The Nintendo 64 is one of the most iconic video game consoles. From its revolutionary controller to many of the best sandbox games ever made, it’s no wonder many people still hold a special place in their hearts for this classic system.
For those who don’t know, the sandbox is a game in which players can roam around freely and do whatever they want. There are no restrictions on what you can do, when you can do it, or how long you do it for. This freedom makes sandbox games appealing to players who enjoy exploring and experimenting with different ways of playing.
This list ranks the best popular Nintendo 64 sandbox games of all time. We’ve rated these titles based on their reviews from critics and gamers’ scores. Let’s get into it!
A Brief History of The Nintendo 64
The Nintendo 64 was released in Japan on June 23, 1996. It was the first Nintendo console to use the cartridge-based media format, which was used for all of its handheld systems and previous home consoles. The N64 was also one of the first consoles to support online gaming and online play.
The N64’s controller included a thumbstick, which allowed players to control characters or objects in 3D environments with greater precision than with a directional pad. The controller also featured two analog buttons and two digital shoulder buttons.
The console launched with three games: Super Mario 64, Pilotwings 64, and Mario Kart 64. It went on to sell more than 30 million units worldwide.
In 2000, Nintendo released an updated version of the N64 called the Nintendo 64DD. It had a built-in drive supporting proprietary 64MB magneto-optical disks, CDs, and DVDs. The device never caught on because it needed to be compatible with conventional game cartridges.
The 7 Best Nintendo 64 Sandbox Games
There are plenty of great sandbox titles today, but here are some of the best you can find on the Nintendo 64 based on user ratings from Metacritic.
7. emDonkey Kong 6/em4
- Authentic Donkey Kong 64
- Does not come with original case or manuals. Cartridge only
- Cartridge and label are in nice condition
- Fully tested and guaranteed
emDonkey Kong 64/em is one of the first sandbox games to have introduced 3D and is considered one of the best sandbox games from that generation.
emDonkey Kong 6/em4 is an open-world game where you can explore every inch of it without restrictions. You’re playing as Donkey Kong, but you’ll also control your friends like Diddy, Lanky, Chunky, and Tiny.
The game can be played with up to four players at once, and some excellent mini-games can also be played with friends. emDonkey Kong 6/em4 is full of secrets and hidden areas to explore, and it’s one of the most expansive games on the Nintendo 64.
You can get it on Amazon for the N64 here.
6. emBanjo-Kazooie/em
- Authentic Banjo-Kazooie for Nintendo 64
- Does not come with original case or manuals. Cartridge only
- Cartridge and label are in nice condition
- Fully tested and guaranteed
emBanjo-Kazooie/em is one of the most beloved N64 games.
It’s a 3D platformer that lets you play as a bear and bird duo who must save the world from Gruntilda, a witch who wants to steal Banjo‘s sister. The game has colorful worlds, fun characters, and challenging puzzles.
emBanjo-Kazooie/em is a classic as it paved the way for future 3D platformers. It was made by Rare, which also made Golden Eye 007 and Perfect Dark — two other first-person shooters that were popular on the N64.
The game was also ahead of its time in terms of graphics and gameplay mechanics. For example, emBanjo-Kazooie/em featured many elements that would become standard in later games like Super Mario 64 and Ratchet & Clank, including an open world full of hidden areas to explore, a hub area where you could talk with other characters, and mini-games that gave players something else to do besides just playing through the main story.
Find it on Amazon here.
5. emBanjo-Tooie/em
- Divide and conquer! The bear and bird are back, and this time, they can split up and work alone.
- Play as Mumbo! Now you'll get to take control of the bone-headed shaman himself.
- Meet Humba Wumba! She'll transform Banjo into a number of objects, such as a walking, talking statue or tightie white shootin' washer.
emBanjo-Tooie/em is the sequel to Rare’s classic 3D platformer, Banjo-Kazooie, and it’s arguably even better than its predecessor with more levels, more characters, and more fun.
emBanjo-Tooie/em features similar gameplay to its predecessor. The game’s story revolves around Banjo and Kazooie rescuing Banjo‘s sister, Tooty, from Gruntilda. The game was released in 2000 and some believed it was an improvement over the first game, while others felt that it did not live up to its predecessor.
Check it out on Amazon here.
4. emBody Harvest/em
Nintendo 64 was the first console to have a built-in analog stick, and it’s a shame that so few games took advantage of it. Luckily, emBody Harvest/em was not one of those few games, and it’s still one of the best sandbox titles on the system.
The game takes place in an alternate reality where an alien race called Harvest has invaded Earth in order to harvest humans for food. emBody Harvest/em puts you in control of a character named Adam Drake, who finds himself fighting off an alien invasion on Earth.
Your job is to find survivors, gather resources, and fight aliens. The game has an open-world hub where you can explore freely.
Find it on Amazon here to take home.
3. emSuper Mario 64/em
emSuper Mario 64/em is one of the most iconic games for the Nintendo 64, praised for its revolutionary 3D gameplay and controls.
The game is also considered one of the best sandbox games ever made for its gameplay, which lets you explore a large world and progress through levels by completing objectives in each area.
emSuper Mario 64/em introduced us to 3D gameplay, and the gameplay revolves around Mario exploring Princess Peach‘s castle and collecting stars by completing challenges. It is the first Super Mario game to feature 3D gameplay, combining traditional Super Mario gameplay, visual style, and characters in a large open world.
Find it on Amazon here.
©Brian P Hartnett Jr/Shutterstock.com
2. emThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time/em
- Authentic The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo 64
- Does not come with original case or manuals. Cartridge only
- Cartridge and label are in nice condition
- Fully tested and guaranteed
The Legend of Zelda is one of the most beloved franchises in the history of video games, and for a good reason. emThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time/em is an open-world adventure has everything you could want from a sandbox game: gorgeous graphics, a compelling story, great music, and an enormous world to explore.
This game is so good that it’s often considered one of the greatest ever made. It’s an open-world adventure with a vast world map that lets you explore dungeons and towns at your leisure. You’ll have to complete puzzles, talk to people, and fight monsters along the way.
Check it out on Amazon right here.
©seeshooteatrepeat/Shutterstock.com
1. emThe Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask/em
- Solve the Mystery of Majora's Mask and Stop the Moon from Crashing into Termina
- Thrown into a parallel world by the mischievous actions of a possessed Skull Kid, Link finds a land in grave danger
- The dark power of a relic called Majora's Mask has wreaked havoc on the citizens of Termina, but their most urgent problem is a suicidal moon crashing toward the world
- Link has only 72 hours to find a way to stop its descent.
emThe Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask/em is a Nintendo 64 sandbox game released in 2000 and developed by Nintendo.
The game is a sequel to the Ocarina of Time and takes place in Termina, a parallel world to Hyrule. The game follows Link as he tries to save Termina from being destroyed by the Moon.
This game featured enhanced graphics and several gameplay changes from its predecessor, though it reused a number of elements and character models.
It’s been 20 years since emThe Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask/em first hit the Nintendo 64. While it was made for the system, this is one of those games that transcends its original platform. It has aged surprisingly well and is still a lot of fun to play today.
You can get it for yourself on Amazon here.
Summary
The Nintendo 64 is one of the most beloved consoles in history. Its library is full of classic titles that have stood the test of time.
The list of N64 sandbox games is lengthy and varied, but finding just what you’re looking for can be challenging. Thankfully, we’ve put together this guide to help you pick out the best N64 sandbox games of all time.
Up Next:
- The Absolute Best Xbox 360 Sandbox Games of All Time
- The 7 Absolute Best Wii Real-Time Strategy Games of All Time
- The Absolute Best Xbox One Sandbox 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 ©Brian P Hartnett Jr/Shutterstock.com.
