The 50 Best N64 Games of All Time

What are the best N64 games of all time?

The N64 console brings out a lot of nostalgic feelings in many gamers, and for some, it may have been their first introduction to gaming.

Released in 1996, the N64 played host to numerous great games that still hold up as some of the greatest of all time.

To help you relive your fondest childhood gaming memories, we’ve compiled a list of the 50 greatest N64 games that stood out from all the rest.

The Best N64 Games of All Time

Our ranked lists are created by researching and rounding up information from the most reputable web sources.

Here’s our list of the 50 best N64 games of all time:

50. Quake

Quake was one of the most terrifying and thrilling games on the N64, and despite being set in a 3D polygonal world, the monsters and creatures were just as horrifying as any you’d find in a modern game.

This game kept players on the edge of their seats, and with the two-player Deathmatch feature, players could engage with a friend to prove that they were the best Quake player on the block.

49. Doom 64

This first-person shooter served as a sequel to Doom II, and even today, it is being remastered for modern consoles.

With 28 levels, four secret levels, and loads of demons to slaughter your way through, Doom was in a league of its own, and die-hard fans are still enjoying the remasters to this day.

48. Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine

LucasArts didn’t disappoint with this game, which was released in 2000.

Between the huge, sprawling levels and terrain spanning from Egyptian deserts to Babylonian ruins, this action-packed game could easily take up hours of your day.

The scale of this game matched the blockbuster movies perfectly, which is why many fans still hold it in high regard today.

47. Mario Party 3

Mario is a gaming staple, so it should be no surprise that numerous games featuring this plumber make it onto this list.

In this Mario party game, the gang takes on 70 new mini-games and five new adventure boards. You could even go head-to-head in multiplayer mode and duel your friends to show off your skills.

With so much to do, this game was a go-to for many gamers in 2001 and beyond.

46. Forsaken 64

Forsaken was a phenomenal post-apocalyptic game taking place after an experiment left the Earth without an atmosphere.

Now bathed in solar radiation, the Forsaken invade scorched settlements searching for whatever they can find to survive.

This game doesn’t leave players wanting for action, and the setting is so unique that it immediately stands out from all the others.

45. Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion

Improving upon the gameplay in Turok 3, Shadow of Oblivion stands as a solid FPS with incredible graphics for its time and a well-written storyline.

While the multiplayer function wasn’t necessarily something to write home about, the game as a whole was a standout favorite of fans.

44. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

There’s just something hilariously fun about playing as this squishy round pink boy.

This side-scrolling adventure was well-received upon release and offered the perfect, casual game to unwind with after a long day of school or work.

43. Pokémon Snap

Pokémon Snap was an engaging game that tasked players with taking pictures of some of the most elusive and shy Pokémon.

However, because the Professor accepts only the best photographs, players have to get creative with lure items and sharpen their photography skills to meet his high standards.

42. Army Men: Air Combat

A lot of kids grew up playing with little plastic army men, and this N64 game brought these toys to life to engage them in some great backyard battles.

With four toy helicopters to choose from, players had to decide which had the right abilities to take on the current threats, one of which included Sarge being melted by a dastardly child with a magnifying glass!

41. Mario Party

This Mario game sees the gang arguing over which one is the Super Star. To determine this, they set off on an adventure to prove themselves.

Whoever manages to collect the most stars claims the title and proves themselves to be the best of the best.

While it may not have a complex storyline, this game was a great way to spend an evening with friends, and it definitely earned its place as a classic Mario title.

40. Castlevania

The first game in the Castlevania series to be in 3D, this game was arguably one of the best, and it set the stage for all the titles that came after.

Playing as either the whip-wielding Reinhardt or the magic-wielding Carrie, players venture through numerous incredible levels to reach Dracula and put an end to him and his undead henchmen.

39. Pokémon Stadium 2

A much-beloved addition to the Pokémon franchise, this game featured hundreds of Pokémon, which you could use to battle others in the 3D arena.

Using a Transfer Pak, players could even bring in Pokémon that they trained on the Game Boy using the three original Pokémon games.

This game really was a must-have for Pokémon fans.

38. Pilotwings 64

Providing players with the ultimate piloting experience, Pilotwings allows you to explore a huge 3D environment with the help of a hang glider, jet pack, and autogyro.

Completing the game’s flight tests rewards you with your very own flight badge, and high scores could even unlock additional fun bonus games!

37. Starcraft 64

For gamers who love war strategy games, Starcraft was a favorite.

With three powerful species vying to be the forerunners in the galaxy, you could build and control armies, manage resources, and construct winning strategies to help your side hold out as long as possible.

Comprised of over 50 missions, you could easily spend hours engaging with this game.

36. Extreme-G

This fast-paced racing game had impressive graphics and some of the most intense racetracks found in an N64 game.

Racers can also use weapons such as homing missiles, laser mines, and teleportation warping to give themselves an edge as they race to be number 1.

35. Jet Force Gemini

With a horde of drones threatening the galaxy, this game thrusts players into a battle to save a race of survivors who the drones have subjugated under the instruction of Mizar, an insectoid alien.

Inspired by arcade games and packing all the excitement of FPS and action-adventure titles, Jet Force Gemini was praised for incredible graphics and replayability.

34. 007: The World Is Not Enough

James Bond games are some of the most iconic on the N64, and with the great weapon selection, action-packed missions, and engaging gameplay, it’s easy to understand why.

While it may not be as highly ranked as GoldenEye, The World Is Not Enough still stands out as an amazing game.

33. Ridge Racer 64

Another impressive racing game for the N64, Ridge Racer, features all the fast-paced action that you’d expect from an arcade game without having to leave your home.

Released in 2000, players could choose from 25 different cars and race on nine incredibly designed racecourses.

32. Pokémon Puzzle League

One of several games based on the Pokémon anime, this puzzle game was first released in 2000 and has since been re-released for the Wii Virtual Console.

The objective of this game is similar to Tetris, as it involves trying to clear blocks by stacking them in lines of three.

You could even battle friends to prove that you were the ultimate Pokémon stacking champion.

31. Space Station Silicon Valley

Unlike the Silicon Valley in our universe, this Silicon Valley was designed to be a futuristic amusement park. However, after lifting off into space, it disappeared.

Now on a crash course toward earth, players are tasked with tackling 30 levels to stop the collision and save the world.

Although not the most complex game, it was great fun to play and the levels were incredibly well-designed.

30. Wipeout 64

Racing games were incredibly popular on the N64, and Wipeout was no different.

This game introduced players to several new weapons, tracks, and teams that players could use to rise through the ranks to become the best.

29. Turok: Dinosaur Hunter

This first-person shooter pushed the N64’s graphic capabilities to the limit and turned players into someone that Dr. Grant would have liked to have had during the events of Jurassic Park.

Crowned as one of the most popular games to be released on the console, this installment in the Turok series is without a doubt one of the best N64 games of all time.

28. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

The early 2000s were when Tony Hawk games really shined, and they were incredibly popular and successful.

In Pro Skater 2, players were treated with loads of new features, such as the ability to create their own parks, as well as loads of new tricks.

If that wasn’t enough, the level design was spot on, and it made this installment stand out as one of the best skater games of all time.

27. NFL Blitz 2000

Fans of football fell in love with this NFL game that supports up to four players and brings the fun of the field into the comfort of your home.

Players can customize their plays, give teams superpowers, and take on others in new stadiums under varying realistic weather conditions.

26. Turok 2: Seeds of Evil

The Turok franchise was a staple of the N64 — if you hadn’t already guessed — and Seeds of Evil was one of the best.

This FPS game allows you to snipe off enemies as you try to escape the confines of an alien ship.

Couple the fun gameplay with the incredible graphics, and this truly stood out as a great game.

25. Star Wars: Episode I Battle for Naboo

When it comes to games in the Star Wars universe, Battle for Naboo is one of the most engaging and fun.

Players can control numerous vehicles, such as the Gian speeder and Naboo starfighter while navigating more than 15 unique missions that will completely immerse you in the Star Wars universe.

24. Mario Kart 64

Mario Kart 64 is one of the most treasured and notorious games in the Mario Kart series, and it is one that many fans remember playing in their childhood.

The final track in this game, Rainbow Road, is one of the most infamous in Nintendo history for being as difficult as it is fun.

Needless to say, Mario Kart lives on, even today, as one of the best N64 games of all time.

23. F-Zero X

Another racing game with a futuristic twist, F-Zero X pits you against 29 machines all competing to be the champion.

Able to support four players at a time, if you get tired of racing computers, you could always bring your friends by for some friendly competition.

22. Excitebike 64

If skateboarding isn’t quite your thing, Excitebike gives you the option to be a dirt bike pro instead.

With six playable characters, 20 tracks, a track editing mode, and loads of tricks, this game was a fun way to give yourself a break from Tony Hawk.

21. Diddy Kong Racing

To stop the evil intergalactic wizard pig, Wizpig, Diddy, and his friend’s team up to beat him in a series of incredibly fun races.

In Diddy Kong Racing, players can venture to five different worlds with four unique tracks each and drive cars, airplanes, and even hovercraft.

20. WWF No Mercy

Wrestling games are right up there with NFL games when it comes to fun for fans of the sport, and WWF No Mercy is one wrestling game that is a must-play.

With over 65 WWF stars, brand-new double team moves, and the opportunity to take on the entire Federation in survival mode, this game really shines as one of the best wrestling games on the N64.

19. Beetle Adventure Racing

Similar to Need for Speed, players of this game can compete in single or championship races, unlocking special tracks which can then be used in multiplayer mode.

Although it doesn’t have a completely open world that you can drive around in and cause chaos, this game definitely has a lot of features that make it much more than meets the eye.

18. Banjo-Tooie

Taking place two years after Banjo-Kazooie, this game hosts significantly larger worlds and interesting puzzles, obstacles, and enemy challenges.

Players can even take advantage of special mini-games in multiplayer modes so that you and your friends can experience the fun of this game together.

17. Blast Corps

This is one of the few games with a truly original premise without trying to recreate the tropes that make other games addictive and interesting.

With plenty of action, engaging puzzles, and tons of things to blow up, Blast Corps is definitely an underrated classic N64 game.

16. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

Every Star Wars fan with an N64 more than likely has this game in their collection, and for good reason.

The graphics in this game are mindblowing for their time, and the gameplay stands up with even the best recently released titles.

15. Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 holds the title of the best-selling game released on a single platform, and it was even remastered in 2019.

Similar to the first Resident Evil game, there is a focus on exploring, solving puzzles, and staying strong in combat.

However, where it differs is in the branching stories that each player character offers.

This game is widely praised for a good reason, and it definitely deserves every bit of it.

14. Super Smash Bros

The original Super Smash Bros and arguably one of the best.

This game is simply a classic and features many of the most beloved characters from Nintendo, such as Link, Fox McCloud, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Pickachu, and many, many more.

If you had an N64 growing up, chances are you spent a lot of hours playing this game with your friends.

13. Star Fox 64

As the ninth best-selling N64 game, Star Fox 64 was also the first to support the rumble pak.

This 3D rail shooter puts players in the shoes of Fox McCloud as he flies around dodging obstacles and taking down enemies.

When it comes to galactic battle games, Star Fox 64 definitely delivered.

12. Donkey Kong 64

This game has so much to do in it, and it’s easy to lose hours playing around in this magical world.

The range of gameplay is impressive and definitely more than you would expect.

It is a classic title that reminds you of just why you came to love video games in the first place.

11. Rayman 2: The Great Escape

This installment in the Rayman franchise looks and feels seamless.

The gameplay is engaging, and the third-person camera is intelligent enough to let you see what you need without hindering movement or line of sight.

As a traditional platformer, it stands up as one of the best to date and is a favorite of Rayman fans.

10. Wave Race 64

If car racing doesn’t tickle your fancy, this jet skiing game might be more your speed.

 Sometimes referred to as F-Zero on water, this game stands out with its rewarding controls and dynamic environments.

9. Mario Golf

With 18 courses, 11 characters, and fantastic controls, Mario Golf allows players to compete in tournaments or go head-to-head in one-on-one matches.

There are a lot of different modes and mini-games included in this game, which provides hours upon hours of fun.

8. Mario Tennis

Featuring 14 of your favorite characters, this game of tennis is anything but ordinary.

The fast-paced action will keep you on your toes, while the wacky characters will keep you laughing and engaged every time you play.

Whether you play it on the N64 or as a re-release on the Wii U, there’s no denying just how great this game was and is.

7. Banjo-Kazooie

Banjo-Kazooie is one of those classic games that most gamers are at least a little familiar with.

Although it may seem simple at first glance, this action-adventure game stands out as one of the best and, despite being released in 1998, it still remains one of the best platformers ever released.

6. Paper Mario

Mario comes in many shapes, sizes, and in this case, materials.

Paper Mario takes players from the lush Lavalava Island to the frigid Shiver Mountain, where seven new companions can be found along the way.

Despite its cute appearance, this game is deceptively deep, and since its release, fans have been singing its praises.

5. GoldenEye 007

The first game that comes to many gamers’ minds when they think of the N64 is this James Bond classic.

With numerous high-stakes missions, incredibly detailed locations, and fantastic multiplayer, GoldenEye is by far one of the best games to ever debut on the N64.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

As a sequel to the incredible Zelda game, Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask was completed in less than two years, but you’d never guess from the gameplay.

With enhanced graphics and notable gameplay updates, this game is often hailed as one of the best Zelda games of all time.

3. Perfect Dark

The first game in the Perfect Dark Series, this installment features both a campaign mode and a multiplayer mode.

It shares many features with GoldenEye 007 and stands out as one of the most technically advanced games to ever be released on the N64.

2. Super Mario 64

Coming in at number 2, it is one of the titans of the N64.

Super Mario 64 was by far one of the most beloved games ever released for the system, and even today it has dedicated players.

Boasting a dynamic camera, 360-degree analog control, and engaging gameplay, it’s no surprise that Super Mario 64 is often considered to be one of the best games ever created.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Although some may label Super Mario as the best N64 game, we have to give this title to The Ocarina of Time.

As the first Zelda game to have 3D graphics, this game was groundbreaking for the series.

Coupled with the incredible writing and beautiful musical score, it easily soars to first place.

Summary

Nintendo fans take N64 games seriously, and many of these titles are still loved and played by fans today.

While the console itself had no shortage of amazing games, these 50 are by and large the best of all time.

Here’s a quick recap of the 50 best N64 games of all time:

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
2. Super Mario 64
3. Perfect Dark
4. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
5. GoldenEye 007
6. Paper Mario
7. Banjo-Kazooie
8. Mario Tennis
9. Mario Golf
10. Wave Race 64
11. Rayman 2: The Great Escape
12. Donkey Kong 64
13. Star Fox 64
14. Super Smash Bros
15. Resident Evil 2
16. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
17. Blast Corps
18. Banjo-Tooie
19. Beetle Adventure Racing
20. WWF No Mercy
21. Diddy Kong Racing
22. Excitebike 64
23. F-Zero X
24. Mario Kart 64
25. Star Wars: Episode I Battle for Naboo
26. Turok 2: Seeds of Evil
27. NFL Blitz 2000
28. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
29. Turok: Dinosaur Hunter
30. Wipeout 64
31. Space Station Silicon Valley
32. Pokémon Puzzle League
33. Ridge Racer 64
34. 007: The World is Not Enough
35. Jet Force Gemini
36. Extreme-G
37. Starcraft 64
38. Pilotwings 64
39. Pokémon Stadium 2
40. Castlevania
41. Mario Party
42. Army Men: Air Combat
43. Pokémon Snap
44. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
45. Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion
46. Forsaken 64
47. Mario Party 3
48. Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine
49. Doom 64
50. Quake

What’s the best N64 game of all time, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.