The 90s saw the rise of3D gameslike never before. It was an age when the gaming industry was recovering from the great gaming depression of the 80s. Back in the 90s, video game rentals were a mainstay. It was a fundamentally flawed concept since video games would often be returned in a broken condition. It started with big names like Blockbuster and transitioned into Redbox kiosk rentals. Ultimately, renting video games was phased out.
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While video games have adapted to meet gamers' needs in recent times, the industry is still widely influenced by the 90s. Online games were rare, and people enjoyed local multiplayer. This is one nuance of the 90s that is earnestly missed. In the spirit of recently announced and developed remakes and sequels, here are the best 90sNintendo 64games of all time.
10Diddy Kong Racing
Back whenMario Kart 64was the go-to racing game for the Nintendo 64, developer Rare releasedDiddy Kong Racing.The game proved relevance by adding competitive, unforgiving races. The game hardly did you any favors. It also contained single-player and co-op (with cheat codes) adventure modes.
This game is credited for introducing characters like Wizpig, Conker, Banjo, Taj the Genie, and Timber. The plot involves Wizpig’s quest to takeover Timber’s Island. As a result of the game’s wide acclaim and success,Diddy Kong Racingwas remade for theNintendo DSin 2007.
9Pokémon Snap
The game’s simple premise resounded with millennials everywhere. The concept of taking pictures of Pokémon for them to be submitted to Professor Oak was highly addicting. The game is packed with hidden secrets, collectibles, and unique Pokémon!
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Pokémon Snap’s sequel,New Pokémon Snap,will release for the Nintendo Switch at a to be announced date. This game has stood the test of time, and it deserves to be placed among the greatestNintendo 64 games of all time.
8Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Rayman 2: The Great Escapeset anew standard for 3D gaming.Its lush, vibrant world was awe-inspiring, and the scale was something to marvel at. Set in the Glade of Dreams, Rayman must defeat Robo-Pirates commanded by Admiral Razorbeard to progress through the game. In addition to releasing for the Nintendo 64 in 1999,Rayman 2: The Great Escapecame out for platforms like the PlayStation 2, PC, and Dreamcast.
7Resident Evil 2
Before theResident Evil 2remake bewildered players with its visual design and gameplay achievements, the originalResident Evil 2was a leading game on the Nintendo 64. The remake took the original story and enhanced the gameplay in nearly every way. TheResident Evil 2remake is a crowning achievement, but it wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the original’s leaps and bounds.
6Mario Kart 64
After theMario Kartseries made the jump to full 3D, it made it seem like theseries had reached its peak.Themultiplayer mode was highly addicting,bringing players together in a way like never before.
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This home console sensation featured arobust set of Nintendo charactersand race tracks. The series went on to make numerous sequels because ofMario Kart 64’s commercial success. Even today, maps from the Nintendo 64 classic appear in more recentMario Kartgames.
5Donkey Kong 64
Although the game was praised for its graphics and the scale of its world,Donkey Kong 64suffers because of backtracking. Players have to switch between characters to get character-specific items, which leads to significant backtracking. Putting the game’s overarching flaws aside, it is content-rich and filled with small nuances like aDonkey Kongarcade machine. The game’s sprawling worlds will leave you wanting more.
4Banjo-Kazooie
WhileBanjo-Kazooie’s sequel,Banjo-Tooie, contained more exploration and sprawling worlds, the unsettling feeling like the worlds are too massive holds it back. PerhapsBanjo-Tooiewas overly ambitious. Nevertheless,Banjo-Kazooieis a phenomenal'90s platformer that helped define the generation.The quaint story is amusing, and the characters are jovial.Banjo-Kazooieis one of the greatest ’90s games of all time.
3GoldenEye 007
Although many considerPerfect Darkto be the better game,GoldenEye 007released in the ’90s, andPerfect Darkdid not. Despite the prevalence of polarizing opinions about which game is better,GoldenEye 007stands out for its story and multiplayer.
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The game offers several difficulty levels, each presenting a unique challenge. Dual-wielding was a significant part of the game. One could exploit a glitch to dual-wield different guns, which may or may not have been an oversight of the development team. The game’s glitches made it flawed in the best way possible.
2Super Mario 64
It wouldn’t be a stretch to callSuper Mario 64the most excellent game on the Nintendo 64 platform. The game’s range of motions made almost any movement possible. You could triple jump then hop against a wall for tremendous air time. After collecting all 150 stars, you would find new ways to do it again. The level design is pure gaming perfection.Super Mario 64is the quintessential example of a ’90s game.
1The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
Back when video game rentals were a fundamental part of the gaming industry, people would head to the nearest Blockbuster or other rental stores to get a game likeThe Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time.One would have to delete the existing game saves manually, but it was worth it to play it.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timeincorporated open-world elements long beforeBreath of the Wild.Its action-adventure blend in 3D was something to marvel at. This masterpiece appealed to all demographics, and it’s a must-play!
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