The Nintendo 64 (N64) marks a pivotal chapter in gaming history, representing Nintendo’s inaugural venture into the realm of full 3D gameplay. With an impressive array of titles, it boasts some of the highest-rated games in the industry, showcasing diverse genres that appeal to a wide audience.
The announcement of the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) Expansion Pass, which enables players to enjoy these classic titles on the go, has been met with enthusiasm from loyal fans eager to relive these childhood favorites.
Top 10 N64 Games Worth Playing on NSO + Expansion Pass
Based on critical acclaim, enduring popularity, and accessibility, here are ten standout N64 games that justify your investment in the NSO + Expansion Pass.
10 Sin and Punishment
Not A Punishment To Play This Game
Originally launched towards the end of the N64’s life cycle in Japan, Sin and Punishment is a unique on-rails shooter designed by Treasure. Players control their character using a distinctive left-hand grip on the controller, aiding an immersive gameplay experience.
This innovative design choice hints at a vision for the controller that was ahead of its time. Although it was only available in Japan initially, it quickly garnered a loyal cult following thanks to its English voice acting and eventual Western release on the Wii. The game paved the way for its sequel, Star Successor, which made effective use of Wii capabilities, but as a standalone title, it remains a classic worth experiencing.
9 Banjo-Kazooie
Nothing Rare About This Choice
Banjo-Kazooie, a beloved 3D platformer crafted by Rare, takes inspiration from Super Mario 64 by enhancing it with humor and a rich collectathon approach. In this exciting journey, players help Banjo rescue his sister Tooty while enjoying vibrant environments and clever puzzles.
Though re-released on various platforms, including Xbox 360 and Xbox One, its return to Nintendo consoles through NSO in 2022 allows a new generation of gamers to dive into this cherished title. Despite some critiques regarding its camera mechanics, it’s still regarded as a must-play experience.
8 Mario Tennis
An Ace Of A Game
Mario Tennis debuted as the second installment in the Mario Tennis franchise, famously introducing Waluigi as Wario’s doubles partner. Beyond this iconic character addition, it remains a solid tennis game, offering both traditional and unique modes such as the Piranha Challenge.
While it doesn’t boast the RPG elements found in its Game Boy Color counterpart, its simple yet engaging gameplay makes it an ideal fit for NSO, allowing players to enjoy casual matches without the commitment of an entire storyline. An honorable mention goes to Mario Golf, which received similar acclaim and serves as an excellent alternative.
7 Pokémon Puzzle League
The Greatest Puzzle Is Why Haven’t We Had More In This Series?
A unique twist on Tetris Attack, Pokémon Puzzle League immerses players in a story featuring beloved characters from the Pokémon anime. Players join Ash and Pikachu as they compete in a Puzzle League tournament, encountering various familiar faces along the way.
This title holds the distinction of being the only game on this list released exclusively in Western markets, making its recent NSO availability particularly significant. While Pokémon Snap also deserves recognition, its recent sequel on the Switch and slightly lower ratings keep it from topping this ranking.
6 Excitebike 64
Exciting!
As the first 3D iteration in the Excitebike franchise, Excitebike 64 delivers thrilling motorbike racing action. The game shines with its realistic physics engine, enhanced by the N64 Rumble Pak for an immersive experience.
Players can navigate through shortcuts and participate in mini-games, adding depth to the racing fun. The game includes a memorable quest to locate campfires, reminiscent of adventure mechanics found in other genres, which adds a whimsical touch. As a part of NSO, it’s a great way to enjoy the racing genre at no extra cost.
5 Paper Mario
2D Mario In A 3D Land
Developed by Intelligent Systems, Paper Mario adopts a distinctive paper aesthetic to navigate a mix of platforming and RPG mechanics. Released shortly after the N64’s launch, it laid the groundwork for a beloved series that still resonates with fans today.
The game’s engaging turn-based combat, coupled with a rich RPG leveling system, marks it as a joyful retro experience. With several re-releases, including recent availability on NSO, it remains a highly regarded title that stands the test of time.
4 Super Mario 64
A Star-Powered Success
Super Mario 64 is often hailed as a cornerstone of 3D gaming. As a launch title for the N64, it set a new standard for platformers with its expansive open-world levels and character control.
The game features innovative platforming sequences, memorable music that lingers in the minds of fans, and has seen numerous remakes and re-releases over the years. Despite Nintendo’s occasional missteps, the original version remains accessible on NSO, and it is a must-play for any gaming enthusiast.
3 Wave Race 64
Ride The Wave
Wave Race 64, also known as “F-Zero on water, ”showcases the N64’s 64-bit power, combining realistic water physics with exhilarating racing gameplay. The controls are tight yet responsive, making this title enjoyable even years after its initial release.
The captivating visuals and dynamic environments still provide an engaging racing experience. With its recent re-release on the Switch, Wave Race 64 is another essential title for on-the-go play for anyone who enjoys arcade racing.
2 Perfect Dark
Almost A Perfect Game
Building on the success of GoldenEye 007, Rare’s Perfect Dark introduces players to Joanna Dark, a special agent navigating a complex world filled with espionage and stealth missions. Players employ a blend of gadgets and weapons to achieve their objectives, resulting in a riveting gameplay experience.
Although a modern revival of Perfect Dark has been canceled, experiencing the original title offers a glimpse into this iconic series. It’s essential to download the ‘mature’ version of the N64 Classics software to play.
Furthermore, GoldenEye 007 warrants an honorable mention for being the groundbreaking FPS that paved the way for multiplayer shooters on home consoles. Its slightly lower Metacritic score, however, places it just behind Perfect Dark.
1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The G. O.A. T
Regarded as one of the greatest games ever made, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time set a gold standard for 3D adventure titles. It successfully transformed the intricate storytelling found in earlier Zelda manuals into a fully explorable three-dimensional experience.
With its stunning music, variety of dungeon challenges, and the introduction of the multitalented ocarina, this game remains a must-play for any Nintendo aficionado. Although it has been re-released on multiple platforms, including a 3DS remake, its original version is indispensable for new and returning players alike.
Additionally, Majora’s Mask, the game’s darker sequel, deserves noteworthy recognition for its innovative design, ensuring the legacy of this franchise continues to thrive.
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