The best N64 games of all time | Digital Trends (2024)

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii

Genre

Fighting, Platform

Developer

HAL Laboratory

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

January21, 1999

Several of Nintendo’s most famous franchises lend their likeness’ to this incredibly fun and over-the-top brawler. Players choose between 12 characters — i.e. Mario, Link, Kirby, Yoshi, Samus — and fight in some of Nintendo’s most iconic game levels. If you wanted to beat down your friends as the Pokémon Jigglypuff on Mario’s Mushroom Kingdom stomping ground, you could. The game provided an endless amount of replay value and entertainment while staying incredibly easy to pick up and play.

Unlike many fighting games of its era,Super Smash Bros. didn’t force players to memorize extensive or lengthy button combinations to pull off signature moves. Rather, players needed to learn a handful of simple button combinations to pull off special combos and attacks for any character. Because of this, the game saw wild success on the N64 and helped spawn a slew of sequels on every Nintendo home console since, including Super Smash Bros. Ultimatefor Nintendo Switch.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Shooter

Developer

Nintendo EAD

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

April27, 1997

Star Fox 64 took gamers to the skies in thesequel to 1993’sStar Fox for the SNES. Players control Fox McCloud and his Arwing as his team attempts to thwart the plans of theevil mad scientist Andross. Levels were semi-free roaming, though most of the game seesplayers navigating through what’s called “Corridor Mode,” which essentiallykeptyour aircraft on rails down a specific path, though you still controlled the Arwing’s ability to go up, down, left, and right within that path. Many of the levels had at least two different ways to complete them, with alternate paths opening up if the player accomplished certain (sometimes hidden) objectives. During each mission, three teammates — Peppy, Slippy, and Falco — flank Fox and assist when necessary. Sometimes you’d receive messages from each player individually alerting you of enemies, asking you for assistance, providing part of the story, or telling you to do a barrel roll.

Aside fromPilotwings —one of the system’slaunch titles —Star Fox 64 was the preeminent flight simulator for the Nintendo 64. Fans of the series were treated to a massive graphics overhaul, improved gameplay, and an entertaining campaign. Nintendo also included a multiplayer mode which pit you and up to three other friends against oneanother in various aerial deathmatches.

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Shooter, Platform, Adventure

Developer

Rare

Publisher

Rare

Release

October11, 1999

Jet Force Geminiremains one of the most unique and entertaining experienceson the Nintendo 64. Developed by Rare — the studiobehindGoldenEye, Perfect Dark,andBattletoads —and published by Nintendo, Jet Force Geminiset gamers on an epic sci-fi adventure. Itcombined the mechanics of third-person shooting, platforming, and running-and-gunning, to produce an end result unlike much of what the N64 had seen thus far. While playing through each level, gamers had access to three different members of the team; Juno, Vela, and Lupus.Each world featured its own set of enemies, environments, and platforming puzzles which were best conquered by utilizing the strengths of each character. For instance, Juno could walk through magma un-harmed.Players were encouragedto explore every nookand crannyin order to advance to the next world.

Rare’sJet Force Gemini didn’t just excel with its single-player campaign, though; it also boasted a robust multiplayer offering. Like many N64 games on ourlist, the game featured a head-t0-head deathmatch mode which pitted you and up to three friends against one another in an all-out battle. Players had the option of setting their desired level, the types of weapons found during the match, and the number of kills necessary for victory. The game also featured several other multiplayer modes, such as an overhead racing mini-gameanda fire-range mode which placedplayers on rails as they traversed levels.Aside from the head-to-head multiplayer modes,Jet Force Gemini also allowed two players to play in a non-split-screen cooperative mode in which one player assumes the role of a floating robot and assists the first player in various missions. Jet Force Gemini’s strong single-player offering, as well as its deep multiplayer options, easily madeit a must-play title.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, PC (Microsoft Windows)

Genre

Shooter, Adventure

Developer

LucasArts

Publisher

Nintendo, LucasArts, Disney Interactive

Release

December03, 1996

WhenStar Wars: Shadows of the Empire released in 1996, players initially lamented the fact they couldn’t play as one of the series’ stars like Han Solo or Luke Skywalker. However, as soon as gamers assumed the role of Dash Rendar and were thrust into the Battle of Hoth, they quickly forgave the developers and realized that this was one of the best Star Wars games. Although bogged down by occasional awkward camera issues, the third-person shooting controls were easy to pick up and enjoy. Fans of the Star Wars universe will quickly recognize the franchise’s various locales as Rendar travels far and wide. Moreover, players still have the opportunity to fight alongside Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca in an effort to help rescue the captured Princess Leia through the course of the campaign.

In addition to the game’s impressive levels and intriguing storyline, itsboss battles were exceptional. From battling an Imperial AT-ST (on foot!) to going head-to-head with the mercilessBoba Fett, Shadows of the Empiredidn’t skimp onchallengingbosses. The developers set out to createa gamebridging the gap betweenThe Empire Strikes Back and theReturn of the Jedioverthe course of the game’s 10 missions, and though it may appearprehistoric now, it was one of the N64’s defining moments when it released nearly 20 years ago.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube, Dreamcast, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita

Genre

Shooter, Adventure

Developer

Capcom Planning Room 2

Publisher

Capcom, Nintendo, Virgin Interactive Entertainment

Release

January21, 1998

After its resounding success on the PlayStation, Capcom decided to portit’s survival-horror epicResident Evil 2 to the N64 — and the results were fantastic. While many assumed the game would have a hard time transitioning to another system,Resident Evil 2’sarrival on the N64 was met with critical acclaim. Players assumed the role of two different protagonists, college student Claire Redfield and rookie police officer Leon Kennedy. Together, the duo explored the fictional town of Raccoon City while looking for survivors, solving puzzles, and fending off zombies in one of the best Resident Evil games of all time.

Resident Evil 2 brought the survival horror genre to a system not previously associated with many adult-themed titles. It packed an expertly paced storyline, harrowing setting, and consuming gameplay into one of the best adventures on the N64. Even with a wonky control setup, the game shined. Few games keep you coming back for more while simultaneously scaring the living daylight out of you. A full, excellent reimagining of Resident Evil 2 launched on PS4, Xbox One, and PC in 2019.

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Shooter

Developer

Rare

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

August23, 1997

Though PC gamers had enjoyed 3D, first-person shooters for some time, console gamers were relatively unaware of them beforeGoldenEye 007burst on the scene in 1997. It was released nearly two years after the Pierce Brosnan film of the same name hit theaters, but that did little to hinder its success. Players assumed the role of the iconic James Bond as he thwarted criminals from using the weaponized GoldenEye satellite upon the city of London. It was one of the first games of its kind to feature open, 3D levels that players could explore on their own and complete objectives in any order they chose.

While the single-player campaign was fun for a playthrough or two, multiplayer gave it staying power. Capable of swallowing whole weekends in the blink of an eye, GoldenEye’s split-screen deathmatches were as fun as anything on the N64. The game allowed up to four players to compete at once, on any of its 20 levels. Several gameplay modes kept it fresh, such as The Man with the Golden Gun, You Only Live Twice, or the one-shot kill mode, License To Kill. No matter which you played, there was nothing quite like roaming around Facility with three of your friends and blowing one another to smithereens.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, PlayStation 2

Genre

Shooter, Strategy

Developer

Omega Force

Publisher

Koei

Release

November20, 1999

Platforms

Nintendo 64, PC (Microsoft Windows)

Genre

Shooter

Developer

Factor 5, LucasArts

Publisher

LucasArts, Nintendo, Disney Interactive Studios

Release

November17, 1998

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii U

Genre

Platform, Adventure

Developer

Hudson Soft

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

September26, 1997

Like many popular characters who made the jump to the N64,Bomberman 64was the first foray into 3D. Because of this, the game’s single-player mode featured an adventure and platform-rich style of gameplay. As Bomberman, players navigated through four differentworlds attempting to collect gold cards and defeat the evilAltair. Each level featured unique challenges thatrequired Bomberman to use several bomb typesto advance to the next. Unlike traditional platformers, though, Bomberman could not jump, forcing him to cover large gaps by bouncing on bombs.

Bomberman 64 also features an addictive multiplayer mode reminiscent of past Bomberman titles. Up to four different players could participate in matches pitting everyone against one another in a bomb-throwing frenzy. Players won their round if they finished as the last Bomberman standing, either by killing the other three participants or surviving until the time ran out. Each of the game’s unique multiplayer levels was just small enough to incite frantic, all-out battles.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii U

Genre

Platform, Adventure

Developer

Rare

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

November22, 1999

How bizarre is it that Donkey Kong 64, close to 20 years after its launch, remains the only 3D game in the entire series? Especially since Donkey Kong 64 was such a breakthrough game in terms of size and scope for a platforming adventure, and is considered among the best Donkey Kong games. Like its sterling side-scrolling SNES predecessors, Donkey Kong 64 is set on DK Isles and sees King K. Rool kidnap five of the Kong clan: Diddy, Cranky, Chunky, Tiny, and Lanky. Donkey Kong had to run around the island, completing platforming sequences, defeating baddies, and solving puzzles to save each of his relatives and defeat the big baddie and his minions.

DK Isles, for an N64 game, was quite large, with a diverse set of islands and levels to explore. It took roughly 30 hours to complete and was the first N64 game to require the Expansion Pak for additional memory. However, a fair portion of that lengthy runtime was spent backtracking for collectibles and unlocking new areas. You had to collect two different types of bananas to unlock new levels and to save each friend. But the backtracking was worth it since each of the six playable Kongs had their own unique play styles and guns. Diddy’s dual peanut shooters still hold a special place in our hearts. To top it all off, DK 64 had a competitive deathmatch with up to four players. Frolicking about the isles blasting each other with coconuts, grapes, and peanuts? Doesn’t get much better than that.

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Shooter, Platform, Adventure

Developer

Rare

Publisher

Rare, THQ

Release

March05, 2001

Rare makes several appearances on this list, andConker’s Bad Fur Dayno doubt goes down as the most unique title from its library. Originally intended for a family audience, Rare decided to slapConkerwith a mature rating to differentiate it from previous games like Donkey Kong 64 andBanjo Kazooie. The resulting game featured a binge-drinking squirrel as the main character, a quadriplegic weasel as one of the villains, and a host of violence, toilethumor, and foul language. It was a bold move at the time, but again Rare struck gold.The level designs were perfect, the platforming and action were exciting, and the storyline was so over-the-top it kept players coming back for more.

What other game charges withyou with the task of feeding your main character Alka-Seltzer to help cure him of the previous night’s massive hangover? None. And the best part is, this happens in the first five minutes of booting up the game. From this point forward, pure insanity ensues as Conker finds himself battling armies of evil teddy bears,hanging out with baby dinosaurs, and getting told to shove off whenever possible. Conker’s Bad Fur Dayhelped distinguish Rareas the best game developer for the N64 — outside of Nintendo itself — and remains a bonafide classic.

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Shooter

Developer

Eurocom Entertainment Software, 3D Realms

Publisher

GT Interactive

Release

October31, 1997

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Shooter

Developer

Rare

Publisher

Rare, Nintendo

Release

May22, 2000

The spiritual successor toGoldenEye, Perfect Dark took everything good about its predecessor and made it even better. It operated on a modified version ofGoldenEye’sgame engine and anybody who’s played both recognizes the similarities. WherePerfect Darkstood out from Rare’s original shooter was its engrossing storyline, increased functionality of the game’s weapons, and the introduction of combat “Simulants” in multiplayer. Players assume the role of Joanna Dark, an agent working for a research and development center called the Carrington Institute. After a series of events leads her down a rabbit hole of conspiracy, science fiction, and peculiar Scandinavians, Dark finds herself in the middle of an interstellar battle.

LikeGoldenEye, the single-player experience of Perfect Dark is a rousing good time, but its multiplayer is where the game trulyshined.You and up to three friends could participate in a split-screen deathmatch using an array of weapons and characters from the main game. WherePerfect Dark raised the bar was with its inclusion of what it called “Simulants,” which functioned as computer-controlled bots. Players could load up to eight per match and set their skill level, team affiliation, and a wide range of configurable behaviors, like targeting the player in the lead.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, PC (Microsoft Windows)

Genre

Shooter, Adventure

Developer

Iguana Entertainment

Publisher

Acclaim Entertainment

Release

February28, 1997

When the Nintendo released the 64 in 1996, it was mostly synonymous with kid-oriented, family-friendly games. However, once Iguana Entertainment released the M-ratedTurok: Dinosaur Huntersix months intothe console’s lifetime, it gave mature gamers a reason to pick up the system for themselves. The game placed players in the boots of Turok, a time-traveling Native American who takes it upon himself to protect Earth from the inhabitants of the Lost Land. The game plays in a similar first-person style to theDoomfranchise and features a wide range of open-world levels. Each of the game’s levels sees a variety of dinosaurs, aliens, and humans which stand betweenTal’Set (Turok) and hisgoal to collect fragments ofan ancient artifact called the Chronoscepter.

When first released, Turok pushed the system’s limits and set the standard for every console shooter which succeeded it. It quickly became one of the staples among gamers’ N64 libraries and showed Nintendo that even games with a Mature rating had a place on its console. The varied level design, difficult enemies and bosses, and slew of futuristic weapons at Tal’Set’s disposal helped Turok establish itself as a must-have game for the new console. Its overwhelming success helped spawn several other games in the Turok franchise, yet none of those fared as well as the original.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Simulator

Developer

HAL Laboratory, Pax Softnica

Publisher

Nintendo, Nintendo of America, Nintendo of Europe

Release

March21, 1999

Yes, Pokémon Snap counts as a first-person shooter — perhaps the most innocent FPS in existence, but still one of the best Pokemon games. In Snap players took control of Todd Snap, a photographer Professor Oak commissioned to assist him with a special report. Players journey around Pokémon Island, attempting to capture as many unique and interesting photographs of the native Pokémon. The game plays like a rail shooter as the player rides a self-pilotingbuggy throughout each level.

At the conclusion of each ride, players select their favorite photos for Professor Oak’s report. Oak then doles out scores for each photo based on how well each Pokémon is framed, their specific poses, unique actions, or if multiple Pokémon show up in the same picture. Each level featured various hidden Pokémon, alternate paths, and specific photo opportunities that required multiple playthroughs to completely master.

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Card & Board Game

Developer

Hudson Soft

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

December07, 2000

It’s hard to select which of the three N64 titles is the best Mario Party game on the platform; each one should easily have a spot on this list. For the sake of conserving space, we’ve included the most recent title on the N64. Not only did the Mario Partyfranchise revolutionize the multiplayer experience for the N64, but it offered a game with a massive amount of replayability. Once gamers chosean iconic Mario character, theywould move arounda themed game board andengage in a wide range of raucous mini-games. After each game, the winners received a helping of coins which they then use to buy stars. The player with the most stars at the end won.

Though the concept seems straightforward, the minigames were anything but. Whether you were riding around on a giant ball trying to knock your opponents off an island, or avoiding various obstacles while tightrope walking, Mario Party‘s minigames had it all. The game also did a fantastic job of keeping everybody on a level playing field and limiting advantages. For instance, just when you thought you gained the upper hand, your character would magically land on an evil Bowser square and forced to forfeit coins. Obviously, most of the moving around the game boards comes down to random chance, but it always felt like the game had something out for the leaders.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Platform, Adventure

Developer

Nintendo EAD

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

June23, 1996

Super Mario 64 not only saw Nintendo’s frontman Mario dive into a 3D landscape for the first time, but it also established the Nintendo 64 as a powerhouse console from day one with arguably the best Mario game of all time. Players control Mario as he collects the 120 Gold Stars strewn about Princess Peach’s enormous castle. Like previous games in the franchise, it featured a slew of power-ups, unique baddies, and several iconic Bowser battles spanning various environments. The game introduced several new maneuvers for Mario as well, such as the ability to backflip, triple jump, and the ever-so-useful wall jump.

Aside from the revolutionary level design and enthralling gameplay, Super Mario 64also changed the gaming landscape with theintroduction of the 3D, free roaming mode. Not only did this style go on to define theMariofranchise, but it set the bar for future 3D platformers. Plain and simple,Super Mario 64 is puzzle platforming at its finest and remains one of gaming’s greatest titles of all time.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, PC (Microsoft Windows)

Genre

Platform

Developer

Interactive Studios

Publisher

Hasbro Interactive

Release

November16, 1998

One of the most unique (and challenging) games the N64 had to offer,Glovertested your patience and willpower at every turn. Players control the titular Glover who attempts to recover his owner’s seven magic crystals, all of which werescattered all over the wizard’s kingdom after a massive explosion at his castle. During the events of the explosion, Glover transformed the crystals into rubber balls, thus allowing them to land on the ground without shattering. For those of you who rememberMarble Madness on the NES, think ofGlover as a story-driven extension.

As Glover, players guide a ball through six different worlds within the wizard’s kingdom, each withits own theme and three different levels for Glover to explore before toppling the world’s boss. Along the way, players have the ability to transform Glover’s ball into four different forms —rubber, metal, a bowling ball, or its original crystal form — each of which was required for different challenges. The perfect blend of puzzles, platforming, and spot-on physics made the title a (frustrating) blast to play.

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Platform, Adventure

Developer

Rare

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

June29, 1998

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Platform, Adventure

Developer

Ubisoft Montpellier

Release

October22, 1999

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Puzzle

Developer

Nintendo IRD

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

April08, 2001

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii

Genre

Puzzle, Strategy

Developer

Nintendo Software Technology

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

September25, 2000

Ash was just getting the hang of becoming the very best when Professor Oak rang to tell him he had to go compete in the Puzzle League championship. Pokémon Puzzle League gives Nintendo’s match three puzzle series the pocket monster treatment. Essentially, a grid filled up with multi-colored blocks, and you had to align them into horizontal or vertical sets of three while the board constantly became more cluttered. Clear the board, and you win. Let the board fill, and you’re finished. It was a fun match three game made better with the Pokémon trappings. Once again, Ash’s original main rival, Gary, was in the picture, and you had to work your way towards earning eight badges.

One unique addition to Pokémon Puzzle League was the 3D cylindrical stages, which made each row of blocks three times longer. The expanded grid presented a much more difficult task and was one of the earliest incarnations of a 3D grid-based puzzler done right.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Racing

Developer

Nintendo EAD

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

December14, 1996

Easily one of the most popular games for theN64, Mario Kart 64 is over-the-top kart racing at its finest, and one of the best Mario Kart games. Players choose to race as Mario or any one of his colorful pals and rivals, before entering single-player Grand Prix tournaments or a wide range of multiplayer events. The game featured four different “Cups,” each of which had its own circuit of four unique courses. Players could grab special power-ups which endowed their driver with a wide range of weapons and kart boosts. For instance, red shells would fire off and home in on the nearest competitor. Stars, on the other hand, would give players temporary invincibility and a speed boost.

Like the games before it, what allowedMario Kart to stand out was its addicting multiplayer gameplay. It wasn’t just about perfecting the jump on Rainbow Road or mastering power slides, or even seeing if you could win a tournament with Peach (you could). It was the perfect combination of everythingwhich kept bringing you back toMario Kart 64. The game went on to become the second best-selling game on the N64 — and it’s not tough to see why.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Racing, Arcade

Developer

Nintendo EAD

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

July14, 1998

While not the best racing game on N64, F-Zero X could claim the title of fastest and most intense. The sequel to the 1991 SNES classic, F-Zero X, brought the series to 3D (familiar trend, huh?). No one would call the transition to 3D pretty, however, as the game looked downright bland in many spots. The racer more than made up for its relative drabness with its gameplay, though. Did you know that before Burnout’s highly popular takedown mode was created, you could smash up futuristic ships in maniacal F-Zero death races?

In addition to these 30 racer free-for-alls, F-Zero X also had a degree of procedural generation in its track composition. When playing X-Cup, pieces and parts of tracks were spliced together to create a somewhat unique experience each time you load it up. If you wanted speed and adrenaline on N64, F-Zero X was first in class

Platforms

Nintendo 64, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Genre

Racing

Developer

LucasArts

Publisher

LucasArts, Nintendo, Aspyr Media

Release

May18, 1999

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Racing, Sport

Developer

Nintendo EAD

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

September27, 1996

Like so many games on this list,Wave Race 64 offered N64 gamers an experience they had never had before. Sure, racing games were alive and well in the mid-’90s, but never did it involve steering a jet-ski through turbulent water. What is more impressive is the fact Wave Race launched about a month after the console itself, and remains one of the system’s marquee games. The game featured just four playable characters, each with their own predetermined racing style, to go along with eight different courses. In Championship mode, players raced through a selection of tracks and acquired points based on their finishing position. Depending on the level of difficulty, players amassed a certain number of points to avoid disqualification and ending the game. The concepts were simple, but it took skill to beat the game on the harder difficulty levels.

Wave Race’s replay value rested solely with its Time Trial, Stunt, and Versus modes. In Stunt Mode, players raced around the game’s unlocked tracks and attempted to earn as many points as possible by executing various tricks and jumping through hoops. A final score came down to the number of hoops a racer jumped through, coupled with the number of successfully executed tricks. Putting down your controller without achieving a new high score was much easier said than done once you popped theWave Race 64 cartridge in.

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Racing

Developer

Rare

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

November21, 1997

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

Developer

Nintendo EAD

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

November21, 1998

FollowingSuper Mario 64’s leadintransitioning from 2D to 3D, Nintendo blew the doors off theZeldafranchise with Ocarina of Time and instantly became one of the best Zelda games of all time. Set in the mythical land of Hyrule, players control the iconicLink as he sets out to rescue Princess Zelda and thwart the evil plans of Ganondorf. Though the plot sounds familiar, the game was anything but when it was first released back in 1998. From its revolutionary Z-targeting system to its context-specific button configurations, the title introduced a bevy of features which became standard for3D games moving forward.

Heralded by many as one of the best — if not the best — Legend of Zelda gamesof all time, Ocarina of Timeset gamers ona sprawling epic not previously seen in three dimensions. Ocarina of Timefeatured incredible dungeon design, an unforgettable cast of characters, and a storyline rife with an adventure that stands the test of time

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Adventure

Developer

Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.3

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

April27, 2000

A follow-up toOcarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask flipped the Zeldafranchise on its head once again. Having benefited from anupgraded version of its predecessor’s game engine,Nintendo releasedMajora’s Maska meretwo years afterOcarina of Time.Although players once again took the control of Link, absentare pivotal characters such as Zelda and Ganondorf. The game also takes place in the land of Termina instead of Hyrule.

The story finds Link in search of his (spoiler alert)departed fairy Navi, who left him at the conclusion ofOcarina of Time. After getting ambushed by Skull Kid and robbed of his horse and the Ocarina of Time, Link teams up with the fairy Tatl to seek revenge against Skull Kid. The duo travels to Clock Town in search of Skull Kid, only to find the town facing impending doom in just three days from a falling moon. Link only can only achieve so much during the three days before he has to travel back in time and begin again from Day 1. This timer gave the game a unique and challenging rhythm.

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Developer

HAL Laboratory

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

April30, 1999

Pokémon Stadiumtook the core battling gameplay of the handheld titles into the stadium for head-to-head Pokémon battles. The game didn’t feature a storyline but instead relied solely on winning tournamentsand finishing the Gym Leader Castle. Each of the Cups also varied in difficulty and handcuffed gamers to a certain set of Pokémon for the duration of the tournament. For example, the first cup, the Pika Cup, limited players to Pokémon between levels 15 and 20.

Additionally, the final cup, the Prime Cup, pitted players against an array of Pokémon who all had achieved a level of 100. PerhapsPokémon Stadium’s greatest feature was the ability to upload Pokémon from either aPokémon Blue, Red,or Yellow game cartridge through the N64’s Transfer Pak. This allowed players to see their Pokémon from previous games come to life in all their 3D glory.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS), Adventure

Developer

Intelligent Systems Co., Ltd.

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

August11, 2000

Featuring2D characters set against 3D backgrounds,Paper Mario played almost exactly like one of the best SNES games, Super Mario RPG,as it strayed from the traditional running and jumpingof the priorSuper Mario 64. However, like most Mario games, players assumed the role of Mario and played through a variety of levels in an effort torescue the kidnapped Princess Peach. He makesseveral allies throughout each level, many of whom were foes in previous installments, each designed to help the titular character through a gauntletof puzzles and obstacles.

Along the way, Mario and company venture through eight different chapters in search of the seven “Star Spirits” necessary to topple Bowser. Fans of Super Mario 64were no doubt shocked to findPaper Mariodiffered greatly from the former title, though once they understood the gameplay, it waseasy to see how great thegame actually was, and it has since spawned numerous sequels on other Nintendo platforms.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color

Genre

Sport

Developer

Angel Studios, Software Creations

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

May10, 1999

Platforms

Nintendo 64, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, Game Boy Color, Arcade

Genre

Sport

Developer

Midway Games

Publisher

Midway Games

Release

November01, 1997

Midway Games perfectedarcade style gaming in the ’90s, so when its zanyNFL Blitz made it to the N64, it was already a bonafide hit. Similar to the studio’sNBA Jamfranchise,NFL Blitz featured over-the-top sports action which usedactual NFL teams and all the league’s top players. Instead of fielding the regular 11 players on either side of the ball,Blitz featured just seven of each team’s top players. Because of this, players like the Cowboys’ Deion Sanders would play on both offense and defense.

Another notable omission from the game was the yellow flags thrown by referees. Players had the ability to perform any and all hitting penalties on the opposing team, which included pass interference. If you saw a man wide open down the field, simply switch to your safety and knock the guy clean out. The ball would sail past the fallen offensive player, or in the more likely scenario, your defender would pick it off. Even for non-sports fansNFL Blitz was a riot and remains fun to play to this day

Platforms

Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, Arcade

Genre

Sport

Developer

Midway, Eurocom Entertainment Software

Publisher

Midway

Release

October31, 1999

Having alreadydabbled in the world of high-flying basketball withNBA Jam,Midway decided to take a different approach with its new basketball franchiseNBA Showtime. Taking the presentation elements from the NBA on NBC telecast,NBA Showtimegave gamers a front row seat to the craziest games of basketballimaginable. Players controlled two teammates from any of the 30 available NBA teams, most of which had at least four or five different characters to choose from. Want to roll out two gigantic centers? Choose the Cleveland Cavaliers and select Shawn Kemp and Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Enjoy firing shots from long range? Then Chauncey Billups and Nick Van Exel of the Denver Nuggets werethe way to go. The options were endless, and once you started creating a player the games becameeven wackier.

Though creating players, picking your team, and attempting to enter in the big-head mode cheat kept you entertained, the actual gameplay was an absolute blast. Players had the option of playing against a CPU team, against a friend, or teaming up with said friend to take on the AI. No matter the game mode, nothing beat watching your players fly through the air fora giant dunk, or seeing you and your teammate achieve team fire.NBA Showtimemay lack a deep offering of game modes, but just likeNFL Blitz, the arcade-style gameplay is fun for hours.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Sport

Developer

Camelot Software Planning

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

June11, 1999

There’s not muchNintendo’s fearless mascot Mario can’t do. From saving Princess Peach from the grips of the evil Bowser to racing his pals in go-karts, Nintendo made Mario a busy guy on the N64.Mario Golfcontinued thetrend, and like the other games, it was incredibly addicting and entertaining. The game featured a bevy of popular Mariocharacters to choose from, each sportingtheir own strengths and unique abilities that cater to a particular style of play. Wario — an unlockable character — drives the ball up to 230 meters, though his shot alwaysfades. Mario, on the other hand, drives the ball up to a staggering 250 meters while his shotalways draws.

Like other traditional golf games,Mario Golf uses a slider to determine your shot power and accuracy. Before any hit, the game allows you to see where your desired shot might travel and lets you account for any wind or hazards in your way. Though relatively straightforward with its approach to its controls, Mario Golf offered occasionally frustrating challengeson some of the more difficult courses. The game’s single-player mode allowed you to go head-to-head and unlock many iconic Mario characters, but ittruly shined with its multiplayer, which pit you against up to three of your friends in either traditional match play, skins match, or mini golf.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Sport

Developer

Camelot Software Planning

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

July21, 2000

Once again, Nintendo’s workhorse — Mario — delivers yet another top-tier Nintendo 64 sports title. This time around, Mario and friends decided to ditch the golf clubs for tennis rackets in the endlessly funMario Tennis. LikeMario Golf, players choose from a wide range of characters from theMariouniverse, each of which features itsown special abilities and play style. Only Mario and Luigi feature an all-around skill set, while other characters either specialize in power, technique, speed, or tricky play.

Mario Tennis featured several game modes from which to choose, including Tournament Play, Ring Shot, and Exhibition. Tournament Play allowed players to unlock several characters in addition to more difficult tournaments. While this gaveMario Tennis an incredible amount of replay value, once again, the multiplayer modes reigned supreme. Players chose between playinghead-to-head with another friend or engaging in a doubles match with up to three other people. The game allowed you to select how many sets you’d like to play, ranging from one-set matches to epic five-setters, the latter of which tested your endurance as much as your patience. Much of what made Mario Tennis so great is still on display in recent entries like Mario Tennis Aces.

Platforms

Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U

Genre

Racing, Sport

Developer

Nintendo EAD

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

March31, 1998

When Nintendo released1080 Snowboardingin 1998, many gamers had never played a snowboarding game before. Despite the initial hurdle, though, the game quickly received critical acclaim and instantly became a hit on the system. Praised for its graphics, smooth controls, and impressive soundtrack,1080 Snowboardingwas a blast to play. Players chose one of five different snowboarders, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on how you liked to ride, players could sacrifice speed or technique for jumping ability or power. The game also featured a variety of different boards you’d choose from to complement your style.

Players could engage inseveraldifferent modes spanning the title’ssixavailable courses, such asMatch Races, Time Trials, orTrick Attacks. Players also had the option tocruise through the Half Pipe game mode, trying to pull off as many big air tricks as possible or attempt to pull off one huge trick while playingthe Air Make mode. Though relatively light on course selection,1080 Snowboarding still provided a solid amount of replay value and was arguably the greatest snowboarding game of its time.

Platforms

PlayStation, Dreamcast, N-Gage

Genre

Sport

Developer

Neversoft Entertainment

Publisher

Crave Entertainment, Nokia, Activision

Release

September29, 1999

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skaterwas as capable as any game on this list at consuming entire weekends. Ithelped usher in a franchise which has since seen 18 different Tony Hawk titles, encompassinga variety of systems and platforms. In Activision’s initial offering, gamers had their choice of10 different professional skaters such as Tony Hawk, Bob Burnquist, or Bucky Lasek. Each rode differently than the others, allowing for a variety of styles. Additionally, players outfitted their skater with several different skateboard setups, including the types of trucks theywished to ride and the wheels. Part of what made this game so great was tinkering with the different customization settings and figuring out your perfect skater and accompanying skateboard setup.

This skateboarding game also featured several different game modes which you either tackled by yourself or with a friend. Whether you played Career Mode, Trick Attack, or just tooled around in Free Skate, nothing beat pulling off an incredible string of flip tricks, grinds, and airs to best your previous top score. Perhaps one of the game’s best modes was challenging a friend to a round of “Horse.” Like the basketball version of the game, skaters had to execute tricks that their opponent would then try to match. The last skater standing after their opponent accumulated the letters in “horse” won the match. After spending some time with this classic, it’s not hard to see why it spawned an incredibly successful gaming franchise.

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Fighting, Sport

Developer

Asmik Ace Entertainment, AKI Corporation

Publisher

THQ

Release

November17, 2000

The follow up to 1999’s WrestleMania 2000, WWF No Mercy was the pinnacle of wrestling games on the N64. The hit title featured a slew of upgrades over its predecessor, but we think the expanded Create-a-Wrestler feature is this game’s most worthwhile claim to fame. When you’re creating your ideal wrestler, you have options to choose from, like different body types, clothes, and even signature moves. This game was also one of the first of its kind to let users create and play with female wrestlers.

Fans may obsess over different WWE personalities today, but ‘90s-era fans were all-in when it came to famous feuds and alliances. When you play in storyline mode, you can replay the matches previously seen on TV while changing the outcome to determine your chosen wrestling champion. Nothing was more fun than slamming an elbow into the Rock with a crazy wrestler you designed in a game with tight controls and excellent gameplay. The game stayed true to WWF wrestlers and their feuds, but gamers who weren’t wrestling fans could still enjoy the game’s overall concept and design.

Platforms

Nintendo 64

Genre

Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy

Developer

Mass Media Inc

Publisher

Nintendo

Release

June13, 2000