As an avid fan of Nintendo 64, it’s easy for me to admit that I have a soft spot for some of its less popular titles.
Racing games always caught my attention, and though titles like Cruis’n USA and California Speed aren’t widely regarded as classics today, they filled many enjoyable hours for me. I suppose I have a nostalgic weakness for racing games in general.
That said, I am intrigued to explore the redeeming qualities, if any, of some of the lowest-rated games from the N64’s library. Superman 64 is perhaps the most notorious failure, but the depths of this issue stretch far deeper than most gamers realize.
To evaluate these titles, we will reference average review scores from the GameRankings.com archives.
10.Dual Heroes
Average Review Score: 42.99
Dual Heroes attempts to combine elements of a budget Power Rangers-themed fighting game but ends up falling short. Despite offering an abundance of lore and a hint of Power Rangers inspiration—think Emperor ZORR instead of Lord Zedd—the gameplay lacks substance. As the first N64 fighting title utilizing analog controls, it does not quite deliver the fluidity players might expect, especially when compared to iconic titles like Super Mario 64.
The real downfall lies in its adversarial AI, which offers little challenge—a stark contrast to the engaging difficulty expected from fighting games.
9.Deadly Arts
Average Review Score: 42.93
The only silver lining for Deadly Arts is that it ranks slightly higher than Dual Heroes. Known as G. A.S. P!! Fighters’ NEXTream in Japan, it features a generic fighting tournament storyline—a premise that wasn’t unique even in the ’90s. While it lets players brawl, its graphics and gameplay feel outdated and unambitious, particularly given the advancements of its time. Released a year after Mortal Kombat 4, it leaves much to be desired.
8.The Powerpuff Girls: Chemical X-Traction
Average Review Score: 42.52
Released just a day after the Nintendo GameCube, Chemical X-Traction was destined to be overshadowed. Some late N64 titles emerged as hidden gems, but this game unfortunately falters in comparison, lacking the vibrant aesthetics or engaging gameplay we associate with standout titles. Notably, a full speedrun clocks in at 11 minutes and 34 seconds, including opening credits—indicative of a lack of content.
7.Mike Piazza’s Strike Zone
Average Review Score: 40.51
In a potential twist, Mike Piazza’s Strike Zone holds promise with its licensed players and realistic mechanics, such as a stamina meter. However, it ultimately suffers from repetitiveness and simplicity, setting it back in comparison to competitors like All-Star Baseball ’99 and Major League Baseball Featuring Ken Griffey Jr.. It seems to offer a personal disappointment akin to a team member who doesn’t carry their weight in a project.
6.Doraemon: Nobita and the Three Fairy Spirit Stones
Average Review Score: 37.91
If you’re introducing a platformer on the Nintendo 64, it should stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie. Unfortunately, Doraemon: Nobita and the Three Fairy Spirit Stones, a Japan-exclusive title, fails to meet expectations. While the manga’s popularity may have warranted sequels, the actual gameplay lacks depth, catering more to a younger audience with simplistic levels and graphics. If one were searching for engaging children’s games, this title would not top the list.
5.Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
Average Review Score: 37.91
While Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker isn’t the worst DC game on the N64, its mediocrity is still striking. Based on the acclaimed 2000 animated film, this game disappoints with a dull, uninspired beat ’em up format that lacks the excitement and engagement found in newer adaptations. The blend of poor visuals and uninspired enemy design fails to capture the spirit of the source material, leading players to prefer the Game Boy version instead.
4.Saban’s Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue
Average Review Score: 35.87
This adaptation of Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue was available on multiple platforms, yet the N64 version lagged behind significantly. Its graphics are subpar, the audio is muddled, and overall, it doesn’t encapsulate the vibrant feel of the Power Rangers experience, a quality that the PS1 version managed to achieve. This results in a disappointing experience, even for the most loyal fans.
3.PD Ultraman Battle Collection 64
Average Review Score: 35.85
PD Ultraman Battle Collection 64 is another game that exclusively released in Japan, drawing from the popular Ultraman franchise. While it includes an interesting mechanic using the Game Boy Transfer Pack, the execution leaves much to be desired. The gameplay mechanics are painfully slow, making it feel like an attempt to create an engaging experience without any real substance. Players may find themselves yearning for a more dynamic engagement, which this title sorely lacks.
2.Carmageddon 64
Average Review Score: 31.5
Known for its controversial gameplay that rewards players for crashing into pedestrians, the Carmageddon franchise has seen its share of fans. However, the N64 iteration, dubbed Carmageddon 64, pales in comparison to its predecessors. As a poor port of a cult classic, it trades quality for accessibility, leading to a subpar experience that left players yearning for the original PC version instead.
1.Superman: The New Superman Adventures
Average Review Score: 24.34
It likely comes as no surprise that Superman: The New Superman Adventures clinches the top spot as the worst Nintendo 64 game. It has earned a reputation as a calamity of a game, falling into the category of being nearly unplayable. While it does attempt to explore 3D gameplay—an area where others have succeeded spectacularly—the execution is abysmal.
With clumsy controls, dull environments, and uninspiring gameplay, it misses the mark completely. Despite the promise of Superman’s abilities, the game fails to deliver a fun or engaging experience.Superman 64 stands out as a prime example of how even ambitious projects can falter spectacularly when lacking the skill and creativity that define successful gaming experiences on consoles.
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