In the ’80s and early ’90s, the game maker Nintendo was the undisputed leader in the industry, especially with its Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Growing up, gaming was a family and friends affair, and I would always have a bunch of my friends over to play video games. And no machine was better at multiple player games than the Nintendo 64, and we had the best multiplayern64 games. (The console was adoringly abbreviated to N64 with its four controller port).
I think that was why Nintendo chose to create the N64 with the four controllers and why this was also responsible for the evolution of today’s consoles to keep the four multiplayer systems. Gaming would actually never be the same again, and I fondly remember getting the cartridges of all these multiplayer games for nostalgic fun times with my friends.
For those who grew up with the console and games, I would like to take you down memory lane with the best multiplayer games for n64. Below are the 21 Multiplayer N64 games list, which is randomly ranked on this list.
Quick Answer-10 Best Multiplayer N64 Games
San Francisco Rush 2049
Deadly Arts
Wave Race 64
Army Men: Air Combat
Donkey Kong 64
NFL Blitz 2000
WWF Wrestlemania 2000
NBA Hangtime
Micro Machines Turbo 64
Extreme-G
1. San Francisco Rush 2049
Develop(s)
Midway Games West
Publisher(s)
Midway Games
Platform(s)
N64
Release date
Nintendo 64NA: September 7, 2000PAL: November 17, 2000
This is a racing game in a futuristic San Francisco, and cars race around the city. There is a stunt mode where players can earn points for making midair stunts. The game has six race tracks, four arenas for stunts, eight arenas for battling, and one unlockable Gauntlet obstacle course.
JP: March 26, 1998PAL: September 1, 1998NA: September 29, 1998
N64 did not have many fighting games but the G.A.S.P!! Fighters’ NEXTream was one of the best. This was a fighting game that was released in 1998, and the game would also allow you to create a character to fight with and customize or chose between eight fighters.
Pros
Fantastic fighting game
Great multiplayer game
Cons
Terrible Graphics
Key Features
Features
Explanations
3D
3D fighter tech was infused into the 5th generation console.
Fighters
Great fight sequences
Memory Packs
Progress could be saved in memory packs for leaderboard memory.
3.Wave Race 64
Develop(s)
Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Platform(s)
Nintendo 64
Release date
JP: September 27, 1996NA: November 1, 1996PAL: April 29, 1997
This is a jet ski racing game that players can race against one another; it is multiplayer but with only two players at a time.
The game has three single-player modes, including Championship, Time Trials, and Stunt Mode. They also have a multiplayer mode for competitor play. You have to go through courses to win the first place.
Pros
Great graphics and gameplay
Excellent design
Cons
Not enough prizes
Key Features
Features
Explanations
Graphics
The graphics and gameplay are excellent.
Competition
The multiplayer makes this game an excellent play.
Jet ski racing
Racing on the water is always a right choice.
4.Army Men: Air Combat
Develop(s)
The 3DO Company
Publisher(s)
The 3DO Company
Platform(s)
PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, Microsoft Windows
Release date
PlayStationNA: November 2, 1999EU: July 28, 2000Nintendo 64NA: July 19, 2000Game Boy ColorNA: November 20, 2000EU: November 24, 2000Microsoft WindowsEU: June 22, 2001
The evil tan army is attacking as it looks to advance in the green army territory, and you have only one man that can stop this attack. Captain William Blade of the Alpha Wolf Squadron takes charge of this 3rd person shooter video game to save his unit and repel the attack.
Pros
Lots of cool ideas and good looks.
Good storyline
Good graphics
Cons
Needs more levels and a faster pace
Key Features
Features
Explanations
Ideas
The storyline has cool ideas and great graphics for the time.
Missions
The game has 16 main missions and three extras
5.Donkey Kong 64
Develop(s)
Rare
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Platform(s)
Nintendo 64
Release date
NA: November 22, 1999EU: December 3, 1999JP: December 10, 1999
Donkey Kong was actually one of the most popular and the best n64 games ever. The game received universal acclaim and was the best seller on the n64 is 1999, with over 2.4 million copies sold. The game features a 3D adventure where Donley Kong and his friends join him on his experience.
Pros
Excellent storyline
Interesting gaming experience
Improved features
Cons
Too short quests
Key Features
Features
Explanations
Storyline
Excellent storyline and gameplay
3D
3D gaming technology at its best
Mini-games
Puzzles and mini-games are available to players
6.NFL Blitz 2000
Develop(s)
Midway Games
Publisher(s)
Midway Games
Platform(s)
Nintendo 64,
Release date
1999
The first iteration of a sports game, the NFL Blitz 2000, received favorable reviews when launched, and it was an awesome multiplayer sports game for the N64.
Pros
3D models were excellent
Excellent voice acting
Cons
Graphics are not the best
No rewards
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Sports Gaming
This was one of the few graphical sports games when it came out on the market place
Popularity
Sports and the NFL are trendy, and these games added to the trend.
Light
This was a fair game compared to the other hardcore football games.
7. WWF Wrestlemania 2000
Develop(s)
Asmik Ace EntertainmentAKI Corporation
Publisher(s)
EA Games
Platform(s)
NA: THQEU: THQJP: Asmik Ace Entertainment
Release date
1999
WWF Wrestling was an epic entertainment, and this game was released based on the Wrestlemania event, although it was released months before the event and had to use the previous year’s graphics.
More than 50 wrestlers were included in the game that shared the game engine from a Japanese release called Virtual Pro Wrestling 2: Ōdō Keishō.
Pros
Easy to learn and play
Excellent graphics
Good special effects
Cons
Too simple
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Game Engine
The new gaming engine worked well for the game
8. NBA Hangtime
Develop(s)
Midway
Publisher(s)
Midway
Platform(s)
N64
Release date
NA: January 17, 1997EU: September 1, 1997
This NBA video game was released in 1997 and included multiplayer gameplay and was the third title from the NBA Jam series. The game had a create a player feature and included two on two gameplay. The players had five characters to choose from, and gameplay included spin moves, alley-oops, and double slam dunks.
Pros
Characters, world, and individuals gaming is interesting
Create a player.
Cons
The switch’s larger screens create readability issues
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Create a player
The create a player feature was excellent
Movement
Player moves, including double dunks, was great
9.Micro Machines Turbo 64
Develop(s)
Midway
Publisher(s)
Midway
Platform(s)
N64
Release date
1999
This was a multiplayer car racing series that was modeled from the ever-popular car racing series. The game was not full 3D, but it did not stop the racing game from being very popular i9n the day.
Pros
Popular auto racing
Multiplayer racing series
Cons
Less than full 3D
Key Features
Features
Explanation
3D
3D graphics.
Vehicles
32 playable vehicles
Multiplayer
Four-player versus modes
10. Extreme-G
Develop(s)
Probe Entertainment
Publisher(s)
Acclaim Entertainment
Platform(s)
Nintendo 64
Release date
NA: September 30, 1997EU: December 9, 1997JP: May 29, 1998
Extreme-g was a futuristic racing game for the n64. It involves racing cars through a futuristic array of environments. They race plasma-powered bikes and the pilots and warp and loop around roller coasters and have many tracks, including Atomic, which has four tracks, Critical Mass, which has eight tracks, and Finally, Meltdown has full 12 standard tracks.
Pros
Futuristic racing
Great graphics
A lot of tracks
Cons
Resisting the urge to collecting all the prizes
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Track designs
Great track designs with loops and jumps
Locations
Futuristic designs
11.BattleTanx: Global Assault
Develop(s)
The 3DO Company
Publisher(s)
The 3DO Company
Platform(s)
N64
Release date
NA: August 31, 1999
In the game, players control futuristic tanks in a post-apocalyptic world and go on missions, including managing multiple types of tanks.
Pros
Excellent gameplay with futuristic tanks
Cons
Some targets are temperamental
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Gameplay
Futuristic tanks and gameplay
Locations
Player explores new and different locations
Mass destruction
The gameplay is a lot of mass destruction
12.Snowboard Kids
Develop(s)
Racjin
Publisher(s)
Atlus
Platform(s)
N64
Release date
12/12/1997
This is a snowboarding video game with nine min courses and some unorthodox tracks that are not in the snow and has excellent gameplay.
Pros
Excellent gameplay and tracks
A snowboarding style to the Mario karts.
Cons
Lower prizes and scores
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Simplicity
The tracks and game had simplified features that concentrate on racing only
Graphics
Excellent graphics and gameplay
13.Mortal Kombat 4
Develop(s)
Midway Games
Publisher(s)
Midway Games
Platform(s)
N64
Release date
10/15/1997
This was the 4th title of the Mortal Kombat series, a fighting game that pitched two fighters in a ring. You can play this game with friends since it is multiplayer.
Pros
Classic gameplay and finish
Cons
The finishing moves are sometimes hard to master
Key Features
Features
Explanation
3D
The use of 3D computer graphics
Character
Excellent fighters that were unique to fight against
Skills
Fights require that Player to learn moves and finishing moves as well.
14.Star Wars Episode I: Racer
Develop(s)
Lucas Arts · Aspyr · Pax Softonica
Publisher(s)
Lucas Arts · Aspyr · Pax Softonica
Platform(s)
N64
Release date
5/18/1999
This is a racing game based on the star wars universe and the racing pods found on Star Wars the Phantom Menace. The game involves all the racing pods and racecourses found on Tatooine.
Pros
Using the racers from the star wars world is always excellent
Cons
No creative gameplay as they tried hard to stick to the source material
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Multiplayer
The multiplayer is great for the racing series
Star wars
Star Wars lovers will like to experience the racing on Tatooine and other planets.
15.Wave Race 64
Develop(s)
Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s)
Nintendo EAD
Platform(s)
N64
Release date
9/27/1996
This is a racing game from Nintendo, the game maker; it follows the 1992 game called race wave. Players’ race jet skis through specific courses, and you can play as a single or a multiplayer.
Pros
Excellent gameplay and graphics
Cons
Fewer tracks
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Locations
The Player explores new locations to race from on the water.
Characters
Unlock many characters that you can use as racers
Skills
Master new skills and race to glory
16.Mario Kart 64
Develop(s)
Nintendo
Publisher(s)
Nintendo EAD
Platform(s)
N64
Release date
1996
Mario Kart was one of the best Nintendo64 games. Mario was a beloved character, spawning many games like Mario or Super Mario. In the game, Mario races go-carts through many courses and obstacles. A player would use the N64 supplied control stock to steer and hold it down to accelerate and brake.
Pros
Popular Mario character
Cons
Not as good as the previous Super Mario game
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Design
The design was design for multiplayer mode
Innovation
The game was innovative and had great graphics
Characters
Mario was a beloved character at this time
17. Super Smash Bros
Develop(s)
HAL Labs
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Platform(s)
Nintendo 64
Release date
4/26/1999
This was a cross over a fighting game that was created by Nintendo for the N64. It involves many characters from the Nintendo games world, and the gameplay objective is to knock an opponent out of the ring.
Pros
Access to all Nintendo characters
Cons
Graphics could be better.
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Characters
The game started with 12 characters but got better and more names as the franchise grew and more games were made over the years.
Gameplay
Excellent gameplay and graphics
Levels
The game has nine levels in versus mode
18.F-Zero X
Develop(s)
Nintendo
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Platform(s)
Nintendo 64
Release date
7/14/1998
F-Zero X is actually a futuristic racing video game by Nintendo for the N64. It was released n 1998 and featured a death race mode and random track generator in the X cup. In the Death race, the goal of the Player was to annihilate the other 29 cars.
Pros
Great graphics and gameplay
Random track generator
Cons
Short tracks in some races
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Tracks
Random track generator is a cool feature
Graphics
Fantastic gameplay and graphics
19.Perfect Dark
Develop(s)
4J Studios · Rare Ltd.
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Platform(s)
N64
Release date
5/22/2000
Perfect Dark is a first-person shooter that received critical acclaim when it was launched in 2000. It involves users navigating and beating levels to advance. There is no jump ability, but the Player can lean sideways and crouch and crawl.
Pros
Excellent gameplay for a first-person shooter
Cons
Linear gameplay
Key Features
Features
Explanation
AI
Top of the artificial line intelligence was deployed on this game
Graphics
The graphics are excellent in the game
Multiplayer
The game actually has a lot of multiplayer options in the gameplay and on missions
Skills
The first person shooter needs accuracy and advanced skills
20.Mario Tennis
Develop(s)
Nintendo
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Platform(s)
N64
Release date
7/21/2000
By the time Mario Tennis came out in 2000, Mario and his friends were beloved characters, so this game is full of nostalgia. The game is raw, and gameplay revolves around Mario playing tennis against his friends and multiplayer options when he plays doubles.
Pros
Nice sports game
New levels and characters
Cons
Lack of a decent storyline
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Characters
Mario and his friends are a staple, but we have newly added characters in Princess Daisy and Birdo
Locations
There are many superior courts that you can play, and they are all opened after an exhibition match in said court.
Skills
Learning tennis is simple and makes the game fun
21.Gauntlet Legends
Develop(s)
Atari
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Platform(s)
Nintendo 64
Release date
Oct 1998
Gauntlet Legends is an arcade game from Atari released in 1998. It is a fantasy story where our heroes must save the world from Skorne. Sumner, our hero’s brother, releases Skorne from the Underworld and our hero has four heroes to stop him.
Pros
The remarkable storyline and gameplay.
Cons
Not enough new material
Key Features
Features
Explanation
Gameplay
Excellent gameplay and storyline
Locations
Player explores new locations and fantasy world
Characters
Unlock characters to help in your quests
Skills
Master new skills and fight Skorne.
What is the best multiplayer n64 game
When Nintendo were the kings of gaming in the ’80s, and 90’s they also had the most popular franchise in Mario and Super Mario, so the best multiplayer n64 game also has to be the Mario games because these characters were very much beloved and famous.
Final verdict
N64 was one of the top consoles of its time and brought us many multiplayer games. It was built explicitly for multiple players with its four controller ports and presented many multiplayer variations.