun, but Battle for Naboo is no Rogue Squadron. It’s best to stick with that one in all honesty.

#62. – Ms. Pac Man Maze Madness

Pac-Man has always struggled to keep up with the times. Namco tried to make the series a platformer in the 16-bit era, but that didn’t really work out. Pac-Man World was when they caught their stride. Ms. Pac-Man apparently wanted some of the spotlight also, and so she too entered the 3D realm of gaming. Ms. Pac-Man Maze Madness plays a bit more like classic Pac-Man, but it’s still a clear evolution. You traverse complicated stages defeating foes and solving light puzzles. It’s a far cry from the Pac-Man foundation, but at the same time it still feels like it belongs. Maze Madness is strange in that way.

#61. – Body Harvest

Grand Theft Auto 3 was a monumental release. It was the first open world game where you could basically steal any vehicle. Or was it? Body Harvest was actually 3D Grand Theft Auto before that became a thing. This third person shooter may have been less morbid (you’re fighting aliens instead of slaying innocents after all) but it definitely has the feel of GTA. It’s a pretty ambitious title for the Nintendo 64. As such the gameplay engine is a little clunky. Aiming is difficult, and there’s a lot of fog and pop-in. Regardless it’s still one of the best Nintendo 64 games. Body Harvest is also a really good time capsule title showing a stepping stone in the progress of the medium.

#60. – Ready 2 Rumble Boxing

This one got most of its fame as a Dreamcast launch title. There it looked absolutely amazing and had gameplay that matched the presentation values. It almost made everyone forget that the game was also released on the Nintendo 64. Sure, it lacks the fidelity of the aforementioned release but it’s still mighty impressive for this console. Ready 2 Rumble Boxing is also a lot of fun on the Nintendo 64. The gameplay and graphics are still a bit over the top It’s a fantastic arcade style boxing game, and that’s a real rarity regardless of platform.

#59. – Mario Party 3

It was pretty clear that by the third installment Nintendo was kind of running out of new ideas for the Mario Party franchise. It kind of felt like most of the ideas here were recyled. That’s okay though because Mario Party is amazing anyway. This aptly named title has you and up to three other friends competing in mini-games under a board game premise. Basically you each take turns rolling dice, moving spaces, and then competing in real-time against your friends in basic multiplayer challenges. It’s fun, and even in this third installment. In my opinion gameplay was better in the earlier titles however.

#58. – Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko

I’ve always had a soft spot for Gex. This series of platformers may have played second fiddle to the likes of Mario and Crash Bandicoot, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t really good. The game was released in the era of platformer mascots that were based around attitude. I mean, have you seen Gex and his sunglasses? Also, he has a ton of wisecrack voice samples. You’ll be hearing these a lot. While normally I’d be annoyed in this case they’re entertaining. What’s more is the Nintendo 64 version of Gex 3 has better graphics and controls. Even with the diminished audio quality this is my favorite version of the game.

#57. – Earthworm Jim 3-D

Earthworm Jim was an absolute institution in the previous generation. These run and gun platformers made quite the name for themselves on the SNES and Genesis. Many franchises were not able to make a good transition to 3D. In this case the results are pretty good, but not perfect. Earthworm Jim 3D has the same 90s attitude we have all grown to love. The difference between this and most other platformers of the era is that the protagonist attacks with a laser gun. This one has the same problems as other similar games with an awkard camera and small stages, but I’ll be darned if I didn’t enjoy my time with Earthworm Jim 3D.

#56. – Dr. Mario 64

I love me some Dr. Mario. It’s one of my favorite puzzle games of all time. So what’s even better? Improved graphics, and four player mode of course! This was a late release in the Nintendo 64’s lifespan and was clearly a stopgap game. If they were all like this I wouldn’t mind at all! This is still the classic falling block, eliminate all the viruses puzzle game like the original premise. As I mentioned earlier the graphics are prettier and at a higher resolution, but you can also play against three other foes which changes the dynamics of gameplay a surprising amount. There are also several other new modes of play my most favorite being Flash wherein you have to eliminate viruses before your opponent. It’s classic Dr. Mario but bigger and better. What’s not to love?

#55. – Quake

The Nintendo 64 was basically the best platform for first person shooters in its time. Even PC developers were porting over their best. Quake was one of the early FPS on computers, and also one of the highest regarded. It was ported to the Nintendo 64, and to be completely honest I think I prefer this version. The graphics have been toned down but the controls are much better even on the archaic N64 pad. That’s thanks to the multitude of different options included in this package. There’s even a neat deathmatch mode. Quake was a good game on PC, but in my opinion, it’s a great game on the Nintendo 64.

#54. – Tonic Trouble

It’s really interesting that Ubisoft chose to release Tonic Trouble just before Rayman 2. That’s because it’s clear that the latter was a bigger focus for the publisher. Tonic Trouble was basically sent to release to die. It’s unforutnate because it’s actually a really good platformer. The level designs make this one a lot of fun. I also really enjoyed the weapon of attack (it’s a pea shooter, but from a first person perspective). As you play longer you’ll gain more devices. There’s a surprising amount of gameplay variety here because of this. Tonic Trouble has been long forgotten, but I wouldn’t mind at all if the developers released an enhanced version for modern platforms.

#53. – Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater was an amazing extreme sports game. Before this we hadn’t seen a title quite like it, and the gameplay was seriously on point. Part 2 is largely more of the same but with better graphics, and more options. Normally I’d complain that there’s not enough new stuff but that’s not the case here. The refinements (such as being able to chain tricks) make sense and add a surprising amount to the experience. What’s more is that there’s actually a track editor. This is one of the few cases where I can’t think of much else a developer could have done to make a better sequel. This one is only held back by the fact that it’s about skateboarding, and that’s okay, but not amazing.

#52. – Snowboard Kids 2

This is one of those cases where something was lost in the transition. Snowboard Kids 2 should be better than the original. I mean, it has more courses, more characters, and additional options. Something about the gameplay just doesn’t feel as smooth in my opinion. The game is kind of like Mario Kart. Instead of racing in vehicles you’re instead snowboarding down a snowy hill. While moving down the hill you pick up items (both offensive and defensive) and can use them freely against enemies. The racing engine is fairly solid. It’s a lot of fun especially when you’re competing with three other opponents. Snowboard Kids 2 is good, but I think it falls short of the original.

#51. – Gauntlet Legends

Gauntlet is a classic action RPG series with an emphasis on multiplayer. It was big on PC, but the series didn’t get my attention until this release on the Nintendo 64. It’s a fully 3D revamp of the original premise, but with heavily refined gameplay (which puts more emphasis on the RPG elements) and great four player co-op action. The four playable characters have more refined classes than ever before and they feel significantly different from one another. This means that multiplayer requires significantly more teamwork than you’d expect. Gauntlet Legends is a blast if you can get a group of friends together in the same room.

#50. – Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

Here we have the best Star Wars game on the Nintendo 64. That’s a pretty tall order considering how many there are. Rogue Squadron consists entirely of dog fights. You won’t find a single jedi style sword battle, nor will you see force powers here of any kind. It’s good old fashioned aerial combat and it’s a lot of fun. The first time I saw the game I was blown away by the graphics. This was one of the early expansion pak compatible titles, and honestly it looks like it could be an early Dreamcast release. While the visuals aren’t nearly as impressive as they once were the gameplay is still a lot of fun.

#49. – Pokemon Stadium 2

The first Stadium was a really interesting example of connectivity between handheld and console. Nintendo then basically made their original Pokemon titles obsolete by releasing the second generation, and thankfully they followed it up with a second Stadium title. Part 2 is more of the same. The graphics and features haven’t been upgraded in any significant way, but now we have all 251 Pokemon in glorious 3D. We also have all new mini-games, but unfortunately I found these less interesting than those in the original package. It’s Pokemon Stadium, but more of it. It was still a treat to see all of the Johto Pokemon in 3D for the first time.

#48. – Gex 64: Enter the Gecko

Gex has always been kind of a guilty pleasure of mine. Yes, there were many more better platformers out there in this era. Especially on the Nintendo 64. The thing is this one was charming. The one liners (voiced by comedian Dana Gould) are cheesy, but it was refreshing to see a video game back then that didn’t take itself too seriously. This is of a port of the PS1 version and aside from a few missing stages (but one all new one) and limited audio it’s a pretty good way to play it. The graphical improvements (though there’s more fog) are noticeable, and the controller just works better. You could do better than Gex 64, but maybe that’s why it’s placed so low on the list.

#47. – Mario Party 2

Mario Party was great. The thing is gamers wanted more of it, and that’s precisely what Nintendo delivered here with the sequel. This is, in my opinion, the best Mario Party title of all time. It’s a bit of a shame that Nintendo recycled some of the previous mini-games and repackaged them here, but there’s plenty new to hold your interest. Plus, it’s not like those old ones were boring by any means, and with sixty four total events you’ll see new things for quite some time. This game basically popularized the ‘party’ concept on home consoles. It’s reminiscent of a board game wherein players take turns rolling dice and moving their character across the game board, but the concept of stealing stars and competing in mini-games is what sets it apart. If you must play one Mario Party title let it be this one.

#46. – Hydro Thunder

You know what’s fun? Racing. What makes this even better is when it’s done in powerboats instead of cars. That’s precisely the concept that Hydro Thunder sells, and it works. This one isn’t quite arcade perfect like the Dreamcast iteration. Despite this the Nintendo 64 release has a few of its own bells and whistles. For one thing it’s the only home console version from it’s time that lets you play with up to four players at once. Sure the framerate and graphics take serious hits. It’s still a lot of fun despite this. If you’re looking for a fun water based racing game (and you’ve grown tired of Wave Race 64) then Hydro Thunder is an excellent choice.

#45. – Banjo Tooie

Confession time. I’ve never been the biggest fan of Banjo Kazooie, or it’s sequel for that matter. Rare copied Nintendo a lot but for my money they were almost never able to quite measure up. Banjo Tooie is the perfect example. This sequel throws you in the shoes of the same bear and bird combo as the first and features large wide open stages. The name of the game here is collecting. Once again you’re tasked with gathering items called jiggies to open new stages. Where I find this one suffered when compared to its predecessor is that they’re too hard to find. It’s not a cutthroat experience by any means, but I didn’t like going so far out of my way for so little reward. While it’s still one of the better platformers on the console Banjo Tooie ultimately lost my interest after a while.

#44. – Excitebike 64

One racing game on the Nintendo Entertainment System has truly stood the test of time. That’s Excitebike. It was simple in concept, but had just enough realism and addictive skill based gameplay mechanics to become a classic. This Nintendo 64 iteration is amazing, though doesn’t hold up quite as well. The original’s gameplay concept remains the same here. You race around courses and aim your bike just right when landing jumps or else you’ll wreck it. The 3D space adds some new layers of strategy but by and large this still feels like Excitebike. There’s a ton of content packed into this cartridge. Lots of courses, game modes, multiplayer, and an in depth track editor to round out the package. Excitebike 64 is certainly one of the best racing games for the platform.

#43. – Custom Robo

Custom Robo was one of those few Japan-only Nintendo 64 releases. Thanks to a fan translation we can now enjoy it. Better late than never, right? This one is kind of an action RPG that’s part Pokemon and part Virtual On. You travel the world outside of battle interacting with characters and collecting robot parts and advancing the story. Inside battle your mecha is launched into an arena to duke it out in realtime with another foe. This is where things get interesting. While there is some strategy for the most part I found myself winning by mashing buttons like there’s no tomorrow. This one would have been a perfect release for the West. It’s a shame it was left in Japan because in my opinion it’s one of the best Nintendo 64 games. Hence it’s placement on this list.

#42. – Blast Corps

Rare was at its best when it wasn’t copying Nintendo. In my opinion at least. Blast Corps is proof of that. This game is all about demolition. You play as a simple driver of various vehicles. Your goal? To destroy everything you can. You see there’s a nuke being moved through a variety of different areas and you have to clear a path for it. Fail to do so and it’s kaboom everyone’s dead. Thankfully nothing is that structurally sound. You can destroy most things in this game just by driving or sliding into them. You even have multiple vehicles to choose from, and each has their different attributes. Blast Corps offers a ton of on-screen mayhem with enough diversity to keep the experience fresh start to finish.

#41. – Glover

You can only come up with so many different mascot characters for platforming games before the well runs dry. Well in 1998 it was apparently the Sahara. This is when publisher Hasbro released a platforming adventure game with an anthropomorphic glove as the main character. Yes, a glove. I’ve probably lost you by now but hold on because Glover is actually a pretty good game! Your goal here is to guide a ball across just shy of twenty different stages complete with boss fights after every three. The amount of moves Glover has at his disposal is actually pretty impressive. He can slap, dribble, and balance on the ball using his little gloved fingers as feet. Despite the general absurdity behind the concept this one is surprisingly fun.

#40. – Ridge Racer 64

The Ridge Racer series was an institution on the Sony PlayStation. I was happy when Namco threw the Nintendo 64 a bone with this version. While the series lived and died by the arcades this edition is an exclusive release, and actually developed by Nintendo themselves. This is pure classic Ridge Racer gameplay. It’s pure arcade action with lots of over the top drifting and simple yet polished mechanics. It even looks better than most of the PS1 games in this series. Ridge Racer 64 was one of the best racers for the platform in my opinion.

#39. – Mario Tennis

Despite what most think this was not the plumber’s first foray into the world of Tennis. That honor belongs to the Virtual Boy release which this is most certainly not. Mario Tennis is a very arcade style version of the sport with simple mechanics, and classic Nintendo spins. As you may suspect the main draw here is playing as your favorite Nintendo characters. The basic mechanics are fun and quite solid in design, but where it shines is with what Nintendo added in. You have more powerful shots the differ based on the characters. It’s a fun twist that really makes this one feel very ‘Nintendo’ in my opinion. The multiplayer modes are also a real blast to play.

#38. – Mortal Kombat Trilogy

MK Trilogy was one of the very first fighting games I absolutely had to have in the 32/64-bit generation. I mean, all of the previous Mortal Kombat characters in one title? What could go wrong? The reason this one isn’t higher on the list is because of the Nintendo 64’s limitations. You see, this version doesn’t actually have all of the characters. Not only is it missing the old boss characters, but the classic editions of others are absent as well. It’s sorely disappointing. At least there’s no load times though. The roster is still plenty big (much larger even than UMK3) so it’s not a total wash. Honestly this is the best MK game on the Nintendo 64, and one of it’s best fighters overall.

#37. – Killer Instinct Gold

What we were promised with the Nintendo 64 (called the Ultra 64 at the time) was an arcade perfect version of Killer Instinct 2. KI Gold is not that. Considering the raw strength of the platform I was kind of surprised at the time to be honest. I can’t complain too much because this package is solid. Killer Instinct Gold actually changes the graphics using polygonal backgrounds and the end result is pretty nice. It also controls really well thanks to the sheer number of buttons on the pad. Knocking out those huge combo attacks has never been easier. This, in my opinion, is the single best fighter released on the Nintendo 64. For a launch window game that’s not too shabby.

#36. – Starcraft 64

If you have even a passing interest in real time strategy games odds are you are extensively familiar with Starcraft. This game from developer Blizzard is undoubtedly the best known of the bunch. On PC it had some of the best gameplay in the entire genre. The sheer amount of multiplayer options gave it real staying power. So how does it fare on the Nintendo 64? Surprisingly well. You would think the lack of mouse support would cripple it, but thanks to some clever controller hotkeys that’s not the case. What’s more is this is the only version of Starcraft with split screen local multiplayer. It’s still best played on PC, but this Nintendo 64 port is far better than it had any right to be.

#35. – 1080° Snowboarding

Snowboarding games never had any real staying power on home consoles before everything went 3D. You had a few oddball titles, but nothing really set the charts on fire. 1080° Snowboarding changed all that. It’s easily the best game of its kind from the 32/64-bit generation with incredible graphics (that still look good today), fantastic physics, and excellent course design. What’s more is the fact that it has a super solid trick system that’s a lot of fun to practice with. As is the case with most Nintendo 64 titles multiplayer is simply incredible. Cutting through powder with a friend makes for some of the most memorable experiences here. While 1080 has been largely forgotten in the wake of titles like SSX I still prefer this Nintendo 64 game to any of them.

#34. – Banjo Kazooie

I already mentioned that I don’t love Banjo Kazooie. I do like it plenty though. This 3D platformer shoots for the stars (Super Mario 64) but falls short a few feet. The mechanics involved with the two character set up make for some interesting gameplay scenarios, and Rare pulled out all the stops when it came to level designs. Despite this the plain and simple fact is that collecting jiggies here just isn’t as fun as nabbing stars in Super Mario 64. Let’s not sell Banjo Kazooie short though. It’s still one of the best 3D platformers of all time and deserves a spot on any list of the top Nintendo 64 games.

#33. – Quake II

The original Quake must have sold at least decently on the Nintendo 64 because we were graced with its sequel. On top of new stages, multiplayer options, and better graphics this one has new enemies and guns. That’s pretty standard for FPS sequels and I’m not one to complain about it. The Nintendo 64 edition even has four player split screen options. What’s more is you can use the expansion pak to increase the graphical fidelity. There are new stages and enemies exclusive to this version, and the major problem with the PC release (character speed) has been fixed up here. As antiquated as this may sound I prefer the N64 port over the original Windows version.

#32. – Pilotwings 64

Pickings were incredibly slim for the Nintendo 64 at launch. On release day you basically had just Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64. Hey, at least every single launch game was amazing, right? This was a fully 3D sequel to the hit SNES title. Instead of stomping on goombas or shooting baddies you’re given events to complete all using different vehicles. The hang glider is the first and has you navigating terrain and hitting thermal columns of wind to gain elevation. Then you have a rocket pack with limited fuel making each second count. Finally there’s a small copter you can fly in which might just be the most fun of the bunch. Pilotwings 64 is one of the most relaxing titles to play on the platform in my opinion. Everything from the music, graphics, and gameplay is downright chill.

#31. – Mega Man 64

I’m not sure why Nintendo and Capcom had the falling out they did during this generation, but I’m glad they made up. Mega Man 64 was one of only three titles they released on the platform. Despite the different name it’s actually a port of Mega Man Legends. This game is sort of an action adventure take on the franchise with a ton of exploration in 3D environments, and a fun (but somewhat clunky) combat system. I’ve always loved the risks Mega Man Legends took with the franchise. The new direction was bold, and while it’s very different from all the other installments MML still feels like a Mega Man game. This Nintendo 64 port might have muddier graphics and somewhat worse controls, but it’s still a fantastic title and a standout on the platform.

#30. – Goemon’s Great Adventure

Mystical Ninja: Starring Goemon was great. It did however suffer one issue. The game failed to scratch the Goemon itch. This is one of my most favorite franchises of all time, and the first title on the N64 felt pretty far removed from all other installments. That’s where Goemon’s Great Adventure came in to play. In terms of mechanics this one was much closer to the games before it. This was a 2.5D platformer that even allowed for simultaneous co-op gameplay. It was everything I wanted in a new Goemon game. The only problem I have is that it didn’t feel ambitious enough. Nothing here feels like it pushes the franchise forward, and instead relies on simply paying homage. It’s still a ton of fun though, and even better when you bring a friend along.

#29. – Bomberman 64 (JP)

Wait, didn’t we already see Bomberman 64 on this list? Yes, but for some reason, Hudson released another iteration with the same name. Unfortunately this one was a Japan-only release. What’s really neat about this version is that the developers returned to classic traditional Bomberman gameplay here. There are no 3D graphics. Instead it’s the same 2D gameplay with sprite based characters. If it’s not broken don’t fix it, and for my money this mantra sounds most true with Bomberman. For lack of better word Bomberman 64 is a blast to play when you get some buddies together in the same room. My only complaint is it feels a bit too much like the 16-bit iterations.

#28. – Duke Nukem 64

Here’s another guilty pleasure of mine. Duke Nukem 3D is one of my all time favorite first person shooters. In this case it’s mostly style over substance. I love the sense of humor here. Everything from the one-liners to paying the dancers is still hilarious to me. In my opinion Duke Nukem 64 is the best iteration of the classic gameplay. Thanks to the change in engine I no longer get motion sickness while playing which is a major plus. The additional content (including new stages, enemies, and modes of play) is the cherry on top of this wonderful package. The multiplayer options are astounding and include bots, versus, and even co-op. To this day the N64 release is still my favorite version of this classic.

#27. – Donkey Kong 64

Now we’re cooking with gas! Donkey Kong 64 is, in my opinion, Rare’s greatest 3D platformer. It was basically the next evolution of the gameplay designs introduced in Country. The 3D environments are huge and a real joy to explore. Much moreso than say, in Banjo Kazooie/Tooie. Sure it’s another collect-a-thon but in this case I didn’t mind. I fully enjoyed switching between the different Kong characters and using their abilities to reach new areas. Each time you unlock a new one it was so fun for me to return to stages I had already completed to see what new content I could now reach. It also helps that the soundtrack is incredible. It’s worth noting that this was the first appearance of the now famous DK Rap song. From the moment I heard it I was hooked.

#26. – Beetle Adventure Racing

How fun can a game entirely focused around the concept of racing VW Bugs be? Pretty fun, actually. Admittedly I never expected much from this title, but it’s an absolute blast and a half. What makes this one so special isn’t the junky cars, no. It’s the track designs and shortcuts. It all comes together in a nice arcade package. This isn’t the best looking Nintendo 64 game, nor is it the most technical one. What it is is one of the most fun arcade racers on the platform. I only wish they chose a better car to base a game around. I mean a VW Bug? Almost anything would have been better.

#25. – Rayman 2: The Great Escape

Rayman was kind of an oddball game. It was a 2D side scrolling platformer that launched on the 3D consoles. It wasn’t until the sequel that developer Ubisoft pushed the action into the third dimension. Rayman was better off in polygons that’s for sure. In terms of controls, variety and exploration this is probably the only 3D platformer that can compete with Super Mario 64. What this one does better that Nintendo’s own game is the puzzles. Rayman 2 has some intelligently designed headscratchers in just about every stage. It’s nothing too difficult, but just enough to make you think. It also helps keep gameplay fresh. Rayman 2 is amazing, and this Nintendo 64 version is a pretty competent way to play it.

#24. – Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

Let’s be fair here. There was no way the follow up to Ocarina of Time was going to match up to it. This is especially true when you consider that this was intended to be a side story. During development it was even called Zelda Gaiden. Majora’s Mask is a great game but one of the worst Zelda titles. You once again play as Link (the child version from the start of Ocarina) who enters a new land called Termina. Here a foreboding moon (complete with a creepy face) hangs in the sky threatening to crash into the planet and kill everyone in Clock Town and the surrounding areas. You have three days to save the world, but thanks to the Ocarina of Time Link can reset the clock. It’s an interesting take on Zelda. Despite it’s shortcomings Majora’s Mask is still one of the best Nintendo 64 games.

#23. – Wonder Project J2

Enix actually did release a few games for the Nintendo 64 before completely abandoning the platform. Wonder Project J2 was one of these. This is a sequel to a game released in Japan for the Super Famicom. Like its predecessor the goal here is to raise a robot by teaching them the ways of humans. You do so by answering questions that they ask, and guiding them using an on-screen reticule in the form of a bird. It’s truly interesting to see how she reacts, learns, and even remembers things you told her. It may sound weird but it’s a really special and memorable experience. This Japan only release actually has a pretty good fan translation. That’s the best way to check it out.

#22. – Ogre Battle 64: Persons of Lordly Caliber

RPGs weren’t exactly a dime a dozen on the Nintendo 64. Even more uncommon were good ones. Ogre Battle 64 is one of the few and the proud. This is a follow up to the SNES game which I love and cherish. This one is largely more of the same. It has both real time strategy and turn based elements. Basically you create units consisting of different characters, and move them across a map. You don’t directly control them and instead the game uses a point and click interface. Once a battle is engaged the CPU controls both your enemies and allies as they trade blows, and whomever does the most damage after a few turns is the victor. The variety of troops types and neat maps is what makes Ogre Battle 64 so great.

#21. – Mario Kart 64

I’m sure most fans of the franchise aren’t going to be happy to see this one not even break the top ten best Nintendo 64 games on this list. I don’t hate Mario Kart 64. I don’t love it either though. At the time of release I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. The stage designs weren’t nearly as interesting despite now being fully 3D, the new power-slide was weird, items aren’t as cool here, and most of the multiplayer maps were kind of lame. Except Block Fortress. That one is still good even to this day. Despite this it’s still Mario Kart, and few things are better than four player kart racing with Mario and friends.

#20. – Bangai-O

This one is kind of hard to describe. It’s a Treasure title after all. Bangai-O is basically a 2D shooter, but with twin stick and light platforming elements. You can fly around but also shoot in all eight directions. It makes for some really interesting and unique gameplay scenarios. In typical Treasure fashion the gunfire is often screen filling. Your secondary goal is basically to blow up a bunch of stuff, and you’ll need to do so in order to open paths forward. Bangai-O was later ported to the Dreamcast and I actually prefer that version. Still, the Nintendo 64 original is nothing to scoff at.

#19. – Snowboard Kids

Picture Mario Kart, but snowboarding instead of driving, and with super deformed characters. That’s Snowboard Kids in a nutshell. You race down a series of different snow covered mountaintops against a myriad of opponents in full 3D. Along the way you snag items which have both defensive and offensive properties. This makes gameplay significantly more frantic. One thing I really liked about this one is the fact that while it’s snowboarding you still complete laps. There’s a ski lift at the bottom of each stage that you must take up, and even this adds to the strategy. Snowboard Kids is fun alone, but it’s an absolute blast when you get together with a few like-minded friends. Don’t sleep on Snowboard Kids, because it’s amazing.

#18. – Conker’s Bad Fur Day

Rare shocked the world with Conker’s Bad Fur Day. As a Nintendo second party developer they released mostly family friendly games. Conker’s Twelve Tales was one of these. It faced problems during development and at some point Rare must have said ‘screw it’ and they instead made it a mature title full of potty humor, violence, and curse words. Call me immature but I still think it’s hilarious. And that’s the main draw. Conker is full of laughs (one of the boss fights is a giant mound of poo for crying out loud). The platforming is okay but lacks refinement. There’s also less collecting than in most other games of this kind from the era. It also means it’s very short. Conker’s Bad Fur Day is great, and it gets extra points for the crude humor.

#17. – Rocket: Robot on Wheels

Have you ever heard of the game developer Sucker Punch? They created games like Sly Cooper, Infamous, Ghost of Tsushima, etc. While their games are only on Sony consoles now in my opinion their best release was their first. They released Rocket Robot on Wheels on the Nintendo 64 in 1999 to almost no fanfare. Almost no one has heard of this classic 3D platformer. This one excels in both level designs and variety. The mascot is a little weird but at least he’s unique. You have a variety of different objectives in each stage which can involve anything from collecting items to beating baddies and even competing in mini-games. If you haven’t played this one then you need to. Like I said it’s by far the now renowned developer Sucker Punch’s best game.

#16. – F-Zero X

If you want a fast paced futuristic racer F-Zero is hard to beat. This Nintendo 64 iteration is even better. F-Zero X is one of the few Nintendo 64 titles that runs at a constant sixty frames per second. It’s all the more impressive considering how fast this one runs. When this sequel hit the scene other similar titles like Extreme-G and Wipeout just felt like table scraps at the time. While the basics are very easy to learn it’s incredibly difficult to master. F-Zero X will absolutely test your reflexes. There’s also a lot of track variety. You have energy zones placed in strategic locations which recover your craft’s shields when you drive over them. Besides this there’s also paths through pipes on which you can hover on all sides, and plenty of daring jumps. F-Zero X is an amazing racer that you shouldn’t miss.

#15. – Wave Race 64

To this day I have yet to find a watersports racer that feels more like realistic than Wave Race 64. That’s truly impressive considering it was one of of the first titles released for the Nintendo 64. This is a fully 3D jet ski racer where you compete in a series of events across several different stages. Gameplay isn’t pure racing however. You have to pass on specific sides of floating buoys. Miss too many of them and you’ll lose. It sounds more stressful than it actually is. Wave Race 64 is actually one of the most chill and relaxing experiences on the platform. Few games are as calmly captivating as this one. If you have even a passing interest in watersports and video games then you need to play Wave Race 64.

#14. – Mystical Ninja: Starring Goemon

The single most exciting aspect of the 32/64-bit generation was seeing how my favorite franchises fared in the transition to 3D graphics and gameplay. Mystical Ninja 64 (as it was known pre-release) was one of my most anticipated games. The lone SNES Goemon title we got in the West on the SNES is one of my favorite video games of all time after all. I was surprised to see here that Mystical Ninja: Starring Goemon was a slight departure. Gone is the emphasis on multiplayer. New is the focus on open world exploration. A franchise that was half beat ’em up and half platformer now more closely resembled a Zelda game. The changes all work here. Mystical Ninja: Starring Goemon is an absolutely incredible game. It may fall short of Ocarina of Time but it was the most perfect appetizer we could have ever gotten.

#13. – Paper Mario

I wasn’t kidding when I said the Nintendo 64 didn’t have many RPGs. Paper Mario stands atop the very small heap. This wasn’t the plumber’s first foray into the world of role playing games. Intelligent Systems did however make some very interesting changes to the formula. Here we’re dealing with very small numbers (probably to make it easier for the kiddos) but gameplay is absolutely on point. The battle system is really unique and is heavily based on timing. It’s simple by RPG standards, but has enough substance to make it amazing. Exploration outside of battle feels like a real Mario game with a ton of great environments to explore. The package is all wrapped up with a unique papercraft graphical style.

#12. – Dobutso no Mori

Here we have yet another Japan-only title. This time however we actually know what we’re getting. Dobutso no Mori is actually the first Animal Crossing game, and it’s the title that was ported to the Nintendo Gamecube. It’s very text heavy but there’s a great fan translation available online. In this game you play as a young boy or girl and the adventure begins when you move to a new randomly generated town. This village is inhabited by a bunch of anthropomorphic animals. Your goal is simply to have fun. You can do so by befriending this kooky bunch of critters or by upgrading and customizing your house. It’s really up to you. The game utilizes a built in clock feature to reflect the real life time and date. It’s a unique game and although the Gamecube version is better this Nintendo 64 iteration is still incredibly fun.

#11. – Star Fox 64

The Star Fox brand never really clicked until this Nintendo 64 release. It’s basically a remake of the groundbreaking SNES title. This on-rails shooter is one of the absolute best of its kind. You pilot a futuristic ship through a series of planets, asteroid belts, and even space itself. The new features such as all-range mode are a ton of fun. Boss encounters are one of the major highlights and add a lot of diversity to gameplay. What’s more is the fact that you even have two new vehicles to use though these are underutilized in general. Every single stage is an absolute joy to play thanks to the layouts and wingmen interactions. Star Fox 64 still has yet to be rivaled to this day, and I’m sad that the franchise has basically died out now.

#10. – Resident Evil 2

Packing a two disc game into one Nintendo 64 cartridge seemed absolutely unthinkable. That is before Resident Evil 2 hit the scene. This PS1 port had all the content of the disc based release squished down into a single cart. This includes all of the voice overs and FMV, and RE2 was definitely not lacking in those. This was the best survival horror game of its generation. Exploring Raccoon City and fighting off zombies is just as fun as it was on the PS1. This one is also one of the most scary games of all time. Some concessions were made however. FMV is grainer, audio is muffled, and the pre-rendered backgrounds blurrier. The trade off is that the character models are sharper (especially with the expansion pak) and loading times are cut way down. There’s even new options such as being able to change the color of blood.

#9. – Sin and Punishment

Treasure was one of the most innovative and fresh developers of their time. They also supported the Nintendo 64 in a huge way. Their most ambitious title of the generation is clearly Sin and Punishment. This is a rail shooter with shooting gallery elements. You play as a kid on-foot armed iwth a gun, and are tasked with defeating all incoming foes. The control scheme is incredibly unique. You move your character with the C-buttons, and aim with the joystick. It sounds complicated, and it kind of is. There’s a learning curve but it doesn’t take long to grasp. Once you do you’ll find Sin and Punishment to have some of the most refined gameplay of the generation. I know I’ve said it before, but it’s a real crying shame that this one was only released in Japan.

#8. – Super Smash Bros.

The thought of a fighting game based around various Nintendo properties sounded absolutely crazy before Smash Bros. Call it a platform fighter or whatever else you will. Super Smash Bros is absolutely legit. This game was an extremely unique fighter for the time in which it was released. You can jump and run around absolutely huge 2D stages, use items against foes, and face off against three enemies (human or AI) at once. The mixing of classic Nintendo franchises was amazing. Never before had we seen Link and Mario in the same game for example, let alone Samus Aran or Pikachu too. If it weren’t for the likes of Goldeneye or Perfect Dark this would be the best multiplayer game on the platform by a wide margin.

#7. – Diddy Kong Racing

I don’t care what anyone says. Diddy Kong Racing was the best kart racer at the time of its release, and still is today. It beats every single Mario Kart title handily. This is the one time Rare copied Nintendo’s formula and surpassed them. While the basic kart racing is fun what sets this one apart is the multiple vehicles you can use. This alone was pretty groundbreaking back in the day, and hasn’t been replicated since. On top of the classic kart you also have a hovercraft and plane. Things get really interesting when you combine the different vehicles in a single race. Many courses have multiple paths that can only be used by the specific transport. It makes for pure mayhem. There’s also a unique weapon stacking system, and some truly incredible course designs. The multiplayer options are absolutely through the roof and incredible as well.

#6. – Harvest Moon 64

Stardew Valley might be the new king of the farming/life simulation genre. Before that there was Harvest Moon, and this is the best game in the franchise. Harvest Moon 64 was a follow up to the SNES release. It used a psuedo 3D engine (though everything was pre-rendered and sprite based) and is the same basic premise. You’re a fledgeling farmer and you need to raise up a field of crops as well as a barn full of animals. Oh and did I mention that you can woo one of several girls, get married, and have kids? That part is important. I mean, what’s the meaning of hard work if there’s no payoff? The game was absolutely incredible, and is still fun to this day. As I said this is still the very best Harvest Moon game even after so many other releases in the franchise.

#5. – Goldeneye 007

Forget Super Smash Bros. Forget Mario Kart 64. Goldeneye 007 was the real king of Nintendo 64 multiplayer. On a platform renowned for it’s multiplayer games I don’t say these things lightly. Goldeneye 007 was just built differently. Single player was okay. The game had an objective system and stage layouts that were unique to the genre. Multiplayer was where it was at however. To this day there are almost no first person shooters as addictive, frantic, or downright fun as Goldeneye 007. It both made and broke friendships. This was one of the most defining games of the platform. Even with technically superior FPS releases like Halo my friends and I still returned to Goldeneye. To this day the term ‘no oddjob’ is still fighting words among my lifelong friends.

#4. – Mischief Makers

While Sin and Punishment pushed the technical limits of the platform it is Mischief Makers that is truly Treasure’s best game of all time. It was innovative, bold, and incredibly memorable. The game released at a time when 2D gameplay was quickly being forgotten. Here you play as a cyberbot that can jump, grab items, and boost using her jet packs. It’s an action platformer of the highest caliber. In typical Treasure fashion each stage presents new obstacles, and the amount of diversity here is absolutely astounding. These level designs are absolutely insane in the best way possible. Mischief Makers also gets my award for the best boss fights in any game. It’s clever, quirky, and downright amazing. The words ‘shake, shake’ are forever ingrained in my head.

#3. – Perfect Dark

Perfect Dark is the single greatest first person shooter of all time. Hate on that statement all you like, but it doesn’t make it any less true. The single player campaign is overly cheesy, yes, but gameplay is simply incredible. This is due in large part to the vast array of gadgets you’re given. There are so many unique objectives that make unparalleled use of these in truly inventive ways. Of course the multiplayer modes are clearly the star of the show here however. The vast amount of options you have are unmatched. Seriously. You won’t find any game with the sheer amount of customization even today. What’s more is the gunplay is actually really well done, and the arsenal of weapons vast and refreshing. Perfect Dark is, for lack of a better word, almost ‘perfect.’

#2. – Super Mario 64

I just talked about the best first person shooter of all time. Now it’s time to talk about the greatest 3D platformer. That’s Super Mario 64. Before it 3D games were clunky, and developers didn’t really know how to fix it. Nintendo pushed the medium forward with this release in numerous ways. Super Mario 64 showed us what 3D could do for gaming. Games from this generation are often hard to return to due to framerates and general playability. Not Super Mario 64. It’s one of the few fully 3D titles from this era that’s absolutely timeless. It’s surprising that the Nintendo 64’s big launch title is still unmatched even to this day.

#1. – Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

While we’re talking about the best games of all time per genre it’s only natural that Ocarina of Time enter the discussion. Super Mario 64 may have shown the world what could be done in 3D space, but this game pushed beyond even those boundaries. It’s simply the best 3D action adventure game of all time bar none. Zelda 64 was one of the first games I followed that was truly hyped beyond belief. I expected it to be mildly disappointing but I was completely wrong. The game blew my expectations completely out of the water. Reaching Hyrule Field for the first time was a real generation defining moment. It also helped that the dungeons here have some of the best puzzles in any video game ever. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is, dare I say, timeless.