5 Nintendo 64 Games That Still Need to Be Remastered

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For many gamers, the Nintendo 64 (N64) represented a significant change in perspective. It signified a breakthrough in the gaming world, propelling video games from the confines of a two-dimensional universe, established during the NES and SNES era, into a three-dimensional realm. The N64 was Nintendo’s inaugural 3D console, boasting a 64-bit central processing unit (CPU), marking a new milestone in console technology. The games produced during the N64 epoch were exceptional, offering a remarkable experience, whether they were first-party titles like Super Mario 64 or third-party games such as Perfect Dark.

In today’s gaming world, numerous publishers and developers have discovered the worth of completely remaking games for contemporary gamers. This not only attracts players who want to re-experience these games due to nostalgia, but it also introduces these fantastic classics to those unaware of the brand.

For your consideration, below are five Nintendo 64 games that we believe would greatly benefit from a modern-day update for current gaming systems.

Here are five classic Nintendo 64 games that deserve an upgrade for today’s platforms.

1) Donkey Kong 64

In a similar vein to games like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64 stood out with numerous exceptional features. Unlike its counterparts, Donkey Kong 64 boasted a larger cast of characters, such as Lanky Kong and Chunky Kong, for players to control. What’s more, each character in the game was equipped with unique musical instruments and fruit-firing weapons that helped flesh out their individual personalities.

Given the recent Nintendo Direct presentation featuring “Donkey Kong Bananza,” now seems like the perfect moment to introduce fans to a revamped version of the first 3D Donkey Kong game. This could help generate even more excitement for the upcoming Donkey Kong title. However, since “Donkey Kong Bananza” is slated for release on July 17th next month, it might be overly optimistic to expect a remastered version of this game in the immediate future.

2) Pokémon Stadium

As a fan, I’ve noticed that LEGO and Nintendo are both making waves in the party game market with titles like LEGO Party and Super Mario Party Jamboree. However, it feels like there’s a missing piece in today’s gaming scene – the captivating world of Pokémon Stadium. Pokémon Stadium wasn’t just about battling Pokémon; it was a bustling hub offering a variety of activities catering to every type of player.

Stadium Mode, for instance, provided an arena for competitive battles across four distinct cups. The Kids Club zone offered a fun-filled array of mini-games suitable for younger players. Then there was the Free Battle mode, perfect for multiplayer skirmishes. And that’s just scratching the surface of what made Pokémon Stadium such a unique and beloved game in its time.

The game Pokémon Stadium established a vibrant environment that made it simpler for Pokémon enthusiasts to interact and gather. Additionally, Pokémon Stadium allowed cross-platform play through the incorporation of Game Boy cartridge games on the Nintendo 64 console (with the limitation being only compatible with playing Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow). Although the Game Boy Tower aspect in Pokémon Stadium is no longer functional, there are potential ways to revamp Pokémon Stadium for contemporary audiences on the future Nintendo Switch 2.

3) Jet Force Gemini

During the SNES and Nintendo 64 gaming era, Rare’s games had an intimate connection with gamers’ hearts and minds. Interestingly, three games from this list are part of Rare’s collection, but one game that often goes unnoticed is Jet Force Gemini. This was a shooter game where players battled insectoid enemies called Mizar using an array of unique and exciting weapons in a semi-open world setting. The main issue with the game centered around saving the Tribals. The Tribals were a race of creatures enslaved by the Mizar, and while it was suggested that they be saved, it would be more accurate to say that to truly conquer Jet Force Gemini, every single Tribal in the game needs to be rescued. This necessitated a collection element within the game, which detracted somewhat from the enjoyment of completing it.

Regardless of its tribal limitations, Jet Force Gemini shone brightly as an exclusive title for Nintendo 64 and was a distinctive gem in Rare’s collection of games. Yet, much like GoldenEye 007, revisiting the game with antiquated shooter controls that seem awkward hasn’t allowed Jet Force Gemini to gracefully weather the test of time, despite its robust base.

4) Mega Man 64

Mega Man 64, often overlooked, offers an immersive Mega Man journey, enriching the lore of the famous blue buster hero with a deeper narrative. This iteration of Mega Man shifted the gameplay into three-dimensional landscapes while retaining the enjoyable array of weapons for Mega Man to collect, customize, and enhance. The epic battles against the Bonne family, notably the tank battle in the town square, are particularly unforgettable.

In contrast to how engaging modern games are, revisiting Mega Man 64 can feel rather sparse and underdeveloped. The main city, Uptown, appears barren with its flat walls, closed buildings, and limited number of residents moving about. These creative choices were likely appropriate during the game’s development, but a remaster would necessitate substantial updates and refinements to align with today’s standards. Given Mega Man’s importance in gaming history, investing time into such an update could prove rewarding for dedicated fans.

5) Banjo-Kazooie & Banjo-Tooie

When it comes to games related to rarity on Nintendo 64, two titles often spring to mind first: Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie. These Banjo-Kazooie games breathed life into every world they presented, making them places that players could explore. While older games might occasionally feel overly spacious or bare, the Banjo-Kazooie games offered a balanced depth to each level that keeps them engaging even now. However, it’s worth noting that with their sharp polygon edges and tricky camera controls, these games do show signs of aging.

It’s truly unfortunate that Banjo and Kazooie, who have largely been overlooked by modern gamers beyond their appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, find themselves forgotten in the snow. Rebooting and enhancing both Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie would be a noble act, preserving gaming history while testing if there’s enough interest from players to potentially spark another installment in their series.

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2025-06-29 14:10