Released in 1996, the Nintendo 64 was the first fully 3D console released by Nintendo. Often regarded for its vast array of multiplayer games, the N64 was not just the first 3D console released by Nintendo but the first to allow four players to play a game at once, opening the door for a wide variety of multiplayer experiences.
While several N64 games are often lauded as some of the most exemplary games within their respective genres, the console is also home to several lesser-known hidden gems that don't get the attention they deserve. So today, we're going to examine the most underrated N64 games.
Updated May 20, 2022 by Jack Pursey: To say that the Nintendo 64 is fondly remembered by gamers today would be an understatement. However, when most people discuss Nintendo's first 3D console, they predominantly talk about the same handful of games, namely GoldenEye 007 and various titles from the Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon franchises.
Because of this, there are numerous excellent games from the time that have been largely forgotten. So, to once again shine a light on such releases, we've updated this list to include some more of the most underrated N64 games.
13 Turok 3: Shadow Of Oblivion
Unfortunately, the Turok franchise has been largely forgotten about. So much so, that many people today would be surprised to hear that, at the time of their release, the first two Turok games were considered by some to be among the best first-person shooters of all time.
Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion had the tough task of following its classic predecessors and was consequently criticized quite harshly when it fell short of their high standards.Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion was still a fantastic FPS experience, however, and one that is genuinely enjoyable to play today, over 20 years after its release.
12 Quest 64
Quest 64's name might be generic, but the game itself offered some interesting spins on the role-playing genre. Along with the Ireland-inspired world, which looked fantastic for 1998 and was bursting with life and color, the game also featured no currency system, with every item being either dropped by an enemy or gathered via a chest or friendly NPC.
Quest 64 struggled to impress hardcore RPG fans with its lack of challenge, which led to the game's negative reception, though the simple quests and combat made the game a great choice for those wanting a casual role-playing experience.
11 Indiana Jones And The Infernal Machine
The Nintendo 64 is remembered for being the home to many iconic franchises' first voyage into 3D, and Indiana Jones is no exception.
Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine had a large weight of expectations on its shoulders, not only due to the Indiana Jones IP's popularity but also because the legendary adventure game Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis was still fresh in peoples' memories and set an incredibly high bar for the franchise. Much like the aforementioned Turok 3, Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine received unfair criticism because people were expecting another masterpiece.
10 Pokemon Puzzle League
Released in 2000, Pokemon Puzzle League is an underrated Pokemon puzzle game that draws heavily from the Pokemon anime. With gameplay quite similar to Tetris Attack, the game features several single-player modes of varying difficulty as well as a solid versus mode. As far as puzzle games for the N64 are concerned, Pokemon Puzzle League is quite solid.
9 Mischief Makers
As a 3D console, it's not hard to see why many players tend to focus on the iconic 3D platformers released for the console such as Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie.
Despite this, Mischief Makers is a great side-scrolling traditional 2D platformer for the N64. While the game featured 2D graphics, it contains great level designs and puzzles, garnering a cult following years after its release.
8 F-Zero X
While the Nintendo 64 is synonymous with multiplayer kart racers, F-Zero X is a fast-paced arcade-styled sci-fi racer. Most known as the home of Captain Falcon, while the game doesn't feature items like games like Mario Kart, it features unique mechanics such as vehicle health bars and the ability to destroy other racer's vehicles.
7 Conker's Bad Fur Day
As mentioned, there are several stellar and genre-defining 3D platformers on the Nintendo 64. Throughout the N64's lifespan, few developers made as many great 3D platformers as Rare. While some of their most beloved games for the console include Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64, they also developed the M-rated cult classic, Conker's Bad Fur Day.
While the game's cute and colorful arty direction and platforming gameplay may lead it to appear similar to Rare's other games for the console, its incredibly profanity-riddled dialogue and crude subject matter make it one of the most unique games for the console.
6 Diddy Kong Racing
While Mario Kart 64 is undoubtedly the most iconic racer for the Nintendo 64, Diddy Kong Racing is an often slept-on game that can give Mario Kart a run for its money. Another game developed by Rare, Diddy Kong Racing is a game that features a comparably larger amount of content, featuring a more robust single-player experience, and numerous means of racing such as with karts and planes.
5 Snowboard Kids And Snowboard Kids 2
Developed by Atlas, Snowboard Kids is undoubtedly one of the most underrated franchises on the N64. Two games released for the console, Snowboard Kids and Snowboard Kids 2 are each four-player snowboard racing games. Rather than featuring realistic snowboarding gameplay, these games play more like downhill kart racers, allowing players to use a wide variety of items to try to get a leg up on their opponents.
4 Ogre Battle 64: Person Of Lordly Caliber
The Nintendo 64 is a console that had a notorious lack of RPG presence, featuring only a handful of noteworthy RPGs. While RPGs on the console weren't plentiful, Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber was one of the best tactical RPGs of the 1990s. Well before the localization of the Fire Emblem series, this game provided deep tactical RPG gameplay with several features that were ahead of its time, such as several branching endings.
3 Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon
While much more successful in Japan, Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon was released in 1997 and is unfortunately often overlooked by players in the west. Allowing players to select one of four playable characters, the game blends well-tuned gameplay and great comedy into a heavily stylized package. Between its numerous playable characters, platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat few games for the N64 contain as much variety as Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon.
2 Harvest Moon 64
In the modern landscape of gaming, slow-paced and laidback games such as Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley have grown to be incredibly popular. However, this wasn't always the case, with these types of games being much more uncommon throughout the 90s.
Despite this, Harvest Moon 64, is the second Harvest Moon game for home consoles built upon the foundation laid by the original Harvest Moon while helping pave the way for modern games of the genre. Despite this, the game was quite overlooked at the time of its release.
1 Mickey's Speedway USA
While licensed video games tend to get a bad rap, Mickey's Speedway USA is easily among the most underrated games on the N64. The final racing game developed by Rare for the N64, Mickey's Speedway USA is a traditional kart racer that features several classic Dinsey characters. While it may not seem like much at first glance, the game features some of the most polished racing gameplay of any game on the console.