Top 10 N64 Games in my Backlog
The Nintendo 64 had some truly amazing games. Classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Star Fox 64, Paper Mario, and numerous others fill its library. I’ve played many of the definitive N64 games, but there are still a handful of interesting games I missed out on, and they make up this Top 10 list!
10. Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage
- Developer: H2O Interactive
- Release: March 14, 2001
A rare instance of an RPG on the N64, Aiden Chronicles has my interest for that reason alone! It features turn-based battles in which you can move around the battlefield, and a number of common RPG mechanics in a fantasy setting.
9. Hybrid Heaven
- Developer: Konami
- Release: August 31, 1999
In another example of an RPG on the N64, Hybrid Heaven distances itself from a typical RPG in a number of ways. Primarily, the battle system is something of a crossover between RPG and 3D Fighting game. It sounds pretty unique, and I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like firsthand.
8. Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
- Developer: LucasArts
- Release: December 3, 1996
Set between The Empires Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, in Shadows of the Empire you play as Dash Rendar, with 3rd-person shooter gameplay. Dash Rendar is a Han Solo type character, and apparently featured in a Star Wars book as a minor character before becoming the main protagonist of this game. It’s also available on PC, so there’s a chance I might play that version instead, depending on whether it runs properly on modern PCs.
7. Wonder Project J2: Corlo no Mori no Josette
- Developer: Givro
- Release: November 22, 1996 (Japan)
A sequel to a Super Famicom game, Wonder Project J2 features similar gameplay to its predecessor. It’s primarily a simulation game in which you teach and guide a robot girl named Josette through various events.
This game was exclusive to Japan, and I only recently learned it existed and has an English fan translation. The art and character sprites look awesome, and it definitely seems worth giving a try!
6. Jet Force Gemini
- Developer: Rare
- Release: October 11, 1999
Jet Force Gemini is a 3rd-person shooter developer by Rare where you fight against tons of insect-like enemies while exploring different planets in the galaxy. It sounds like an interesting enough premise, and it has pretty positive reviews, so I’m game to give it a try myself!
5. Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon
- Developer: Konami
- Release: April 16, 1998
In this action-adventure platformer, you control Goemon and his 3 friends, exploring feudal Japan and fighting enemies. The historical setting is full of zany humor and anachronistic elements, so that should definitely keep things interesting.
4. Goemon’s Great Adventure
- Developer: Konami
- Release: September 15, 1999
Another game in the Goemon series, Goemon’s Great Adventure, it returns to the side-scrolling platformer gameplay the series usually features. Like Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, it features similar humor. Reception of the game was quite positive, which is encouraging!
3. Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Calibur
- Developer: Quest Corporation
- Release: October 7, 2000
This is a strategy RPG with real-time elements during battle. You create formations of units and deploy them, and a battle begins when they come in contact with another group of units. I don’t really have a good idea of how it plays, but the concept sounds pretty intriguing. Plus, reviews are very positive!
2. Banjo-Kazooie
- Developer: Rare
- Release: June 29, 1998
I’ve played bits of Banjo-Kazooie before, but never the whole thing. The collect-a-thon gameplay does seem fun, but for whatever reason I’ve just not stuck with this game through to the end before. Playing Super Mario Odyssey definitely got me more interested in 3D platformers again, so I’m looking forward to seeing what Banjo-Kazooie does to innovate in the genre!
1. Custom Robo
- Developer: Noise
- Release: December 8, 1999 (Japan)
Edit: Finished! It was an absolute joy to dive into the world of Custom Robo again. You can read more of my thoughts on it here
The very first Custom Robo game. As a big fan of the GameCube game, “Custom Robo,” which is actually the 4th game in the series, I’m really looking forward to playing the game that started it all, experiencing more wonderful Robo-customization gameplay, and seeing what elements remain the same between this game and the GameCube one.
This was Japan-only, but thankfully dedicated fans have created an English translation patch!
