The Nintendo 64 is one of the most popular console systems ever released, and it also houses some of the best real-time strategy games ever created.
Real-time strategy (RTS) games have been around since the beginning of video games. Players must manage resources, build an army or fleet, and attack other players to win. They are compatible with any platform that supports multiplayer online gaming.
We’ll talk about the best RTS games for Nintendo 64 as well as what real-time strategy games are. Let’s dive in!
What is a Real-Time Strategy Game?
A real-time strategy game is a type of strategy game in which the player must control an entire army instead of just one unit. The player will have to build up an army, research new technologies, and make decisions that affect the development of their civilization.
Players must carefully analyze their chosen battle plan before entering combat. These plans may include:
- Scouting enemy positions
- Gathering information about the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses
- Determining where best to position your forces.
- Selecting weapons and equipment based on your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses
- Deploying scouts to gather information about an enemy’s movements
- Creating decoys or traps
- Coordinating attacks among multiple squads
Was Nintendo 64 Known for Real-Time Strategy Games?
The Nintendo 64 was known for real-time strategy games. It was one of the most powerful consoles ever created, with a graphics processing unit (GPU) capable of rendering at least 16 million polygons per second on average. This made it possible to create complex 3D models quickly, and it also allowed the game developers to use higher resolutions which had been possible on previous platforms.
The N64 is also notable for being one of the last consoles to feature an analog stick on the controller; the Nintendo GameCube introduced the first analog stick in 2001.
The Best Nintendo 64 RTS Games
Here are the 5 best Nintendo 64 RTS games of all time.
#5: emStar Fox 64/em
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Available Platforms | Nintendo 64, iQue Player |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Modes | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Released | April 27, 1997 |
- Authentic Star Fox 64 (without Rumble Pak)
- Does not come with original case or manuals. Cartridge only
- Cartridge and label are in nice condition
- Fully tested and guaranteed
emStar Fox 64/em is one of the best games ever made on the N64.
Released in 1997, it was the first Nintendo 64 game to use 3D polygon graphics. The game also featured an alternative control scheme that made playing with a standard controller easy for many players. It was also the first N64 game to contain voice acting and full-motion video cutscenes.
The story follows Fox McCloud, a member of the Star Fox team who must fight against Andross, who has taken over Venomian space stations and has turned them into bases for his army. The player takes control of Fox as he flies his Arwing through space, fighting enemies along the way.
emStar Fox 64/em is one of only two games in the series that does not feature Princess Peach as a playable character (the other being Star Fox Adventures).
While it does not have any direct sequel or prequel games like its predecessors in the series, its success helped create several other Nintendo 64 games based on its character designs: Commanders Arwing, Great Fox, and Landmaster tank.
You can find emStar Fox 64/em for the N64 on Amazon here.
#4: emOgre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber/em
| Publishers | Nintendo, Atlus USA |
| Available Platforms | Nintendo 64 |
| Developer | Quest Corporation |
| Modes | Single-player |
| Released | July 14, 1999 |
- cartridge-save system that allows you to store up to three separate files
The real-time strategy game emOgre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber/em was created by Ogre Software and released by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. The game in Japan is known as Ogrest: Person of Lordly Caliber.
The town of Midland is the setting for the game, and monsters have overrun it. The player controls one of four heroes from various countries who must battle these creatures to discover their true motives. Both male and female player characters are available, each with unique characteristics and abilities.
Combat is simple to pick up but requires a deep understanding of each character’s tactics and abilities to truly excel. The controls are easy to understand and use, but becoming proficient will take some time. Things to do outside of combat are plentiful, as well. Some things you may do in the game are optional side missions and other things.
You can get your hands on emOgre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber/em for Nintendo 64 on Amazon here.
©iStock.com/robtek
#3: emStarCraft 64/em
| Publisher | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Available Platforms | Microsoft Windows, Classic Mac OS, Nintendo 64 |
| Developer | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Modes | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Released | March 31, 1998 |
emStarCraft 64/em is one of the most popular real-time strategy games on the Nintendo 64.
It was developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2000. The game is based on the story of StarCraft, which was one of the most successful games in history. In fact, it has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
emStarCraft 64/em offers an exciting single-player campaign as well as multiplayer play for up to four players in both local and online modes. The game revolves around rival factions battling to control the galaxy through war, diplomacy, exploration, and resource gathering. There are many different ways you can play emStarCraft 64/em, but here are the most popular ones:
- Campaign mode offers you several missions that take place in real-time and require you to complete missions before moving on to another mission. You can also choose between different difficulty levels depending on your skill level and whether you want to earn more money or simply complete missions faster so that you can move on to another mission.
- Arcade mode allows you to choose from a variety of maps with different settings, such as weather conditions or even time limits, which would enable players to compete against each other via online mode or offline LAN modes when playing.
Take emStarCraft 64/em home to your N64 from Amazon here.
#2: emCommand & Conquer/em
| Publishers | Sega, Nintendo, Virgin Interactive Entertainment, Electronic Arts |
| Available Platforms | Sega Saturn, PlayStation Portable, Apple Macintosh, Nintendo 64, Android, iOS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation PlayStation 4, PC (MS-DOS, Windows) |
| Developers | Westwood Studios, EA Los Angeles, Victory Games, EA Phenomic, EA Redwood Studios |
| Modes | Multiplayer |
| Released | September 1995 |
The emCommand & Conquer/em franchise is a long-running real-time strategy series that has been through many iterations.
The latest entry in the series, Command & Conquer: Rivals, is a free-to-play mobile game that pits two players against each other in fast-paced battles.
The player takes control of one of three factions (United States, Global Defense Initiative, or Brotherhood of Nod), each with its unique campaign and objectives. During gameplay, the player’s forces can be deployed against opposing troops at any time, including attacking and protecting bases from other players’ attacks.
The main objective for each faction is to gather resources from land and sea tiles and use them to build units such as infantry or tanks, which then fight against opposing forces or structures. Buildings can be constructed anytime, providing benefits such as extra health points or damage resistance for weapons like lasers or explosives.
Grab emCommand & Conquer/em for yourself on Amazon here.
#1:
| Publishers | Rebellion Developments (98 Redux), Activision Crave Entertainment (N64) |
| Available Platforms | Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 64 |
| Developers | Climax Development (N64), Activision, Big Boat Interactive (98 Redux) |
| Modes | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Released | March 11, 1998 |
is one of the best real-time strategy games on the Nintendo 64.
It’s an excellent experience, with a great story and extensive, top-tier gameplay. The graphics are very good, and there’s a lot of variety in the missions you can play.
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have been forced to retreat underground. To attain your objective, you play as a human soldier who must overcome hordes of enemies. New tools, such as guns, vehicles, and places, become available to you as the game progresses, allowing you to better deal with hostile surroundings.
With each new assignment, you’ll have to employ increasingly sophisticated military strategies to defeat the increasing number of enemies. You’ll also be able to select from many sorts of terrain, each of which will have its own set of pros and cons for your army. If you’re battling in an open field, for instance, your adversaries will have a better chance of spotting you, but if you’re in a forest, the long grass and trees will obscure their view.
Try out yourself from Amazon .
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of fantastic real-time strategy games for the N64, but these are some of the classics that everyone should play if they have this console or are looking to buy it.
Up Next
- The Absolute Best Nintendo 3DS Real-Time Strategy Games of All Time
- The Absolute Best Nintendo Switch Real-Time Strategy Games of All Time
- The 7 Absolute Best Nintendo DS Real-Time Strategy Games of All Time
The image featured at the top of this post is ©robtek/Shutterstock.com.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
