N64 recommendations?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I love Nintendo, but I mostly hated the N64. The controller was too large and confusing, games were too expensive and there seemed to be large stretches where just nothing was coming out while the PS1 got new games all the time.

A few years ago, I heard about and picked up a Hori N64 pad that makes a world of difference. Everything about it except for its d-pad placement is better than the original. It's sparked a newfound interest in Nintendo's third console.

I was randomly cruising my used game store today and happened upon the N64 section. After a quick peek, I pulled out a game by Take-Two called Space Station Silicon Valley. At $10, I thought it was worth checking out and man, just like Goemon's Great Adventure I picked up a few weeks ago, I'm having a blast with this.

Although I had an N64 since it launched, I only ever picked up a few games for it. All told, I only have about 20 games today, and that number is rounded off by some Japanese carts I've acquired such as the Pocket Monsters Stadium trilogy and Sin & Punishment.

I know there were at least several hundred N64 games released in the US, and more in Japan.

What should I seek out for the N64? I obviously have the mega hits like Mario 64, Mario Kart 64 and Star Fox 64, but what else should I get for Nintendo's last cartridge console?

[Pichu]

Blast Corps-This is like an action game where you blow stuff up. That's the only description you need. Very fun and very actiony.

Gex 64-Another 3D platformer, but this one is done pretty well. It's very fun to play if you like the genre.

Yoshi's Story-Great, easy 2D platformer, the style looks really nice, and is good for just blowing off steam.

Jet Force Gemini-Third-Person Shooter that is also very fun. The controls work well and the game progresses well. Check this one out.

[sevin0seven]

Golden Eye 007
Ogre Battle 64
Ridge Racer 64
Wave Race 64
Bangai-O (JPN)
Jikkyou Powerful Pro Yakyuu (JPN)
Pokemon Puzzle League
Harvest Moon 64
Rocket: Robot on Wheels
Jet Force Gemini
1080 Degrees Snowboarding
Resident Evil 2
Banjo-Kazooie
Excitebike 64
Perfect Dark
WWF No Mercy

[swiftzx]

F zero x
1080 snowboarding
Magical tetris challenge
Donkey kong 64
Pokemon stadium 2
Hot wheels turbo racing
Bomberman hero
Paper Mario
Goldeneye 007
Perfect dark
Banjo kazooie
Starfox 64
Mario party 2
Ogre battle 64

[Ack]

Before we go and start just throwing names at the fella, first ask a very important question:

What genres do you like, Satoshi?

I'm sure we can give you a much better answer with that. Shoot, I'll be happy to make a few suggestions based on your interests.

[tylerbgood]

From andymol21's excellent Nintendo 64 101 Beginner's Guide:

The Best N64 Games The Still Matter Today – Since the N64 had such a focus on 3D gaming when the technology was still in its infancy, the games that still hold up especially well today are not necessarily the same ones that garnered all the initial attention for the N64.

The Cheapest N64 Games Worth Your Time – If you want to build up a quality N64 library with the least amount of cash, check out this guide.

The Best Undiscovered N64 Games – There are plenty of good N64 games that most people haven’t tried yet. Check these games out to broaden your horizons.

Racket has never released an official "Defining Games" article on the Nintendo 64, but a lot of Racketeers weighed in on their favorites here - ...and Top 10 N64 games.

Hope this was helpful!

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Whoops, I suppose I should list the games I already own so that you guys wont list repeats.
BlastCorps
Cruis'n USA
Diddy Kong Racing
Doom 64
Duke Nukem 64
F-Zero X
Goldeye 007
Goemon's Great Adventure
Hexen
Mario Kart 64
Mischief Makers
Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon
Perfect Dark
Pokémon Puzzle League
Pokémon Stadium
Pokémon Stadium 2
Pocket Monsters Stadium
Pocket Monsters Stadium 2
Pocket Monsters Stadium Gold and Silver
Quake
Quake II
Sin & Punishment
Star Fox 64
Star Wars Episode One Racer
Star Wars Shadows of the Empire
Star Wars Rouge Squadron
Superman 64 (lol)
Super Mario 64
Space Station Silicon Valley
Yoshi's Story
Zelda Ocarina of Time
Zelda Majora's Mask

I'm looking for just about anything but sports and overly kiddy games. Japan import suggestions are welcome, as I already own a few including Sin & Punishment.

[Dakinggamer87]

The majority of the best Nintendo 64 games have already been listed but another I would recommend is Conker's Bad Fur Day.

[CAv]

You need some Bandjo-Kazooie methinks.

[AppleQueso]

Yeah you're definitely missing a lot of Rare's N64 catalogue. They were probably the most recognized and prolific developer on the n64 next to nintendo themselves, and really I think getting a nice set of rareware titles is essential to any n64 collection (unless, for some reason, you hate rareware.)

Banjo-Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie, Donkey Kong 64, Jet Force Gemini, and Conker's Bad Fur Day are all missing from your list.

You're also missing the two Snowboard Kids titles. Excellent kart-racing style take on snowboarding. Really memorable. Not sure if you'd find it "overly kiddie", but it's not any more kiddie than say, Diddy Kong Racing or something.

Flying Dragon's an interesting fighting title, though I honestly wouldn't say it's a must-have.

The AKI developed wrestling games (WCW/NWO World Tour, WCW/NWO Revenge, WWF Wrestlemania 2000, and WWF No Mercy) despite being licensed games and technically sports games, are incredibly fun. The wrestling engine was excellent, and to this day they are among the cream of the wrestling game crop. The best of this series in the US was WWF No Mercy, however you don't mind imports, so instead I'll go ahead and recommend the japan-only Virtual Pro Wrestling 2.

I always had a soft spot for Rush 2, though I can't say I can vouch much for its quality as I've never been much of a racing game connoisseur and couldn't tell you its good/bad qualities.

There might be others, but I can't seem to think of them right now. Those are what I'd recommend right away though from looking at your list.