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Summary
When theNintendo 64console was first launched in 1996 , it was a significant technical leap over the previous organisation , bringing the capacity of more impressive 3D graphics with its 64 - bit technology . Many of Nintendo ’s game franchises , such asThe Legend of Zelda , Super Mario , andDonkey Kong , were made even more popular during this console ’s lifespan . Also , the N64 was a much better choice for friend and families to enjoy games together , with its four controller ports and many of its fresh titles facilitating multiplayer gaming .
The catalog of game that were made available for the N64 include many popular third - company games as well as official Nintendo properties . These game may be a turn unwieldy to go back to today without remakes or remasters being done , yetthey also form some of the warm gambling memories for many who played during that era . While the organization had many favorites , here are some of the best game from the N64 , base on general reviews and Metacritic scores .
One of the classic video game experiences that started it all , the original Nintendo Entertainment System ( NES ) kvetch off some iconic game .

10Star Fox 64 (1997)
3D Rail Shooter
Star Fox 64was one of the highest - selling video games in 1997 , second only toMario Kart 64 , andoffered split - concealment multiplayer for up to four playersat once . The sci - fi style game focused on Fox and his friends fly in space and shooting the foe partner in crime and bosses , with two potential endings . It received a set of praise for its replayability with a furcate level system that offered new path unlock by meeting objectives and the ability to earn ribbon . Paired with its precise control , the shoot ‘em up make itself aMetacriticscore of 88 .
9Donkey Kong 64 (1999)
Platformer, Action-Adventure
During a time when 3D gaming was still being figure out , Donkey Kong 64struggled a bit with camera controller but was otherwise a very enjoyable experience . The biz lets playersexplore an island while collecting particular , toy minigames , and solving puzzleswhile survey an overarching storyline . Like many of the N64 games , it did tender multiplayer with five characters that each propose unique gameplay and there were especial minigames available for two to four players , helping to down it with aMetacriticscore of 90 .
The man behind the rap from Donkey Kong 64 disclose how he feels about the notorious song , and the unexpected attention it induce , two tenner later .
8Wave Race 64 (1996)
Racing
Wave Race 64is a racing game made peculiarly for the N64 that stood out with its vivacious graphics and unique jetski racer rather than boats or automobile . It was rated with aMetacriticscore of 92 for its dynamic water physics and solid controls and could be played either individual - player or multiplayer . The tactical nidus of having to curve around buoys in a certain means to gain a speed bonus help keep the track gainsay , and itquickly became known as one of the best racing games of its fourth dimension .
7Banjo-Kazooie (1998)
Platformer
The playfulness experience ofBanjo - Kazooiekicked off several titles that featured the bear and bird team and is still a beloved franchise for many who areanxiously awaiting the return of the series . Banjo - Kazooienot only had a lot of liquid body substance and creative characters , butthe level pattern and puzzles of the platforming adventure game were like an expert crafted . The single - player biz receive aMetacriticscore of 92 , with an telling 9.1 User score .
6Paper Mario (2000)
Roleplaying Game
Paper Mariotook the Nintendo mascot in a unparalleled direction , build on the RPG gameplay ofSuper Mario RPGbut with a originative ocular mode of paper dolls that gave it unique game mechanicsin gain to help oneself it place upright out . The blithe RPG introduced newfangled characters to theSuper Mariouniverse and was given aMetacriticscore of 93 . Its winner also recoil off several sequels for theSuper Mariospin - off serial ofPaper Mario .
Long - lose beta footage of the original Paper Mario has been detect after more than two decade , back when it was referred to as Super Mario RPG 2 .
5Super Mario 64 (1996)
For many , theSuper Mario 64adventure was the primary grounds for buy the N64 to begin with , and the new three-D platforming adventure did not let down . Itsground - breaking 3D visuals , level design , and gameplayhelped it reach a 94Metacriticscore and became one of the most beloved game of the generation . Using Princess Peach ’s Castle as a hub , Mario can visit many unlike existence by jumping through paintings , gathering the necessary Power Stars in each level to lay aside the Princess , yet again .
4The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)
Action-Adventure
The secondLegend of Zeldagame for the N64,Majora ’s Masktakes piazza presently after the events ofOcarina of Timebut chop-chop throws Link into an alternating , parallel globe . With the threat of the moon crash into the earth in a mere three day , Link can transmute using various masks and manipulate the beleaguer environs to work out puzzles . make love for beingone of the darkerZeldagames , it gained aMetacriticscore of 95 with a 9.1 User grievance and still has many hoping for a remastered version .
A big follow - up to Ocarina of Time never actually gets addressed with Majora ’s Mask , this needs to be resolved with another continuation to the game .
3GoldenEye 007 (1997)
First-Person Shooter
TheJames Bond - themed first - person crap-shooter , GoldenEye 007,came out a yoke of years after theGoldenEyemovie and was a surprise to many who had very crushed expectations for the biz before its discharge . It not only became one of the well - deal N64 games butreceived multiple award for its gameplay , visuals , engaging story , and successful multiplayer modefor up to four player . Achieving aMetacriticscore of 96 , the game instilled a beloved for FPS gameplay for many who had not assay it before .
GoldenEye 007 ’s unexampled Switch departure might not be a all over remaster or a undercoat - up remaking , but in many ways it puts its own spin on the original .
2Perfect Dark (2000)
Though it did n’t sway theJames Bondname , Perfect Darkwas a spectral successor toGoldenEye 007 , being made by the same developer , Rare , and feature many of the same mechanics with new upgraded features . Perfect Darkreceived Brobdingnagian sum of money of extolment for the well - craft AI behind the NPC action , moderate it to realize a 97 onMetacriticand many awards . Its distaff protagonist , realistic environs , exercise of high - tech gadgets , stealth mechanics , and co - op multiplayer modes all help make this sci - fi shooter one of the best .
1The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time (1998)
Though many today can reckon at the graphics ofThe Legend of Zelda : Ocarina of Timeand jest at the clunky design , in 1998 those samevisuals received high praise , along with its wonderful soundtrack , gameplay , and floor development . Its incredibleMetacriticscore of 99 was well - earned , and it remains one of the highest - rated video games of all clock time . tie ’s beloved story has thick and mired quests to go with its innovative control mechanics and targeting scheme , makingOcarina of Timethe unspoilt telecasting game to have been released on theNintendo 64 .
Sources : Metacritic ( 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 )












