The Best Licensed N64 Games

Key Takeaways

Nintendo 64 had under 400 games, with some standout licensed titles.
Rugrats in Paris and Tarzan offered fun exploration and engaging gameplay.
South Park on N64 was a guilty pleasure with unique gameplay and multiplayer mode.

As a child of the ’90s, I can confidently say that the Nintendo 64 was a game-changer for me, and these three games were at the heart of it all. The N64 era brought us some of the most iconic and influential titles in video game history, and I’m going to share my thoughts on three of the best licensed games for the platform – Spider-Man, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, and GoldenEye 007.

The Nintendo 64 had a relatively brief run compared to other consoles from the same period, as it didn’t last long before being superseded by the Nintendo GameCube. Launched in America and Japan in 1996, and later in Europe and Australia in 1997, the Nintendo 64 was phased out in 2002 when the GameCube became incredibly popular after its debut in 2001.

Back in the day, when I was a kid gaming on my Nintendo 64, not many games were out there – less than 400 to be exact. And, as you probably know, a good chunk of those were based on existing franchises or movies. Now, licensed games can go either way – some were great, while others… well, let’s just say they left something to be desired. But, there were some truly exceptional and even groundbreaking licensed games that graced the Nintendo 64.

8 Rugrats in Paris

Fun Exploration and Mini-Games

Released in 2000
Developed by Avalanche Software
Published by THQ
Action adventure children’s game

A multitude of children’s games inspired by popular films, series, and animated shows were launched on the Nintendo 64, yet most lacked noteworthy features. However, Rugrats in Paris stood out a bit with its emphasis on exploration and diversity in mini-games, even though it wasn’t particularly groundbreaking.

In the animated movie titled “Rugrats in Paris”, the story unfolds within a fictional amusement park inspired by Disneyland Paris, known as EuroReptarLand. The game allows you to select one of the six babies – Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, Kimi or Angelica, to control and guide through various areas of EuroReptarLand. Each area offers unique mini-games for players to enjoy.

The goal is to collect tickets earned during mini-games to eventually buy a Reptar Helmet, so the babies can control Giant Robot Reptar and fight the villainous Robosnail, who has kidnapped EuroReptarLand’s princess. The graphics are cute, featuring vibrant colors and fun details, even if they aren’t always the most technically stable.

Even though the park appears empty sometimes, giving off a slightly eerie vibe, children can still find plenty to entertain them, while adults might reminisce about their past, when playing the N64 version of Rugrats in Paris.

7 Tarzan

Vine Swinging, Tree Climbing Platformer

Released in 2000
Developed by Eurocom Entertainment Software
Published by Activision
Platforming cartoon game

Tarzan is a Nintendo 64 game produced by Disney, serving as a transitional title between their earlier 2D games and subsequent 3D ones. Frequently categorized as a 2.5D game, this side-scrolling platformer showcases 3D environments and characters within a two-dimensional playing field. This blend of dimensions gives the game an distinctive appearance and emphasizes the technological advancements connecting their past and future Disney game creations.

In this game, you assume the character of Tarzan, starting from his childhood up until maturity, following the narrative presented in the Disney movie. The story unfolds across 14 different stages, each offering various platforming challenges within a jungle setting. There are also instances of combat, with specific tools like a parasol and a knife being accessible only at designated levels.

The graphics of the Tarzan game on N64 were remarkably stylish for its era, and while it may not have been groundbreaking in terms of innovation, its appealing visuals and moderately entertaining gameplay earned it a place among the top licensed N64 games.

6 South Park

A Silly and Imperfect Guilty Pleasure

Over time, the video games based on the series “South Park” have evolved into highly entertaining and prolonged gaming adventures, with particular standouts like “The Stick of Truth” and “Fractured But Whole.” However, it’s worth noting that South Park wasn’t initially renowned for its successful video game adaptations. In fact, many games derived from the adult animated show were met with criticism. The 1998 “South Park” game didn’t fare particularly well upon launch, but the Nintendo 64 version was generally considered the better option.

South Park, without a doubt, offers an irresistible blend of fun and guilt, particularly on the N64. In this game, you get to pick among the four main characters from the show – Stan, Kyle, Cartman, or Kenny – and then traverse and safeguard the town of South Park, which is under siege by strange adversaries due to a mischievous comet heading towards Earth.

This action game offers a range of hilarious weapons, including snowballs that can be tinted yellow from being urinated on, exploding Terrance and Phillip figurines that emit gas, and an extraterrestrial dance gun. The first-person shooter (FPS) format harmoniously complemented these weapon selections, making it a standout aspect of the game as a whole.

The multiplayer aspect was a standout feature in the Nintendo 64 adaptation of South Park, outshining its PS1 counterpart. In the N64 game, players could select from 20 unique characters, and navigate through 17 different levels, offering a wealth of options for those seeking cooperative play with friends. Despite some shortcomings, the Nintendo 64 version of South Park boasted enough merits to position itself among the top-tier licensed games on the platform.

5 Lego Racers

Wacky Races, But Make It Lego

Released in 1999
Developed by High Voltage Software
Published by Lego Media
Racing game

The Lego video games have established themselves as a mainstay in the gaming industry, offering engaging single-player and multiplayer experiences that are enjoyed by both children and adults. One of the initial Lego games, Lego Racers, served as a foundation for the development and success of subsequent Lego games. Moreover, it was an enjoyable game on its own, with the N64 version being particularly noteworthy among licensed games for that console.

In the game called Lego Racers, participants engage in a variety of speed contests using cars they construct themselves. This is reminiscent of other racing games on N64, where players can hurl items at each other during races that they’ve collected. Additionally, they have the ability to unlock additional minifigure characters to race with, using collectible Lego building blocks.

Although it isn’t the perfect racing game, the ability to create unique, raceable Lego vehicles, and the fun nature of the racing itself, make this a great N64 licensed game.

4 Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine

A Strong Indie Adventure

Released in 2000
Developed by LucasArts and Factor 5
Published by LucasArts
Action adventure game

The Indiana Jones franchise has had its share of ups and downs, but undeniably, the N64 game stands out as one of the strongest contributions to the series.

1947 serves as the backdrop for “Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine“, a story that unfolds following the incidents detailed in the limited comic book series “Indiana Jones and the Iron Phoenix“. The plot revolves around Indy’s quest to gather fragments of an ominous machine, known as the Infernal Machine, capable of opening a gateway to another dimension.

The game is played from a third-person perspective, immersing players in a fully three-dimensional environment filled with various mechanisms, including platform navigation, solving puzzles, and driving sequences. In this adventure, you assume control of Indy as he sets out to gather the fragments of the Infernal Machine, encountering adversaries that must be defeated using firearms, melee weapons, and his famous whip, the bullwhip.

Although the control system drew heavy criticism for being overly cumbersome, the level designs, storyline, and graphics of Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine were highly commended. Despite its awkward controls, this game has more strengths than weaknesses and remains a standout Indy adventure.

3 Spider-Man

The Blueprint for Modern Superhero Games

Among all these games I’ve played across different platforms, none quite compare to the Spider-Man game for the N64. It’s the only one that consistently earns top marks in every review I’ve come across, making it a truly exceptional experience for any gamer swinging through its virtual city.

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but reflect on the profound impact that the original Spider-Man game has had on modern gaming. It wasn’t until this groundbreaking title showed us the ropes of web-slinging and intense melee combat that we got to experience superhero games at their finest. The introduction of iconic Marvel characters from both the hero and villain sides really set the stage for the fantastic superhero games we enjoy today, including the latest installment from Insomniac Games featuring everyone’s favorite wall-crawler.

The Nintendo 64 adaptation of Spider-Man was incredibly successful, garnering both critical acclaim and strong sales figures, similar to its counterparts on other consoles. As a result, it’s clear that it ranks among the top licensed games for the platform without any doubt.

2 Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

A Devilishly Difficult Flying Adventure

Released in 1998
Developed by LucasArts and Factor 5
Published by LucasArts
Arcade action flight game

The classic Star Wars series has seen a variety of video game interpretations through time, some of which were excellent while others fell short. Among the early Star Wars games, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron stood out as one of the finest – arguably the very best – due to its engaging gameplay, faithful representation of the Star Wars universe, and unexpected challenge level.

In Rogue Squadron, gamers take control of the iconic X-wing fighters from the series, participating in diverse aerial combats with various objectives. Viewing the action from behind, players must shield, rescue, spy, and destroy based on the mission at hand. The game offers five playable aircraft that can be enhanced using power-ups discovered within the levels.

As a huge Star Wars enthusiast, I can confidently say that “Star Wars: Rogue Squadron” stands out among licensed games for the Nintendo 64 due to its groundbreaking technology, thrilling aerial battles, and intuitive control system.

1 GoldenEye 007

One of the Greatest Licensed Games of All Time

Speaking of video games based on licenses, “GoldenEye 007” stands among the greats. Not only is it exceptional, but it was groundbreaking as well; its introduction to the world of first-person shooter multiplayer games marked a pivotal shift in their development trajectory.

GoldenEye 007” is a video game inspired by the 1995 James Bond film, where players assume the role of the main character, Bond, in single-player scenarios. The game consists of various levels with tasks such as shooting adversaries, destroying objects, and retrieving items. The popular multiplayer aspect lets gamers select their characters and engage in a customizable deathmatch, which can be enjoyed cooperatively with others via the split-screen feature.

GoldenEye 007” is often hailed as one of the best video games ever made, due to its groundbreaking demonstration of what first-person shooter (FPS) games could achieve on home console systems. Additionally, it pioneered several key features that have since become standard in FPS titles, including stealth elements and a more realistic gaming experience.

Golden 007, notably, stands out as the top-notch licensed game on the Nintendo 64. Furthermore, this game remains iconic due to its groundbreaking influence, helping shape the first-person shooter (FPS) genre into the powerhouse it is recognized as today.

2024-09-07 04:34