The Nintendo 64 undoubtedly brings back fond memories for many video game enthusiasts. First released in 1996 as a competitor to the original Playstation, the N64 is still highly regarded even today. This enduring popularity is due, in no small measure, to the console's excellent array of titles.
Most, if not all, entries on this list will assuredly sound familiar to fans of the N64. Those who enjoy reliving these blasts from the past are in luck. A great deal of the N64's most popular games have been given special treatment either through remasters or outright remakes over the years on newer consoles, available to be enjoyed all over again.
10 Shadow Man: Remastered (PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One)
N64 fans first got their hands on Shadow Man in the summer of 1999. Based on the comic book series of the same name, Shadow Man is an action-adventure title that puts players in the shoes of Michael LeRoi. As a "Shadow Man," Michael must protect the world from supernatural threats bent on ushering in the apocalypse.
Nightdive Studios recently released an updated version of the classic title. Dubbed Shadow Man: Remastered, the new version sports 4K resolution, improved anti-aliasing, and a host of other graphical improvements. There's even previously cut content that has been restored to the game. The PC version landed on April 15, 2021. The Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One ports are "Coming Soon," according to the developers.
9 Rayman 2 Revolution (Playstation 2)
The original Rayman 2: The Great Escape was met with critical acclaim when it first hit the shelves in 1999. As a 3D platformer, players traverse the game world as they solve various puzzles and collect "lums." It's still fondly regarded as one of the best platformers ever made.
Rayman 2: The Great Escape was remade in 2000 for the Playstation 2. Given the title, Rayman 2 Revolution, this version received a plethora of additional content. Certain level designs were tweaked, fully-voiced characters were implemented, along with new puzzles and challenges, to name just a few.
8 GoldenEye 007 (Wii)
To this day, gamers still speak of GoldenEye 007 with reverence. Released for the N64 in 1997, GoldenEye 007 proved to be a highly addictive first-person shooter. Fans finally had the opportunity to live out their fantasies of being James Bond. With its trademark blend of action and stealth, few could compete with this title at the time.
It should come as no surprise that this game eventually received a remake on more modern hardware. It hit the shelves for the Wii in 2010, utilizing the same title, along with quite a few stylistic revisions. The most obvious change is that Pierce Brosnan, the original actor that portrayed Bond, is replaced by Daniel Craig, the current Bond. As such, the plot, although similar, is different from the original game and movie.
7 Super Mario 64 (Nintendo Switch)
When discussing the most influential video games of all time, it's hard not to mention Super Mario 64. Released in the same year as the N64 itself, this game brought the loveable plumber to the world of 3D. With its focus on exploration and enhanced graphics, players were instantly hooked.
Players can once again relive this classic on the Nintendo Switch. Super Mario 64 is included with Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a compilation pack featuring other popular entries in the Mario franchise. This version sports improved graphics as well as enhanced camera functions for better gameplay.
6 Perfect Dark (Xbox 360, Xbox One)
The superb legacy of GoldenEye 007 looms large in the video game industry. One example of that legacy is Perfect Dark, a spiritual successor to the James Bond classic. Released in 2000, Perfect Dark utilizes the same game engine as GoldenEye 007. It, too, was met with critical acclaim on the N64.
The similarities, of course, don't end there. Perfect Dark was remastered in 2010 as part of the Rare Replay collection. No longer contained by the limitations of antiquated technology, this version of the game is perfect for both veterans and newcomers alike. A full-blown reboot of the game is expected to be released sometime in the future.
5 Diddy Kong Racing DS (Nintendo DS)
Nintendo possesses quite a few excellent racing titles, particularly from the N64 era. One of these beloved titles is Diddy Kong Racing, originally released in 1997. Utilizing a colorful cast of characters, players can test their skills on various wacky racetracks in a game that remains highly endearing.
Fans absolutely loved Diddy Kong Racing in 1997. Ten years later, in 2007, the game was given a remake for the handheld Nintendo DS. New racetracks, characters, and game modes were added in this version, along with enhanced graphics.
4 Star Fox 64 3D (Nintendo 3DS)
Certain games in the "shoot 'em up" genre are quite popular in the industry. One title, in particular, that fans routinely mention is Star Fox 64. Players take control of Fox McCloud and his team as they attempt to defeat the evil Andross. Although the game is set on rails, players can still implement combat strategies to defeat their enemies.
A remake of the game landed in 2011 for the Nintendo 3DS. Players can make use of a different control scheme and difficulty level that better suits the 3DS console. New features to the game's multiplayer mode are also included in this edition.
3 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time 3D (Nintendo 3DS)
The Legend of Zelda is perhaps one of the most recognizable video game series ever. Fans may disagree on which entry is the best, although many will often cite Ocarina of Time. The story, undoubtedly, is one of the game's high points.
Ocarina of Time has actually witnessed several variations. In 2002, a Gamecube remake was released, incorporating new content and tweaked dungeons. Additionally, in 2011, a Nintendo 3DS remaster, titled Ocarina of Time 3D, was also released. This version combines its own modifications with those of the Gamecube remake, offering the best of both worlds.
2 Conker: Live & Reloaded (Xbox, Xbox One)
Cartoons aren't always family-friendly. In terms of video games, Conker's Bad Fur Day proves that statement to be true. Released in 2001 for the N64, Conker's Bad Fur Day is a platformer that invokes a veritable cavalcade of bad language and vulgarity. Nevertheless, the game subsequently became a cult classic over the succeeding years.
It was certainly due to this loyal following that the game received a remake in 2005. Dubbed Conker: Live & Reloaded, this version received new updates to the multiplayer mode. The single-player experience remains largely unchanged, albeit with a few revisions.
1 Banjo-Kazooie (Xbox 360, Xbox One)
As any serious gamer probably knows, there's no shortage of excellent platform titles from the 1990s. No discussion concerning great platformers is complete without talking about Banjo-Kazooie. Released in 1998, fans were instantly drawn in by the game's remarkable level design and memorable soundtrack.
Owing to its popular legacy, Banjo-Kazooie actually received two remasters over the years. In 2008, it was re-released for the Xbox 360. Then, in 2015, an enhanced version of Banjo-Kazooie was included as part of the Rare Replay collection for the Xbox One.