Top 10 Games that NEED to be on the N64 Classic Edition

Yep, we’re doing this again. For one thing, our top ten N64 games list included some of the all-time greats for the platform such as Mario Kart, Super Mario 64 and the legendary Ocarina of Time. With that in mind, we find it highly unlikely that Nintendo would leave out so many system defining video games from a collection that is designed to embrace the very best that the N64 had to offer. Furthermore, the NES classic edition featured a library of 30 games to choose from, so if the N64 were to follow suit, there’s more than enough space for those gems. Yes even Goldeneye, even though that’s a rights issue minefield.

Who doesn’t love Star Wars? Drawing inspiration from the bestselling book of the same name, this 3rd person shooter was a mind-blowing experience for fans of the franchise when it launched back in 1996. Shadows of the Empire provided a Star Wars game unlike anything prior, with thrilling space combat sequences, massive levels to explore, a compelling storyline and allowing us to relive the epic battle of Hoth the second we started the game. With the Star Wars saga back in full swing on the big screen, it would be a no brainer for the classic edition to include one of the most classic gaming adventures from a galaxy far, far away.

There is no two ways about it, Donkey Kong 64 is an absolutely gargantuan sized game. With five playable Kongs, a seemingly endless number of collectibles to find, addictive side missions, thrilling boss battles and possibly the largest game world on the console; DK64 was an unprecedented gaming triumph back when it was released. It’s scale and plethora of things to do still manages rivals video games released today, which is a testament to its overall design. This isn’t even mentioning the multiplayer, which can add even more hours of enjoyment to what was already a jam-packed gaming adventure. If you still can’t get enough of the Kongs, let’s hope that the N64 classic edition throws in Diddy Kong Racing for good measure.

Pokémon has experienced a huge surge in popularity recently thanks to the incredibly successful phone app game: ‘Pokémon Go”. Therefore, it’s another no brainer to include this blast from the past for even more nostalgic gaming goodness. The premise is simple, you move through a bunch of on-rails levels and take photos of a variety of different Pokémon. Yep, that’s pretty much it. But don’t knock it before you try it, as it can prove to be quite addicting. It encourages multiple playthroughs to discover all the hidden items, paths and Pokémon that there are to find, ensuring a hefty amount of replay value to keep you coming back for more.

Even today, the N64 is widely recognized in the gaming community for its excellent selection of local multiplayer games. Why not celebrate that distinct quality by including one of the all-time greats from the days when four buds would squeeze onto a couch and scream obscenities at one another, round after round in Bomberman 64! The four-player action is just as intense as it ever was, surely providing just as much fun now as it did in the 90’s. Video games were also more complete with content back then, so if you don’t have friends over, there was still a lengthy story mode for you to enjoy chock full of colorful graphics, catchy music and exciting platforming.

Totally radical dude! Snowboarding video games have come a long way since the late 90’s, but it would be cool for modern audiences to see how this entry paved the way for 3D simulations of the sport. The arcade style gameplay ensures an easy to pick up experience for newcomers, but provides just enough depth for those that want to invest their time on mastering the crafty trick system. 1080 will keep you shreddin’ across the digital snowy terrain for quite some time, as it is jam packed with an abundance of game modes such as traditional race, time attack and a ‘contest’ mode where players show off their mastery of the aforementioned trick system. Long story short: if you like fun, play this game.

The N64 was no slouch when it came to racing games so why not represent that category with some of the fastest fun available for the system. F-Zero X boasted some of the most breakneck speed ever witnessed in a video game at that point. The developers sacrificed graphical fidelity to ensure that the game would have less to render, allowing for all of the processing power to focus on delivering a consistent frame rate of 60 fps, which was a big deal at the time. F-Zero X hasn’t slowed down with age, as its speed it just as exhilarating as it ever was and the many game modes available for you to blast through can provide a sensational rush.

Conker’s Bad Fur Day deserves to be on the N64 classic edition for one reason: it’s unlike anything else released for the console. Considering that copies of this game are increasingly rare and usually average a price tag over $100, it would make sense to include it here to make it more widely accessible for players to acquire. Hilarious pop culture references, robust multiplayer modes and colorful visuals have helped this game stand the test of time, making it just as absurdly entertaining as ever. Packed to the brim with violence, nonsensical profanity and more poop jokes than you’ve probably ever cared to witness, Conker’s journey through numerous wild and wacky worlds is something you won’t soon forget.