As a ’90s kid, I have so many fond memories of this game! It really helped popularize 3D gaming, and even though the graphics aren’t amazing now, some of the games still look surprisingly good. But honestly, what really matters is that they’re just as enjoyable to play today as they were back then.
Many Nintendo 64 games still hold up incredibly well today. This is particularly true for innovative first-party games like Star Fox 64, and unique, popular third-party titles such as Conker’s Bad Fur Day.
Conker’s Bad Fur Day Is a Fun Edgy Take On 3D Platforming
In Conker’s Bad Fur Day, Conker, a red squirrel, is trying to return home to his girlfriend, Berri. His journey is filled with bizarre encounters, like singing piles of poop and actual fish with cat heads. At the same time, the silly but villainous Panther King is determined to capture Conker and use him as a decoration.
It’s obvious that Conker’s Bad Fur Day isn’t for everyone because of its mature themes. However, that content actually enhances what is already a really enjoyable and wild game. What makes it truly special is how Conker interacts with everything – the buttons do different things depending on what’s happening, leading to tons of funny and unexpected moments.
Diddy Kong Racing Still Holds up Next To Modern Kart Racers
Unlike most kart racing games, Diddy Kong Racing offers a lot of variety. While you can race karts with Diddy Kong and characters like Banjo the Bear and Conker the Squirrel, the game also features unique challenges – like one-on-one races against dinosaurs, and even airplane races instead of traditional karting.
Based on this, later kart racing games like Crash Team Racing clearly took inspiration from Diddy Kong Racing, particularly in offering diverse race types. However, no game has matched Diddy Kong Racing’s imaginative characters and well-designed courses.
Resident Evil 2 Is Surprisingly Good on N64
Man, playing Resident Evil 2 was awesome! It’s where I first met Leon S. Kennedy, and let me tell you, he did not have a good first day as a cop. Seriously, zombies everywhere! I was running around as him, trying to survive the outbreak and help this college student, Claire Redfield, find her brother. It was intense!
As a big fan of Resident Evil 2, I was really impressed with how well it runs! It’s a challenging game, but it plays smoothly. Plus, this version isn’t just playable – it has extra stuff you won’t find anywhere else, and they even managed to include the original, classic cutscenes from the PlayStation 1 version, which is awesome!
Super Smash Bros. Is Still Smashing
I still remember being blown away when the first Super Smash Bros. came out! It was such a cool idea to let all of Nintendo’s biggest stars – Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Kirby, even Pokémon’s Pikachu and Jigglypuff – battle it out. And it wasn’t just those guys, either! Fox McCloud from Star Fox, Ness from EarthBound, Samus from Metroid, Captain Falcon from F-Zero, and Link from The Legend of Zelda were all playable. It was a dream come true for a Nintendo fan like me!
I’ve always loved the first Super Smash Bros. game – it’s basically the foundation for how Classic Mode works in all the newer ones. With twelve characters to pick from, and a really fun multiplayer mode, I honestly don’t get tired of playing it. It’s a blast whether you’re a seasoned Ultimate player or totally new to the series.
Wave Race 64 Still Makes Waves Today
Okay, so Wave Race 64 is all about jet ski racing. You’re competing against other racers on these open water courses, and the goal is pretty simple: be the first to cross the finish line. The tracks aren’t just empty water, though – they’re filled with buoys. If you hit them just right, they give you a speed boost, which is awesome for getting ahead of the competition!
For newcomers to the Nintendo 64, Wave Race 64 might seem surprisingly impressive. The way the jet skis handle feels great, and the water effects still look amazing – even compared to modern games. It truly holds up as a fun and realistic water racing experience.
Banjo-Kazooie Is a Cult Classic Platforming Gem
In Banjo-Kazooie, the bear and bird duo must rescue Banjo’s sister, Tooty, from the wicked witch Gruntilda, who loves to rhyme. To reach Tooty, they’ll need to collect puzzle pieces hidden throughout the land or earned by helping a cast of quirky characters. These pieces unlock access to different sections of Gruntilda’s spooky castle.
I’ve been a huge fan of this game for ages, and it’s got such a dedicated following! It was made by Rare, who are famous for all their Donkey Kong titles, but this one really stands out. I think it’s become so beloved for a few key reasons. First, it’s just so easy to pick up and play. Second, the levels are absolutely beautiful – seriously, they’re a joy to look at. And finally, the characters are just wonderfully weird and really bring the whole game to life. It’s a truly special game!
Yoshi’s Story Is Like Playing a Children’s Book
In Yoshi’s Story, Baby Bowser steals all the joy from Yoshi Island because he’s jealous of how happy it is. The little Yoshis don’t really understand what happened, but they embark on a quest to bring happiness back to their home.
Okay, so the graphics are super cute – honestly, it feels like playing inside a pop-up storybook. But don’t let that fool you, Yoshi’s Story is just a blast to play! The controls are really easy to pick up, and the whole point is basically to gobble up as much fruit as you can to rack up a huge score. It’s just a really enjoyable game, honestly.
Star Fox 64 Didn’t Need a Switch 2 Remake
In Star Fox 64, players join Fox McCloud and his team – Falco, Peppy, and Slippy – as they battle the villain Andross. Andross is responsible for the death of Fox’s father and now threatens to take over the entire Lylat system, and it’s up to the player to stop him.
The game’s continued popularity proves just how well-made it was when it first came out in 1997. It honestly didn’t even need to be updated, because the way it handles flight and its weapons still feel great today – especially if you use a Rumble Pak for extra immersion.
The Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask Is Still Nintendo’s Most Intense Title
In The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, Link finds himself in a troubled alternate version of Hyrule called Termina. This land is filled with despair, as its inhabitants seem resigned to the impending doom of the moon crashing down and destroying everything. Driven by his heroic nature, Link is determined to prevent this catastrophe.
Man, even now, Majora’s Mask is seriously one of the most stressful games I’ve ever played. You’re constantly running around trying to help everyone in town and stop the moon from crashing, all while the clock is ticking down. And the story? It gets really dark and emotional, honestly. It really sticks with you.
Super Mario 64 Is the Definitive 3D Platformer
In Super Mario 64, Mario heads to Princess Peach’s castle, excited for dinner. But when he gets there, he discovers she’s been locked away inside! To rescue her, Mario needs to collect at least 70 stars, and each area of the castle usually holds up to six.
Super Mario 64 is considered one of the best games on the Nintendo 64, and even today, it’s a standout 3D platformer. Its controls and gameplay feel remarkably modern and have influenced countless other games in the genre. The game also features cleverly designed levels and a memorable soundtrack.
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2026-05-31 20:41