The initial batch of Nintendo 64 games coming to Nintendo Switch Online is pretty pleasing. There are some expected classics (Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask), nice surprises (Mario Golf, Mario Tennis, Banjo-Kazooie), and the acknowledgement that the F-Zero franchise actually exists (F-Zero X).
When you only announce sixteen titles, though, there’s bound to be plenty of great games left on the cutting room floor. We’re big fans of the N64 here at Half-Glass Gaming, so obviously we want a whole lot more.
Here are six more N64 we’d love to see on Nintendo’s Switch Online service.
Vigilante 8
We’re starting this list with a personal favorite of mine. While Vigilante 8 was out on the PlayStation for almost a year before it came to N64, it was one of the N64’s only options for car combat. After all, the king of car combat, Twisted Metal, remained a PlayStation-exclusive franchise.
That’s okay, though, since Vigilante 8 isn’t some two-bit knockoff. The same vehicle-based destruction mayhem is present, only with personality and style oozing from the screen. I still have fond memories of a disco ball power-up wreaking havoc on me and my friends.
This is the type of game that’s perfect for Nintendo Switch Online, offering quick rounds that can be shared between friends. It might even lead you into a brief nostalgia trip.
Diddy Kong Racing
I admit that Vigilante 8 is a bit of an obscure choice. A more popular choice (that still features driving action) is Diddy Kong Racing.
The inclusion of Banjo-Kazooie as part of the initial lineup means that the door could be open for other Rare-developed titles, despite the fact that Rare is owned by Microsoft now.
While not as popular as Mario Kart 64, Diddy Kong Racing was also critically acclaimed, and it even beat out the aforementioned title to win the AIAS Console Racing Game of the Year in 1998. And, believe it or not, it still has a following to this day.
Mario Kart 64 is a more “traditional” kart racer, but Diddy Kong Racing arguably packs a better single-player mode, complete with an actual story. It also has a more arcadey feel, letting you race in karts, planes, and bumper boats. And that’s not even mentioning its cast of characters, which includes a couple of unexpected appearances by Banjo and Conker.
Plus, Diddy Kong Racing‘s 25th Anniversary is next year. Just saying.
Donkey Kong 64
Speaking of Rare-developed games, it would be an absolute shame to exclude Donkey Kong 64 from this list. This is another example from Rare, who — if you ask me — took the formula of Super Mario 64 and perfected it. While Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie may get more attention, Donkey Kong 64 is bigger, packs in five playable characters, and features its own rap song.
Of course, in this case, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better, as it really sucks to constantly switch characters mid-level, which requires backtracking to the appropriate barrel. Even so, the game has been long overdue for a re-release.
Come on, Cranky. Take it to the fridge!
Wave Race 64
Wave Race 64, in addition to having an absolutely killer soundtrack, was the perfect launch title for the console. It wasn’t the deepest racing game out there, but it was smoothest, the sharpest, and one of the most addicting. While a lot of kids in the 1990s were playing nonstop Mario Kart, my sister and I were instead playing Wave Race 64.
Looking through old playthroughs of the game is bringing back a flood memories. Ah, how I miss making those tight turns on the water, launching off waves into the air, riding around Dolphin Park doing stunts…
…sorry, I got caught up just watching that video and smiling.
Wave Race 64 did have a GameCube successor, but is was nowhere near as enjoyable or satisfying to play. I am still a little upset that we haven’t seen a new entry in the franchise since.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
Rogue Squadron felt like it was ahead of its time, pushing the Nintendo 64 to its absolute limits. There’s no denying that the game was hampered by the console’s limitations, and let’s be honest, the GameCube sequel, Rogue Leader, is easily the better game. Even so, you still need to respect your elders.
I never owned Rogue Squadron as a kid; I just rented it, got a little butthurt that I never beat it, then moved onto the GameCube and never looked back.
While there might not be a perfect N64 game to revisit on Nintendo Switch Online, Rogue Squadron is just about as close as it gets for me personally.
Except Dinosaur Planet. I unironically loved that game.
