6 N64 Games With Great Stories That Fans Love

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The Nintendo 64 was unusual in several ways, but its continued use of game cartridges instead of CDs was a major decision. This made it less attractive to many third-party developers, particularly those creating role-playing games (RPGs), who instead focused on Sony’s PlayStation. As a result, the N64 didn’t have many standout RPGs, leading to a relative lack of story-driven games. However, a few titles still managed to shine, even though they weren’t the type of games typically known for pushing narrative boundaries at the time.

Here are six N64 games with great stories.

6) Conker’s Bad Fur Day

Let’s be real: Conker’s Bad Fur Day is a product of its time. It’s packed with humor that feels pretty outdated now, and you’re just as likely to be embarrassed as amused. However, back in 2001, BFD was a massive success for Rare, and most critics loved its comedic style.

While it might feel like a distant memory now, Conker’s Bad Fur Day was hugely popular when it first came out. This classic Nintendo 64 game still has a dedicated fanbase, and even got a complete remake for the original Xbox. It’s surprising to hear that Rare removed a lot of content because it was considered too inappropriate – especially if you’ve played the game!

5) Star Fox 64

The story of Star Fox 64 is pretty straightforward: you play as a fox who leads a team through space to save the Lylat system from the evil Andross. However, if you look closely, the game actually has a surprising amount of depth.

Fox’s father, James, initially tried to stop Andross, but was betrayed by Pigma. Fox then has to battle Pigma and the Star Wolf team before confronting Andross himself. After defeating Andross, James’s spirit appears to help Fox escape. It’s a heartfelt story with a straightforward plot, making it easy for younger players to understand while enjoying the fast-paced action.

4) Shadow Man

Being inspired by a comic book series helped the creators of Shadow Man, but it’s still remarkable they crafted such a spooky and atmospheric story for the Nintendo 64.

The game begins with a shocking premise: Jack the Ripper takes his own life to gain supernatural abilities and build a paradise for serial killers in the afterlife, and it only gets more intense from there. While it’s one of the more disturbing games on the Nintendo 64, it’s not just shock value. The developers at Acclaim crafted something truly unique that quickly gained a dedicated following. Fortunately, a remastered version was released by Nightdive Studios in 2021, making the game much more accessible to modern players.

3) Ogre Battle 64

Ogre Battle 64 is a highly regarded strategy game from its time and quickly gained a dedicated following. It can seem complex at first, but players who enjoy strategy games will find a lot to love once they get the hang of it.

You’ll take on the role of Magnus Gallant and navigate a fierce civil war. Along the way, you’ll team up with Frederick Raskin, a revolutionary, and help him overthrow the corrupt leaders of the world of Ogre Battle. The ending is moving, though the exact outcome depends on your choices. There are three different endings that offer slight variations to the story, but each one provides a rewarding conclusion to this grand adventure.

2) The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

I could easily swap in Ocarina of Time instead – both Zelda games on the Nintendo 64 are fantastic for their stories. However, I’ve only included one to make room for other excellent titles. I personally prefer the more mature and darker tone of Majora’s Mask.

The game’s time loop mechanic was really interesting, letting you learn the habits of characters to make the most of each day. But it’s the sad story of Skull Kid that truly stands out. Majora’s Mask proves Nintendo can create surprisingly complex and emotional narratives. It’s not just a story about heroes defeating villains; that added depth is what makes it, in my opinion, even better than Ocarina of Time.

1) Paper Mario

While not the best Paper Mario game overall (that title goes to Thousand-Year Door), the original Paper Mario stands out as the strongest story-driven RPG on the Nintendo 64. Some might be surprised by how good a Mario RPG could be, but Super Mario RPG proved it was possible four years prior, and it remains a fantastic game.

Even now, Paper Mario stands out as one of the best RPGs for beginners. It was simple enough for younger players to pick up and learn, potentially sparking a lifelong love of the genre. Like Star Fox, the story isn’t groundbreaking, but Intelligent Systems filled it with so much humor and personality that it became a standout title on its console.

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2026-01-10 02:41