10 Overlooked N64 Games Developed By Nintendo

Article Key Points

Ridge Racer 64 failed to catch on with audiences due to its late release on an outdated console and the lack of a release in Japan, a vital gaming market.

Despite its technical advancements, The New Tetris failed to make a lasting impression in the Tetris series, rendering it forgettable and unremarkable.

Although it garnered praise during its release on the Nintendo 64, Mischief Makers, a distinctive 2D-sidescroller, has not achieved a lasting impact.

The Nintendo 64 is a renowned gaming console from the 1990s, revolutionizing the medium and its possibilities. It boasts a remarkable collection of Nintendo's greatest games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, and the groundbreaking Super Smash Bros. series debut.

However, not all games developed by Nintendo for this console have achieved the same staying power. Whether they were forgotten entries in established franchises or original titles that failed to gain traction, these six Nintendo 64 games haven't been able to attain the popularity or memorability of their counterparts in the console's extensive library.

6. Ridge Racer 64

Ridge Racer, the original game, was first released in arcades in 1993 and later made its way to PlayStation. However, its debut on a Nintendo console came with Ridge Racer 64, which arrived in North America in 2000. Unfortunately, this exhilarating racing game failed to capture the attention of players.

Several factors contributed to the downfall of Ridge Racer 64. Not only was it a new addition to Nintendo's console lineup, but it also arrived right before the GameCube's release, causing many Nintendo 64 users to quickly move on to the newer console. Additionally, the game never saw a release in Japan, a crucial market for the gaming industry.

5. The New Tetris

Throughout its lifespan, the Nintendo 64 had several iterations of Tetris, including Tetrisphere, a top-down version, and the more traditional Tetris 64. However, in 1999, Nintendo developed The New Tetris, which was a notable advancement for the Nintendo 64 technically, but is often overlooked today.

While the gameplay is reminiscent of typical Tetris games, The New Tetris takes place in real-time renders of famous locations, such as Saint Basil's Cathedral and an Egyptian tomb. However, out of all the interpretations of this iconic video game franchise, The New Tetris was ultimately unremarkable and forgettable, lacking a lasting legacy in the series.

4. Mischief Makers

Mischief Makers, a video game released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64, stood out due to its 2D-sidescroller format, which was more commonly associated with earlier consoles like the SNES or Sega Genesis. The game introduced the concept of a standard 2D-sidescroller to the Nintendo 64, featuring a robotic maid as the protagonist on a mission to rescue her creator from grave danger.

While the level design and graphics of Mischief Makers were acclaimed by reviewers at the time, the game and its characters have remained stagnant since 1997. Despite fans clamoring for a re-release on Nintendo's Virtual Console or Nintendo Switch Online services, the franchise never gained enough traction to warrant sequels. It is a missed opportunity that Mischief Makers didn't achieve greater success and continue to captivate audiences to this day.

3. Sin And Punishment

Developed by the same team behind Mischief Makers, Sin and Punishment is a rail shooter originally created for the Nintendo 64. Unfortunately, it was only released in Japan and never made its way to other countries. Despite this setback, the game boasted impressive graphics, earning it critical acclaim. Regrettably, its popularity failed to gain traction beyond Japan due to a flawed Western release.

Fortunately, Nintendo has demonstrated support for the franchise in recent years. The protagonist, Saki Amamiya, has been featured as an Assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. and even received a Mii costume. In addition, a sequel to the series was released for the Nintendo Wii in 2009 and made available on the Wii U E-Shop. However, it has struggled to attain the same level of popularity as other Nintendo franchises such as Xenoblade or Kid Icarus.

2. Blast Corps

Although Blast Corps is often overlooked by video game enthusiasts, it holds significant historical value for the Nintendo 64. Developed by Rare, a subsidiary of Nintendo renowned for titles such as Donkey Kong Country for the SNES, Blast Corps marked their inaugural game for the console. This was followed by iconic N64 classics like Banjo-Kazooie and GoldenEye 007.

Within the game, players assume the role of vehicle robots tasked with demolishing buildings to make way for a nuclear missile. However, despite the potential, Blast Corps did not capture the same level of enthusiasm from N64 fans as Rare's subsequent works on the console. Regrettably, the game faced constraints due to limited resources and its early release in 1997, only a year after the console's launch.

1. Bomberman Hero

Bomberman, a beloved retro video game franchise, is renowned for its top-down view and competitive gameplay. The series had two releases on the Nintendo 64: the more traditional Bomberman 64, and the daring attempt at reinvention - Bomberman Hero, which was launched in 1998 as a 3D platformer.

Unfortunately, the reception for the franchise reinterpretation was unfavorable. Critics found fault in its graphics, absence of multiplayer, and departure from the classic Bomberman formula. The underwhelming performance of Bomberman Hero in reviving the series could possibly explain why the franchise has seen little progress in recent years. It seems challenging to make groundbreaking changes to an established formula.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I approach these overlooked N64 games with a mix of curiosity and nostalgia. While they may not have achieved the same level of iconic status as Nintendo's more popular titles, I believe they deserve recognition for their unique contributions to the console's library.

Although I wasn't around during the N64's heyday, I can appreciate the historical significance of these games and their place in gaming history. Titles like Ridge Racer 64 and The New Tetris may not have left a lasting impact, but they represent Nintendo's willingness to experiment with different genres and push the boundaries of what was possible on the console.

On the other hand, games like Mischief Makers and Sin and Punishment intrigue me because of their distinctive gameplay mechanics and artistic styles. Despite their limited success, these games have garnered a cult following among gamers who appreciate their originality and charm. I believe that these titles deserve a second chance to reach a wider audience through re-releases or remasters on modern platforms.

Overall, exploring these overlooked N64 games has given me a newfound appreciation for the diversity and creativity that characterized the Nintendo 64 era. While they may not have achieved mainstream success, these games represent a snapshot of Nintendo's innovative spirit and the passion of its developers.