N64 Games That Have Aged The Best

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It’s hard to deny the affection we have for the Nintendo 64, but it’s understandable that one might question if its games have kept up with time. Iconic titles like GoldenEye 007, Super Mario 64, and others can be challenging to enjoy now due to issues like poor frame rates, control problems, and a lack of modern conveniences. Even when these games are re-released with enhancements, they still exhibit some shortcomings.

While not all Nintendo 64 games share the same fate, some have proven their worth over time and continue to offer delightful gaming experiences even today.

I acknowledge that I often face criticism when I advocate for the Nintendo 64, yet, I firmly stand by its merits. The games associated with it remain undeniably compelling, maintaining their charm and fun factor even after a quarter of a century. They are timeless gems that continue to delight players as much now as they did back then.

I present to you the N64 games that have aged the best.

8.
Mario Kart 64

Still A Blast After All These Years

The initial Nintendo 64 game I purchased along with the system was Mario Kart 64. This was also the title that consumed a significant portion of my playtime. In fact, it became so popular that even my parents joined in, secretly playing when my sister and I were asleep at night.

In simple terms, the original 3D go-kart racing game revolutionized its genre by transitioning it to three-dimensional gaming. It addressed the problems and annoyances found in Super Mario Kart and offered an engaging and captivating gaming adventure instead.

Remarkably, Mario Kart 64 stands out among N64 classics due to its impressive longevity. The game’s performance remains strong, whether played solo or with others, and the variety of courses guarantees exciting races.

In this context, the phrase “rubber banding” refers to a situation where something quickly catches up with what’s ahead, only to fall behind again. The rapid catching-up and falling-behind that we experience today might not occur here, since at times you or the computer can zoom past the competition so fast that it leaves everyone else far behind in its wake.

7.
Diddy Kong Racing

Better than Mario Kart

Although Mario Kart 64 was a fantastic game that I spent a lot of time playing due to its iconic status, it’s possible to argue that Diddy Kong Racing is the superior Nintendo 64 racing game.

The skillful fusion of three unique vehicle categories, compelling character personalities, and engaging solo gameplay deserves recognition. Such a game seems more fitting for modern times than it would have thirty years ago.

Diddy Kong Racing offers a delightful new take on the kart racing genre, one that contemporary games continue to strive to imitate.

The upcoming gameplay of Mario Kart World seems akin to traversing the realm of Diddy Kong Racing from years past. While Mario Kart World undoubtedly includes contemporary features, it shares a resemblance with the foundation laid by Diddy Kong Racing.

What stands out most about Diddy Kong Racing is that it didn’t feel like just another Mario Kart copycat, but rather a unique game in its own right, brimming with character and memorable figures who later starred in their separate spin-offs.

6.
Wave Race 64

An Impressive Launch Game

At first glance, one might think that Wave Race 64 lacks contemporary appeal due to its limited gameplay options. However, it manages to shine brilliantly, primarily because of its exceptionally engaging gameplay.

It’s possible that Nintendo managed to encapsulate the essence of excitement with the GameCube’s Wave Race: Blue Storm; however, it didn’t live up to the expectations. Alternatively, it could be that the game was intentionally designed to be concise and exceptional in its own right.

Fundamentally, Wave Race 64 appears to be a showcase of technology rather than a fully-fledged game. However, its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for casual play, and it retains the same level of fun today that it did during its initial release.

Experiencing Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Switch has been an absolute delight! It’s like revisiting old friends and being swept away by the nostalgia-inducing melody of that timeless theme tune.

As I sat down to jot down some thoughts, I fired up the old game for a quick check. Before I realized it, an hour slipped away. Once more, I found myself immersed in its world, swept away by the gaming experience.

As a devoted gamer, it’s disappointing for me to admit that I doubt we’ll ever witness a fresh installment of Wave Race. However, success or not, I can find solace in the fact that the original games continue to shine brightly. Sometimes, revisiting old favorites is just as satisfying as experiencing something new.

5.
Star Fox 64

The Franchise’s Peak

It’s disheartening to witness Star Fox struggle during what seems to be a thriving era for Nintendo. The Nintendo Switch has become one of the most successful video game consoles in history, despite its premium pricing. Even as anticipation builds around the potential release of the Switch 2, there’s a noticeable lack of Fox McCloud and his companions in the spotlight.

Star Fox 64 stands out as an exceptional game, offering a thrilling arcade-style space battle experience through its well-designed rail shooter levels. It masterfully blends diverse stage designs, intense combat sequences, and humorous banter among team members. Frankly, it’s astonishing how they managed to include so much voice acting on such a cartridge!

On flights, I often find myself turning to this game as it helps me unwind and alleviate the concerns associated with air travel, immersing me in a familiar and comfortable environment.

This game provides multiple routes for gameplay, making each session unique compared to the previous one. Although it doesn’t boast the endless options or randomly generated levels characteristic of modern games, its varying paths still manage to maintain an element of surprise with each playthrough.

4.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

When Worlds Collide

Much like numerous others, I recall this game appearing more visually impressive than it truly was back then. However, the gameplay of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 remains remarkably engaging even by today’s standards.

Absolutely, the new release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 provides the game with an appropriate level of care and enhancement, yet the initial gaming experience continues to be thrilling even today.

It’s no surprise that we stuck with those classic games for such a long time, as they were flawless masterpieces. They offered an unforgettable journey from beginning to end, evoking the most memorable aspects of gaming during the late ’90s and early 2000s.

In simpler terms, instead of enduring lengthy loading periods or being forced to watch prolonged scenes without pause, when you start playing this game, you’ll quickly dive into the action, grooving to the tunes and stringing together impressive combos while earning a top score.

In any conversation about Tony Hawk games, the soundtrack is always a key point, and THPS2 certainly doesn’t disappoint. Tracks like “When Worlds Collide”, “Bring the Noise”, and “Guerrilla Radio” are particularly noteworthy. Although it might not be as popular in mainstream circles as the original, it holds just as much affection in our home.

3.
Paper Mario

One of the N64’s best RPGs

The Nintendo 64 didn’t have a reputation for Role-Playing Games (RPGs). Instead, fans of this genre often preferred the PlayStation 1, where they could play many popular Final Fantasy titles.

Step into the world of Paper Mario, a role-playing game (RPG) that might not boast complex or profound game mechanics, but instead shines brightly with its irresistible appeal and witty dialogue.

What sets it apart is its distinctive artistic style, characterized by characters and settings crafted from paper. This design decision lends an appealing, cozy atmosphere to the game.

Paper Mario isn’t about revolutionizing gameplay or innovating, and that’s perfectly fine. Instead, it delivers an exceptional role-playing game (RPG) experience that knows when to gracefully exit, making it timeless and a joy to play even today, alongside other classic RPGs from its time.

The game’s conventional turn-based fights offer an intriguing spin, as players can boost their assaults by responding to time-sensitive cues. This interactive feature keeps players actively involved during combats.

2.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

A Cult Classic

In contrast to Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask has chosen an unusual path. Interestingly, it is time itself that proves unkind to those who deeply engage with its themes.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but acknowledge that this game is often hailed as one of the greatest ever crafted, particularly on the Nintendo 64 platform. It was truly pioneering, pushing boundaries like no other title before it. However, time has not been kind to it, and it now pales in comparison to more recent installments within its series.

In contrast, while Majora’s Mask shares many similarities in its core gameplay with Ocarina of Time, it avoids feeling outdated due to its distinctive style and atmosphere.

By adopting a three-day play cycle and deviating from the standard Zelda gameplay structure, this game manages to maintain its uniqueness and independence, avoiding direct comparison with other games in the series.

Among the best aspects, this game remained captivating even for those who started playing it later on in the early 2010s. This was largely due to its distinctive appeal.

Although Nintendo has repeatedly stated that upcoming Zelda games will adhere to the formula established by Breath of the Wild, I can’t help but yearn for a return to innovation, reminiscent of the unique approach taken in Majora’s Mask.

1.
Banjo-Kazooie

Platforming Perfection

Banjo-Kazooie stands out as an exceptional video game, masterfully addressing the challenges often found in Super Mario 64 and offering a skillfully crafted, immersive platforming experience that’s nothing short of enchanting.

In every instance when someone is asked about their preferred aspect of Banjo-Kazooie, responses vary. People often highlight the abundance of collectibles in each stage, the stages themselves filled with awe-inspiring sights, or the memorable music. Alternatively, it could be the continuous dialogue exchanged among characters that appeals to them.

In my opinion, playing Banjo-Kazooie is more than just a few things – it’s all those aspects combined. There’s always a grin plastered across my face when I play this game. Rare truly infused life into every single element of the game, from its vast world to the very core.

The game is filled with charm and quirkiness all around, making each moment you spend playing it a pure joy.

Even today, it stands toe-to-toe as one of the best platformers around.

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2025-05-01 17:12