As one of the first consoles to play 3D puzzle games, the Nintendo 64 was a 64-bit home entertainment system. It was a multi-genre phenomenon that grew to prominence in the late '90s and early 2000s. The gaming industry would be vastly different if it weren't for this system's leaps and bounds.
The best puzzle games are the right mix of challenge and enjoyment. They can contain word puzzles, tile-matching, or feature our favorite video game icons. The following games are not needlessly tiring but deeply rewarding; a fine line separates the two. Without further ado, here are the top puzzle games the Nintendo 64 has to offer.
10 Charlie Blast's Territory
Charlie Blast's Territory is not an inherently bad game, yet we wish there was more variety to its puzzles. Playing as an overweight construction worker has its appeal, even if navigating levels can be tedious.
The goal is to move bombs so that you can destroy levels through controlled explosions. Love or hate the level designs; this game is bound to provide at least several hours of solid enjoyment.
9 Wheel Of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune for the Nintendo 64 is much what you would expect out of a Wheel of Fortune game. Based on the show, which first aired in the 1970s, Wheel of Fortune is a word puzzle game. It will test your ability to identify words and phrases while competing with other players for the top cash prize. If you're a fan of Wheel of Fortune, you won't be disappointed by this Nintendo 64 adaption.
8 The New Tetris
The New Tetris is a spin on Tetris, hence the name "The New Tetris." The game allows you to form 4x4 large blocks that provide bonus points when cleared in a line. The game's multiplayer option makes goals like completing 500,000 lines attainable.
We decided to exclude Tetris 64 from this compilation since it had a limited release. At least we have games like The New Tetris, which attempts to do something new with Nintendo's Tetris series.
7 Dr. Mario 64
Once again, Mario assumes his persona as Dr. Mario in Dr. Mario 64. What started on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Game Boy eventually was ported to other platforms like the Game Boy Advance. Dr. Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64 is not a port, but it is an exceptional tile-matching sequel to the cult-classic.
The game is like Tetris with a twist as viruses populate the playing area. Your goal is to destroy the viruses by matching colored capsules. This heart-racing game continues to be relevant in this day and age.
6 Bust-A-Move 2
In Bust-A-Move 2, you control a machine that shoots bubbles into a cluster of other bubbles. The objective is to match three or more bubbles so that they can be cleared from the playing field. The mechanism that fires the bubbles rotates in a near 180-degree line of sight. Bust-A-Move 2 enables two-player matches. This simple design is bound to provide hours of enjoyment.
5 Pokémon Puzzle League
Pokémon Puzzle League separates itself from other tile-matching puzzle games to warrant a playthrough. Featuring Ash Ketchum and Kanto Pokémon, such as Pikachu and Squirtle, the game contains many of the element-types from the video game series we know and love.
It doesn't do much to stand out from other puzzle games on this list, besides being Pokémon-themed. Nevertheless, that won't stop many players from diving into this challenging but rewarding puzzle game.
4 Wetrix
Wetrix is a combination of a pinball and puzzle game, presented in a fast-paced environment. You'll quickly realize how unique and satisfying this game is. The objective of Wetrix is to create water reservoirs while balancing your water meter. It's clear from picking up this game that it's not for casual gamers. Wetrix is unforgiving, yet irresistible.
3 Blast Corps
Back in the '90s when Rare was the hottest developer around, Blast Corps was one of their lesser-known gems. Blast Corps is an action game, but the gameplay also says that it's a puzzle-solving game. The puzzle-solving component involves using vehicles to bridge gaps.
The scale of Blast Corps is larger than other Nintendo 64 puzzle games. Driving bulldozers, antique cars, and robots is a blast, no pun intended.
2 Magical Tetris Challenge
You might notice by now that many of the Nintendo 64's best puzzle games are Tetris variants. According to ign.com, Tetris is the best-selling game of all time with more than 500 million sales.
Magical Tetris Challenge is a Disney-themed Tetris game that implores players to out-solve their opponent. Developed by Capcom, Magical Tetris Challenge lets you choose between Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, or Donald Duck. The game even has a story to tie-in, which changes depending on your character selection. Despite playing in 2D, Magical Tetris Challenge is an all-around superb Nintendo 64 game.
1 Tetrisphere
Tetrisphere is the ultimate puzzle game for the Nintendo 64. The title is an accurate description as Tetrisphere is Tetris on a sphere. What does that mean? Well, players must interact with a 3D area to place objects. The playing field can become quite packed, adding to the game's complexity. Like solving a Rubik's Cube, Tetrisphere is tedious fun that becomes easier with practice and patience.