N64 Games: A Nostalgic Ranking of My Childhood Collection

Introduction

My first ever gaming system was a N64… or was it a Gameboy color? Either way, I was cleaning out my closet and found a box of my N64 games. Let me tell you. Those games brought back some memories. Hours of saving Hyrule with my dad, chasing my sisters hi-score in Ms. Pac-Man, and frustrating loses in Mario Party. That Nintendo 64 was put to the test, and amazingly it still works today. Old tech was built different.

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Ranking My N64 Collection

Growing up, I had a handful of games that I would rotate through. Below is my personal collection, ranked from top to bottom:

1. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Image: Nintendo

This is an easy #1. I can’t tell you have many times I’ve played this game through. The story line, dungeons, and side quests make it an absolute classic. I love Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, but I can’t seem to shake this feeling that I’m missing something. While the puzzles in the new open world games are much more creative, I hope the next iteration of the game returns to a similar path as it’s N64 ancestors.

Re-playable Score: 5/5

2: Super Mario 64

Image: Nintendo

I have legitimately beat this game at 100% 4 times through, as an adult… My friends and I would challenge ourselves to see if we could complete every level without obtaining a single coin. (8 red / 100 coin would have to be completed at the same time). To this day the game still plays well. The smooth 64-bit graphics run on a Reality Co-Processor was the first 3D graphic and immersive gameplay experience of its kind. I might have to blow the dust of this one.

Re-playable Score: 5/5

3: Mario Party 2

Image: Nintendo

This game was a staple in my household. My sister and I would play for hours with our cousins when we were on summer break. The number of fights started from this game are uncountable, and can we discuss these participation trophy star awards at the end of the game…. There’s a big ole asterisks in the record books for those “Wins”. I’ve recently started playing the mini games again on Super Hard. This game is TOUGH. Check out the unforgettable intro here.

Re-playable Score: 5/5

4: Paper Mario

Image: Nintendo

Turn based games aren’t really my thing anymore, but as a kid I was hooked. Collecting as many pins as possible was a must, and who could forget Chuck Quizmo’s very specific questions (I never knew). This adventure took you through a papercraft world, teaming up with various characters to… you guessed it, save princess Peach. Paper Mario, loved it as a kid, but won’t be playing it again soon.

Re-playable Score: 3.5/5

5: Namco Museum 64

Image: Nintendo

A 6 game pack of 80s arcade classics including Mr. Pack-man, Dig Dug , and Galaga. This was the go-to game when it was time to “Share” the N64. High scores came and went, but sibling rivalry is forever. If you have an itch for the arcade style genre, then this game is for you.

Re-playable Score: 4/5

6: Mega Man 64

Image: Nintendo

To be completely honest, I don’t remember the story line of this one. Not even a little. All I can remember is this little monkey (Data) dancing to some music.

After watching some game play, I’m putting it on my Nintendo Direct Wish List. The game mechanics and story line look like something I would enjoy.

Re-playability: TBD

The Wrap:

My childhood video games were a huge part of my growing up, bringing me endless fun and shaping my gaming preferences. From the classic Super Mario 64 that introduced me to gaming, to the captivating adventures of The Legend of Zelda that fueled my imagination, each game made a lasting impact. Looking back, I appreciate the technological advancements that made these possible. Video games have come a long way since then, with incredible graphics, virtual reality, and online multiplayer experiences becoming the norm. But nothing compares to the nostalgia and joy I feel when revisiting those games. They remind me of the simple pleasures and memories that defined my childhood. So, whether you're a gaming enthusiast or just curious about how video games can shape a person, exploring the games of the past offers valuable insights and a chance to relive the magic.

PS: Before anyone has a conniption, I know I'm missing out on some absolute classics. For the record, in my adult years I have played the shit out of Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart 64, and Mario Tennis. All would have ranked high on my list. I also want to give a shoutout to the other two games from my child hood, Scooby-Doo! Classic Creep Capers, and Rugrats: Scavenger Hunt. Both were fun, but weren't worth writing about.