Nintendo 64, also known as N64, is a handheld video game console that was developed by Nintendo back in 1997. With its revolutionary 64-bit architecture supporting 3D games, Nintendo 64 took the gaming community by storm.
Numerous iconic games, that have now become timeless classics, were released for this retro console. Let’s look at some of the top N64 games you must play if you are planning to boot up your old console.
1) Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 is undoubtedly the number 1 game in the list of top 10 N64 games which has sold more than 11 million copies. By introducing a 3D open-world environment, Super Mario 64 revamped its entire Mario gaming industry.
The antagonist, Bowser, invades Princess Peach’s castle and hides all the Power Stars, which are the protection sources of the castle, behind magical paintings in different worlds. The player, controlling Mario, sets out to recover the Power Stars to defeat the antagonist and rescue Princess Peach. For the first time, players can execute a large number of different actions in Super Mario 64 that were not possible before.
2) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is another classic N64 game. The game’s all-new 3D open-world environment, captivating storyline, and dangerous adventures instilled an irresistible urge in gamers to play this legendary title over and over again.
The game follows the story of Link, a young boy from the Kokori forest, who sets out on a journey to save Princess Zelda in the wicked land of Hyrule and foil Ganondorf’s evil plans. While on their journey, players encounter various monsters and also help NPCs with their everyday issues. Specifically, the game’s Z-targeting fighting mechanism and context-specific actions were critically acclaimed by gamers.
3) Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron is yet another one of the top N64 games that delivered one-of-a-kind gameplay of the time. The iconic 3D game takes place in a fictional Star Wars Universe set somewhere between the events of The Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back.
Players find themselves in the shoes of Luke Skywalker himself. Luke forms a squad of elite pilots known as the Rogue Squadron and set off to fight the Empire through the game’s own story consisting of 16 different levels. Throughout the game, players control 5 different crafts and complete various search and destroy, reconnaissance, rescue, and protect mission objectives.
4) Super Smash Bros
Super Smash Bros, also known as Smash 64, is a crossover fighting game and a commercially hit title. It is a classic N64 game that provides a timeless replay value. The game features 12 different characters from various Nintendo franchises.
The game stages included in the game represent different iconic locations from various Nintendo franchises. Being a multiplayer game, Super Smash Bros allows up to 4 players to fight together. Unlike traditional fighting games where you have to drain off an opponent’s health, Smash 64’s objective is to throw them off the boundless stage, or else the fight continues but becomes trickier as it prolongs.
5) GoldenEye 007
Continuing with the flow, GoldenEye 007 is yet another one of the top N64 games out there. It is a first-person shooter game that also includes a 4-player multiplayer option in a death match mode.
Players assume the control of a Secret Service Intelligence Agent, James Bond. GoldenEye 007 takes players through different levels comprising different objectives, such as rescuing hostages or destroying objects. Apart from shooting your way through the enemies, the game incorporates a critically acclaimed stealth element that allows another way of completing the mission objectives. In GoldenEye 007, players have access to more than 20 unique weapons.
As such, if you are planning to play retro games on your N64 console, then this is our recommended list of some of the top N64 games you must play!