6 Underrated N64 Games No One Talks About

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While the Nintendo 64 might not be Nintendo’s greatest console, it still boasts a fantastic library of games. The technology of the time meant games weren’t always visually stunning, but talented developers managed to create some truly classic titles. Beyond those well-known games, there are also hidden gems that deserve more recognition. They might not be everyone’s favorites, but they’re definitely worth checking out.

Here are six underrated N64 games that most players have forgotten.

6) NBA Hangtime

The NBA Jam series was incredibly popular when it was made by Midway. However, by 1996, another company, Acclaim Entertainment, had bought the rights to the NBA Jam name. The details of how that happened are complicated, which makes the history of the game a little confusing to trace.

Following the success of NBA Jam, the same team created NBA Hangtime, the third game in the popular basketball series. Hangtime improved on the previous games with exciting new features like creating your own players and performing alley-oops. While it was a hit in arcades, the version for the Nintendo 64 was also a fantastic basketball experience.

5) Body Harvest

Body Harvest is known for being a particularly violent game on the Nintendo 64, which isn’t surprising considering it was created by DMA Design – the team that later became Rockstar North. In the game, you play as a powerful, genetically engineered soldier tasked with stopping an alien invasion. You’ll travel through time to fight across five distinct historical periods.

At first glance, Body Harvest doesn’t seem much like Grand Theft Auto 3. However, it actually laid some of the groundwork for Rockstar’s hugely influential PlayStation 2 game. While it didn’t fully satisfy players at the time, it’s still interesting to see as a piece of gaming history that demonstrates the origins of GTA 3.

4) Snowboard Kids

The two Snowboard Kids games for Nintendo 64 are both really fun. The first one did get some criticism for playing a lot like Mario Kart on snow, but there’s nothing wrong with taking inspiration from a good game. If you execute it well, people won’t mind!

This sequel builds on the original with a bigger cast of characters and more levels, offering a lot more content. It introduces a story mode with boss battles and a central town to explore. Completing the story unlocks Expert mode, which provides a tougher experience and extends the game’s replay value. Both this game and the first would be excellent choices for a remake on today’s consoles.

3) Wetrix

Wetrix is likely Zed Two’s most famous game, but the Pickford Brothers have created many great games over the years. Regardless, Wetrix is a creative spin on Tetris, replacing the standard blocks with water bubbles and allowing players to change the landscape of the game.

The game takes place on a bright, flat world where you control the landscape. Rain falls from the sky, and you must use your powers to create lakes and catch the water before it overflows. It’s a really unique idea that doesn’t come up often in games. While the creators, The Pickfords, made a sequel called Aqua Aqua for the PlayStation 2, nothing similar has been released since.

2) Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber

As a big Nintendo fan, I always felt the N64 was a little weak when it came to RPGs compared to the Super Nintendo. I think a big reason for that was Nintendo sticking with cartridges instead of switching to discs. Companies like Square were really pushing the limits of what they could do with games like Final Fantasy, and they needed the extra space a disc offered. That’s why they ended up making those games for PlayStation instead, which was a real bummer for us N64 fans!

While many remember Paper Mario as the standout RPG on the Nintendo 64, Ogre Battle 64 deserves just as much recognition. It’s a slower, more strategic RPG experience than Paper Mario, offering a lot of depth for players who enjoy complex tactics. It’s a unique and challenging game – something the N64 didn’t have a lot of – and a favorite for those who like a real strategic test.

1) Goemon’s Great Adventure

While some Nintendo 64 fans love the first Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, I prefer the sequel. It fixes the camera problems of the original by going back to a classic side-scrolling style, using 2.5D graphics to make the gameplay easier to follow.

Just because Goemon looks simple doesn’t mean it’s easy to play! This N64 game is a challenging platformer with over-the-top boss fights. It also features a fantastic soundtrack and a quirky sense of humor typical of games from that time. If you want a memorable and unique N64 experience, Goemon’s Great Adventure is a great pick.

Plus, Goemon’s Great Adventure reintroduced two-player cooperative gameplay, which was missing from Mystical Ninja. There’s a unique charm to playing co-op games on the N64, and Goemon’s action-platforming style really benefited from having a friend along for the ride to tackle the challenges.

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2025-12-08 02:11