The Nintendo 64 was a revolutionary platform that popularized 3D games before they became a mainstay. Its games harnessed the power of the system's 64-bit central processing unit, and, though it wasn't a console known for its exceptionally long games, there are exceptions to the rule, with games that offer a lengthy main story usually have more value and lasting appeal.
Before we dive into some obscure corners of the N64 library, remember that these completion time estimates are to be taken with a grain of salt. Some players finish faster than others based on their skill level and experience with a genre. The following estimates were compiled based on figures from howlongtobeat.com. For newcomers, you'll need patience—and then some—to beat these behemoth titles.
10 Nascar 99 (20 Hours)
Developed by EA Sports, Nascar 99 is a racing simulator and one of the Nintendo 64's longest games. With players taking 20 hours to complete the game, on average, it is considered a lengthy title.
In the grand scope of things, Nascar 99 is not that long to beat. The Nintendo 64 was not a platform known for its lengthy games, but there are exceptions. Nascar 99 sits at the top of this list as the tenth longest Nintendo 64 game, based on its main story length.
9 The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (20.5 Hours)
The sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the most divisive games in the series. With many claiming Majora's Mask is the better game for its intertwining dark plot and mask mechanics, others prefer Ocarina of Time for its immersive open-world and overall easier gameplay.
Majora's Mask is considered to be a long game that takes place in a different universe than its predecessor. Termina is an enchanting place where one can quickly lose themselves in this 20.5-hour game.
8 Paper Mario (23 Hours)
The Nintendo 64's Paper Mario is a 3D game with characters shaped like paper cut-outs. It contained controversially stylized visuals, but it wound up earning the appreciation of its players. The original Paper Mario contains an intriguing story and more role-playing elements than Paper Mario games today. It will take players approximately 23 hours to finish the game's main story, putting aside the time you'll marvel at this deeply nostalgic game.
7 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time (26.5 Hours)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is the shorter of the two Nintendo 64 Zelda games, yet The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was the first 3D game in the franchise's history. The dungeons and boss fights give you reasons to return.
This masterpiece has stood the test of time, which is why a remake for the Nintendo 3DS did not need a gameplay makeover. Merely a graphics overhaul with stereoscopic 3D effects, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is every bit as enjoyable as the original.
6 Donkey Kong 64 (29 Hours)
The Nintendo 64 was a video game platform for an abundance of platformers, and Donkey Kong is one of the most prominent names in Nintendo history. Donkey Kong 64 was the first 3D adventure for this affable gorilla. It contains an intriguing single-player story to tie-in with a rowdy, fun multiplayer mode. It is one of the longest games in Nintendo 64 history with an average playtime estimate of 29 hours.
5 World Driver Championship (35 Hours)
Including San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing, Lego Racers, Star Wars Episode 1: Racer, and Ridge Racer 64, there are many exceptional racing games on the Nintendo 64. However, none come close to the length of World Driver Championship. The graphics of the game are better than the majority of Nintendo 64 games. Although not the best racing video game to grace the Nintendo 64, World Driver Championship is worth playing for its extended main story.
4 Gauntlet Legends (38.5 Hours)
Gauntlet Legends was initially an arcade game that was later ported to the Nintendo 64. It's a hack-and-slash dungeon crawler where you have to defeat dark forces throughout four realms. 1-4 players can play simultaneously as they progress in a game reminiscent of Diablo III. If that hasn't convinced you, the game is exceptionally long, with an average completion time of 38.5 hours. It's one of the longest games the Nintendo 64 has to offer.
3 Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber (40 Hours)
Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber is a tactical role-playing game. This video game released near the end of the Nintendo 64's lifespan in 2000, exceptionally close to the launch of the GameCube. Critics praised the game for its artwork and gameplay mechanics. There is a tremendous amount of depth in the game, making this a must-play for retro gamers. It takes players, on average, 40 hours to beat Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber.
2 Harvest Moon 64 (44 Hours)
Before you dismiss this game as another generic farm simulator game, know that Harvest Moon 64 came out way before games like Stardew Valley, Minecraft, and Farming Simulator 19. The Story of Seasons series heavily inspires these games.
Harvest Moon 64 is the third game in the series. It's about a protagonist who looks after an abandoned farm, given to him by his grandfather. There are side quests and festivals to attend. One can get even get married in this whimsical game.
1 StarCraft 64 (87.5 Hours)
Spend a lazy weekend playing StarCraft 64, but expect to take around 87.5 hours trying to complete its campaign missions. This is the longest Nintendo 64 game to beat—and it's not even close. At the same time, the layers of difficulty packed into this game provide a rewarding playthrough.
StarCraft 64 is one of the several RTS games that has succeeded on a console. It utilizes the Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak to play the Brood War missions and is a fairly coveted title for fans of the franchise.