Nintendo really struck gold when they released the N64 in September 1996. In fact, it often makes the list of thebest video game consoles of all time. Fans of Nintendo are familiar with popular games on the system such as:Super Mario 64, Donkey Kong, Smash Bros., The Legend of Zelda,andStar Fox
However, there are many underrated N64 exclusives that deserve a new life. Take a break from the Nintendo Switch, and pick up any of these underrated N65 games instead. Some of these titles are family-friendly, while others are hidden gems for a more mature demographic.
8Body Harvest
GameFAQs Rating: 3.52 stars
Nintendo had plans to releaseBody Harvestas a launch title, but due to its violent themes, they decided to drop out as publisher. Thankfully, the development team found a new publisher because this game is a total blast! Anyone who wants a break from thealien gamescan pick up this retro classic instead.
Body Harvestis a third-person shooter released exclusively on the N64 in 1998. In the game, players are on a mission to stop a ruthless group of aliens from abducting civilians and terrorizing various towns. The aliens warp in at random from the land, air, or sea, so it’s important to stay alert when playing.Body Harvestreceived average reviews on Metacritic, but it’s still an N64 exclusive that’s worth playing.
7Shadowgate 64: Trials of the Four Towers
GameFAQs Rating: 3.58 stars
While there are many funfirst-person shooters on the N64,Shadowgateis often left out of the conversation. It’s likely because there are no enemies to fight, but rather, a choose-your-own-adventure style of gameplay. Players need to buckle in for a slower pace.
However, anyone with patience will findShadowgate 64enjoyable. The game takes advantage of 3D graphics with over 24 hours of challenging puzzles and riddles to solve. Fantasy lovers will also appreciate the whimsical character designs, including dwarfish guards. Along the way, pick up magical objects like a fairy tale-inspired slipper, a beautiful pendant, and the mysterious Ring of the Dead.Shadowgate 64faced criticism due to its wonky instant deaths, but fans still appreciate the moody atmosphere of the game.
6Duke Nukem: Zero Hour
GameFAQs Rating: 3.63 stars
Duke Nukem is one of themost fun video game characters ever created. However, fans often forget about this underrated Nintendo 64 exclusive.Zero Hourfeatures the remarks and campiness one expects from aDuke Nukemgame.
For instance, in one of the early levels, players will encounter a Golden Guy 069 poster spoofing the iconic James BondGoldenEyeposter. Play as Duke while taking out aliens menacing the streets of New York, and don’t forget to enjoy all the fun Easter eggs along the way. Gamers already love the otherDuke Nukemgames, but this one’s worth adding to their collection.
5Bomberman 64
GameFAQs Rating: 3.67 stars
Move aside,Super Mario 64.Bomberman64is the game to play when it comes to insanely impressive 3D graphics on the Nintendo 64. In this fast-paced platformer, players can opt for single-player or co-op. Weirdly enough, Bomberman is not able to jump to reach each new section of a level.
Rather, players need to master his famous bomb pump as well as the ability to bounce across bombs, also known as “bomb jumping.” Fans ofSuper Meat BoyandShovel Knightwill love playing this underrated game, which was only released on the N64.
The Nintendo 64 has seen its fair share of2D platformers, butMischief Makersis one of the best. Players get to immerse themselves in five worlds filled with challenging puzzles and exciting side-scrolling action.
The protagonist in the game is Marina, a robotic maid who’s on a mission to save her creator. It’s easy to get immersed in the world of the game, which is set on a futuristic planet called Clancer. Each level is filled with fun obstacles for Marina to overcome. She must dodge enemies, break blocks, and ride on various objects along wire mazes to make it to the warp star at the end of each level.Mischief Makersis well-regarded for its creativity and unique boss battles.
3Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
GameFAQs Rating: 3.95 stars
Gamers are likely familiar with thebest Kirby games on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. However, they shouldn’t overlookThe Crystal Shards,an extremely fun Nintendo 64 exclusive. In this side scroller, Kirby must recover 74 unique crystals over the course of six levels.
To make it through the levels and defeat each boss, Kirby can eat various objects that give him unique power-ups and abilities. For instance, if he eats a lightning bolt, he can shoot sparks from his body. Sucking up a snowman turns him into a snowman. There is also a fire sword and a nifty boomerang mouth. The surprise of each power-up acquired along the way coupled with the whimsical level designs and adorable side characters make this game a must-play for any Nintendo fan.
GameFAQs Rating: 4.18 stars
Some games arenon-stop fast-paced action. This is especially true when it comes to platform games.Conker’s Bad Fur Dayis refreshing since it gives players a chance to explore the open, 3D world of each level.
Once Conker earns enough cash, he can move from the hub world into each level. Each task that Conker must complete is a bit different, depending on which level players choose. There are boss battles, puzzles to solve, missions to gather objects, and even racing levels. The game was later remastered asConker: Live & Reloaded,but it was significantly less censored than the relatively more family-friendly N64 exclusive.
Harvest Moon 64may be one of the more well-known Nintendo 64 exclusives, but it’s still vastly underrated.Farm simulation gamesare more popular than ever, but this game was one of the first to use this style of gameplay.
The objective inHarvest Moon 64is simple. Players must work to restore an abandoned farm inherited from their fictional grandfather. The side quests are all centered on farm living, such as training horses, selling crops, and collecting recipes entirely composed of organic ingredients. Fans ofAnimal Crossing:New Horizonswill love this fun Nintendo game. It has favorable reviews across the board for a good reason.
