Best Open-World Nintendo 64 Games, Ranked

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Summary

  • Nintendo 64 offers a plethora of gems with pioneering open-world elements.
  • Aidyn Chronicles and Mystical Ninja exhibit non-linear gameplay.
  • Super Mario 64 and Diddy Kong Racing remain influential classics nearly three decades after their respective launches.

30 years since the heyday of the Nintendo 64, it continues to be fondly remembered by numerous gamers. Some of the best games ever made initially emerged on this 64-bit powerhouse, and there are still undiscovered treasures that have fallen into obscurity. In fact, a few games showcased early forms of open worlds, which were quite impressive given their time, as they challenged the system’s capabilities to the maximum.

In today’s context, most games from this era wouldn’t be classified as open-world titles due to limitations on player movement. Nevertheless, they offer captivating environments ripe for exploration, teeming with hidden gems, engaging characters, and non-conventional gameplay in open or partially open landscapes. Here are some top picks from the lot, evaluated by a blend of general appeal and excellence.

Certain games, though they might not meet today’s criteria for an open-world game, were once categorized as such due to their open-ended nature during their initial release period.

6. Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage

Polarizing Story And Gameplay In An Open World

In numerous aspects, Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage offers a unique gaming experience, showcasing a vast and open-ended 3D environment. Players assume the role of Alaron, whose story unfolds from a third-person perspective. Alaron is an orphan who finds himself under the king’s care, seeking to uncover his true origins while eventually realizing his destiny as a celebrated mage in the wider world.

As a dedicated fan, I find myself immersed in combat scenarios that transport Alaron and our band of heroes to an isolated battlefield screen. Here, the action unfolds in a turn-based manner, with the sequence dictated by several variables. The hour of day might affect the abilities of certain characters, and a grim reality – permadeath – awaits any party member who falls. Though the game boasts a grand scale and innovative features, it received a mixed response when first introduced. Many critics felt the narrative lacked depth, while others found the gameplay to be somewhat laborious.

5. Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon

Platforming, Adventuring, And Surrealist Humor

A part of the “Ganbare Goemon” series, the game titled “Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon” is the second one from this franchise to be available in North America. Blending aspects of platform and action-adventure genres, it narrates the tale of Goemon and his three ninja companions who are on a mission to thwart a troupe of thespians aiming to transform Japan into an arts theater using their laser weapons embedded within a peach-shaped spaceship.

According to the storyline, it’s a profoundly bizarre journey, infused with traditional Japanese comedy that some critics thought might be too odd for western viewers. The game environment is striking, featuring multiple towns, villages, and temples linked together, with minimal limitations on player mobility, particularly as they venture to more locations and acquire additional abilities.

4. Quest 64

Brian’s Quest In Celtland

As a gamer in the ’90s, I remember playing Quest 64, an RPG that aimed high but had its share of execution hiccups. It was designed as one vast, open-ended region where you could roam freely at your leisure. For its time, it was expansive, but not overly brimming with content to discover. Yet, visually, it was a sight to behold for the era, serving as a sort of prototype demonstrating the potential of RPGs on that console.

As a gamer, I embark on an epic adventure in the mystical realm of Celtland, reminiscent of Ireland. In this role, I play Brian, an apprentice mage on a quest to find my long-lost father. Unlike many other RPGs, Quest 64 shuns the conventional leveling system. Instead, it rewards me for honing my skills by boosting their statistics each time I use them, much like they did in Final Fantasy 2.

3. Body Harvest

Travel Across Time And Space To Five Explorable Locations

Originating from the same creators behind the renowned game “Grand Theft Auto”, the exclusive title for Nintendo 64, named Body Harvest, is set in five distinct regions spanning a century-long timeframe. Assuming the role of genetically enhanced soldier Adam Drake, gamers must traverse through time and dimensions to annihilate an extraterrestrial danger that emerges every 25 years, with the intention of collecting human bodies.

Because the game is divided into five distinct locations spanning from Greece during World War One up to an alien planet in the year 2016, players have access to five unique open-world environments to explore. Various vehicles are available for stylish travel across these landscapes. Players have the liberty to navigate through these areas and complete missions at their own pace, provided that excessive civilian casualties aren’t incurred within a specific time period; otherwise, the game will end.

2. Diddy Kong Racing

Traverse The Hub World And Race Cars, Planes, And Hovercrafts

The classic kart racing game, Diddy Kong Racing, continues to be celebrated by both fans and critics alike. With a selection of ten playable characters, each competing in car, hovercraft, or airplane events, the racers embark on four races per world across five distinct game worlds. The ultimate objective is to vanquish Wizpig, an evil pig wizard.

In every one of the five game realms, you’ll find unique motifs: for instance, Snowflake Mountain with its winter charm, or Dino Domain inspired by dinosaurs. Initially, not all can be explored from the central hub, but as more balloons are gathered, they become accessible. Each world offers a variety of interactive features to discover.

1. Super Mario 64

Mario’s First 3D Outing Is One Of His Best

Super Mario 64, often recognized as one of the initial 3D open-world games and among the greatest games ever produced, is a platform game that continues to leave an impact on the industry more than two and a half decades after its release. Departing from the conventional linear 2D platforming worlds of earlier games, Mario now ventures through Peach’s castle and its surroundings, leaping into enchanted paintings in search of power stars.

Just like any other gamer out there, I found myself on a mission to save Princess Peach and vanquish Bowser once again. Yet, it’s the thrill of unraveling the castle’s mysteries in each level that truly makes this game worthwhile. The freedom to explore every nook and cranny is what sets this highly anticipated title apart, making it a joy to play and replay multiple times. Upon release, it didn’t disappoint one bit!

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2025-07-04 07:34