Summary
While theN64couldn’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.
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.
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.
When most people think of four-player FPS action on the N64, Goldeneye 007 often comes to mind. However, Perfect Dark is thebest FPS on the N64when 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.
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.
7Mario Party 2
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.
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.
If you’re familiar with Worms Armageddon, it’s likely due to playing it on PC since it is one of therarest 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.
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 thebest 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.
4NBA Hangtime
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.
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.
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.
2NFL Blitz 2000
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.
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’re able to 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.
