Ready to go retro? Nintendo recently released an Expansion Pack to their Nintendo Switch Online, which includes access to a smattering of the company’s games originally released on Nintendo 64. To mark the occasion, we’re taking a look back at the three best games on N64.
Super Mario 64
We couldn’t not include Super Mario 64 on this list. If you play video games, chances are you already know all about this landmark release’s legacy. It literally changed the game. This was not Super Mario Bros., now in 3D. Part of the difference comes down to capabilities: 3D games take up a lot more resources than 2D ones, and the technology was just not there at the time to give you 72 unique obstacle courses to run through. (Nintendo would take this approach with Super Mario 3D Land and the sensational 3D World decades later.) Instead, with Mario 64, the developer gave players 15 rich levels containing multiple objectives, setting the new standard for a 3D platformer in the process.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
Which is better? The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, or its direct sequel Majora’s Mask? The eternal debate among Zelda fans continues. Both titles were released on the N64, and to be sure, Majora’s Mask would not exist if Ocarina had not come first. Due to time constraints (the game was developed in less than two years), the sequel reused its predecessor’s engine and many of its assets, while expanding upon Ocarina’s formula – a formula that was basically A Link to the Past, but in 3D. Conversely, Majora’s Mask throws in a bonkers time-looping three-day system and a morose, non-traditional script that redefined what a Zelda game could be. And that’s why it appears on this list. Unfortunately, Majora’s Mask isn’t currently available on Nintendo Switch Online, but you can play a superb remastered and enhanced version of the game on 3DS.
Diddy Kong Racing
Move over, Mario Kart. Since the release of Donkey Kong Country on Super Nintendo, developer Rare had been on a roll, and Rare was firing on all cylinders during this time. GoldenEye 007. Banjo-Kazooie. Perfect Dark. Conker's Bad Fur Day. Donkey Kong 64. Okay, maybe not that last one. But still, without Rare, the N64 library would be severely lacking compared to PlayStation’s stellar lineup.
Perhaps no title is more overlooked and remains so evergreen as Diddy Kong Racing. This is more than your standard kart racing game. You can drive a car or hovercraft or even pilot an airplane, which allowed the developer to create more varied and novel courses. The game also has a plot. Yes, a story in a kart racer. This plays into the game’s adventure mode, including an explorable hub and boss races. With no shortage of kart racing knockoffs, it’s a wonder why most developers just make Mario Kart clones when there are still lessons to be learned from Diddy Kong Racing.
Once more, this is not a game you’ll find on Nintendo Switch Online. Bummer. And while it may be easier to find an “enhanced” port of the game on DS, you’d be much better off finding a way to get your hands on the original. Let’s hope it eventually finds the proper re-release it deserves. Game preservation, y’all.
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