7 N64 Games That Are Perfect From Start to Finish

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The Nintendo 64 is considered one of Nintendo’s best gaming consoles. It successfully transitioned many of the company’s most popular game series into 3D, improving the gameplay and providing players with fresh experiences.

As a huge Nintendo 64 fan, I can tell you these games – whether Nintendo made them themselves or brought them over from other developers – are just completely addictive. And when you finally beat one, it’s such a satisfying feeling – like you’ve played something truly special and perfect.

Super Mario 64 Set the Standard For All 3D Platformers

When people think of the Nintendo 64, Super Mario 64 is often the first game that comes to mind. It’s a fantastic platformer and a great way to experience both the console and the Mario series. Right from the start, exploring Peach’s castle and beginning the quest to rescue her from Bowser is incredibly fun.

Every stage in the game is carefully designed to demonstrate the brilliance of the Mario series in a 3D world. The large, open areas and precise controls became the standard for future 3D Mario games, and with 120 Power Stars to collect, players can spend countless hours discovering secrets in each level. Super Mario 64 is the game that continues to inspire, which is a true sign of a classic.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is an Epic Fantasy Adventure

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a hugely influential game. This was Link’s first 3D adventure, where he teamed up with Princess Zelda to save Hyrule from Ganondorf. It changed the way Zelda games were made and played for many years to come.

The game boasted large, vibrant levels and dungeons filled with tricky puzzles, and each boss fight was truly unforgettable. However, the real breakthrough was the introduction of a targeting system—it made combat with enemies and bosses much smoother than previous games, and it’s influenced many games since. Ocarina of Time remains a timeless classic and is unlikely to ever be surpassed.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is a Dark Turn For The Series

Although Ocarina of Time remains unforgettable, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask achieved greatness in a unique way. This second game for the Nintendo 64 offered a more mature and somber story centered around the impending end of the world, while still providing an outstanding gameplay experience.

The latest Zelda game brings back everything fans love – fantastic dungeons, tough boss battles, and a vibrant world. What really stands out is its new structure: a three-day time limit that makes the gameplay incredibly intense. If you’re looking for a Zelda experience that feels both new and classic, Majora’s Mask is a perfect fit.

Goldeneye 007 is a Classic Multiplayer Masterpiece

Rare worked with Nintendo to create one of the most popular movie-based games of the 1990s: GoldenEye 007. The game lets players experience the story of the movie as James Bond, equipping them with many different weapons to finish each mission.

The game’s single-player mode is enjoyable, but the multiplayer is what really makes it special. The different deathmatch modes are endlessly replayable, and it was a groundbreaking game for four-player action, becoming one of the first popular multiplayer shooters.

Perfect Dark Has One of the Highest Metacritic Scores Ever

Although a direct sequel to Goldeneye 007 was never made, Perfect Dark carried on its legacy. Like its predecessor, it put players in the role of a spy tasked with saving the world, but with a futuristic, science fiction setting. The game also introduced Joanna Dark, a compelling action hero who never quite got the recognition she deserved.

Similar to Goldeneye 007, both the single-player campaign and multiplayer modes are excellent. The story missions are a thrilling mix of action and spy work, and the multiplayer deathmatches are incredibly fun and hard to stop playing. While the Perfect Dark series has seen its share of successes and failures, the original game on the Nintendo 64 remains a classic.

Resident Evil 2 is a Revolutionary Survival Horror Title

Although Resident Evil 2 didn’t arrive on the Nintendo 64 until a year after it first came out, it’s still considered one of the console’s best games. The terrifying experiences of Leon and Claire in the zombie-filled Raccoon City are legendary and have established the game as a true horror classic.

Entering the Raccoon City Police Department immediately throws players into a desperate fight for survival with limited supplies. The game is truly frightening, whether you’re running from swarms of zombies, constantly being pursued by the powerful Mr. X, or battling the ever-changing William Birkin. While the 2019 remake successfully captures these terrifying moments, the original 1998 game is where the nightmare first began.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 Makes Some Compromises to Deliver a Great Game

It took a while for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 to come to the Nintendo 64, and the version that released had a few differences. Because of the limited space on the game cartridge, the soundtrack and sound effects were altered, and the graphics aren’t quite as polished as on other platforms. However, this version loads faster and includes a level you won’t find anywhere else. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, fans of the series should still enjoy it.

The Nintendo 64 version of the game still delivers everything that made the original Tony Hawk games so captivating in the early 2000s. It features memorable levels with fantastic trick combinations designed by Neversoft, incredibly fun skateboarding gameplay and a combo system that keeps you hooked, and a truly unbeatable multiplayer experience.

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2026-05-03 06:43