The mid to late 1990s saw fierce competition between video game console makers, with Sony’s PlayStation challenging Nintendo’s dominance. Nintendo responded by releasing the highly acclaimed Nintendo 64. This console was home to groundbreaking and unforgettable games like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Banjo-Kazooie, and many other classics.
Even though the Nintendo 64 didn’t win the competition against the PlayStation, it remains a favorite among Nintendo fans. While many of its games are now available on other systems through services like the Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online, there are still some excellent games that were only released for the Nintendo 64 and deserve to be re-released.
We’re only including games that were originally released only on the Nintendo 64. This means we’re leaving out games like Ogre Battle 64 that were later offered on the Wii Virtual Console or as Nintendo Classics on the Switch.
8. Quest 64
A Rare N64 JRPG
Compared to the PlayStation, the Nintendo 64 didn’t have many great Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), with Paper Mario being a notable exception. However, that wasn’t for lack of effort. In 1998, the Japanese developer Imagineer released Quest 64, a charming RPG. While it didn’t reach the popularity of games like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest, it’s still an enjoyable adventure that has earned a dedicated fanbase over time.
Looking to get into Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) but don’t know where to start? Quest 64 is a fantastic choice! It’s easy to learn, has a solid combat system, a lovely world to explore, and memorable characters and creatures. Unfortunately, it’s only playable on the original Nintendo 64, and it’s time for that to change so more people can enjoy this classic!
7. Rakugakids
One Of The Most Distinctive Fighting Games Ever Made
While role-playing games didn’t fare well on the Nintendo 64, fighting games had a bit more success, largely thanks to Rare’s Killer Instinct. Konami’s Rakugakids is a largely overlooked game for the console, especially considering it was made by such a well-known company. Unfortunately, players in America never had the chance to play this unusual title, as it was only released in Japan and Europe. This is a key reason why it deserves to be remastered for current gaming systems – to let a wider audience enjoy this fantastic game.
Rakugakids has a unique and endearing art style—think of the look of Parappa the Rapper, with characters that appear to be drawn by a child. This gives its character roster a look unlike any other fighting game. The gameplay is also easy to learn and enjoy, offering fun, approachable mechanics that feel similar to classic Street Fighter games.
6. Mario Artist Collection
The Long-Awaited Sequel To Mario Paint Was Relegated To The 64DD
- Platform: Nintendo 64DD
- Released: December 11, 1999 (Paint Studio)
- Developers: Nintendo EAD, Software Creations
- Genre: Creative
The Nintendo 64DD was a disk drive add-on for the Nintendo 64. Though it had big ideas, it wasn’t popular with gamers and was only released in Japan. Despite this, the 64DD did give us some great games, most notably the Mario Artist series. This wasn’t one game, but a suite of four creative programs players could use: Paint Studio, Talent Studio, Polygon Studio, and Communication Kit.
Okay, so if you ever heard of Mario Paint on the SNES, Mario Artist for the N64 was basically its sequel. It was amazing! You could draw, color stuff, even make 3D models, and build your own little games. The coolest part? You could share your creations online using this old internet service called Randnet. It wasn’t just a game, it felt like a real creative tool. Honestly, it was designed to get people to buy the 64DD add-on for the N64, which is why it never showed up on any other console. Now, you can find tons of free apps that do pretty much the same things, but back then, it was groundbreaking!
Who’s That Character? 
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5. Buck Bumble
A Weird N64 Game Perfect For Star Fox Fans
The Nintendo 64 had a lot of strange and unique games you couldn’t find anywhere else, and Buck Bumble is a prime example. It’s surprising how many people have forgotten about it, especially considering it was made by Argonaut Software – the team behind classic games like Star Fox and Croc: Legend of the Gobbos – and published by Ubisoft.
Buck Bumble is an action-packed shooter that feels a lot like Star Fox. You play as Buck, a bee who flies through colorful 3D worlds, battling enemies with weapons like lasers and rockets. But surprisingly, the game is best remembered for its catchy and unique theme song. Ubisoft still owns the rights to this lesser-known title, and a re-release on today’s consoles is a possibility.
4. Body Harvest
The Nintendo 64’s Equivalent To Grand Theft Auto
It’s amazing to consider that the hugely popular Grand Theft Auto series might not exist today if it weren’t for Body Harvest, a game originally made for the Nintendo 64. Back then, the company now known as Rockstar was called DMA Design, and Body Harvest came out shortly after the first GTA game, which was in 2D.
Body Harvest is an exciting third-person shooter where you track down hidden aliens. It’s known for its impressive open world and vehicle-focused gameplay, features that many consider a stepping stone to the 3D Grand Theft Auto games the developers would create later. Despite being a historically important title, you can only play Body Harvest on the original Nintendo 64.
3. Mischief Makers
A Wonderful 2D Platformer, In An Era Obsessed With 3D Graphics
The Nintendo 64 was known for its cutting-edge 3D graphics. But amidst the popularity of 3D platforming games like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, a fantastic 2D adventure called Mischief Makers didn’t get the attention it deserved. Luckily, it found a dedicated fanbase later on, as more people discovered it online in the early 2000s.
Created by the team behind classic games like Gunstar Heroes and Alien Soldier, Mischief Makers is a delightful 2D platformer. It stands out with its innovative “shaking” ability, a charming hero named Marina, upbeat music, and incredibly vibrant graphics. Despite being a fan favorite, this excellent game remains exclusive to the Nintendo 64, and players have been hoping for a remake or re-release for over twenty years.
2. Rocket: Robot on Wheels
Sucker Punch’s N64 Platformer That Is Still Pretty Great To Play
For twenty years, Sucker Punch Productions has been known for making games exclusively for PlayStation. But their very first game wasn’t for Sony – it was for Nintendo! Rocket: Robot on Wheels was one of the many excellent 3D platformers available on the Nintendo 64. While it didn’t become as famous or sell as well as some other games of that time, Rocket on Wheels actually holds up remarkably well today. This is mainly due to its realistic movement and easy-to-understand controls. Considering Sucker Punch’s later successes, it’s not surprising that Rocket‘s gameplay is so well-designed.
The game has a really fun idea and setting – you’re a robot whose job is to make sure a new theme park opens without a hitch. This means stopping a mischievous raccoon mascot by traveling to different worlds and gathering tickets and tokens. The wacky theme park is a perfect backdrop for a platforming game, and it’s great that you can freely explore instead of being stuck on one path. However, the best part of Rocket: Robot on Wheels is definitely how well the controls work.
1. WWF No Mercy
Can You Smell What The Nintendo 64 Is Cooking?
If you’re not a fan of professional wrestling, you might be surprised to hear that the best game on the Nintendo 64 is a wrestling title. I understand that reaction! But WWF No Mercy isn’t just another wrestling game – it’s considered by many to be the definitive WWE experience. While WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain is also highly praised, WWF No Mercy is often ranked as the greatest of all time. It’s beloved for its roster of iconic Attitude Era wrestlers, its challenging and rewarding combat, and its deep career mode where you can pursue championships. Plus, the graphics still hold up surprisingly well, if you appreciate the classic N64 style.
As a gamer, I can tell you WWF No Mercy isn’t just a fantastic fighting game – it’s stuck with people for ages, right up there with classics like Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time. For the last twenty years, players have kept coming back to it, constantly tweaking the roster to reflect today’s WWE stars, or even adding wrestlers from companies like AEW. The game has a huge, dedicated community, and because of licensing problems, it looks like WWF No Mercy will always be a Nintendo 64 exclusive, which is kind of cool, honestly.
While WCW vs. nWo World Tour and WWF WrestleMania 2000 could also be included, I chose WWF No Mercy to represent those games in this article.
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2026-02-10 19:11