The Nintendo 64 introduced RPG (role-playing games) in a new light. After the release of Paper Mario for Nintendo 64, Nintendo had the expertise needed to develop hit RPGs. While many RPG franchises were still in their infant stages on the Nintendo 64, advanced sequels came to platforms like the GameCube. GameCube franchises like Story of Seasons, Paper Mario, Mega Man, and Pokémon owe their existence to the Nintendo 64.
The RPG genre is booming like never before. Renowned franchises like The Legend of Zelda have switched from the action-adventure genre into a full-blown RPG. It all started with the introduction of polygon-based 3D gameplay on the Nintendo 64. Although the system had only a few RPGs, many Nintendo 64 games utilize RPG elements.
10 Quest 64
As an exclusive for the Nintendo 64, Quest 64 was a great representation of the system’s capabilities. Texture quality was nowhere near the average game today, but it was a significant step-up from the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System).
In Quest 64, players embark on a journey through a fictional world resembling Ireland. Battles are along the lines of Chrono Trigger because players are locked into a battle after encountering an enemy. This single-player game didn’t receive the most favorable reviews, yet it was a stepping stone for later RPGs.
9 Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage
Those looking for a retro RPG, knowing that it’s not the first of its class, might enjoy Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage. Perhaps the game was too ambitious, which is why it generally received negative reviews from critics. The combat could’ve been faster-paced, which is what could have saved the game from monotonous battles. Knowing that the game is flawed might assure players that the game isn’t perfect. Nevertheless, Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage is a testament to the Nintendo 64’s capabilities.
8 Mega Man 64
Initially called Mega Man Legends on the PlayStation, Mega Man 64 was renamed for the Nintendo 64 port. Mega Man 64 is not the side-scrolling game that we’ve seen previously in the series. It’s an action-RPG that contains a great deal of exploration and NPC interaction. The gameplay wasn’t as spectacular as the RPG interaction, but that won’t stop the Mega Man series’ fans from delving into this explosive adventure.
7 Hybrid Heaven
Although it’s not recognized as Konami’s best game, Hybrid Heaven is considered one of the system’s leading RPGs. Konami has released games on Nintendo and Xbox systems, not only PlayStation. Hybrid Heaven is a turn-based RPG—one of the few on the Nintendo 64. It has been compared to games like Castlevania, Metal Gear Solid, and Resident Evil. It takes a while to start, but soon you’ll be upgrading your character and progressing.
6 Gauntlet Legends
The first time Gauntlet Legends was ported to another system, it was released on the Nintendo 64. A year later, the game was ported to the Sega Dreamcast and Sony PlayStation. Gauntlet Legends used a checkpoint system that involves memorizing passwords. Entering passwords was counterintuitive, but it was a common feature in video games. Passwords were also used to track character progression. It’s possible to reach level 99 with a maximum attribute count of 999 in this game.
5 Harvest Moon 64
As part of the Story of Seasons/Harvest Moon franchise, Harvest Moon 64 contained farming mechanics before it was trendy. It came out before games like Stardew Valley, My Time at Portia, Minecraft, or Terraria.
You play as a customizable character who inherits a farm from his passed away grandfather. Despite its dated graphics, it’s considered one of the best games in franchise history. Harvest Moon 64‘s doesn’t harness the full power of the Nintendo 64, yet it has fun gameplay to fall back on.
4 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is considered an action-adventure game, but with an in-depth loot system and character upgrades, it is a game with RPG elements. This is a game that has hardly aged since its initial release in 1998. The graphics are dated, but the gameplay holds up well. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is a must-play for Nintendo 64 and RPG enthusiasts alike. You play a character’s role in a fictional setting, which is the very definition of an RPG.
3 Ogre Battle 64: Person Of Lordly Caliber
This is a game with a tremendous amount of depth, making it a must-play for Nintendo 64 enthusiasts. It released as a platform exclusive, ushering real-time tactical combat unlike any Nintendo 64 game before. Colloquially called Ogre Battle 64, this game was brought to the Virtual Console on the Wii in 2010. Later in 2017, the game returned to the Wii U Virtual Console. Although it’s not a part of the Switch, it deserves recognition for its leaps and bounds as an RPG.
2 Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
The first The Legend of Zelda with 3D graphics is a top contender for the greatest game of all time. It was praised for its enchanting visuals, soundtrack, and RPG elements. This RPG-like game inspired later games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Even in a saturated RPG market, Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has hardly noticeable signs of aging.
1 Paper Mario
Paper Mario is one of the most recognizable RPG franchises. Why many retro Nintendo games like Paper Mario are locked away behind closed doors is unknown. Nintendo has yet to re-release most games from the Nintendo 64 on the Switch. Paper Mario came to the Virtual Console for Wii and Wii U. A gem like Paper Mario is an era-defining game that has shaped RPGs today.
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