The Nintendo 64 video game console is credited for its leaps in 3D gaming. Before the Nintendo 64, the vast majority of games were played in 2D. This unprecedented leap in graphics processing paved the way for an abundance of hit video games. Naturally, with so many blockbusters, Nintendo 64 remakes and remasters are coveted classics.
We’ve seen remakes and remasters from over the years, but few are as influential as the ones that stemmed from the Nintendo 64. It goes to show that 8 megabytes of RAM can go a long way. This is ranking the 10 best Nintendo 64 remakes and remasters.
10 Banjo-Tooie (Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Over the years, Banjo-Tooie has been remastered twice. The first time, it was remastered and added to Xbox Live Arcade, the marketplace for the Xbox 360. The game was mostly unchanged except for a new Stop ’n’ Swop feature. It was meant to be a part of the original game but became a tantalizing feature that was finally added.
The second time that Banjo-Tooie received a remake was as part of the Rare Replay collection. It requires a separate installation, but it allows for Xbox Live Achievements.
9 Diddy Kong Racing DS (Nintendo DS)
Back when the Nintendo 64 was a massive hit with gamers around the world, Diddy Kong Racing was Mario Kart’s closest competitor. While Mario Kart was a game full of surprises, Diddy Kong Racing was the ultimate test of kart racing prowess. Moreover, the game had a lengthy single-player campaign and local multiplayer, something that we don’t see enough of today.
This sensational kart racer featured Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong’s sidekick, and a cast of other charming characters like Conker. Memorable characters like Wizpig is why the game was remade for the Nintendo DS.
8 Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
A mix of first-person shooting and platforming sounds like an odd combination today, but platforming games were abundant during the time Turok: Dinosaur Hunter released. Challenging platforming can detract from its first-person shooting, but many enjoy it regardless.
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil is the sequel to Turok: Dinosaur Hunter that didn’t make this list. Although it is exceptional, we love Turok: Dinosaur Hunter for its superior level designs and for having a wider variety of enemies.
7 Perfect Dark (Xbox 360)
Considered by critics and fans to be one of the best games on the Nintendo 64, this first-person shooter is one you can’t miss. Following strong female protagonist Joanna Dark, it has an intriguing story to go along with its gameplay. The game holds ups, and we can credit its great strides to GoldenEye 007.
Taking inspiration from GoldenEye 007, it improved on the style of gameplay in nearly every way. Consider that 3D gaming was in its infant stages when this game released. It was a no-brainer decision to remaster Perfect Dark for current-gen.
6 Conker: Live & Reloaded (Xbox)
This remake of 2001’s Conker’s Bad Fur Day is a worthy replacement for the original game. Conker: Live & Reloaded was developed by Rare and was an exclusive for the original Xbox. This new edition added a multiplayer mode that is different than the original with online functionality. However, it still contains the same single-player campaign remastered with enhanced graphics.
Interestingly enough, Conker: Live & Reloaded was going to be uncensored. The final cut added more censorship than the original Conker’s Bad Fur Day. This drew criticism, which is why the game received mixed reviews.
5 Banjo-Kazooie (Xbox 360, Xbox One)
One of the most iconic duos in video game history starred in Banjo-Kazooie as the titular characters. The game revolves around collecting puzzle pieces known as ‘Jiggies,’ as well as thwarting the evil plans of the wicked witch Gruntilda.
Like Banjo-Tooie, the sequel to Banjo-Kazooie, it was remade for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. The best way to experience Banjo-Kazooie is to play it as part of the Rare Replay collection. The game is Xbox One X Enhanced, bringing an unprecedented experience for this duo.
4 Super Mario 64 DS (Nintendo DS)
Had this game released for the Nintendo 3DS, there’s a strong chance it would have placed higher on this list. The limitations of the Nintendo DS gave Super Mario 64 DS lower quality graphics compared to 3DS games.
With that said, the game adds new gameplay elements such as a minimap, new levels, extra playable characters, and a multiplayer mode. What this game lacks in graphics and polish it more than makes up for with an abundance of content.
3 Star Fox 64 3D (Nintendo 3DS)
Put your worries aside since Star Fox 64 3D is every bit as enjoyable as the original, and then some. Nintendo EAD and Q-Games co-developed this 3D masterpiece. Rather than add a simple resolution increase, the game was rebuilt.
The water and special effects of Star Fox 64 3D are simply phenomenal. The draw distances are further than ever before, which makes flight gameplay even more immersive. People who didn’t enjoy the original might like this one as it’s a drastic improvement on all possible fronts.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D (Nintendo 3DS)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D is the hit sequel to The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time 3D. Both games are remakes and have an enormous nostalgic appeal. Nintendo did a superb of remastering these games, which is why The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D also deserves high placement on this listicle.
This enhanced, remastered classic accurately captures the tone and setting of the original game. Majora’s Mask’s darker tale involves characters like Link and Skull Kid, and the malevolent main antagonist Majora.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time 3D (Nintendo 3DS)
Still considered by many to be the greatest video game of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is our favorite Nintendo 64 remake. It contains all the puzzle-solving, dungeon exploring, songs, and characters as the original game. Ocarina of Time contained an open-world with boss fights before Dark Souls made it trendy.
It was the first The Legend of Zelda to incorporate 3D gameplay, and now it’s the first to be displayed in stereoscopic 3D. Revisiting the fictional kingdom of Hyrule once again is nostalgia at its peak.
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