Nintendo 64 Top 20 Games
by romhoard-research · 2026/02/14
This list is based on research from multiple gaming publications, Metacritic scores, and community consensus as of January 2026.
20
games
n64
Loading...
Loading...
to
""
Import this Collection
Copy this URL and paste it into your RomHoard's "Import Collection" dialog.
Games in this Collection
Sort:
95
Nintendo 64
RPG
Universally considered one of the greatest games of all time with a perfect 99 Metacritic score. It set the template for not only every subsequent Zelda title, but also the majority of action-adventure games from the past two-and-a-half decades, establishing Z-targeting, intuitive camera controls, and bringing concepts of open world adventuring to a mainstream console audience.
95
Nintendo 64
Action
Adventure
The pioneering 3D platformer that fundamentally shaped how 3D gaming evolved. With intuitive camera controls and mission-based level design, it created the blueprint for three-dimensional platforming that games still follow today. Despite being a launch title, it remains one of the most influential games ever made.
95
Nintendo 64
RPG
A distinctive and ambitious entry featuring a three-day time cycle that creates constant pressure and unique character-focused storytelling. Its melancholic atmosphere and darker themes made it stand out from its predecessor, earning critical acclaim with a 95 Metacritic score and recognition as one of the most emotionally complex Nintendo games.
95
Nintendo 64
FPS
Shooter
Revolutionary first-person shooter that established console FPS conventions and forever changed the genre. With a 96 Metacritic score, it irrevocably shifted the FPS genre towards a focus on objectives and provided iconic multiplayer experiences through split-screen gameplay that defined console multiplayer for years.
95
95
Nintendo 64
FPS
Shooter
Rare's ambitious follow-up to GoldenEye that pushed the N64 hardware to its absolute limits. With a 97 Metacritic score (higher than GoldenEye), it enhanced the formula with expanded features, deeper single-player content, and advanced multiplayer options including bots, cementing its status as one of the console's technical marvels.
95
Nintendo 64
Platform
The premier 3D collectathon platformer combining precise controls, fairytale charm, and innovative exploration mechanics. With a 92 Metacritic score, it represents the peak of Rare's N64 output, offering a perfect balance of platforming challenges, puzzle-solving, and character-driven humor that defined the golden age of 3D platformers.
95
95
Nintendo 64
RPG
An RPG hybrid offering charming storytelling and engaging turn-based combat mechanics without the excessive backtracking that plagued similar games. With a 93 Metacritic score, it successfully translated the Mario universe into an RPG format with personality, humor, and accessible yet deep gameplay that appealed to both RPG veterans and newcomers.
85
85
Nintendo 64
Shooter
Vehicle, TPV
The definitive on-rails shooter featuring tight controls, cinematic spectacle, and memorable voice acting. With an 88 Metacritic score, it established the series' gameplay foundation and introduced the Rumble Pak, pioneering force feedback in console gaming while delivering an endlessly replayable arcade experience with branching paths.
95
Nintendo 64
Action
Adventure
An adult-oriented platformer featuring crude humor, movie parodies, and remarkable technical achievements for the aging N64 hardware. With a 92 Metacritic score, it pushed boundaries with its mature content while delivering exceptional gameplay variety, stunning visuals, and a memorable multiplayer mode that showcased Rare's technical prowess.
80
Nintendo 64
Fighting
Versus
Revolutionary fighting game that eliminated health bars in favor of knockback mechanics and supported four-player competition. As one of the first major franchise crossovers allowing Mario, Link, Pikachu and others to battle, it created an entirely different approach to fighting games with accessible controls that spawned one of gaming's biggest franchises.
80
Nintendo 64
Racing
The first 3D Mario Kart iteration featuring split-screen multiplayer and dynamic track environments that became iconic. While scoring 83 on Metacritic, it defined childhood gaming for many with memorable courses like Rainbow Road and refined the item-based racing formula with accessible yet competitive gameplay and beloved Battle Mode.
90
90
Nintendo 64
Action
Adventure
Ambitious sequel that expanded on the original with larger interconnected worlds, additional playable characters, and expanded move sets. With a 90 Metacritic score, it pushed the collectathon formula further than any other game on the platform, though some found it bloated compared to its predecessor's tighter design.
85
Nintendo 64
Racing
Racing game that many argue surpassed Mario Kart 64 through varied vehicles (karts, planes, hovercraft), adventure mode with hub world, and boss battles. With an 88 Metacritic score (higher than Mario Kart 64's 83), it offered superior single-player content, better graphics with true 3D characters, and a skill-based item system.
85
85
Nintendo 64
Racing
High-speed futuristic racing delivering pure adrenaline with responsive controls and maintaining 60fps even with 30 racers on screen. With an 89 Metacritic score, it's described as "the most 'metal' video game ever made" with guitar-screeching soundtrack and madcap, relentless gameplay that epitomizes arcade racing perfection.
90
90
Nintendo 64
Sports
Water
A groundbreaking jet-ski racer with revolutionary water physics that was an eye-opening glimpse into the future of 3D gaming when released in 1996. With a 92 Metacritic score, it still plays like a dream with vicious AI, intuitive analog controls, and an addictive, satisfying gameplay loop that legends like Pac-Man and Super Mario Bros. are built on.
95
Nintendo 64
Action
Adventure
Rare's massive collectathon platformer featuring five playable Kongs, each with unique abilities. Despite a 90 Metacritic score, it's divisive due to collection padding, but praised for its best-in-class N64 soundtrack, ambitious scope, and technical achievements, though it arguably flirts with the excesses that made it feel grindy at times.
85
Nintendo 64
Sports
Skiing
GameSpot called it "one of the best sports games on the system" and it's regarded as one of the best snowboarding games of its time. Thanks to realistic physics, challenging but rewarding controls, and being one of the best-looking and best-sounding games on the N64, it delivered a serious snowboarding simulation with the coolest, most insouciant vibe Nintendo ever achieved.
90
90
Nintendo 64
Sports
Fighting
The definitive wrestling game with an 89 Metacritic score that retains a strong cult following decades later. Its Japanese-style Puroresu mechanics created back-and-forth chess matches with reversals and counters, revolutionary branching story mode, extensive character creation, and backstage fighting areas. Developers still hear "Why can't you make WWE games like No Mercy" today.
Beetle Adventure Racing
Beetle Adventure Racing
Nintendo 64
One of the most underrated racers of all-time with near Nintendo-like quality and warmth missing from most third-party games. With a 90 Metacritic score, it features exceptionally well-made tracks with their own obstacles and shortcuts, secret pathways to explore, and has aged extremely well as one of the most charming racing options on the N64.
90
Nintendo 64
Adventure
Survival Horror
Technically impressive port delivering survival horror gameplay despite cartridge format limitations. With an 89 Metacritic score, this conversion of Capcom's PlayStation classic to the N64 cartridge format was considered a technical marvel at the time, maintaining the atmospheric tension and gameplay that defined the survival horror genre.