🎮Best N64 Games of All Time
The Nintendo 64 defined 3D platforming, shooters, and open-world adventure for a generation with hardware-pushing innovation and couch co-op magic. These titles still spark debates over gameplay breakthroughs versus technical limits decades later. Which ones earn the highest ranks? Vote now.
What counts: Best means lasting impact, genre innovation, and replay value on N64 hardware. Scores and sales are approximate.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time▲ Rising
Ocarina of Time invented the 3D action-adventure template with its lock-on combat and time-travel dungeons. Its 1998 launch redefined expectations for console storytelling and exploration. No other N64 game has matched its influence on the entire industry.
Year: 1998Genre: Action-AdventureMetascore: 99/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRin 10 rankingsThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
38The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask▲ Rising
Majora's Mask delivered a darker three-day time-loop adventure with deep side quests and transformation masks. Its 2000 release proved Nintendo could craft emotional depth in tight cycles. The atmosphere still feels unique.
Year: 2000Genre: Action-AdventureMetascore: 95/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRin 2 rankingsThe Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
15Mario Kart 64▲ Rising
Mario Kart 64 perfected chaotic four-player racing with its item roulette and battle modes. The 1997 sequel turned friends into rivals through rubber-banding and blue shells. It remains the gold standard for party racing.
Year: 1997Genre: RacingMetascore: 91/10Max Players: 4Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJRin 3 rankingsMario Kart 64
14Banjo-Kazooie captured collectathon joy with its vast worlds and witty banter between bear and bird. The 1998 platformer delivered tight platforming and creative movesets. Its puzzles and secrets still reward exploration.
Year: 1998Genre: PlatformerMetascore: 92/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRBanjo-Kazooie
12Mario 64 launched the 3D platformer genre with its open castle hub and analog stick freedom. The 1996 debut turned exploration into pure joy and set the template every 3D Mario follows. Its levels remain unmatched for playful discovery.
Year: 1996Genre: PlatformerMetascore: 96/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRin 11 rankingsSuper Mario 64
11Yoshi's Story▲ Rising
Yoshi's Story offered colorful side-scrolling platforming with fruit-collecting mechanics in 1998. Its charming levels and light difficulty made it accessible. The paper-craft aesthetic stood out.
Year: 1998Genre: PlatformerMetascore: 72/10Max Players: 2Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJRYoshi's Story
10Pokémon Snap▲ Rising
Pokémon Snap turned photography into relaxing gameplay with its on-rails safari in 1999. The simple premise hid deep scoring and hidden scenes. It offered a unique peaceful N64 experience.
Year: 1999Genre: SimulationMetascore: 75/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRPokémon Snap
9Paper Mario▲ Rising
Paper Mario blended RPG depth with charming paper-craft visuals and witty writing in 2000. Its turn-based battles rewarded creative partner strategies. The story and characters remain beloved.
Year: 2000Genre: RPGMetascore: 87/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRPaper Mario
8Star Fox 64▲ Rising
Star Fox 64 refined on-rails shooting with branching paths and Rumble Pak feedback. The 1997 sequel turned voice acting into a memorable spectacle. Its cooperative mode and boss fights remain highlights.
Year: 1997Genre: Rail ShooterMetascore: 91/10Max Players: 4Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJRStar Fox 64
7Perfect Dark expanded GoldenEye's formula with smarter AI and futuristic gadgets in 2000. Its campaign offered deep customization and challenge modes. Multiplayer remains one of the N64's deepest.
Year: 2000Genre: FPSMetascore: 92/10Max Players: 4Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJRPerfect Dark
6Donkey Kong 64 delivered a massive 3D collectathon with five playable Kongs and intricate level design. The 1999 release pushed the N64 cartridge to its limits. Its sheer scope still impresses.
Year: 1999Genre: PlatformerMetascore: 85/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRDonkey Kong 64
6Diddy Kong Racing▲ Rising
Diddy Kong Racing mixed kart and plane racing with adventure hubs in 1997. Rare's title delivered tight tracks and a memorable villain. It offered more depth than Mario Kart at the time.
Year: 1997Genre: RacingMetascore: 88/10Max Players: 4Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJRin 2 rankingsDiddy Kong Racing
5GoldenEye brought cinematic FPS action to consoles with its four-player split-screen and clever gadget missions. The 1997 multiplayer mode created the modern console shooter template. Its single-player campaign still holds up for tight level design.
Year: 1997Genre: FPSMetascore: 96/10Max Players: 4Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJRin 9 rankingsGoldenEye 007
4Wave Race 64 brought realistic water physics and tight jet-ski handling to the N64 launch window. Its 1996 courses felt alive with waves and weather. The game proved Nintendo's hardware could deliver arcade thrills.
Year: 1996Genre: RacingMetascore: 88/10Max Players: 2Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJRWave Race 64
2Jet Force Gemini▼ Falling
Jet Force Gemini mixed third-person shooting with collectathon elements across a large universe in 1999. Rare's title featured varied missions and co-op. Its scale was ambitious.
Year: 1999Genre: ActionMetascore: 79/10Max Players: 4Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJRJet Force Gemini
-1Rogue Squadron delivered cinematic Star Wars flight combat with tight mission design in 1998. Its 3D space and ground missions captured the films. Factor 5's work stood out for polish.
Year: 1998Genre: Flight CombatMetascore: 85/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRin 2 rankingsStar Wars: Rogue Squadron
-1Mischief Makers brought 2D platforming with shaking mechanics and inventive levels in 1997. Treasure's debut offered tight action and boss fights. Its style felt distinct on N64.
Year: 1997Genre: PlatformerMetascore: 76/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRMischief Makers
-3Conker's Bad Fur Day delivered mature humor and polished platforming in a technical showcase for 2001. Its varied gameplay and memorable set pieces stand out. Rare pushed the N64 further than most.
Year: 2001Genre: PlatformerMetascore: 88/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRConker's Bad Fur Day
-5Turok brought first-person dino-slaying and large levels to the N64 in 1997. Its arsenal and boss fights delivered arcade-style action. The game helped prove the console could handle shooters.
Year: 1997Genre: FPSMetascore: 78/10Max Players: 4Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJRTurok: Dinosaur Hunter
-6Space Station Silicon Valley let players possess robot animals with unique abilities in inventive puzzle-platform levels. DMA's 1998 title rewarded experimentation. Its humor and design stood out.
Year: 1998Genre: Action-PuzzleMetascore: 78/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRSpace Station Silicon Valley
-6Kirby 64 combined 2.5D platforming with creative power-combo mechanics in 2000. Its puzzle-platform levels rewarded experimentation. The light tone and secrets made it memorable.
Year: 2000Genre: PlatformerMetascore: 76/10Max Players: 4Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJRKirby 64: The Crystal Shards
-71080° Snowboarding brought realistic snow physics and trick combos to the N64 in 1998. Its courses and modes offered strong arcade depth. Nintendo's sports entry felt premium.
Year: 1998Genre: SportsMetascore: 84/10Max Players: 2Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJR1080° Snowboarding
-7Snowboard Kids▼ Falling
Snowboard Kids delivered colorful kart-style snowboarding with wild items in 1997. Its light-hearted racing and battle modes made it a party staple. The charm offset simpler physics.
Year: 1997Genre: RacingMetascore: 75/10Max Players: 4Multiplayer: ✓
added by IJRSnowboard Kids
-8Blast Corps tasked players with clearing paths using demolition vehicles in a unique puzzle-action hybrid. The 1997 Rare title rewarded creative destruction and planning. Its concept stayed fresh.
Year: 1997Genre: Action-PuzzleMetascore: 82/10Max Players: 1Multiplayer: —
added by IJRBlast Corps
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