It's tough to imagine Nintendo's first 3D console as a home to many hidden gems given its relatively small library. However, gamers may be surprised by how many obscure, underrated, and rarely-discussed gems the N64 actually has when digging deep enough.

Many have fallen under the looming shadow of heavy hitters like Smash BrosGoldeneye, and Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Some may have lacked advertising or an appeal to draw in Nintendo fans, while others simply might not have been widely available. Whatever the reasons, there's no shortage of fun and charming hidden gems of all kinds on the console. Let's dive right in and revisit the unique library of the N64, as we examine the 10 best hidden gems on Nintendo's late-90s machine.

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10 Tetrisphere

During the N64 age, just about everything was 3D—even the classic 2D puzzler, Tetris. But, while a 3D playing field seems like an odd fit for this classic—especially a spherical one—Tetrisphere is actually enjoyable.

This H20 Entertainment-developed puzzle game adds an interesting new dimension to the flat, restricted gameplay of Tetris. In fact, the gameplay really only resembles Tetris in appearance. Rather, this game has you match blocks and string together combos as you chip away at multiple layers on a rotating globe-like surface. Its got a slower, methodical pace, but it makes for a satisfying experience once you reach the enticing glowing core of the sphere.

9 San Francisco Rush 2049

Assuming you're not one of the few Dreamcast owners out there, San Francisco Rush 2049 makes for a great pickup for fans of action-packed racers on N64. This stands as an underrated racer that tended to be overshadowed by the likes of F-ZeroMario Kart 64, and Wave Racer.

Rush lives up to its name with its adrenaline-fueled, high-speed gameplay that's a thrill to play and proves visually impressive for an N64 title. Not only is the racing aspect solid, but the game also leans on fun arcade-style multiplayer features. This includes a stunt mode and battle showdown that equips you with opponent-blasting weapons.

8 Blast Corps

Some times it's just fun to let loose and cause some destruction in your games. Rare's Blast Corps runs full-throttle with this appealing concept, making it the core objective for the game. Unlike many titles on the N64, Blast Corps has managed to age pretty well with its simple top-down perspective and action-laced gameplay.

This destructive romp balances mindless carnage with puzzle elements, as you'll have to mind what you destroy and where you navigate. Much of the enjoyment comes from the diversity of crazy and fun vehicles you can pilot; from bulldozers to jetpacks.

RELATED: 5 Games By Rare That Are Totally Overrated (And 5 That Are Underrated)

7 Gauntlet Legends

Gauntlet Legends N64 4 Players

While there are a number of fun multiplayer experiences on the N64, great co-op games are a little tougher to find, especially more nuanced ones. Enter Gauntlet Legends for N64; the first console port of the Atari arcade classic by the same name.

You and a friend can pick from 4 classes, each with their own dynamic and abilities, as you fight hordes of colorful baddies in your path. The goal is to venture across four distinct realms and collect Runestones as you make your way to the Underworld. The combat is fun and accessible, the environments are rich, and the soundtrack draws you in with its melodic tunes.

6 Goemon's Great Adventure

Goemon's Great Adventure gameplay of Ninja hopping across bridge

Although the Mystical Ninja series had been a pretty big property in Japan, Western audiences knew little about this quirky Konami-made action adventure—which is still the case today. A previous Mystical Ninja game had released on the N64 with some 3D gameplay that was a bit dicey and clunky at times. Yet, this sequel sticks with a more simple and charming 2D action-platforming formula. The result is one of the more underrated multiplayer games on the console, and a refreshing return to semi-2D in an age where 3D bombast was everywhere.

In typical weird Mystical Ninja fashion, you also get one of the goofiest game over screens in gaming here.

5 Pilot Wings 64

Pilot Wings 64 Birdman soaring through the air

Pilot Wings 64 had the misfortune of being released around the same time as other vehicular-focused titles such as Star Fox 64Wave Race 64, and Mario Kart 64. Yet, this game still soars high as one of the most enjoyable flying games on the console. While it doesn't emphasize action, it relies on a sort of relaxing vibe which is balanced with thrilling gameplay.

On the one hand, the core experience is simple: navigate an island and fly through rings, caverns, and other obstacles. At the same time, the game throws some tricky objectives at you as you have to nail your landings in a number of different conditions with a variety of satisfying vehicles. It's an exhilarating flying sim, especially later down the road when you're given the epic "Birdman" ability.

RELATED: The 10 Most Underrated Mario Kart Tracks In History, Ranked

4 Sin And Punishment

Treasure seems to have a knack for cranking out underrated games. Unlike their other gem, Mischief Makers, there's a good reason Sin and Punishment is one of N64's most hidden gems: for a long time, it wasn't available in the West. This is a shame, considering it's one of the most fun and exciting shooters you can play on the console. It wasn't until many years later when the game was quietly released on Wii's Virtual Console that many gamers discovered what they were missing.

This rail shooter feels like an even more exciting and insane version of Bayonetta. It's a short game, but just about every second of it's packed with adrenaline-pumping action. The experience is augmented with colorful environments, cool baddies, and satisfying shooting mechanics.

3 Mischief Makers

While there are tons of great action-based options for N64, it's sorely lacking in the 2D sidescrolling department. In this sense, Mischief Makers feels like an enhanced SNES game—but we mean this in the best way possible. It's a relic of a more charming, bygone age that was abandoned too soon. Its exciting gameplay and colorful, appealing pixel art have allowed it to age like a fine wine.

The game pummels you with non-stop excitement with its unique level design, constant action, and tricky platforming elements. There's also an impressive amount of variety that keeps Mischief Makers feeling fresh.

2 Ogre Battle 64: Person Of Lordly Caliber

Party traversing the land

Given the N64's kid-friendly focus and lack of role-playing games, it's odd that one of the deepest and most addictive games on the N64 is a real-time strategy RPG. Indeed, this feels like one of those rich RPGs you'd find on the Playstation rather than Nintendo's machine.

The game contains some gripping tactical gameplay and customization which is balanced with fun, accessible combat mechanics. There's even a pretty compelling narrative and memorable dialogue, to boot. Ogre Battle 64 is a refreshing change of pace for a lineup that heavily features shooters, platformers, and party games.

RELATED: The Legend Of Zelda: The 5 Best Dungeons From The N64 Games (& 5 Worst)

1 Jet Force Gemini

Though Rare is most known for games like Donkey Kong Country, Goldeneye, and Battletoads, one of their best titles is a little-known action-platformer that's fallen criminally under the radar.

The game in question is Jet Force Gemini, a colorful blend of shooting and platforming thrills along with a rich campaign that never gets stale. There's a diversity of characters, weapons, objectives, and unique level design keeping you on your toes. It also offers one of the more enjoyable multiplayer features on the N64. This is a unique sci-fi fantasy adventure that still holds up today, and it's one that N64 gamers should experience.

NEXT: 10 N64 Games Everyone Has Played (But Completely Forgot About)