Prepare to unearth some hidden gems as we take a look at the 10 most underrated N64 Games for my favourite Ninty console!
Yes, today we’re taking a trip back to the 90’s and getting up close and personal with the Nintendo 64, the console that brought us Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64, Diddy Kong Racing, Donkey Kong 64, and so many other amazing titles.
Less than 400 games released for the console during its lifetime, and while we all know about the famous names and mammoth titles that sent shockwaves throughout the gaming world, what about the underrated N64 games that went under the radar?
Luckily, as a die-hard Nintendo fan, I’ve played so many N64 games that I can share a few little-known favourites with you to bolster your collection.
From tower-racing creatures with attitude to a canine with a jetpack, there are some wild and wacky characters in the N64 back catalogue that, once you’ve encountered them, will definitely stay with you forever.
So, let’s cut the small talk and dive right into the most underrated N64 game on our list!
Table of Contents
1. Jet Force Gemini (1999)
The results are in, the flying dog has spoken, and Jet Force Gemini is officially the most underrated N64 game on the planet.
I will never forget Christmas Morning 1999, when 9-year-old me opened this game and played it all the way up until the turkey came out of the oven.
Seeing the ant soldiers swarming around, picking up cool weapons, playing as Juno and Vela through futuristic levels; it had everything.
Jet Force Gemini definitely has a bigger audience than the other games on this list, but it’s nowhere near as popular as the other RARE big hitters on the console such as GoldenEye 007 or Banjo Kazooie.
But with a multiplayer mode that features Lupus the flying dog, it really should be up there with the greats!
Your mission in this game is to free the Tribals from captivity. Mizar has sent his ant army out into the world to cause havoc, and you’re the only one that can stop him.
For many, this game just proved too hard and long winded, which is why it remains a lesser-played title. Graphically and in terms of storyline, it’s genius, but I can’t help feeling that more people would have jumped on board if it was easier to navigate and progress.
Did you enjoy playing Jet Force Gemini first time around? Don’t forget to check it out on the Nintendo Switch Online N64 game selection!
2. Space Station Silicon Valley (1998)
Space Station Silicon Valley is hands down one of the oddest titles on the N64. The first time I played this game I remember my mum watching me and asking ‘what the hell is going on’!
It’s memorable though, that’s for sure. And the gameplay mechanic of being able to latch onto multiple robotic animals is very clever indeed.
I mean, who doesn’t want to float around as a sheep or take control of a motorised fox?
The concept is a little reminiscent of Pikmin; Dan Danger has crashed his spaceship, and his robot Evo must collect power cells as a little computer chip, utilising the animals you come across in the different levels.
Still with me? I’m a little lost myself and I’ve played this game many times!
You only have so much time on the planet before Dan becomes even less of a has-been than he currently is.
And trust me, you’ve never felt real danger until you’re staring a Uni Bear in the face or floated into a den of motorised rats.
I can totally see why this game has fallen into the underrated category, but it will always be one of my favourites and I urge you to check it out ASAP!
3. Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon (1998)
Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon jumps into the 3rd spot in our most underrated N64 games list, and what a title it is.
If I told you that it was as in-depth as Ocarina of Time but with a titular hero wielding a pipe, would you buy it? How about if I threw in battle mech that looks as though it should be fighting against the MegaZord?
Yeah, now we’re talking!
From throwing Ryu off Mount Fuji to the weird Plasma dude that has haunted me ever since playing this game, Mystical Ninja has a little bit of something for everyone.
We’re talking weird NPCs, epic puzzles, Mario 64-esque combat, RPG-style upgrades, and a giant smiling Robot.
Plus, unlocking and upgrading the different usable characters made the game even more exciting too. I’ll never forget when I got the robot warrior Sasuke in this game; it’s an underrated N64 game and more people deserve to know what it’s all about!
4.Shadow Man (1999)
Shadow Man is choc-a-bloc with gothic voodoo goodness. This guy would walk straight into hell and make the Devil sort a cup of tea for him with just one stare.
You don’t mess with Shadow Man!
Based on the popular comic, Shadow Man sees Michael LeNoir protecting the world of the living from demons breaking through from the spiritual realm called ‘Deadside’.
Battle against Jack the Ripper and the inmates of his terrible asylum as they try to cause havoc in our world.
Stop Jack and his evil employer, Legion, and bring peace to both Deadside and Liveside. Seriously, any game with an ‘immortal voodoo warrior’ shouldn’t be in an underrated games list, but it is!
Thanks to a remastered version on the Nintendo Switch, this game is finally getting the recognition it deserves. It’s even scarier now the graphics are much better too!
5. Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber (2000)
Let’s throw an RPG into this list of the most underrated N64 games – it’s time for Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber.
I guess for some people this game title will be an instant turn off. It doesn’t really give much away as to what this game is all about.
I for one would love to be a Person of Lordly Caliber instead of an Editor in Chief.
Give me a second while I just change my job title…
It’s time to head out on a gallant quest with the lead character of the game, Magnus Gallant.
Yes, I did just go there…
Ogre Battle 64 is a true RPG from start from finish. We’re talking tonnes of epic weapons, magical madness, and lots of side quests for players to spend hours and hours deliberating over.
If you’re looking for one of the best N64 RPG games to tackle, then look no further. It might fall by the wayside what with Fire Emblem wandering around taking all the limelight, but the levels and combat in this game will win you over instantly!
6. Chameleon Twist 2 (1997)
Chameleon Twist 2 has a sort of ‘Gex: Enter the Gecko vs Yoshi’s Story’ vibe about it. If you like platforming games and swinging from poles by your tongue, then today is your lucky day.
The characters in Chameleon Twist 2 are all very cutesy, as is the story itself. Players need to search for carrots throughout different levels to appease a big ‘ol rabbit.
Why have I chosen the second game in the series as opposed to the first?
Well, the format had a little polish which definitely made it more enjoyable to play, and the colours were a lot more vibrant and pleasant to view. I guess it just felt a lot more fun to play than that first game.
Sadly, it’s very easy and won’t prove much of a challenge to more advanced gamers. Still, it’s a non-threatening and simple title to get to grips with and well worth a punt if you can pick up a cartridge-only copy for cheap.
7. Hydro Thunder (2000)
F-Zero-X-style speeds with speed boats flying over massive ramps; that sounds like Hydro Thunder is making an appearance in our most underrated N64 games list!
Seriously, the gameplay is so fast that one minute you’ll be looking at the scenery and the next minute your boat will be nose-diving into a tree.
And all of the futuristic speed boats were out of this world. The fact that no one is driving them either made the concept even more wild!
Any game that takes players around the Arctic Circle or through a flooded version of New York scores highly with me, especially when you add multiplayer into the equation.
Fly over boost ramps, race against the clock, and do everything you can to try and not crash. I’d describe this game as like trying to control a bucking bronco on full speed, which I think is pretty accurate!
8. Star Wars Episode I: Battle for Naboo (2000)
Star Wars Episode I: Battle for Naboo is never going to live up to the hype or the success of Rogue Squadron, but it is still a must-have title for Star Wars fans.
And you know what, it was much better than a lot of people think.
Sadly, Episodes 1-3 were a little lacklustre, though luckily the game is filled with lots of action and is much more enjoyable than the film it’s based on.
Players work through 15 missions piloting different types of crafts throughout the game. Fight in cities and up in space as you embark on a mission to stop the Trade Federations from taking over Naboo.
Don’t worry; there’s still a chance to fly about in a Tie-Fighter! It wouldn’t be the spiritual successor to Rogue Squadron without it!
Don’t let the name put you off; whether you loved or loathed Episode 1, Battle for Naboo is a solid game that makes up for the movies shortcomings.
9. 1080 Snowboarding (1998)
I can’t hear or say the word snowboarding without seeing Dion Blaster walking towards the camera or the other racers hanging out in the cosy clubhouse with its roaring fire.
How many of you pulled off a 1080 in this game? I think that has to be one of the most exciting moments of my childhood, and I did some pretty wild stuff as a kid!
Still, so many people that I chat to have never played this game, let alone heard of it!
The solo player mode was all well and good, but where 1080 really shined was its multiplayer mode. Heading down a mountain while racing a friend and jumping over trees and logs just never gets old.
And let’s not forget the half-pipe trick modes. I wanted to be a snowboarder for so long after playing this game, but now I have a much safer job that I can do without getting cold or breaking any bones.
10. Iggy’s Reckin’ Balls (1998)
Iggy’s Reckin’ Balls kickstarts this list of the most underrated N64 games of all time, a game that I bought on a whim from the local second-hand games store in my hometown.
It looked weird, it played weird, but it was about £4, so I figured I didn’t have much to lose.
If you’re a fan of Super Monkey Ball and racing games with insane speeds, then this game should definitely be in your collection. It’s super addictive and has lots of character options to unlock, keeping you coming back for more.
The game came from the genius minds over at Iguana Entertainment, which is why Iggy is named after and looks like an Iguana.
It all make sense now!
Players have the chance to race as eight balls from the very beginning of the game, giving you lots of choice and also opening the court up for other players to pick their favourite racers during multiplayer bouts.
The races all happened up towers, with a lap consisting of a full journey from top to bottom. The first to complete 3 laps wins!
It’s not Mario Kart, but we love the unhinged feel of this game and the madness that ensues from start to finish. Plus Iggy is one cool customer; we think Yoshi would approve!
