The Nintendo 64, fondly known as the N64, holds a special place in the hearts of gamers who grew up during the golden era of console gaming. With its iconic three-pronged controller and innovative multiplayer capabilities, the N64 provided countless hours of fun and fierce competition among friends and family. In this article, we will take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and explore the best N64 multiplayer games that made the console a multiplayer powerhouse.
Table of Contents
30. Tetrisphere: A Psychedelic Twist on a Classic
Kicking off our list is Tetrisphere, a game that took the classic brick-placing gameplay of Tetris and gave it a mind-bending twist. Instead of the traditional flat playing field, Tetrisphere introduced a spherical puzzle environment, challenging players to strategically place blocks on the curved surface. The result was a unique and visually stunning experience that pushed the boundaries of what a puzzle game could be. Despite its unconventional gameplay, Tetrisphere managed to captivate players with its addictive mechanics and killer soundtrack, making it a memorable multiplayer title on the N64.
Related: Best PS1 Fighting Games
29. Bomberman 64: Explosive Fun for Everyone
Bomberman 64 marked the debut of the beloved Bomberman franchise on the N64 and brought the explosive action into the third dimension. With its vibrant graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics, Bomberman 64 provided hours of fun for players of all ages. One of the highlights of the game was the ability to throw bombs diagonally, adding a new layer of strategy to the classic Bomberman formula. Whether you were competing against your friends or teaming up against AI opponents, Bomberman 64 offered a multiplayer experience that was both thrilling and accessible.
28. Turok 2: Dinosaur Carnage in Multiplayer
The Turok franchise was known for its time-traveling adventures and epic battles against dinosaurs. Turok 2 took the action to a whole new level with its multiplayer mode, allowing players to control velociraptors in intense arena battles. Despite its somewhat confusing plot, Turok 2’s multiplayer engine was a standout feature, offering fast-paced gameplay and thrilling dinosaur combat. While the game did suffer from occasional frame rate issues, it was a significant improvement over its predecessor and provided a multiplayer experience that was both bizarre and fun.
27. International Superstar Soccer ’98: Soccer Madness on the N64
Before hyper-realistic FIFA games dominated the soccer genre, International Superstar Soccer ’98 was the go-to game for soccer enthusiasts on the N64. With its fluid controls, impressive graphics, and various game modes, International Superstar Soccer ’98 delivered an enjoyable multiplayer experience for fans of the sport. Whether you were playing against the AI or teaming up with friends for an entire championship, this game offered plenty of soccer-themed excitement on the N64.
26. Mario Golf: A Whimsical Twist on a Classic Sport
If you weren’t a fan of traditional sports games but still craved some competitive action, Mario Golf was the perfect choice on the N64. With its colorful and charming Mushroom Kingdom characters, Mario Golf offered a fun and accessible version of the sport. The game featured special powered-up shots and Mario-themed courses, adding a delightful twist to the traditional golf experience. The best part? You didn’t even need multiple controllers to play with friends – you could simply pass a single controller back and forth, making it a great multiplayer game for gatherings with friends and family.
25. South Park: Quirky Shooter Madness
In the height of South Park’s popularity, the N64 saw the release of a South Park-themed shooter that brought the show’s absurd humor and quirky characters to the console. Despite its somewhat mild humor by today’s standards, South Park on the N64 provided a unique and entertaining multiplayer experience. From snowballs to alien probes, the game offered a wide range of unconventional weapons for players to use in their quest to defeat their opponents. While it may not have been a masterpiece, it was undoubtedly a lot of fun and a testament to the N64’s ability to deliver enjoyable multiplayer experiences.
24. Snowboard Kids: Downhill Racing with a Twist
Snowboard Kids was a charming and less controversial multiplayer game that brought downhill snowboarding to the N64. With its cute chibi-art style and creative power-ups, Snowboard Kids offered tight and competitive races until the very end. The game’s main drawback was its relative lack of content and character variety. However, if players grew bored, they could always search for a copy of Snowboard Kids 2 to breathe new life into their multiplayer snowboarding adventures.
23. Pokémon Stadium: Bringing Pokémon Battles to Life
For Pokémon fans, the dream of seeing their beloved creatures battle in a real-life arena became a reality with Pokémon Stadium on the N64. This game allowed players to transfer their Pokémon from their Game Boy cartridges to the N64 and witness their favorite monsters engage in 3D battles against friends’ Pokémon. It was a literal game-changer for Pokémon enthusiasts, providing a unique and immersive multiplayer experience. In addition to the battles, Pokémon Stadium also featured addictive Pokémon-themed mini-games, further adding to the multiplayer fun. The game’s popularity led to a sequel, Pokémon Stadium 2, which introduced Gen 2 Pokémon into the mix.
22. Goemon’s Great Adventure: Co-Op Chaos in Feudal Japan
Goemon’s Great Adventure may have been overlooked by many, but it remains one of the most well-made and enjoyable multiplayer games on the N64. This colorful action-platformer allowed players to embark on a cooperative journey through feudal Japan, controlling the charismatic Goemon and the quirky ninja Ebisumaru. The game offered a unique twist on traditional multiplayer experiences by allowing one player to carry the other piggyback style while engaging in melee and projectile combat. Completing the full story mode and collecting all 44 Entry Passes unlocked the ability to play with up to four players, creating absolute chaos in the Edo-period setting.
21. San Francisco Rush 2049: Futuristic Racing at Its Finest
No list of multiplayer games on the N64 would be complete without mentioning racing games. San Francisco Rush 2049, an arcade-style futuristic racer, stood out as one of the best multiplayer racing games on the console. With its responsive controls, adrenaline-pumping tracks, and a multitude of secret shortcuts, San Francisco Rush 2049 provided endless hours of racing excitement. Mastering the tracks and competing against friends in close races kept players coming back for more, cementing the game’s status as a multiplayer gem on the N64.
20. Deadly Arts: Fighting for Friendship
Fighting games have always been a popular choice for multiplayer gaming, and Deadly Arts offered a unique 3D fighting experience on the N64. What set Deadly Arts apart from other fighters on the system was its ability to create custom characters with unique movesets. This level of freedom was rare at the time and still remains a standout feature today. Whether you were settling small conflicts or simply looking for a good brawl, Deadly Arts provided an enjoyable multiplayer experience that kept friendships intact.
19. Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes 2: Toy Warfare on the N64
Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes 2 captured the imagination of gamers by bringing the world of toy soldiers to life on the N64. The game’s 4-player split-screen multiplayer mode allowed players to engage in chaotic battles in locations such as toy stores and graveyards. The kitchen stage, in particular, stands out as a memorable setting that played with players’ sense of scale. Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes 2’s charm and unique concept made it a multiplayer game that stood out on the N64.
18. Extreme-G: A Fusion of Speed and Combat
Extreme-G offered a thrilling fusion of high-speed racing and intense combat on the N64. Drawing inspiration from games like Wipeout and F-Zero, Extreme-G allowed players to race Tron-like bikes across a variety of tracks, using weapons to hinder their opponents’ progress. The game’s tracks were less perilous than those of F-Zero, making it a more accessible option for players looking for a fast-paced racing experience. With its addictive gameplay and futuristic aesthetic, Extreme-G provided an adrenaline rush for players seeking multiplayer excitement on the N64.
17. Mortal Kombat 4: Gruesome Fighting on the N64
Mortal Kombat 4 brought the classic and gruesome fighting action of the Mortal Kombat series to the N64. While it may not have been the best Mortal Kombat game, it still provided a solid entry in the series. The game’s unique 3D look and iconic fatalities added a new level of visual excitement to the franchise. For players who preferred the polished aesthetic of the older Mortal Kombat games, the N64 also offered Mortal Kombat Trilogy, which included every character from the first three games with their original sprites.
16. Star Wars Episode I: Racer: Pod Racing Excitement
Star Wars Episode I: Racer brought the thrilling pod racing action from The Phantom Menace to the N64. With its wide variety of racers, upgradable ships, and diverse tracks, the game transformed a mere 20 minutes of footage into an immersive racing experience. Star Wars Episode I: Racer captured the speed and excitement of the pod racing scenes from the movie, allowing players to compete against each other in the Boonta Eve Classic. If you were looking for a multiplayer game that combined the thrill of racing with the Star Wars universe, Star Wars Episode I: Racer was the perfect choice.
15. International Superstar Soccer 64
Before the era of Konami and EA Sports soccer sagas, there was International Superstar Soccer 64. This soccer simulator, with its arcade-style gameplay, still holds up well today. With support for up to four players, you can either compete against each other or team up against the AI. The open mode and penalty mode offer quick and immersive gameplay experiences. If you’re craving more, the sequels International Superstar Soccer ’98 and International Superstar Soccer 2000 are also worth checking out.
14. Susume! Taisen Puzzle Dama: ¡Tōkon! Marutama Chō
If puzzle games are your thing, Susume! Taisen Puzzle Dama: ¡Tōkon! Marutama Chō is a hidden gem on the N64. Similar to Sega’s puzzle games, this battle puzzle game offers fast-paced and frantic gameplay. The goal is to create multiple lines of balls and clear them in one movement, chaining combos together. The multiplayer mode adds an extra layer of excitement as you go head-to-head with your friends, trying to fill their screens with difficult sealed balls. Don’t overlook this underrated puzzle game!
13. BattleTanx: Global Assault
Tank enthusiasts will find delight in BattleTanx: Global Assault. With a wide variety of game modes for up to four players, this game offers endless tank warfare fun. The Tank Wars mode, in particular, stands out, as each player commands a team of AI tanks, resulting in a full-scale war. If you prefer cooperative play, you can team up with a friend in the campaign mode. Dust off your N64 and give BattleTanx: Global Assault a try.
12. F-Zero X
If you’re craving high-speed racing action, look no further than F-Zero X. Even today, the game feels incredibly fast, with vehicles zooming at a rapid pace and the game running at a smooth 60 frames per second, even with four players. The challenging tracks will test your skills, and losing your vehicle doesn’t mean the end. You can play a mini-slot machine game to drain your opponent’s energy and take revenge from beyond the grave. Prepare for adrenaline-pumping races in F-Zero X.
11. Gauntlet Legends
Gauntlet Legends is the epitome of cooperative multiplayer games on the N64. Developed by Midway Games, this simple hack ‘n’ slash game allows you and three friends to team up and battle the evil Skorne and his forces from hell. With four different classes and a wide range of skills to choose from, Gauntlet Legends offers depth beyond its initial appearance. Grab your friends, choose your class, and embark on an epic cooperative adventure.
10. NFL Blitz 2000
For fans of American football, NFL Blitz 2000 is a must-play multiplayer game on the N64. This fast and cool football title supports up to four players, with two players even able to team up against the AI. Even if you’re not familiar with the sport, NFL Blitz 2000 is enjoyable and not monotonous. Its practical gameplay and friendly learning curve make it accessible to newcomers. Get ready for some intense football action!
9. WWF No Mercy & WWF Wrestlemania 2000
No list of N64 multiplayer games would be complete without mentioning the wrestling genre. WWF No Mercy and WWF Wrestlemania 2000 are two standout titles from that era. These games allow you to choose your favorite wrestlers, from legends like HHH, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, and engage in epic battles using tables, ladders, and chairs. The multiplayer mode is where these games truly shine, offering a wide range of fighters and pay-per-view themed arenas. With hours of content and varied gameplay options, these wrestling games are sure to keep you entertained.
8. Diddy Kong Racing
Diddy Kong Racing provided fierce competition for the beloved Mario Kart series. Unlike traditional kart racing games, Diddy Kong Racing introduced a unique adventure mode where players had to unlock levels by progressing through races. While the single-player mode is the highlight, the multiplayer mode is still a joy to play with friends. With colorful graphics, diverse tracks, and a selection of karts, Diddy Kong Racing guarantees hours of multiplayer fun.
7. Conker’s Bad Fur Day
Conker’s Bad Fur Day is a platforming masterpiece with an added multiplayer mode, making it a nearly perfect game. This title offers a variety of game modes, ranging from heists to prehistoric battles against dinosaurs. While technical flaws prevent it from reaching the top places, Conker’s Bad Fur Day remains one of the best action and platform games on the N64. Gather your friends and immerse yourself in its hilarious and entertaining multiplayer experience.
6. Mario Tennis
No N64 collection is complete without Mario Tennis. Since its release, no other tennis game has come close to matching its quality and fun factor. With its excellent gameplay, secrets to discover, infinite game modes, multiplayer options, and a large roster of characters, Mario Tennis is a must-have. While the characters may be cartoonish, the gameplay is surprisingly serious and realistic. Whether you’re a tennis fan or just looking for some casual fun, Mario Tennis delivers fast-paced and hectic matches with friends.
5. Mario Party 2: Best N64 Multiplayer Games
Mario Party 2 is known as the ultimate “destroyer of friendships” game. This board game-inspired title combines skill and luck in a series of mini-games. Unlike its predecessor, Mario Party 2 eliminates the joystick-spinning mini-games, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. With detailed 3D scenarios and a wide range of costumes for characters, Mario Party 2 brings a lot of fun to multiplayer gaming sessions. Gather your friends and prepare for a competitive and entertaining experience.
4 Perfect Dark: Best N64 Multiplayer Games
Perfect Dark, developed by Rare, is a game that exemplifies excellence and has become a classic. Offering a wealth of options in terms of game modes, maps, weapons, and playable characters, Perfect Dark is a multiplayer powerhouse. You can face off against up to three players or add up to eight AI bots for intense battles. Beyond the standard deathmatch modes, Perfect Dark offers cooperative play through the Campaign and “Challenge” scenarios. The Counter-operative mode adds a twist, as one player completes missions while others play as enemy guards. Despite its flaws, Perfect Dark guarantees hours of fun and excitement.
3. Super Smash Bros: Best N64 Multiplayer Games
Super Smash Bros is an iconic franchise that has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. The original N64 title started it all and remains ridiculously fun to this day. While it may have a smaller character roster and fewer settings compared to its successors, its simplicity is what makes it so enjoyable. Super Smash Bros caters to both newcomers and veteran players alike, offering a balance of accessibility and depth. With its fluid and fast-paced fights, this game is a testament to the enduring appeal of multiplayer gaming.
2. GoldenEye 007: Best N64 Multiplayer Games
GoldenEye 007 is a game that, despite its outdated aspects, still delivers fun gameplay once you get used to it. Its multiplayer mode revolutionized the gaming industry, introducing players to multiple deathmatch options and a wide selection of weapons. From automatics to power weapons and remote mines, GoldenEye 007 offers a thrilling and immersive multiplayer experience. Whether you’re slapping each other in the bathroom or engaging in intense battles, this game provides countless hours of fun with friends.
1. Mario Kart 64: Best N64 Multiplayer Games
At the top of the list, we have the undisputed champion of multiplayer gaming on the N64: Mario Kart 64. This game, the sequel to the original Super Nintendo title, brought significant graphical improvements and a wide variety of characters and tracks. Mario Kart 64’s kart racing and battle mode matches are incredibly entertaining and often frustrating in the best possible way. Even after twenty-five years, the game remains as enjoyable as ever, thanks to its stable frame rate and fast-paced gameplay. Mario Kart 64 is the pinnacle of multiplayer gaming on the N64.