There’s a huge selection of N64 games to choose from, but here’s our dream lineup!
Now that Nintendo has announced N64 games are coming to the Nintendo Switch via their online service, I’m not only excited but hopeful for what’s to come. With titles like Super Mario 64, Star Fox 64, Mario Kart 64, and Ocarina of Time at launch and even more great games to follow this may be one of the strongest lineups for their classic Nintendo systems. When you consider the incredible library the N64 bolsters, Nintendo has a vast list of titles they can add to the online service; however not every title will make the cut. While licensing issues will be the largest hurdle for most games, I’m going to break that boundary and just talk about some games I’d love to see on the Switch N64 console. Disclaimer for everyone, this list is not a ranking, so refrain from arguing.
Jet Force Gemini
If we’re talking about potentially the most underrated title on the N64, this would be the game. Jet Force Gemini is a sci-fi third-person shooter from Rare, which if you’re here you already know about their work. You control three members of the Galactic Law Enforcement as you take on the insectoid drones controlled by Mizar. As you traverse the many naps the game had to offer you’ll need to save trials which are the native creatures that look like a mix between Ewoks and teddy bears. Sure, it was released as part of the Rare Replay on the Xbox One, it would be a perfect addition to add depth to the N64 catalog on the Switch.
Pokémon Stadium 2
If you grew up in the ’90s, you know how incredible Pokémon Stadium was and still is! Offering a streamlined experience to focus battles, it was a starch contrast to what the Gameboy had. Not only was the game incredibly fun but looked great as well. The best part of all of this, we haven’t even started talking about the second game which just expanded on how great the first game was. With the addition of Gen 2 Pokémon, there’s more than enough to choose from. Now if you wanted to play with friends who aren’t necessarily into Pokémon battles, Stadium 2 even offers mini-games so everyone can join the fun. If we don’t see Pokémon Stadium 2 on the Switch, I’ll be surprised.
Super Smash Bros
“But we have the best ash title on the Switch already, why do we need the original Smash”? Sure Smash Ultimate is easily the best way to experience the series, but there’s more to it. Being able to go back to where it all started, to see the series that brought together gamers from various backgrounds, to see the game that became known for breaking down console restrictions character use, and just hit on the nostalgia that is Super Smash Bros is what the Switch needs. Sure, people aren’t going to be on the game for days on end, but it would be fun to play online or locally with friends. What better way to give players the best of the N64 lineup than with one of the best games from the system.
Star Wars Rogue Squadron
If you like 2020’s Star Wars: Squadrons, you’ll need to play the game that started it all with Rogue Squadron. This game was incredible on the N64 because is felt like a more complete experience than the on-rail Star Fox experience. Both are great games without a doubt, but Rogue Squadron was something special that led to incredible sequels on the GameCube. Sure licensing issues will most likely prevent this from happening, it would be a fun addition for Switch Online!
Blast Corps
If you haven’t played this game, go find a video of it right now. Focusing on creating paths for a truck to drive through may sound bland sure, using numerous vehicles to crash through buildings to clear said paths changes that. Whether you’re drifting through buildings in a tractor like it’s a Fast and the Furious sequel, plowing through with a bull dozer, or even using a robot to crush the buildings, Blast Corps is a fun and outright crazy game that just embodies what Rare and the N64 had to offer for gamers back in the 90s. Sure you can play it with the Rare Replay on the Xbox, it’s a great game to pick up and play where ever; exactly what the Switch was designed for!
WWF No Mercy
Wrestling games haven’t been very well received since Day of Reckoning on the GameCube. At one point though, Nintendo was home to the best wrestling game of all time with WWF No Mercy. Everything you could want from a wrestling game was there from the roster, the insanely expansive move set, fluid and detailed animations, and much more! Not only would this add a great wrestling game to the Nintendo for the first time in years, but it would be a great addition to the N64 online catalog; which is lacking depth for fighting games. Aside from just a fun sports fighting game, it would be a fun game to play with friends since the N64 has online capabilities.
Conkers Bad Fur Day
Sure, we’ve mentioned Rare a few times on this list….if you’re surprised you really shouldn’t as Rare was pretty prominent for the N64, but I digress. Conker’s Bad Fur Day not only is a dream game for the N64 on the Switch online, but it is also 100% possible as well. It’s been quite some time since Conker has appeared on a Nintendo system, however, Conker has yet to have a bad video game outing. Conker was a hilarious title that would showcase the more mature selection that was present on the system. This game would add loads of humor, a solid platformer, and an all-around great N64 game.
007 Goldeneye
How could we ignore the shooter that made couch-based shooters popular in the ’90s, Goldeneye? Based on the popular 007 franchise, Goldeneye was an iconic movie and just as iconic game as it offered a first-person shooter experience that was unrivaled. Obviously, the story mode following the premise of the Goldeneye movie is enough to enjoy for single-player enthusiasts, the multiplayer is what makes this a must for the N64 online. Not only could you play with friends in local co-op like it’s the 90’s, with the new online capabilities, but you can also play with your friends wherever you are! Sure, licensing issues make this difficult to do, but Nintendo could make this happen based solely on the significance of the game alone.
Harvest Moon 64
Why Harvest Moon 64? If you haven’t played a Harvest Moon title, it’s hard to explain the appeal without using the line “you just have to try it”. It’s both relaxing and makes you feel like you’re achieving a lot without doing much work. Harvest Moon 64 allowed you to operate a farm, converse with the locals in town, and just live the farmer life. While it may not be the game that cause new players to buy the N64 Online alone, it is a great title to add depth; and trust me, you’ll end up playing this game and getting addicted in no time. (You’re welcome in advance).
Resident Evil 2
If we don’t get Resident Evil 2, I will be completely surprised for a variety of reasons. Not only was Resident Evil 2 an astonishing display as they were able to fit what took 2 discs on the Playstation into one cartridge, it is one of the best Resident Evil titles. As a title that is still played today by casual fans, speedrunners, and modders, Resident Evil 2 is a perfect example of a title that withstands the test of time. This game not only could be brought to the N64, but should come in the upcoming batch of games!
Honorable Mentions
Ogre Battle 64
Strategy RPG titles need to get some attention on the N64 online, and Ogre Battle 64 is the perfect title to do that with.
Donkey Kong 64
Here’s all I’ve got…..here’s the lyrics to sing along!
Here, here, here we go!
So they’re finally here, performing for you,
If you know the words, you can join in too,
Put your hands together, if you want to clap,
As we take you through, this monkey rap!
Huh!
D.K., Donkey Kong!!
He‘s the leader of the bunch, you know him well,
He’s finally back to kick some tail,
His Coconut Gun can fire in spurts,
If he shoots ya, it’s gonna hurt,
He’s bigger, faster, and stronger too,
He’s the first member of the D.K. crew!
Huh!
D.K., Donkey Kong!
D.K., Donkey Kong is here!
This Kong‘s got style, so listen up dudes,
She can shrink in size, to suit her mood,
She’s quick and nimble when she needs to be,
She can float through the air and climb up trees!
If you choose her, you’ll not choose wrong,
With a skip and a hop, she’s one cool Kong!
Huh!
D.K., Donkey Kong!
He has no style, he has no grace,
Th-th-th-this Kong has a funny face,
He can handstand when he needs to,
And stretch his arms out, just for you,
Inflate himself just like a balloon,
This crazy Kong just digs this tune!
Huh!
D.K., Donkey Kong!
D.K., Donkey Kong is here!
He‘s back again and about time too,
And this time he’s in the mood,
He can fly real high with his jetpack on,
With his pistols out, he’s one tough Kong!
He’ll make you smile when he plays his tune,
But Kremlings beware ’cause he’s after you!
Huh!
D.K., Donkey Kong!
Huh!
Finally, he‘s here for you,
It’s the last member of the D.K. crew!
This Kong’s so strong, it isn’t funny,
Can make a Kremling cry out for mummy,
Can pick up a boulder with relative ease,
Makes crushing rocks seem such a breeze,
He may move slow, he can’t jump high,
But this Kong’s one hell* of a guy! (*Replaced with “heck” in later versions of the song.)
Huh!
C’mon Cranky, take it to the fridge!
W-w-w-walnuts. peanuts. pineapple smells.
Grapes. melons. oranges and coconut shells!
Ahh yeah!
Walnuts, peanuts, pineapple smells,
Grapes, melons, oranges and coconut shells!
Ahh yeah!
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