Summary

  • The N64 was the ultimate multiplayer console of its time, with colorful graphics and four-player ports for competitive gaming sessions.
  • Party games like Pokemon Stadium 2 and Mario Party 2 offered a mix of battling and minigames for endless fun with friends.
  • Games like Perfect Dark and Super Smash Bros. showcased the N64's strong lineup of sports, FPS, and unique fighting games.

While the N64 couldn’t compete with the PlayStation in terms of the quantity of brilliant single-player games, it was the multiplayer titan of its generation. The N64 had four-player ports and supported big, colorful graphics, making it an excellent console for playing on the same couch as your friends.

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The N64 was strong in sports and FPS games but also delivered a good number of party games. While the N64 did not have many complex multiplayer games, its library of easy-to-pick-up but hard-to-master four-player games made it a good choice for both casual and competitive gamers.

10 Pokemon Stadium 2

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Pokemon Stadium 2

Tactical Released March 28, 2001 Developer(s) Nintendo EAD, HAL Laboratory Publisher(s) Nintendo Powered by Expand Collapse
  • This is the only game where Red doesn't use his Pikachu in battle.
  • When Pikachu uses Surf, he is shown literally riding a surfboard.

Battling is arguably the most exciting part of the Pokemon games. Pokemon Stadium 2 allows you to use your teams from your Game Boy games or preset Pokemon in the AI to battle. With 251 Pokemon to choose from, everyone can customize their parties to focus on different strategies.

Pokemon Stadium 2 also includes a variety of underrated party games that focus on memory, timing, or racing to collect points. Its party games are not as luck-based as Mario Party, but aren't fleshed out enough to carry the game by itself. However, switching between battling and minigames keeps Pokemon Stadium 2 fresh when playing with friends for a long period of time.

9 Perfect Dark

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Perfect Dark (2000)

First-Person Shooter Released May 22, 2000 Developer(s) The Initiative, Nintendo, Rare, Crystal Dynamics Publisher(s) Rare, Nintendo, Xbox Game Studios Powered by Expand Collapse
  • Every Perfect Dark in the series has been exclusive to one console.
  • Perfect Dark's reboot is the first entry in the series not developed by Rare.

When most people think of four-player FPS action on the N64, Goldeneye 007 often comes to mind. However, Perfect Dark is the best FPS on the N64 when it comes to multiplayer. It builds upon the elements of Goldeneye 007 by enhancing speed, controls, graphics, and weapons.

Perfect Dark's maps in particular are more well-thought-out in regard to choke points and weapon placement. While Perfect Dark offers a significant improvement in balance and pacing compared to other N64 FPS games, it is still limited by the N64's single analog stick.

8 Mario Tennis

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Mario Tennis

Sports Released August 28, 2000 Developer(s) Camelot Software Planning Publisher(s) Nintendo Powered by Expand Collapse
  • The first Mario Tennis game was made for the Virtual Boy.
  • This is the first appearance of Waluigi.

Mario Tennis is just as enjoyable in one-on-one matches as it is in doubles mode. Like many Mario sports games, it features smooth controls and mechanics that are quick and easy to grasp.

Mario Tennis offers a decent-sized roster of familiar faces from the Mario series. Some characters have different attributes like speed, strength, and curved shots, allowing you to tailor your play style. The game incorporates every type of swing found in tennis without over complicating the controls.

7 Mario Party 2

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  • The characters' costumes change depending on which board you pick.

While Mario Party 2 isn’t scratching any competitive itches, it is perfect for mindless fun and a lot of laughs. Mario Party 2 is a refined version of the original, and still consists of you playing a board game that is filled with mini games.

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The 4 player mini games are some of the best in the series such as bumper balls (try to push your opponent off the island) and crazy cutters (tracing a boo as perfectly as possible) . While any of the Mario Partys for N64 are good for the same reason, Mario Party 2 has a slight advantage over Mario Party 3 since it doesn’t have as much outlandish luck involved.

6 Worms Armageddon

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Worms Armageddon

Turn-Based Strategy Released January 29, 1999 Developer(s) Team17, Infogrames Publisher(s) Team17, Infogrames Powered by Expand Collapse
  • It was supposed to be an update to the original Worms before developing into its own game.
  • Has 60 weapons to choose from.

If you’re familiar with Worms Armageddon, it’s likely due to playing it on PC since it is one of the rarest N64 games. Worms Armageddon is worth tracking down, as it blends strategy, precision, and humor perfectly.

Worms Armageddon is a turn-based game that revolves around knocking the other team off the stage. Worms Armageddon has an incredible wide range of items that you can use, like a shoryuken from Ryu's headband or heat-seeking missiles. Worms Armageddon prioritizes zaniness over balance.

5 WWF No Mercy

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WWF No Mercy

Sports Fighting Released November 17, 2000 Publisher(s) THQ Developer Asmik Ace Entertainment, AKI Corporation Powered by Expand Collapse
  • Many WWF No Mercy were defected and often deleted save files.
  • The No Mercy PPV was discontinued between 2008 and 2016.

AKI created the perfect wrestling engine in the 1990s, and WWF No Mercy was the last AKI wrestling game launched on the N64. Many consider it the best wrestling game of all time.

WWF No Mercy features a legendary roster of wrestlers from WWE’s Attitude Era like Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, and The Rock. Unlike most wrestling games, WWF No Mercy has a slower pace, focusing on carefully selecting your moves or waiting to counter your opponent. The game also includes a variety of gimmick matches, like ladder matches and the Royal Rumble, to keep the gameplay fresh.

4 NBA Hangtime

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  • Michael Jordan is not in NBA Hangtime.
  • The sequel is called NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC.

Midway lost the licensing rights to NBA Jam, leading to the creation of a new series titled NBA Hangtime, which is based on the same cartoony, two-on-two mechanics as NBA Jam. NBA Hangtime is actually an improvement over NBA Jam, thanks to its enhanced animation, gigantic colorful sprites, and more refined tournament-style gameplay.

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NBA Hangtime shines when playing with four players, as the AI isn't the most reliable teammate. Learning how to play defense in a game that is so offensively spectacular is rewarding, highlighting the deceptive skill required to excel at NBA Hangtime. Finding the right balance between outside shooting and outrageous dunks gives the game its depth.

3 Mario Kart 64

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Mario Kart 64

Racing Released December 14, 1996 Developer(s) Nintendo EAD Publisher(s) Nintendo Powered by Expand Collapse
  • Supposed to be a launch title but its resources were given to Super Mario 64.
  • It has 16 racing tracks.

Mario Kart 64 is not only the most iconic multiplayer game on the N64, but also one of the best. It significantly improves upon its SNES predecessor by offering a clearer driving perspective, more items, and a charming 'cardboard' aesthetic for its characters.

Mario Kart 64’s multiplayer shines in two major modes: traditional racing and battle. The battle mode is the best in the series, featuring four simple yet perfectly sized and balanced stages.

2 NFL Blitz 2000

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  • The NFL licensed NFL Blitz in 2012 after a decade of not supporting the Blitz series.
  • Pass interference is allowed in NFL Blitz.

Midway replicated its success with NBA Jam by creating an over-the-top football game in NFL Blitz 2000. This game strips away the complicated plays, technicalities, and lengthy pauses typical of traditional football, delivering fast-paced, pick-up-and-play action.

NFL Blitz 2000 stands out from other football games with its emphasis on making massive passes across the field. Most traditional football strategies go out the window. It rewards improvising and trick plays, which keeps the tempo of the game high. The game also features good graphics and exciting visuals, including players performing suplexes and executing outlandish taunts.

1 Super Smash Bros.

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Super Smash Bros.

Fighting Released April 26, 1999 Developer(s) HAL Laboratory Publisher(s) Nintendo Powered by Expand Collapse
  • Super Smash Bros was originally going to consist of original characters instead of a crossover between Nintendo series.
  • One of 13 Pokemon is selected when you use the Poke Ball item.

The platform fighting genre started with Super Smash Bros. It distinguished itself from other fighting games by focusing on knocking opponents off the stage and featured simplified controls that made performing special moves easier.

Super Smash Bros. can be modified for one-on-one matches with no items for more competitive play, or, for parties, you can play with up to four players and use items. The characters had very different movement styles and powers, giving it a distinct and fun roster. Considering that the N64 lacked quality fighting games, Super Smash Bros. is able to scratch that itch while being unique to games of its era.

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