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 .

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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 )

Link In Ocarina Of Time With Navi And Majora’s Mask sitting on a nearby tree stump

James Bond and Natalya Simonova strike a confident pose in an alleyway in a high-definition screenshot from GoldenEye 007

Banjo-Kazooie with Link and Super Mario with a N64

A Nintendo Entertainment system surrounded by pixelated characters from its most famous games, including Link, Mario, and Samus.

Donkey Kong goes into Cranky’s Lab in the controversial Donkey Kong 64.

Title card shot of Donkey Kong 64

Wave Race 64 character on a jetski

Banjo-Kazooie Music Played To Clean Turtles

Super Mario 64 Mario standing in Peach’s castle looking around

Skull Kid from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask standing in front of the moon crashing during the title’s Game Over cutscene

A screenshot from GoldenEye 007 showing James Bond standing and adjusting his suit as blast doors close in front of him.

Perfect Dark N64 Gameplay

Nintendo