Summary
TheN64was considered the best console of its generation for sports titles. Its graphical capabilities and four-player support made it an ideal platform for developers to create or port sports and racing games.
A wide variety of sports and racing titles were launched for the N64, ranging from incredibly niche to the most popular sports globally. The console offered a good balance between unrealistic, arcade-like games for casual sports fans and more realistic titles that catered to sports enthusiasts.
101080 Snowboarding
Snowboarding was a niche sport, but 1080 Snowboarding was enjoyed by gamers of all backgrounds. The game offered a lot of depth that still makes it one of thebest snowboarding games of all time.
1080 Snowboarding takes time to master, but once you get the hang of the controls, it becomes one of the best sports games on the N64. Few things are as rewarding as landing a 1080 after extensive practice.
9NFL Quarterback Club 98
During the N64 generation, the NFLMaddengames were constrained by the need to support multiple hardware platforms like the PlayStation and Super Nintendo. NFL Quarterback Club ‘98, however, was exclusive to the N64 and made excellent use of the console’s capabilities.
In terms of realistic football games, Madden couldn’t compete with NFL Quarterback Club ‘98. The game featured smooth movement, deeper strategy, and smarter AI. Additionally, NFL Quarterback Club ‘98 introduced a mode that allowed players to relive historic NFL moments.
8International Superstar Soccer 98
One of the most beloved sports games of all time, International Superstar Soccer ‘98 raised the bar for soccer games. Despite not having licensing rights to the major sports clubs of its time, the game featured many popular soccer players.
The controls are arcade-like, but the gameplay remains grounded in reality, providing a pick-up-and-play experience that still appeals to soccer fanatics. International Superstar Soccer ‘98 keeps players engaged with its tournament play and intelligent AI.
7Snowboard Kids 2
Looking at the title, you might expect Snowboard Kids 2 to be similar to a Tony Hawk-style extreme sports game. However, Snowboard Kids 2 is actually a kart racer with a snowboard theme. Despite this, it is one of the best hidden gems on the N64.
Snowboard Kids 2 captures speed effectively and features the unpredictability typical of kart games. The last major turn at the end of every level is often the most challenging, potentially changing the outcome of the races.
6Major League Baseball Featuring Ken Griffey Jr.
A way for a sports game to age well on an old console is to disregard realism. MLB Featuring Ken Griffey Jr. strikes the perfect balance between arcade and realism. It offers the enjoyment of playing a full baseball game with your favorite MLB team without getting bogged down by complex technical mechanics.
The visuals for MLB Featuring Ken Griffey Jr. are far from realistic, even for its era. However, the game has a snappiness to its gameplay, and hitting the ball feels incredibly satisfying.
5Virtual Pro Wrestling 2: Odo Keisho
One of the more obscure N64 sports titles is also one of the best. Developed by the same team behind the WCW and WWE wrestling games of the 90s, Virtual Pro Wrestling 64 is designed for Japanese pro wrestling.
For wrestling purists, this game features a fantastic roster of wrestlers from several of Japan’s major wrestling promotions, as well as prominent stars from MMA organizations. Launched in the same year as WWE No Mercy, it shares similar mechanics but offers a more unique roster.
4NBA Hangtime
If you’re a fan of the NBA Jam series, you’ll love NBA Hangtime. It’s essentially a sequel to the NBA Jam games, offering the same cartoony, two-on-two fun you’d expect.
While NBA Hangtime may not be as memorable or impactful as NBA Jam, it is a more polished game. It’s popular for its extravagant slam dunks, but even playing defense, such as blocking shots, feels rewarding.
3Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3
Skateboarding was a niche sport in the ’90s, but it has since become an Olympic event largely due to the influence of theTony Hawk’s Pro Skaterseries. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 is the last numbered entry in the series and was also the final licensed game launched for the N64.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater prioritizes fun over realism, allowing players to perform incredible stunts. The game is flashy and visually impressive but also offers significant depth. Mastering the controls and executing tricks to achieve high scores is what keeps players coming back to this classic series.
2Mario Kart 64
TheMario Kartseries began on the SNES, but the N64 elevated it to legendary status among millennials. Mario Kart 64 is oftenconsidered the best kart racer of all timeand helped establish a subgenre of item-oriented arcade racers.
Mario Kart 64 features improved depth perception and graphics compared to its SNES predecessor. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to the fluidity of its simple controls. Additionally, the simplicity of Mario Kart 64 contributes to what many consider the best battle mode in the Mario Kart series.
1NFL Blitz 2000
Before Madden monopolized the professional football market, there were many licensed football games available. NFL Blitz 2000 abandoned realism for pick-up-and-play action making itone of the best football games of all time.
What makes NFL Blitz 2000 so much fun is its mindless, over-the-top violence. With no complex plays or rules to slow the game down, you simply make daring passes before the opposition can tackle or suplex you.
