Nintendo in 3D! Some games took advantage of the new graphic capabilities, many of which you'll find below. Like all systems, it had its clunkers (hello Superman), but it was interesting to put this list together because it was similar to the Super NES; at the top were some mainstays that received near universal praise.

Speaking of the top, the ranks definitely came into play, which you'll see when we hit the top 2...



Before we get to it, a quick thank you to those who participated this month-

Disposed Hero
Wempster
Crabmaster2000
EngineerMike
shaggy
blcklblskt
Schlibby
bombatomba
bickman2k
Misto

This was by far the most consolidated list to put together, as only 68 different games got a vote (compare that to the Genesis list, where over 100 games got a vote, even though both lists had 10 voters)

This also meant it was much more competitive for the top 20, and it marks the first time where two different games were on every list.

Like always, don't forget to check out the submissions thread for some thoughts on some great games that didn't quite make it- http://www.rfgeneration.c...topic=19297.msg272325#new

Also, hope you'll join us in May, as we go portable with the Game Boy- http://www.rfgeneration.c...topic=19318.msg272313#new

So let's get to the Honorable Mentions-



24. Star Wars Episode 1: Racer
4 votes (#19, #18, #8, #6)

"One of my favorite racing games of all time. I dont know if any game has ever captured the feel of a movie scene so perfectly before. So many great tracks, amazing vehicles upgrade system and a true sense of speed and danger."

23. Banjo-Tooie
3 votes (#15, #5, #4)

"Rare took me back out on another romp with the Bear and Bird combo, to try and stop Gruntilda from getting her revenge. More of the same, that made the original so great."

"...this is in turn better than kazooie in every single way"

22. Doom 64
3 votes (#10, #10, #2)

"little known Doom game but really good. Great atmosphere from the sound effects"

"Some bad level design rears its head more often than Id like, but it's a fun game otherwise, and the classic Doom action never gets old!"

"My second favorite original DOOM console port, and the dimmest (visually speaking) game I have ever played in my life.  I am sad to say that while I have owned this game for decades, I couldn't play it properly until I finally attached my N64 to an LCD less than ten years ago, but it was worth the wait.  While not as atmospheric as the PSX port, DOOM 64 stands above some of the others simply because the it just looks and plays better than the others.  Recently bought it on Switch and playing through it all over again is a joy."

21. Diddy Kong Racing
4 votes (#15, #15, #13, #3)

"Takes the Mario Kart formula and introduces some new elements such as aerial vehicles. Not quite as good as Mario Kart, but I still had a lot of fun with this one back in the day."

"I loved the variety in this game along with the hub world. This is another great racing game for the console."




As with the previous lists, Wempster and Disposed Hero made an awesome companion video- https://youtu.be/M9p49bYDMZw


20. Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (84 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/26395-star-wars-shadows-of-the-empire-nintendo-64-screenshot-title.jpg[/img]

Released- 1996
Genre- Action
5 lists (#18, #18, #16, #11, #8)

"It's kind of a jankfest other than the classic opening Hoth level and a few other flight stages, but I played this game a ton as a kid and will always have a soft spot for it."

"This game didn't age all that well, I don't think, but when it came out many people (including me) tricked themselves into thinking it was wonderful.  We loved the brand so much that we went crazy at the mere mention of new content.  Much like Super Star Wars on the SNES before it, I ate up Shadows like it would disappear at any moment, caring nothing for any faults.  As far as I cared, it look and sounded great, and let me fight IG-88!  Who cared if I had to do weird acrobats to destroy an AT-ST with a blaster (because I ran out of missiles).  I finally got to find out what Han Solo's tiny blurb in Empire Strikes Back (bounty hunter in Ord Mandell) was about!"

"So many good things to say about a game at the bottom of my list. A badass hero named Dash Rendar with a ship from the same maker, as Han Solo's ship. Escaping and participating, in the battle of Hoth. A compelling story, that was novelized, and even had action figures made for it. It even had Boba Fett!! It made this Star Wars fanboy, a very happy camper upon its release."

"One of the best opening levels in gaming. A nice mix of levels that show off a lot of different Star Wars environments and characters."

"When I got my N64, this was not one of the first games I bought but my brother did get this.  I played this at his house and loved it!  Needless to say, I borrowed his copy until i beat it. The graphics at the time were not bad (they don't hold up today), the gameplay was really good, and I enjoyed every aspect of this game.  A great Star Wars title."



19. Wave Race 64 (90 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/148759-wave-race-64-kawasaki-jet-ski-nintendo-64-screenshot-the-start.jpg[/img]

Released- 1996
Genre- Racing
5 lists (#19, #17, #12, #9, #9)

"Pretty good water physics, a good soundtrack, and just plain fun."

"The first racing game ever released for the N64 was something unique and really caught my interest at the time. I rented this game a few times and remember having a lot of fun with it."

"I got this game for Christmas a few months after I got my system.  It was my first multiplayer game and really had fun racing my friends.  The physics were amazing for the time and I would play stunt mode for hours just trying to beat my previous high scores. I had my one particular Racer and the one setup I liked to have with my Jet Ski."

"I'll echo what everyone else will likely say about this title - great water physics! Another early title for the Nintendo 64 that blew me away visually. The game also has fun gameplay and the upbeat announcer always make me laugh. If you can import the Japanese-only Shindou (Rumble Pak) version, it's a fun addition to the game that I wish came out over here."



18. Donkey Kong 64 (90 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/30845-donkey-kong-64-nintendo-64-screenshot-title-screen.jpg[/img]

Released- 1999
Genre- Platformer
5 lists (#14, #13, #13, #12, #10)

"I'm a fan of collectathons but this went far too far. Still good though if you dont go for everything"

"The game that brought the Expansion Pak to the N64. Refined some of the Banjo-Kazooie enhancements to make another solid 3D platformer."

"Full disclosure: DK is my favorite Nintendo IP. Can't have Mario without DK. Rare took my favorite Nintendo character, absent since DKC, and put him in a game that felt a lot like Banjo-Kazooie. A blast figuring out how to beat levels and collect bananas. So many bananas."



17. Jet Force Gemini (97 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/14959-jet-force-gemini-nintendo-64-screenshot-the-intro-screen-which.jpg[/img]

Released- 1999
Genre- Adventure
4 lists (#19, #12, #4, #4)

"The exploration was so rewarding in this game.  So many paths to find, with each character having their own ability to access different sections.  The shooting mechanics were well done for the time as well."

"I really have mixed feelings about this game.  On one hand, it can be a lot of fun, with enemy AI taking falling back and taking cover.  But on the other hand, I don't really feel like I ever got a good bead on what exactly is happening in this game.  It's quirky, but as I move from area to area, killing bugs and searching the landscape for allies and ammo, I sometimes get a bit dizzy, and in a game like this that is bad, because Jet Force Gemini is HARD, and with limited continues I don't think I will ever see that ending outside of YouTube.  Won't stop me from trying though."



16. Mario Party (101 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/347944-mario-party-nintendo-64-screenshot-title-screen.jpg[/img]

Released- 1999
Genre- Party
5 lists (#17, #16, #10, #8, #8)

"DANGER! DANGER! Your palms and analog sticks are in for some pain!"

"Had to include all the MP games for N64 on my list. Simply because, they are all games that I feel I could play with friends again, and have fun playing. This game had the notoriety of causing gamers to lose a dime-sized patch of skin, as I recall vividly happening to my friend Steve. I will always be grateful to the first MP for the memories, and for turning me on to the franchise. I would later use my MP skills in life, to win a cash prize, in a local MP tourney."

"I spent a lot of time playing this with friends and family. Ending friendships has never been so much fun!"



15. F-Zero X (103 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/15032-f-zero-x-nintendo-64-screenshot-the-intro-screen.jpg[/img]

Released- 1998
Genre- Racing
5 lists (#16, #15, #12, #8, #6)

"A racing game that didn't get much playtime growing up due to its difficulty, I enjoy playing this one occasionally as an adult. From a technical perspective this is one of the few 64 games that ran at 60 fps so its interesting to how much detail had to be chopped in order to get it to hit that target. After getting an Nintendo 64DD, I had to pick up the Expansion Disk for the additional tracks and the track editor. The expansion disk definitely make me a bit sad wondering decades later what could have been had the 64DD not been DOA."

"I played F-Zero on the Super Nintendo and had a lot of fun with it.  When I heard this one had 30 racers at one time, perfectly smooth framerates, and a survival mode, I had to try it and I'm glad I did."

"Challenging and fun. Best way for me to describe the futuristic racing series. I was really starting to get into racing games during this period of time, and F-Zero X scratched the itch."



14. Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (108 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/780926-the-legend-of-zelda-majora-s-mask-nintendo-64-screenshot-title.png[/img]

Released- 2000
Genre- Adventure
4 lists (#16, #10, #4, #2)

"great game concept. Creepy moon."

"This is a great kind of sequel/spin off. Just try something totally off the wall different, but in a familiar framework. Very unique and special game that will have you stressed as you play, but ultimately very rewarding."

"There are a lot of tedious elements in this game, but I still enjoy the core Zelda mechanics. It's a pretty good game when it gets out of its own way."

"A departure from the normal zelda games, this one just seemed so alive with villagers just going about their lives whether you were there or not."



13. Super Smash Bros. (114 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/34003-super-smash-bros-nintendo-64-screenshot-start-screen.jpg[/img]

Released- 1999
Genre- Fighting
4 lists (#20, #5, #4, #2)

"Another game I poured a ton of hours into, both by myself and with friends, unlocking everything and completing every challenge in the game. I always enjoyed the fast-paced chaotic action of this series."

"Launched a series of fighting games with easy controls to pick up, but so much underneath it."



12. Blast Corps (122 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/26150-blast-corps-nintendo-64-screenshot-title-screen.jpg[/img]

Released- 1997
Genre- Puzzle/Action
5 lists (#20, #12, #8, #6, #2)

"This game took a genre that I dislike (puzzle games) and made it about stuff that I like (blowing stuff up) using a variety of construction/destruction vehicles, many of them real life. Most people like the dragon-punch robot the best, but my favorite is the large truck with the sides that pop out.

"This quirky title from Rare, had a concept that still comes across as a little strange today, but this is a fun title nevertheless. One might say that games like Lemmings paved the way, for Blast Corps. The basic premise, is that a truck carrying a nuclear bomb is traveling on a linear path from point A to point B, and cant stop. The catch is that its path is not clear, and it will explode if it crashes, into various obstacles in your way. That's when the Blast Corps comes in. You get to use different types of vehicles at your disposal, to try and solve the puzzles, of how best to quickly clear the debris in a timely fashion."

"idea is crazy. game is crazy fun"

"Another unique title that I still enjoy playing. A bonkers story, annoyingly-addicting sound bytes, and fun and unique gameplay make this one of the must-plays on the console."

"When I saw this game in Nintendo Power I knew I had to get it.  In this game you need to clear the landscape so a run away missile can get from the bottom of the screen to the top.  It doesn't sound exciting but it is!  I hunted down a copy and it is still worth every single penny.  This is a hidden gem on the N64 and you NEED to go get this game."



11. Pokemon Snap (132 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/144163-pokemon-snap-nintendo-64-screenshot-title-screen.png[/img]

Released- 1999
Genre- FP rail shooter?
5 lists (#14, #9, #8, #7, #2)

"Another one of my favorites. This is a pretty unique rail-shooter that I'll take down from the shelf at least once a year to wipe the game save and replay the entire game through again."

"it's super short and super easy. But great fun while it lasts"

"An on rails shooter (get it?) where you take pictures of Pokemon. Lots to explore, plenty of secrets and unlockables that give you additional replay value."

"I dont know how to make this game sound fun by describing it. It just is. Taking pictures of Pokemon (Im not a huge Pokemon fan) should be the worst. Think of is like an on rails shooter if you have to, but just give it a try."



10. Resident Evil 2 (145 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/840196-resident-evil-2-nintendo-64-screenshot-game-disclaimer.png[/img]

Released- 1998
Genre- Survival Horror
6 lists (#16, #15, #12, #7, #4, #3)

"Being a (mostly) Nintendo family growing up, I wasn't used to watching FMV sequences in video games. Visually, this game was good enough to give me nightmares as a kid, and the zombie sound effects spooked me. This was the first game I can remember where my mom made us play in the basement while my dad was playing. Good times."

"One of the best survival-horror titles of all time receives a great port for the N64. Whats not to like?"

"Although my collection would speak otherwise (RE2 for PC, N64, and PSX), I don't like RE2 all that much.  But this port was something special, if nothing due to the level of skill that it took to cram two discs of content onto a single cartridge.  Even to this day it blows my mind (and I think speaks heavily to the skill of the developers) to play this game and know the storage medium was the source of ridicule from the fans of the 'disc consoles.'"

"One of the greatest horror games ever. Very cool story, limited resources, sparse save rooms, legitimately scary enemies, multiple campaigns and some cool rewards for mastering the game."



9. Perfect Dark (154 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/426163-perfect-dark-nintendo-64-screenshot-security-guards-are-dead.jpg[/img]

Released- 2000
Genre- First Person Shooter
6 lists (#16, #14, #9, #6, #4, #2)

"Rare took the Goldeneye formula and just added so much more.  Being able to play with 4 players AND 8 bots, story modes, challenges, combined with all the variety of maps and weapons provided countless hours of fun."

"Slap a heavy coat of sci-fi paint on Goldeneye and you get some Perfect Dark. Cool mission based levels with a good mix of action and stealth. Through in a  few extremely memorable weapons and a goofy alien sidekick and youve got a classic!"

"Perfect Dark, like Conker, is another game that I picked up very late for super cheap (in fact, for the same price at the same place), and look what we have here; we have a coherent story, voice acting (though sometimes a bit muffled) and quite frankly fantastic gameplay that feels like an evolution of Goldeneye, and playing Perfect Dark after the masterpiece that was Goldeneye (and many of the mediocre to good shooters the N64 had to offer) really made you realize how much higher the bar could be set with something simple as presentation, which was the same thing that we on the PC had played with the original Half-life.  Excellent game, really top shelf."

"As much as we played Goldeneye, Perfect Dark outdid it.  It was the same developer, with some of our favorite Goldeneye levels put in and every weapon had 2 functions. It was the better game."



8. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (162 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/196271-star-wars-rogue-squadron-3d-nintendo-64-screenshot-starting.jpg[/img]

Released- 1998
Genre- Shooter
7 lists (#16, #15, #13, #11, #7, #7, #1)

"I surprised myself when formatting my list that this came out as my number 1. I knew I really loved it, but Ive never really stacked it head to head with other N64 games. This is one of the greatest licensed games, one of the best Star Wars games and one of the best air combat games. Lots of new lore added to the franchise, with a great dose of familiar nostalgia hits thrown in for good measure too. Get to fly missions as multiple iconic ships from Star Wars across a really impressive variety of awesome locations. The missions you get rewarded with for getting medals on each stage are just some of the best rewards off all time for your hard work. What a masterpiece!"

"Getting to fly around in iconic ships, and locations, from the Star Wars universe, was a huge draw. It provided a challenge but still let you enjoy the scenery. This game would be improved upon in the next generation, but still holds replay value, today."

"Star Wars flight sim on console, which is basically all that needs to be said.  Not super complicated but still has plenty of fun stuff to keep players from putting it down for too long.  I loved it because of the license and the feel of the ships (though wished they had more), liked it because of the punishing difficulty, and hated it because of the V-wing missions.  Just die in a lake, stupid V-Wings, seriously.  Not worth a single gold medal."

"A great flight combat game set in the Star Wars universe. If you enjoyed the opening Hoth level of Shadows of the Empire but lost interest once the third-person action stages started, then definitely check this game out!"

"I got this game as a surprise one winter, and after playing the Battle of Hoth a few times to get a gold medal, I was hooked.  I eventually got all Gold Medals on all the missions."



7. Star Fox 64 (177 pts)

[img width=600 height=423]https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/starfox/images/5/52/SolarGoresSF64.png/revision/latest?cb=20140609150505[/img]

Released- 1997
Genre- Rail Shooter
8 lists (#20, #13, #12, #11, #11, #9, #7, #1)

"My favorite entry in the Star Fox series by far. The gameplay is fun and smooth with multiple paths and stages throughout, and the game is always endearing with its personality and charm. A great game that still holds up today!"

"Graphically improved by light-years, from the original. This game took the fight to Andros, even bigger and better, than the SNES, adding a tank mode, and some off-rails type stages."

"Probably the best on rails shooter of all time. Awesome theme, cool music, great controls, neat style varied paths, individual level rankings and different types of vehicles make each playthrough different enough that it calls you back to try again even after you beat it."

"Increased game play speed, huge bosses, and plenty of variety make this a must have title. Oh, and thanks for the Rumble Pak."

"One of my favorite games of all time due to its incredible replayability, tight controls, addictive gameplay and of course, 'amazing' voice acting. I try to play through this at least once a month"



6. Banjo-Kazooie (180 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/329681-banjo-kazooie-nintendo-64-screenshot-surveying-high-atop-clanker.jpg[/img]

Released- 1998
Genre- Platformer
7 lists (#12, #10, #10, #9, #8, #5, #3)

"In my opinion, the pinnacle of that generation's 3D platforming games. Great graphics and tight gameplay, along with great music and sound effects make this a great game."

"better than super mario 64 in literally every way"

"I remember reading about this game in Nintendo Power and thought it sounded weird.  But the more I saw the abilities you could have with a Breegull strapped to your back the more fun I had with it.  I didn't like all the worlds but the majority of them were good."

"While Mario 64 was the first action-platformer style game I played on the N64, Banjo-Kazooie really opened me up, to how fun they could be. Rare created a quirky, fun game, that became addictive to explore, and had an infectious soundtrack, that rounded it out, to be a great game."

"One of the all time greats when it comes to 3D platforming. Just enough collectables to keep it obtainable and not overwhelming like many of its contemporaries (and even its sequel). Amazing use of music and sound. Fun progression of power ups and a great sense of humor."

"A solid Rare platform collect-a-thon that controls solidly and has a lot of great and varied environments."



5. Paper Mario (194 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/173592-paper-mario-nintendo-64-screenshot-goombario-and-mario-reach.jpg[/img]

Released- 2001
Genre- RPG
6 lists (#14, #6, #3, #3, #3, #1)

"I passed up this game because I wasn't a big fan of Mario RPG on SNES.  Now I really regret not playing it more when I had the chance, because man did the price jump!  At the time I was like, "I only want the edgy stuff on the console that loads a lot!" and nonsense like that, so naturally I avoided it.  While not overtly goofy, Paper Mario provides the perfect gateway to Mario & Luigi (which I played first), and I find the art so charming and attractive.  I do wish they had more "paper" style puns, but that would come later, I guess.  Now I get my Paper Mario kicks on the 3DS with its many sequels and spin-offs, but it stings a little to know that I could have been having this kind of fun twenty years ago."

"As a huge RPG lover, and fan of Mario, I had to make this my top pick. The N64 was NOT a good console for RPG's, but we were lucky to get this gem. It was similar but vastly different to SMRPG in style, while still retaining enough of the original game mechanic, to make it a little more than a turn based RPG. It wasn't quite the sequel to SMRPG that we wanted, but it was charming enough to pass."

"I didn't play this game until after playing The Thousand Year Door, and honestly I found this game to be pretty disappointing in comparison. However, this is still a solid RPG, and when it comes to RPGs on the N64, beggars can't be choosers."

"A fantastic lighthearted JRPG.  The humorous writing and art style made this such a treat to play."

"A fun start to a new series that included platforming, puzzles, and RPG mechanics that is still a fun play."

"One of my favorite art-styles on the Nintendo 64. Although the game can be a bit too easy, it's still fun to play through every once in a while"



4. Mario Kart 64 (212 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://n64today.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/mario-kart-64-rainbow-road.jpg[/img]

Released- 1997
Genre- Racing
7 lists (#11, #10, #9, #5, #3, #2, #1)

"Great 4 player fun, expanded battle mode, an easy "just one more" title."

"Continuing with the multiplayer theme of the console, this was another title that received heavy gameplay when I was growing up."

"This is the game that really introduced me to 3D platforming.  I could take Mario in any direction I wanted.  So many different worlds with so much to do in them."

"My friends and I spent countless hours playing this, and I'm pretty sure I absolutely dissected this game, conquering every mode and unlocking everything. The battle mode was always a hit during multiplayer sessions."

"What is there to say about this?  It's Mario Kart, but with hills and power slide boosts.  And four player split screen deathmatch.  Used to play a lot of this at one point in my life, and it was the only non-single player game that I would play.  The main races are fun, but for me, nothing beats that four player deathmatch."

"This game kicked things up considerably, for the Mario Kart franchise. It made good use of the graphics available, to improve on the original design of SMK. Spent many hours with my good buddies, doing circuits together, and trying to see who could take out the others balloons, in battle. Mastering the drift, was everything."

"Another party staple.  I played this so much, to find every shortcut I could. The battle mode was awesome with 4 players."



3. 007 Goldeneye (264 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3a/a2/52/3aa2527de657da61f81e882d7eb5d53c.jpg[/img]

Released- 1997
Genre- First Person Shooter
8 lists (#11, #7, #6, #4, #3, #2, #2, #1)

"Played so much of this with my friends in high school.  The Complex with automatic weapons was a favorite of ours."

"Rare's unique take on the FPS genre struck a chord with many people, myself included. Large levels with multiple objectives depending on difficulty setting, tons of weapons and gadgets to use, and that sweet battle mode. Many hours were spent playing both the single-player campaign and the multiplayer battle mode."

"Goldeneye, much like Super Mario 64, is not just a N64 standard, but a standard of its genre (at least back in its day).  Up until this point FPS games on console tended to follow the same template of trying to juggle how to handle verticality (or "looking"), and the results were usually substandard.  Try and explain this to a PC gamer (who had always had superior controls) and they would laugh.  Until Goldeneye.  This game actually let me feel like I was controlling a secret agent, and Agent 007 would glide effortlessly through levels, quickly neutralizing enemies with his signature silenced pistol.  Visually it hasn't aged as well (unless you are emulating), but I find Goldeneye fun to this day."

"Plenty of death matches, with good friends. That is what made this game great. Introducing me, to the first person shooter genre, was a hell of a ride. Kneeling down as Oddjob and melee stabbing my buddy, while saying "Chucky" in a sinister voice, are part of many fond memories. The first of many Rare titles, I would enjoy on the N64."

"My personal favorite FPS game. I like the classified folders with info pre-mission. I like the objective based levels. I like the ability to play each level at the difficulty level youre ready for at that time. I like every stage having its own time based target to unlock a neat or silly secret. Just a joy from start to finish whether Im in the mood to play it short and sloppy or really sink in and 100% it."

"legendary FPS and the grandfather of the greatest FPS of all time, Timesplitters 2"

"It's Goldeneye and four player fun.  Enough said!"



2. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (308 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/765368-the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-nintendo-64-screenshot.png[/img]

Released- 1998
Genre- Adventure
10 lists (#17, #15, #6, #5, #5, #5, #4, #1, #1, #1)

"A game I imagine will be tops on many lists, this is the first Zelda game I can remember watching my dad play through when I was a kid. I still hum Epona's Song constantly."

"its the best game ever made. Of all time. So of course its number 1 here"

"I.LOVE.THIS.GAME.  I cant even remember how many times I've beaten it, I just have so much fun with it every time.  From getting the spiritual stones to Gannondorf showing up and knocking you out, to the Z targeting, to the humor and the great final battle.  It is one of my favorite games of all time."

"A turning point for one of the all-time greatest video game series. Some of the sequels have improved and refined the experience over the years, but this entry still stands the test of time, no pun intended."

"Confession time, I don't like the last half of this game at all and have never beat it on my own (though I like it enough to pick up the 3DS remake and pick it up every now and then to play).  The first time I walked into Hyrule field it felt grand, like it was exactly what I wanted: an open world Zelda game.  The sense that I could roam the land as if I lived here was real, and although I have a real love/hate relationship with this title, it was but another brick in the wall to build my love of open world-style games."

"While not my favorite Zelda, this game is a masterpiece in its own way, and paved the way for Breath of the Wild. Riding Epona through the fields of Hyrule, gave me good-vibes, in my first playthrough. Link to the Past caused me to pull an all-nighter (5pm-5am) and so did OoT. Couldn't stop exploring the mysteries of Hyrule, to be bothered with sleep."

"The template for 3D adventure games for decades now. Still holds up great and has some wonderfully simplistic story telling, great dungeons, clever puzzles, amazing atmosphere and some of the most iconic music of all time."

"While not my favorite in the series, it's still a solid title in the first 3D entry."



1. Super Mario 64 (309 pts)

[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/246931-super-mario-64-nintendo-64-screenshot-going-to-the-castle.jpg[/img]

Released- 1996
Genre- Platformer
10 lists (#17, #11, #8, #6, #5, #4, #3, #2, #1, #1)

"The game that showed the rest of the world how 3D platforming was done. And its still one of the best examples in the genre! Camera issues aside this is still an incredible game thats a joy to play."

"This was they game that sold me on the console. Getting to explore the Toadstool Kingdom, in 3D, was a truly revolutionary experience. While not a favorite Mario game, it still deserves my respect and attention, for what it did at the time. Must say though. Getting to look at Yoshi (and not ride him) as reward for getting all the stars, was a big letdown."

"Man, what a great game.  Before release I grasped at every bit of info I could of this game waiting on release of the N64, so much that I didn't notice until a month later that there really wasn't anything else to play!  The movement just feels so natural, and the one big complaint against the game (the camera) still manages to feel better than most other 3D platformers.  Much like the contributions of the original Super Mario Bros back on the NES, Super Mario 64 is the defacto standard for what a 3D platformer should be."

"I've never been a big fan of 3D platformers, and for the longest time Super Mario 64 stood as the only one I really enjoyed. A revolutionary title for its time, and a game I still enjoy just as much now as I did in 1996."

"This is the game that really introduced me to 3D platforming.  I could take Mario in any direction I wanted.  So many different worlds with so much to do in them."

"Super Mario 64 packs in a great art style, incredibly nuanced movement physics, awesome music and an endless amount of lore in terms of development secrets (did you know those black dots in the smoke cloud when Mario gets burned were actually supposed to be transparent smoke clouds? There was a bug in the code that went unnoticed for 20 years that caused this issue! https://www.retrorgb.com/...fixed-after-24-years.html) into a 4mb cart. I'm very excited to see what Nintendo does with their Super Mario collection upcoming for the Switch, and I'm hoping they include rumble like the Shindou version in Japan did."

"Weird that the best game was a launch title... Defined how 3D games were controlled. Still a lot of fun to play."



So there you have it, more than 20 of the best N64 games made. Personally, it was amazing that the top spot came down to one point. It was also interesting that for a short while, with 3 votes in, Blast Corps had the top spot. Obviously it didn't last. Fascinating list to put together, and hope we get just as much participation for May's list: the Game Boy.

Thanks again to all who participated!

Permalink | Comments [7] | Digg This Article | Tweet