The N64 console is the third home console from Nintendo that arrived in 1996 and discontinued to the GameCube in 2002. This console holds many games that have impacted Nintendo’s franchises and introduced a strong library for us gamers to remember by even after over twenty years. Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon are the game series that have very strong titles fans will recall. They honestly would not have made a bigger impact if it weren’t for their games on the Nintendo 64.
We can praise these games all day, but there are some that are unfairly overlooked. Our love for the iconic N64 games are justified, but we are not afraid to admit that they can be overrated. The games that are overrated on this list are not bad, well, except for one. We just feel that we should tell you some underrated games that should be highly regarded as great games as well. Games that have sequels are also incredibly underrated compared to their predecessors and we think that they should get just as much love.
No matter how overrated the mentioned games are, they have brought awesome memories back in the day and will still be one of the greatest games Nintendo has made. For the underrated games, you might just be surprised at how much they can offer. If you still have your N64 console around, then be sure to take note!
Here are ten overrated Nintendo 64 games and ten that should get a second look.
20 Overrated: Superman 64
Out of all the overrated games, Superman 64 has been named one of the worst ever to be released on the Nintendo 64. Not only that, it is one of the worst games ever period. With many glitches, difficult controls, and repetitive gameplay, it left a bad mark on the most iconic superhero of all time.
It must be why there haven’t been any Superman games ever since this atrocity was released.
We can safely say that this game is overrated due to how much negative reception has been received from gamers and critics. It’s time to move on from the bad and focus on the good.
19 Underrated: Doom 64
Doom is a video game franchise that goes way back with how innovative it is for a first-person shooter. Developed by the same team that brought us the classic Mortal Kombat, Doom 64 at the time was a huge improvement over in graphics, sound, and controls. Yet, this game is overlooked, which is rather unfortunate.
Even though it didn’t look like it, Doom 64 felt like an actual reboot for the series and Midway did a fantastic job in creating this game. The game is straightforward and any gamer who is just getting started on the Doom franchise will love this game!
18 Overrated: Star Fox 64
Star Fox fans will quickly respond to say that the game for the Nintendo 64 is the best in the series. Due to its status as one of the best games ever on the system, it would later get a HD remake simply titled Star Fox 64 3D.
It is crazy how this is only the second installment of the series.
This is a fantastically crafted game, but we felt that over games in the Star Fox franchise don’t get as much love. Adventures has its unique gameplay (and we do mean that) while Command takes its characters very seriously with the number of endings you can get.
17 Underrated: Blast Corps
It won’t be a surprise if you see a lot of games come from the developer Rare. They are the king of game developing in the N64 era. We will start off with Blast Corps, which is an action video game where you go crazy and destroy buildings with different vehicles.
With a simple concept, this game has a lot of originality!
It’s no wonder why this game received critical acclaim at the time, and even though it sold a million copies, this game hasn’t been talked about as much. Just anything made by Rare in the N64 is bound to be amazing.
16 Overrated: Donkey Kong 64
Here we have another game made by Rare, this time it’s Donkey Kong 64. The game’s opening song just makes you want to jam and pretend that you are part of the D.K. Crew. While this game excels in what it has to offer, Donkey Kong 64 does suffer from camera controls and backtracking so many times. Plus, collecting items was a bit too much for this title. However, we can’t judge this game too harshly though since it is made by Rare after all. Even though there are better Donkey Kong titles, this one will still be a timeless classic.
15 Underrated: Quest 64
When it comes to RPGs on home consoles, Nintendo is lacking since the PlayStation dominated that genre with Final Fantasy VII. Thankfully, there is a diamond in the rough for the Nintendo 64 called Quest 64. Unlike other RPGs, Quest 64 takes on a different approach. Leveling up depends on where the player gets hit, such as increasing defense if the character takes a lot of damage. The story is simple, and those with the N64 can get into this game since the RPG mechanics are easygoing and straight to the point. It might not be the best RPG, but it is truly unique.
14 Overrated: Banjo-Kazooie
Oh hey, here is a another video game from Rare again. Banjo-Kazooie is the first in the series where a bear named Banjo and bird named Kazooie are trying to prevent the plans of a witch named Gruntilda who wants to switch her beauty with Banjo’s sister, Tooie. The plot is silly, but it’s simple and fun.
This game does deserve all of the praise, but does this game need to get all of the glory? Banjo-Kazooie can be seen as an average platformer if a gamer was to play it today. If anything, its successor is a little bit better. Speaking of its sequel…
13 Underrated: Banjo-Tooie
Banjo-Tooie not only improved a lot from its predecessor, Banjo-Kazooie, but it is so underrated compared to it. Taking place after the events of the first game, the sequel offers more when it comes to content, such as multiplayer mode.
Like with a lot of video games with sequels, the first one will always get more love.
Banjo-Tooie has a lot to offer. If you want to try out this game, along with Banjo-Kazooie, but don’t have a Nintendo 64, then this game is available on Xbox 360 due to Rare being bought by Microsoft. You will not be disappointed in this amazing series!
12 Overrated: Pokémon Stadium
Pokémon Stadium gave us fans all that we dreamed of: 3D Pokémon battles. The game excels in keeping us on the edge of our seats when we watch friends battle against each other with amazing animation and graphics at the time. Even the minigames were incredibly fun and memorable!
This title, along with other Pokémon spinoffs, are usually considered overrated due to nostalgia. Stadium is incredibly fun, but the sequel, while not underrated, delivers better. Just like the second generation handheld games, Stadium 2 is an improvement to the original and offers more content and fun for four players in the same room.
11 Underrated: Jet Force Gemini
You all are probably wondering: how many more Rare games can there be on this list? Well, there are just a few more, but as for the underrated games, Jet Force Gemini really stands out. It has an interesting combination of third-person shooting and shoot ‘em up. The gameplay and graphics were out of this world and it was before the millennium arrived.
The only downside to this game is the difficult controls and having to be a perfectionist with saving every Tribal, but other than that, Jet Force Gemini is one of the best games on the Nintendo 64 thanks to Rare.
10 Overrated: GoldenEye 007
Video games based on movies usually are not as good, but Rare changed that and we were blessed with GoldenEye 007. If it weren’t for this fantastic game, then first-person shooters would not have been marketable or successful.
This game is actually the third highest seller on the Nintendo 64.
Out of the games made by Rare, this is easily the most overrated. The features GoldenEye007 bring are superb, but we think that we can let this game rest easy. There is one game that should get as much attention as this game, and you will be seeing it next.
9 Underrated: Perfect Dark
In some ways, Perfect Dark can be seen as a spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007. It is a first-person shooter and is essentially an upgraded version of the James Bond video game. For the umpteenth time, Rare has done it again with bringing us some amazing video games like this one. The Dolby surround sound, high-resolution graphics at the time, and improved gameplay.
It's crazy how this is criminally underrated despite its critical positive reception from those who have played Perfect Dark. This game has sold very well, but GoldenEye 007 is the one game people will bring up when talking about first-person shooters on the Nintendo 64. We, however, think that Perfect Dark is the definition of the best first-person shooter in this console.
8 Overrated: Super Smash Bros.
Even though we consider Super Smash Bros. to be an overrated game on the N64, we have to thank Masahiro Sakurai for bringing us an incredible franchise that perfectly defines a crossover game done right. This game, while still fun, is certainly outdated with its graphics and somewhat clunky controls.
Thankfully in future installments, the controls got better.
Looking back at this game, it is relatively short and can be beaten in less than a day. Unlocking only four hidden fighters are easier compared to its sequel Melee. While it is inferior to the future games, Super Smash Bros. will always have a place in our hearts.
7 Underrated: Space Station Silicon Valley
We honestly feel bad for Space Station Silicon Valley. This game is fantastic, but it did not perform well commercially, which is why it never got the sequel it clearly deserves. The mechanics in this game are near flawless and comedic writing is spot-on.
Is it weird to say that this game might have inspired Super Mario Odyssey?
It is not a proven fact, but the gameplay does involve the player being able to enter the bodies of animals to help solve puzzles and defeat bosses. Space Station Silicon Valley should have gotten more love and a sequel would have been just as good.
6 Overrated: Super Mario 64
Even though we have to admit it is rather overrated, Super Mario 64 is still a legendary game. The music, the gameplay, and the graphics were fantastic in 1996. It is easily the 3D game that is an inspiration to future 3D games! It’s no wonder why this game is the best selling on the Nintendo 64.
However, we wouldn’t be lying saying that this game has been talked about too many times. Regardless, this game is very important to not only the Mario series but also Nintendo as well, since it would pave the way to future 3D Mario games that are just as excellent.
5 Underrated: Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon
Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon is a bizarre but fun experience. With a Japanese setting, this game has surreal and humor that we here in the west probably won’t get, but that’s what makes this Nintendo 64 title a unique one. Konami back then knew how to make platformers and this game is no exception.
It is just a shame how this game only sold not as much as we’d like, having only about 55,000 units sold in America. This game is a hidden gem and you will have a blast playing this if you are a big fan of Japanese culture!
4 Overrated: Mario Kart 64
Despite being the second game in the series, Mario Kart 64 was a huge improvement in graphics, playability, and race courses. This timeless party game is without a doubt one of the strongest titles in the Nintendo 64, but if you compare it to other Mario Kart games, this one has less content than some of the next generation games.
There are other great racing games on the N64 too.
We'll give Diddy Kong Racing an honorable mention for being underrated since it has a lot of improvements from Mario Kart 64 and it just as fun. Mario might be a more marketable name, but Diddy Kong offers great gameplay too.
3 Underrated: Conker’s Bad Fur Day
It is crazy how Rare can have games that are critically acclaimed, yet some of them do not sell as well. Take Conker's Bad Fur Day for instance. The first game actually came from the Game Boy and it took a more adult approach.
Could it be because of its rating that made this game underrated?
Despite its M-rating, the game has witty humor and fun gameplay. It might look kid-friendly at first, but once you delve deeper into the game, you will notice how dark the game can get. Once again, Rare is the true king of game developing in the N64 era.
2 Overrated: The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
A lot of fans will be salty about Ocarina of Time being considered overrated, but it is still not a terrible game. It has done everything right from the gameplay, the story, and the characters. Link’s adventure as the hero of time is memorable and fascinating. But should Ocarina of Time get all of the credit? This Zelda game will always be one of the greatest titles in the series, but we just think that one title is a bit better. After all, what other Zelda game managed to capture the spirit of Ocarina of Time, yet take more risks?
1 Underrated: The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Now you all must be scratching your heads at this entry. How is Majora’s Mask underrated? The answer to that is this game has not been talked about as much as its predecessor Ocarina of Time. Majora’s Mask is just as on par due to interesting game mechanics such as the three-day time limit and using the collectible masks to help Link with puzzles.
This game is also rather mature despite its E-rating.
Majora’s Mask has one of the best storytelling in any Zelda game and features callbacks to its characters in the previous game. Perhaps this is the superior Zelda N64 game, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.