Released in 1996, theNintendo 64was the first fully 3D console released by Nintendo. Often regarded for its vast array of multiplayer games, the N64 was not just the first 3D console released by Nintendo but the first to allow four players to play a game at once, opening the door for a wide variety of multiplayer experiences.
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While several N64 games are often lauded as some of the most exemplary games within their respective genres, the console is also home to several lesser-known hidden gems that don’t get the attention they deserve. So today, we’re going to examinethe most underrated N64 games.
Updated July 18, 2025 by Jack Pursey:To say that the Nintendo 64 is fondly remembered by gamers today would be an understatement. However, when most people discuss Nintendo’s first 3D console, they predominantly talk about the same handful of games, namelyGoldenEye 007and various titles from theMario,Zelda, andPokemonfranchises.
Because of this, there are numerous excellent games from the time that have been largely forgotten. So, to once again shine a light on such releases, we’ve updated this list to include some more of the mostunderrated N64 games.
13Turok 3: Shadow Of Oblivion
Unfortunately, theTurokfranchise has been largely forgotten about. So much so, that many people today would be surprised to hear that, at the time of their release, the first twoTurokgames were considered by some to be amongthe best first-person shooters of all time.
Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivionhad the tough task of following its classic predecessors and was consequently criticized quite harshly when it fell short of their high standards.Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivionwas still a fantastic FPS experience, however, and one that isgenuinely enjoyable to play today, over 20 years after its release.
12Quest 64
Quest 64’s name might be generic, but the game itself offered some interesting spins on the role-playing genre. Along with the Ireland-inspired world, which looked fantastic for 1998 and was bursting with life and color, the game also featured no currency system, with every item being either dropped by an enemy or gathered via a chest or friendly NPC.
Quest 64struggled to impress hardcore RPG fans with its lack of challenge, which led to the game’s negative reception, though the simple quests and combat made the gamea great choice for those wanting a casual role-playing experience.
11Indiana Jones And The Infernal Machine
The Nintendo 64 is remembered for being the home to many iconic franchises' first voyage into 3D, andIndiana Jonesis no exception.
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Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machinehad a large weight of expectations on its shoulders, not only due to theIndiana JonesIP’s popularity but also because thelegendary adventure gameIndiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantiswas still fresh in peoples' memories and set an incredibly high bar for the franchise. Much like the aforementionedTurok 3,Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machinereceived unfair criticism because people were expecting another masterpiece.
10Pokemon Puzzle League
Released in 2000,Pokemon Puzzle Leagueisan underratedPokemonpuzzle gamethat draws heavily from thePokemonanime. With gameplay quite similar toTetris Attack, the game features several single-player modes of varying difficulty as well as a solid versus mode. As far as puzzle games for the N64 are concerned,Pokemon Puzzle Leagueis quite solid.
9Mischief Makers
As a 3D console, it’s not hard to see why many players tend to focus on the iconic 3D platformers released for the console such asSuper Mario 64andBanjo-Kazooie.
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Despite this,Mischief Makersis a great side-scrolling traditional 2D platformer for the N64. While the game featured 2D graphics, it contains great level designs and puzzles, garnering a cult following years after its release.
8F-Zero X
While the Nintendo 64 is synonymous with multiplayer kart racers,F-Zero Xis a fast-paced arcade-styled sci-fi racer. Most known as the home of Captain Falcon, while the game doesn’t feature items like games likeMario Kart, it features unique mechanics such as vehicle health bars and the ability to destroy other racer’s vehicles.
As mentioned, there are several stellar and genre-defining 3D platformers on the Nintendo 64. Throughout the N64’s lifespan, few developers made as many great 3D platformers as Rare. While some of their most beloved games for the console includeBanjo-KazooieandDonkey Kong 64, they also developed theM-rated cult classic,Conker’s Bad Fur Day.
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While the game’s cute and colorful arty direction and platforming gameplay may lead it to appear similar to Rare’s other games for the console, its incredibly profanity-riddled dialogue and crude subject matter make it one of the most unique games for the console.
6Diddy Kong Racing
WhileMario Kart 64is undoubtedly the most iconic racer for the Nintendo 64,Diddy Kong Racingis an often slept-on game that can giveMario Karta run for its money.Another game developed by Rare,Diddy Kong Racingis a game that features a comparably larger amount of content, featuring a more robust single-player experience, and numerous means of racing such as with karts and planes.
5Snowboard Kids And Snowboard Kids 2
Developed by Atlas,Snowboard Kidsis undoubtedly one of the most underrated franchises on the N64. Two games released for the console,Snowboard KidsandSnowboard Kids 2are each four-player snowboard racing games. Rather than featuring realistic snowboarding gameplay, these games play more like downhill kart racers, allowing players to use a wide variety of items to attempt to get a leg up on their opponents.
4Ogre Battle 64: Person Of Lordly Caliber
The Nintendo 64 is a console that had a notorious lack of RPG presence, featuring only a handful of noteworthy RPGs. While RPGs on the console weren’t plentiful,Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliberwas one of the best tactical RPGs of the 1990s. Well before the localization of theFire Emblemseries, this game provided deep tactical RPG gameplay with several features that were ahead of its time, such as several branching endings.
