4 N64 Games Better Than Ocarina of Time

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The Nintendo 64’s Zelda isn’t just a great game; it’s a landmark title. It was the first Zelda to move into 3D, introducing a groundbreaking targeting system and intuitive controls. Plus, its time travel story had a huge impact on the series, creating branching timelines and leading to many different versions of Link and the Triforce.

Many consider this to be one of the greatest games on the console and in the entire series, and its unique qualities haven’t been truly matched since. While only a few Nintendo 64 games are ranked above Ocarina of Time, this doesn’t lessen its importance. These other titles simply excel in different ways.

Super Mario 64 Pushed the Franchise and the Genre in a New Direction

Within Nintendo’s most popular characters, Mario and Link have always been rivals for the top position. Although Link had the critically acclaimed Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask released one after the other, Mario’s Super Mario 64 was enough to get players excited about Nintendo’s newest console.

Mario’s adventure begins at Princess Peach’s Castle, launching him into a series of imaginative and vibrant 3D worlds. The simple act of running and jumping felt incredibly satisfying, and each level was packed with Power Stars. This encouraged players to revisit areas and thoroughly explore every nook and cranny to collect them all.

Unlike Ocarina of Time, which had a fixed storyline limiting how much you could revisit it, Mario games have always prioritized fun gameplay over a complex story. They focus on how you play as Mario, rather than why. This emphasis on enjoyable gameplay is a key reason why Super Mario 64 remains a classic and influential game.

Mario Kart 64 Was a Game That Could Be Played By Everyone for Hours

The Mario Kart series is known for being incredibly replayable, perfect for extended gaming sessions with loved ones. Mario Kart 64 continued this tradition, successfully transitioning the series to 3D and building upon the gameplay of the original Super Mario Kart.

The game featured larger, more diverse tracks, allowing up to four players to race simultaneously. Faster engine classes were introduced to increase the difficulty, and the notorious Blue Shell – now a series hallmark – made its first appearance. Since then, the games have largely remained in 3D, building upon the foundation laid by the original 64-bit title.

While Ocarina of Time focused on a solo adventure, Mario Kart 64 was designed for group play, letting everyone join the fun with its famous characters.

Super Smash Bros. Allowed Link and Many Other Nintendo Characters to Shine

The first Super Smash Bros. truly defined multiplayer gaming on the Nintendo 64. It brought together iconic characters from across Nintendo’s most popular games – including Link as he appeared in Ocarina of Time – and let up to four players battle it out. The game focused on easy-to-learn controls and fun, chaotic elements like power-ups and dangerous stage features to make every match exciting.

Each character had unique abilities. Link, for example, could shoot arrows and throw bombs, similar to the Zelda games. His spinning attack helped him fend off enemies and recover if he fell off the stage. His dedicated stage was set in Hyrule Castle, and the iconic Overworld theme played throughout the match.

Super Smash Bros. didn’t just popularize multiplayer platform fighting games – it launched a huge franchise known for bringing together characters from Nintendo and many other iconic game series. Link, as one of those characters, plays a key role in the franchise’s success, offering interactions and a scope you wouldn’t find in a typical Zelda game.

Pokémon Stadium Retained the Best Aspect of the Franchise

The Pokémon series is famous for its games on Nintendo’s handheld consoles, but the Nintendo 64 also hosted a unique entry called Pokémon Stadium. Unlike typical Pokémon games where you play as a trainer exploring a region and winning battles, Pokémon Stadium centered entirely on the Pokémon themselves and their fights.

I remember being so excited when I found out I could transfer my Pokémon from the Game Boy to Pokémon Stadium on the Nintendo 64! It was amazing to battle with them in 3D arenas, compete in tournaments, and challenge all the gym leaders. They included every Pokémon from the first generation, even the super rare Mewtwo! It was one of the first Pokémon games that really showed off 3D graphics, and it kicked off a whole trend of Pokémon games focusing more on battling than exploring a huge world.

While The Legend of Zelda is a beloved series, Pokémon has achieved a much wider global following. Zelda games aren’t typically known for connecting with other consoles or sharing content—though the Four Swords games attempted this with limited success. This is what made the original Pokémon Stadium and its sequel so special and memorable on the Nintendo 64.

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2026-06-02 00:50