The Nintendo 64 is a legendary console to say the least, it’s legacy has been literally game changing. While the console specifications and capabilities are the motor that drove this success, the games are what maintain reverence today. The Nintendo 64 console was the median for some of the industries most revolutionary games that still have an influence on gaming today.
Considering the fact that the Nintendo 64 was released roughly 23 years ago, and discontinued in 2002, it can be very difficult to get one’s hands on some of these gaming gems. Some N64 games have become so rare in fact, that gamers are simply better off using an N64 emulator on their PC to enjoy these classics than waste their time on a hopeless cartridge hunt.
Disclaimer: GameRant does not condone nor support any form of piracy. Emulation can be a legitimate way to enjoy games that today are impossible to buy. Please make sure that the companies and artists games that you enjoy are being compensated for their hard work.
10 Clay Fighter
Clay Fighter, in the most euphemistic of terms, was a catastrophe. These games were not well received, be it due to their shabby graphics, lack of engaging mechanics, or simply better competition, they were not popular amongst gamers.
Because of this not to many cartridges were produced. In the case of the special edition “Sculpture Cut” copies were only produced as Blockbuster rentals. If a players want to experience Clay Fighter for whatever reason, perhaps to increase their appreciation of modern gaming the only realistic chance is through emulation.
9 Yoshi’s Story
Yoshi’s Story, unlike the previous entry, is actually a great game. Containing a very unique art style, engaging mechanics, and fast paced gameplay, this is a must play for fans of classic 2D games. It’s 2D greatness however, would also be the reason too many cartridges were not produced.
The game was released right in the middle of the 3D craze, and was overshadowed by games that employed the newest graphical revolution in their product. While the game was underappreciated at the time, the new demand for old school scrollers have caused Yoshi’s World to gain a new surge in popularity.
8 Harvest Moon
The inspiration for today’s megahit Animal Crossing. Any player that is a fan of the modern day farming hit absolutely has to give Harvest Moon a try. The game was revolutionary in a sense that before it, games were all about hyped up, and occasionally stressful action and adventure.
Understandable when considering that in the 90’s console gaming was finally beginning to become it’s own independent entity separate from the colossus that was the arcade era. Harvest moon was the first to properly demonstrate that games could be relaxing and carefree.
7 Disney’s Tarzan
Disney movies produce surprisingly high quality videogame counterparts. One of these is Tarzan based on the classic movie that defined the childhood of many. As the developer was Sony this game’s release, was primarily focused on the PlayStation. The limited amount of physical copies made for the N64 are difficult to find today, and for gamers needing to experience this game on the classic Nintendo console, emulation may be the only viable option.
6 Paper Mario
Mario is one of gaming’s most successful and longest running franchises. It would be assumed than, that finding physical copies of any Mario game would be a breeze. While for the most part, this is absolutely true, there are some installments that are the exception to the rule.
Paper Mario has become a giant spin-off with it’s own claim to greatness, however at the time of the original installment’s release, the game was viewed as more of an experiment than anything. Nintendo thus chose to be more conservative with the amount of cartridges produced.
5 Conker’s Bad Fur Day
An absolute gaming legend, if not just for the controversy it stirred. Conker’s Bad Fur Day is undeniably a standout title from the N64 lifespan. Despite it’s massive legacy and positive reception today Conker’s Bad Fur Day released in 2001, coming right before the dawn of the new console era. This gem was overshadowed by the next console era. As such not many N64 physical copies exist.
4 Super Bowling
Despite the fact that this game went through it’s lifecycle relatively unknown, many consider it to the game that inspired what would eventually come to be Wii Sports. While the mechanics are dated and the game is far from special by today’s standards, players looking for a hard copy will have a hard time. Facing the same problem as Conker’s Bad Fur Day. Super Bowling was released near the end of the 64’s lifecycle, as such, not many cartridges were made.
3 Stunt Racer 64
Not unlike the special edition of Clay Fighter, Stunt Racer copies were exclusively produced as Blockbuster rentals. Because of this physical copies are very hard to find, and considered an antique rarity. While this racer is not anything unique when compared to other racers of it’s generation, for those wanting to see how it plays, they will have to result to emulation.
2 Bomberman 64 The Second Attack
Bomberman, like Mario is one of the longest running franchises in gaming history. Admittedly this installment was not the franchises brightest moment. Widely considered lackluster and mediocre, physical copies were restricted due to conservative sales predictions. Fans wanting to play every game in the franchise, will have to emulate this one.
1 Diddy Kong Racing
Unlike many entries here, Diddy Kong Racing was an instant and massive commercial success. Becoming one of the N64’s best selling titles. For this exact reason the game is all the more difficult to fine as the years go by. Extremely popular in the emulation community, players may have a better chance going down this route than hunting for this very rare (and very expensive) cartridge.
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