These N64 Games are a Must-Play for Nintendo Fans

It was 1996, when the Nintendo 64 first strutted its silicon onto the gaming scene, leaving its rivals, the antiquated 32-bit Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn, choking on its digital dust. While it was a trailblazer in its day, it couldn’t quite keep pace with PlayStation’s parade of diverse video game titles. Earning its stripes through a robust line-up of first-party games, from the pizza-loving plumber, Mario, to the all-conquering Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo 64 held down the fort.

Don’t Sleep on Pilotwings 64

Launched on June 23, 1996, as one of only two initial titles, Pilotwings 64 doesn’t always get the fanfare it deserves. A sequel to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System’s Pilotwings, it served as a guinea pig to showcase the Nintendo 64’s immense power. The game may lack the dazzling footprints of its sibling title, Super Mario 64, but it still leaves a taste of fun in the gaming stratosphere. What makes PilotWings 64 stand out is its immersive 3D graphics and variety of characters, from Goose to Lark, that perform exciting tasks to earn their aviation credentials.

Wave Race 64: More than Just Another Racing Game on N64

It may not be the talk of the town when it comes to Nintendo’s racing repertoire, but Wave Race 64, released on September 27, 1996, is an exhilarating, wave-taming racer. Imagine the iconic Mario Kart 64, except substitute karts for jet skis, and you’ll get a sense of what this game brings to the table. Boasting unique characters including Miles Jeter and Ayumi Stewart, who each feature their own set of gear and jet skis, Wave Race 64 is no less than a ride on the wild side.

F-Zero X: Arcade Gaming at Its Finest

When F-Zero X thundered onto the scene on July 14, 1998, it showcased a relentless pace that dwarfed its predecessor, the original F-Zero on SNES. It was indeed a sight to behold, boasting 30 racers scrambling for the finish line in a high-speed, adrenaline-fuelled race.

Ridge Racer 64: Off the Beaten Track

Though Ridge Racer 64, released on February 14, 2000, might christen itself as the ‘forgotten child’ among the Nintendo 64 racing crowd, it remains a terrific rally racing title. Despite the lukewarm attention it gets, the game is by no means a compromised depiction of the arcade classic, Ridge Racer.

Who Needs Mario? Yoshi’s Story Begs to Differ

It’s unusual to think that the popular Yoshi series began humbly as a charming sequel to one of the best platforming games on SNES. But that’s just what happened when Yoshi’s Story was released on December 21, 1997—with no sign of plumber-turned-hero, Mario.

Star Fox 64: Reaching for an Interstellar Finish

When Star Fox 64 was launched on April 27, 1997, it appeared as an upgraded version of SNES’ Star Fox. Backed by smoother controls and voice acting, it breathed new life into the series and its characters as they faced the menace of mad scientist Andross once again.

Pokémon Puzzle League: More than Meets the Eye

It’s a dream come true for any Pokémon fan. Launched on September 25, 2000, Pokémon Puzzle League, based on the Pokémon anime, offers a fresh diversion from the classic Pokémon battles and a fun way for Ash and Pikachu to test their skills against opponents.

The Virtual Oasis of Pokémon Stadium

April 30, 1999, witnessed the launch of an abnormal yet tempting Pokémon paradise—Pokémon Stadium. Feel the rush as you climb the Gym Leader Castle or engage in a Simon Says clone or devour sushi in an eating contest. It’s breaking the norm in the best possible way.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Old, But Gold

Launched on November 21, 1998, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s aura hasn’t waned over the years. With a blend of shrewd combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving mechanics, it took sandbox gaming to an entirely different level.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask – The Ultimate Showdown

Picking up from where Ocarina of Time left off, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask gives Link just three days to prevent a catastrophic end. Released on April 27, 2000, it carries forward the suspenseful saga and artful gameplay mechanics, while projecting an eerie aura of dread that only adds to its legacy as the most unique first-party N64 title of its time.