The top 10 Nintendo 64 Games - ranked by Metacritic scores
The Nintendo 64, a cornerstone of 1990s gaming, introduced players to immersive 3D worlds and unforgettable adventures. Its library boasts titles that have not only stood the test of time but also set benchmarks for game design. Drawing from Metacritic’s rankings, let’s delve into the top 10 N64 games, each accompanied by intriguing tidbits that highlight their unique places in gaming history.
The Nintendo 64, a cornerstone of 1990s gaming, introduced players to immersive 3D worlds and unforgettable adventures. Its library boasts titles that have not only stood the test of time but also set benchmarks for game design. Drawing from Metacritic’s rankings, let’s delve into the top 10 N64 games, each accompanied by intriguing tidbits that highlight their unique places in gaming history.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Metacritic Score: 99
Embarking on a quest as Link to thwart Ganondorf’s sinister plans, players traverse time and the expansive land of Hyrule. This masterpiece is lauded for its pioneering 3D gameplay and the introduction of the Z-targeting system, which revolutionised combat mechanics in action-adventure games.
Interesting Fact: “Ocarina of Time” was the first game to receive a perfect score from multiple gaming publications upon its release, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
2. Perfect Dark
Metacritic Score: 97
As Joanna Dark, players navigate a web of corporate espionage and alien conspiracies. Building upon the mechanics of “GoldenEye 007,” “Perfect Dark” introduced a robust multiplayer mode and a range of futuristic weaponry.
Interesting Fact: The game features an AI bot named “Simulant” in multiplayer mode, which could be customised with different difficulty levels and personalities, a groundbreaking feature at the time.
3. GoldenEye 007
Metacritic Score: 96
Step into the shoes of James Bond in this first-person shooter that combines stealth, strategy, and action. Its multiplayer deathmatch mode became a staple of social gaming, influencing countless shooters that followed.
Interesting Fact: Developed by a relatively inexperienced team at Rare, many of whom were working on their first video game, “GoldenEye 007” exceeded expectations and became a landmark title in the FPS genre. The legendary multiplayer element was not originally planned and was added as a last-minute feature.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
Metacritic Score: 95
Diverging from traditional Zelda narratives, this game immerses players in a three-day cycle to prevent the moon from crashing into Termina. Its darker themes and time-based mechanics offer a unique and challenging experience.
Interesting Fact: “Majora’s Mask” was developed in just over a year, a remarkably short development cycle, using the same game engine as “Ocarina of Time” to expedite the process.
5. Super Mario 64
Metacritic Score: 94
Mario’s leap into 3D platforming set new standards for the genre. With 15 open-world courses, players collect Power Stars to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches.
Interesting Fact: “Super Mario 64” was one of the first games to feature a dynamic camera system controlled by the player, a significant innovation in 3D game design.
6. Banjo-Kazooie
Metacritic Score: 92
This charming platformer follows the duo Banjo and Kazooie on a quest to rescue Banjo’s sister, Tooty, from the witch Gruntilda. Its vibrant worlds and witty dialogue have endeared it to players for decades.
Interesting Fact: The game’s success led to a sequel, “Banjo-Tooie,” and the characters have made appearances in various other games, including “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.”
7. Star Fox 64
Metacritic Score: 88
Commanding the Arwing spacecraft, players join Fox McCloud and his team to thwart the evil Andross. The game’s branching paths and voice-acted dialogue added depth to the on-rails shooting experience.
Interesting Fact: “Star Fox 64” was the first N64 game to utilise the Rumble Pak accessory, providing players with haptic feedback during gameplay.
8. Paper Mario
Metacritic Score: 88
With its distinctive paper-cutout art style, this RPG sees Mario embarking on a quest to rescue Princess Peach and the Star Rod from Bowser. The game’s humour and turn-based combat offer a delightful twist on the Mario franchise.
Interesting Fact: “Paper Mario” was initially conceived as a sequel to “Super Mario RPG” but evolved into its own unique series, blending traditional RPG elements with platforming.
9. Super Smash Bros.
Metacritic Score: 88
Nintendo’s iconic characters clash in this crossover fighting game. With a simple control scheme and chaotic multiplayer battles, it laid the foundation for one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises.
Interesting Fact: The original roster of eight characters is arranged in the order of their creation, starting with Mario and ending with Pikachu.
10. Donkey Kong 64
Metacritic Score: 90
This expansive 3D platformer features Donkey Kong and his crew on a mission to stop King K. Rool. Known for its vast worlds and numerous collectables, it offers hours of gameplay.
Interesting Fact: Donkey Kong 64 has the world record for the most in-game collectables of any game today with a total of 3821.
These titles not only defined the Nintendo 64 era but also left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. If you are a collector of Nintendo 64 games and want to give them the best protection, get them a RetroShell premium case, to keep your treasures well protected.
How do you feel about these rankings? Is there something missing? Let us know in the comments below.
