My Top Picks for N64 Classic Edition

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, by now many of you know me better as a big Sega fanboy. There was a time during my late child hood to early teen years. I did get really into a Nintendo console that I still have plenty of great memories playing today. I didn't have many games on NES or SNES growing up. I ended up being more into Sega Genesis.

Around late 90s, Sony joined the console wars. Some people stick to one or two sides in the first major three way console wars face off. I was one of those people that had both PlayStation & Nintendo 64. I really enjoy both consoles that to me it will always be the hardest console wars debate. I did an entire blog covering the best & worst of both consoles.

Although I do prefer PlayStation a little bit more in the long run. Many people still enjoy Nintendo 64 with a massive passion. Some even say it was Nintendo's best console. Majority of course says SNES for many reasons. To me I do prefer N64 over SNES for my own reasons. It took on a surprise strong competitor that finally knock it out of first place for a chance. This happened again with PlayStation 2.

Nintendo 64 was the last great cartridge base console. A console perfect for playing with friends & family due to having four controller ports. One way Nintendo 64 stood out from PlayStation was the actual console came in different colors. Widely known for pushing 64-bit being double the power PlayStation had.

Obviously many games are shared between both consoles. I am not played enough of these titles on both of them. I can only judge a handful of them with some surprising differences. Nintendo 64 was truly an amazing console for it's time. Some of the absolute best first party games of the 90s are present.

Let's be honest a lot of people are already throwing out what they believe could be in N64 Classic Edition. I figured I should present a few lists to basically cover all the ground as much as possible. I will start with my big main list for what I expect could be in it. The following lists are what might be included or simply due to many factors can't. Yes I'm talking about you Rare.

Caution this will be a very long blog. Please take your time, eat, drink, sleep and do what you must do. I really don't want to be the reason you end up in the hospital or worse. I honestly do care for all of your safety.

All of these N64 classics I played growing up that should be included...
1. Super Mario 64

For most people that played an N64. The one game that everybody remembers above all else. Super Mario 64 was truly mind blowing for it's time. Most newer platformers do owe itself to the unique camera system & controls. This game was simple yet had some challenging parts & well placed secrets.

2. Mario Kart 64

I think everyone agrees Mario Kart 64 is the best racing game on Nintendo 64. This game is perfect for a party filled with people. You can do races or attempt to beat your best times or multiplayer. A good variety for a racing game in it's multiplayer to help you keep coming back for more. A truly amazing game that you really can't get out of your head.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The first 3D Zelda game that to still day some consider as the greatest video game ever made. Some critics actually gave this perfect scores. This is hands down one of the most epic video game transformations you have to see for yourselves. Everything you expect from Zelda done perfectly in 3D.

4. Donkey Kong 64

A mixed choice sure but Donkey Kong 64 could help bring more people into buying these. One of the longest games to fully achieve everything on the console. Donkey Kong 64 is a successor to the infamous SNES Donkey Kong Country trilogy. A truly ambitious platformer that will keep to surprise you.

5. Star Fox 64

Let's be honest if can't call itself an N64 Classic Edition without Star Fox 64. In SNES Classic Editon, both Star Fox 1 and 2 are present. Two truly unique flying shooter games worthy of their respective console. Many fans consider Star Fox 64 as the greatest Star Fox game ever made. Honestly one of my favorite games on the console.

6. Mario Tennis

Mario Tennis would help get some variety in the line up of games. You play as some of your favorite Nintendo characters playing tennis. You will be surprise the amount of content this game has. The debut appearance of Waluigi, Wario's brother. Mario Tennis is easy to pick up & play. Every classic Nintendo Edition needs a game like that. I should mention I do like some of the hidden courts.

7. Mario Party series

Hell yeah you knew Mario Party trilogy had to be on this list. Although I briefly play a little of Mario Party 1. I did own both Mario Party 2 and 3. Most fans consider the best console for Mario Party series. All three of these games will keep you, your family & friends busy for hours. They're so good that I would do a rant video if they aren't present in the final product. You have my word on that.

8. Super Smash Brothers

Super Smash Brothers is a lot of people's favorite N64 game. You play as many famous Nintendo icons fighting each other. This particular game not only blew people's minds. It created it's own fighting game sub genre. Many big name game companies attempted to cash in on it's success. Super Smash Brothers is easy to pick up & play. So much to do within a fighting game you really don't want to put it down.

9. Mortal Kombat Trilogy

Another mixed choice sure but considering AtGames got permission to do Mortal Kombat 1-3. Why shouldn't Nintendo strike back with some of their N64 Mortal Kombat games. Mortal Kombat Trilogy is missing some content but some exclusive stuff does make it worth checking out. Maybe not the best port but still far better than Game.Com version.

10. Bomberman 64

Bomberman 64 is another pick up & play games. A great updated experience on the classic Bomberman formula. This does have a fun story mode to keep you busy. Especially the multiplayer that's guarantee to entertain a lot of people. I would go as far to say you must get this game in your collection.

11. Most Pokemon games

Although I'm no longer a Pokemon fan. Nintendo 64 had some of the finest games of the franchise. To be clear only Hey You Pikachu! isn't considered for this list. Most of these can entertain everybody for hours. In both Pokemon Stadium games, if you own the right game boy Pokemon games. You can transfer your pokemons into Pokemon Stadium series. I should mention the puzzle game gets a lot of praise from fans too.

Other N64 Classics I haven't played that should be on N64 Classic Edition
1. Yoshi's Story

A follow up to Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island. A lot of traits from that SNES classic are present here. Just like Star Fox series, it too was also included in SNES Classic Edition. Yoshi's Story is a fun, simple platformer that anyone can play. One of the most colorful games on the console. Honestly I would like to play it through N64 Classic Edition if it does make appear on the final product.

2. Paper Mario

A spiritual successor to Super Mario RPG. Another SNES clasic on SNES Classic Edition. It is true there isn't many RPG games for many reasons. Paper Mario is often considered the best N64 RPG game. This game did turn a lot of people's heads in a great way. A truly unique experience that many people would enjoy.

3. F-Zero X

The original F-Zero is present on SNES Classic Edition. Some fans consider F-Zero X as the greatest game in the series. Clearly one of the absolute fastest games on the console. In every sense of the word, it truly was pushing the capabilities of Nintendo 64. A game that simply can't be recreate today no matter how hard you try.

4. Kirby 64

Kirby 64 has many traits of previous Kirby games. Two of the SNES Kirby games are also present on SNES Classic Edition. Clearly more people are getting into Kirby series. This is the perfect opportunity to guarantee that Nintendo. I hear a lot of great things about this N64 version. A game that can keep you busy for hours.

5. Resident Evil 2

One of the best N64 game ports, Resident Evil 2 was a testament to what the console can do. Yes some things from most versions of RE2 are missing. This version does have some exclusive features not present in later versions. This game is truly amazing it plays so well for pushing the limits. One of the more expansive N64 game since more collectors are interested in it. Any game with a lot of collectors searching for can be up there in price. Which is exactly why including it here for a little less ends up being a bigger bang for your buck.

6. Rayman 2

One of the greatest early 3D platformers of all time. Rayman 2 is on most platforms including Sega Dreamcast. This game still gets a lot praise for everything it does. Rayman 2 also stands one of the best video game sequels ever made. This game is a must have for any console or PC. Rayman 2 is another pick up & play games.

7. Doom 64

Despite it's title, Doom 64 is a new entry by Midway Games. Doom 64 attempted to make big changes to the classic shoot em up formula. In fact, Doom 3 & the new Doom game does owe itself to those changes. Doom 64 can also be played in a few mods for the classic Doom games. Another great option if you can't find a physical copy of this amazing game.

8. Duke Nukem 64

It's no secret Duke Nukem 3D is one of the greatest FPS ever made. It has been on so many platforms that it's getting harder to keep track. Even more recent adding a fifth episode, you know the true spirit of this game will never die. Duke Nukem 64 made some changes due to Nintendo not liking some of it. Yet this port does nail the multiplayer very well. You get some new weapons in place of old ones that do change up the experience. Mostly one big game broken up in levels instead of three to four episode campaigns. Duke Nukem 64 still feels like a great Duke Nukem game that more people need to play.

9. Duke Nukem: Zero Hour

N64 counterpart to PS's Duke Nukem: Time to Kill. Both games has Duke Nukem going through time to save the babes, fix history and blow up alien bastards. One of the best third person shooters on the console. Duke Nukem: Zero Hour is considered one of the best spin off games on the console. This with a few other Duke Nukem games were made early on to help those waiting for Duke Nukem Forever.

10. Mortal Kombat 4

Some consider this as the greatest N64 fighting game. Some consider this as the best port of MK4. Some even consider it the best Mortal Kombat game on the console. This game plays just like the arcade game especially in it's presentation. Mortal Kombat 4 has some nice bonus stuff to play around with.

11. Dr. Mario 64

Most people consider Dr. Mario 64 as the beest N64 puzzle game. Game vs Game did a great episode about all Dr. Mario games. According to him, this is the best among them. It continues the classic format with some nice changes spicing up the game play. A true N64 classic you don't want to mess.

12. Gauntlet Legends

Speaking of Game vs Game, he already did most ports of Gauntlet Legends. He considered the N64 port the best among them. One of the few times many people prefer N64 version over PS version. Gauntlet Legends did the original arcade game justice. It doesn't move too far away sticking to the core game play.

13. Bomberman 64: The Second Attack!

A follow up to Bomberman 64 that's just as good as the original. Packed with content to keep you & your friends busy for hours. Just like the original, it is easy to pick up & game. There is a story mode that never gets too repetitive or boring. Some consider this better than original. I wish I could play this game right now.

14. Pilotwings 64

An ambitious game for a early N64 game. It expanses on many things on the original Pilotwings on SNES. By having it could get more people interested into buying an N64 Classic Edition. There is a lot of variety of modes to play for hours. I could see a room filled with people enjoying this N64 classic.

15. Sin and Punishment

Yes this was originally exclusive to Japan. If I recall, Nintendo did have this game on one of their online services. Sin and Punishment is an unique rail shooter that's really addicting. This game is easily one of the best shooter games on the console. In every possible category this game nails very well.

16. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

I'm mostly putting this on the list for some Zelda fans that could complain to me. Simply not having it while others would hate to see it in N64 Classic Edition. Either way it's a double edge sword leading to a pointless frustration from fans. Look this game was unique in terms of going constantly back in time. Even now in many things this game does isn't present as much in newer games.

17. Mace: The Dark Age

This is one of my personal choices since I did own this game. I know this list is meant for those I haven't played. It is also for games that have a slight chance of making the final cut. This is exactly where Mace: The Dark Age fits in. This is N64's counterpart to PS's Soul Edge aka Soul Blade. Despite it's flaws, I had a lot of fun playing this game.

The final list I would be very surprised they make it on the final product...
1. GoldenEye 007

Obviously Nintendo & Mircosoft are constantly fighting over this game. In fact a part of this led to a remake with Daniel Craig replacing Pierce Brosnan. Like most licensed games, another company owns the actual copy rights to this. Unless all three companies in question could together making it possible. I highly doubt one of the absolute best FPS won't appear on the final product.

2. The World Is Not Enough

There exists two versions for Nintendo 64 & PlayStation. By now most people knows PlayStation is just as bad as Tomorrow Never Dies on the same console. But the N64 version is one of the best shooters on the console. Also one of the best James Bond games by Electronic Arts. The World Is Not Enough is a worthy successor to GoldenEye 007.

3. WWF Wrestlemania 2000

Possibly one of the greatest wrestling games I have ever played. WWF Wrestlemania 2000 is a must own. A great roster of wrestlers with a good variety of matches. One of the best usage of creating your own wrestlers. This game is amazing for it's time with most wrestling games not coming close. I will say this is a game that truly makes your wrestling dreams true.

4. WWF No Mercy

Most agrees WWF No Mercy is hands down the champion of wrestling games. The best of possibly everything within a wrestling game imaginable. I kid you not this game is legendary among licensed games on N64. I really can't say enough to justify how damn good it is. I highly recommend getting this in your collection.

5. WCW/NWO Revenge

The best WCW game on the console since most WCW games aren't great. This is one of the few WCW games worth having. WCW/NWO Revenge is the last of a short series of WCW games. The same team behind both WWF Wrestlemania 2000 & it's follow up WWF No Mercy. This game is truly one of the finest multiplayer games you can play on N64.

6. Monopoly

One of the best games based on the classic board game Monopoly. This version does amazing stuff to pull you in for many hours worth of game play. You can play against several computer AIs or friends. This version of Monopoly also has nails what made the original board game so great. This is one of the finest among multiplayer licensed N64 games.

7. Turok: Dinosaur Hunter

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter broke new ground when it came out. You can move within a large world taking on people & dinosaurs. One of the best gory early N64 games you can own. Turok: Dinosaur Hunter is  a fun experience no matter how you play it. Honestly to actually describe playing it is very difficult. It depends on your personal views where you rank the game.

8. Turok 2: Seeds of Evil

One of my favorite N64 sequels of all time. Turok 2: Seeds of Evil is hands down truly amazing. This game does put the expansion pak to great use. One of the goriest games on the console that's worth replaying. Even it's multiplayer can suck up many hours. Everything about this game will keep bringing you back for more.

9. Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion

Honestly I haven't got to play Turok 3 but I knew about it for years. Turok 3 has two playable characters related the last game's main hero Joseph. Continuing the legacy of Turok to keeping our world safe from all kind of threats. Some consider this somewhat mix but mostly positive. I can't say more unless I play more of it.

10. Banjo-Kazooie

Banjo-Kazooie is hands down one of the finest 3D platformers on the console. I would dare to say it is better than Super Mario 64. There I said it and proud of it. This game has large worlds with great abilities and interesting characters. It can take several hours of getting an 100% completion. You can cheat but you can't save your game.

11. Banjo-Tooie

Possibly one of the greatest N64 sequels ever made. Banjo-Tooie has massive worlds filled with content. Believe it or not, this game has one of the best multiplayer experiences on the console. Banjo-Tooie does everything Banjo-Kazooie does but adds much more. This is a true video game sequel or how a video game sequel should be made. Either way I highly recommend this game.

12. Perfect Dark

A spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007. The original team felt they spent too much time in the Bond universe. They ended up making a similar game that's in a distant future. Some features like all bonds does come back in it's multiplayer. Both single player, coop & multiplayer experience is easily one of the finest. This game packs some amazing content that more people really needs to play.

13. Diddy Kong Racing

Although at the time Nintendo allowed Rare to use Diddy Kong in his own racing. This game also has Conker & Banjo who belong to Rare & Microsoft. Which means unless all parties comes to an agreement. There is no way Diddy Kong Racing will make it to the final product. Even now there still isn't many racing games like it. You can race in carts, hovercrafts or planes depending on things.

14. Blast Corps

Another ambitious Rare N64 classic that more people need to play. Blast Corps is destroying building in the path of a truck. You get all kind of vehicles with some surprises within levels. One of the hardest Rare games to fully master. They sure knock it out of the place with this game. Blast Corps is perfect for anyone into destroying buildings.

15. Jet Force Gemini

Jet Force Gemini is an unique third person shooter. You can play as three different characters. You have to beat it first before you can truly see what makes this game so amazing. Yes a lot of people hated it's original controls that led to an option in Rare Replay to help with that. This game does a great job pulling you in for more.

Both Turok 1 and 2 are now available on Steam & GOG. Further increasing your chances of playing two of the greatest FPS ever made. The first two Banjo-Kazooie games, Perfect Dark, Blast Corps and Jet Force Gemini are also on Rare Replay for Xbox One. At least a select few N64 games can be played off the console. A good number of these still haven't been ported off. Truly mind blowing for the last great cartridge base console indeed.

I hope you guys like I put as many eggs into one small basket. Considering Nintendo 64 had trouble using it's full potential even with an expansion pak. It is impressive that a large fan base lives on thanks to this console. In fact I'm positive SNES Classic Edition will lose in comparison to it & should be easier to get. Please support Ultra 64 when the time comes and buy one of these.