Even though Nintendo 64 was discontinued in 2002, many people still look for their games. This video game console is a classic, and many people play it for nostalgic purposes.
In the 1990s, Nintendo 64 was one of the best video game consoles in the gaming industry. One has many gaming options, such as action-adventure, survival, shooting, and racing games. The console accommodated all gamers, which is why it was named one of the best gaming machines in 1996.
In this article, we will be talking about survival games on Nintendo 64. They are a subgenre of action video games played in hostile and intense environments. The players must survive in this environment by using weapons and fighting monsters and other characters. In some fantasy survival games, players can vanquish their enemies.
Nintendo 64 is known for having various games, such as racing and shooting games, but we are taking you back to the 1990s survival games. Keep reading to learn all about the best Nintendo 64 survival games of all time.
#1: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Considered one of the greatest single-player video games ever created
- Freely explore the changing environment with our hero, Link
- Hundreds of secret treasures
- Fight training course built into the game
- A number of fun mini-games
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is arguably the best Nintendo 64 survival game. This game was released in 1998 and was developed by Nintendo. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is an action-adventure survival game with a single-player gaming mode.
This game is set in Hyrule, which is a fictional kingdom. The game is about Link, who must save Hyrule by defeating Ganondorf. You can only control Link during the game as it’s a single-player game. The primary mission is to navigate the Hyrule kingdom and fight all the enemies you encounter.
A player is given various weapons, such as magic spells and projectiles, to use throughout the game to save the kingdom and the princess. Since its release, Nintendo has updated the game to improve the graphics and gameplay. For instance, the updated version has a target lock feature to boost the player’s aim when using projectiles and bombs.
As for the graphics, Nintendo improved the game’s surrounding environment, giving players a better view of Hyrule. Link also has human-like features, and the fight scenes are more realistic.
Another thing that makes The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time unique is the game’s use of music. Besides the game having a good background musical setting, music plays a crucial role in the gameplay. For example, the Nintendo 64 controller has buttons that resemble the Ocarina holes, which players must use to play various songs in the game.
The Legend of Zelda is a fantastic Nintendo 64 game with the highest Metacritic rating.
#2: Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Rayman 2: The Great Escape is an action-adventure survival game released in 1999. The game was developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and is compatible with Nintendo 64, PlayStation, and Microsoft Windows.
This game has two versions. One version is compatible with Nintendo 64, while the other is designed for Microsoft Windows. The Nintendo 64 version was later renamed Rayman DS, and it had better graphics, more controls, and a good music track. Rayman 2 makes it on this list because it had a good reception following its release.
The game is set in a fictional world called the Glade of Dreams. It’s mainly about how Robo-pirates invaded several planets and enslaved the inhabitants. Consequently, these Robo-pirates invade the Glade of Dreams, the only planet they haven’t conquered.
However, Rayman and other people resist the invasion. You will only control Rayman since it only has a single-player gaming mode. This game is set from a third-person perspective, and one has control over the camera, but it’s limited in certain situations.
Throughout the game, one must collect lums, which unlock specific information about the game’s story. The player needs them to continue with the mission.
Since it’s a survival game, you will start with only a few abilities, which you can strengthen as you progress. For instance, during the initial stages, Rayman’s primary weapon is his fist, which he uses to release energy orbs. However, as the game progresses, you can acquire other weapons, such as giant plums and explosive barrels.
#3: Resident Evil 2
If you have watched Resident Evil, expect the game to be equally amazing. This survival horror game was released in 1998 and is one of the best Nintendo 64 games. However, a remake was released in 2019 with a similar plot but different controls.
The game begins in 1998, a few months after the citizens have been transformed into zombies. The initial survivors in the game are Leon and Claire, who are roaming the streets full of zombies, looking for Claire’s brother. Additionally, both characters are looking for an escape route, which is difficult as they must avoid contact with the zombies.
For the gameplay, you can control Claire or Leon as you navigate the city. One must kill the zombies and solve various puzzles to find an escape route. However, you are given limited ammunition and weapons, which you must use sparingly and upgrade throughout the game. Additionally, players can check their health status since the game has a health bar, which becomes complete when you take your medication.
This game is quite realistic. For instance, if a character is wounded, they will hold their stomach in agony, signaling to the player that they need to look for medication. The gaming characters will limp if they are almost dying, which is another example of the game’s realism.
The game also has amazing graphics. For instance, you can easily recognize Claire and Leon and differentiate them from the zombies. Resident Evil 2 is a good survival game that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and it’s even more interesting when played on Nintendo 64.
#4: Castlevania
- For the Nintendo 64 console
- Play as vampire killer Reinhardt Schneider or magic-user Carrie Fernandez
- The first 3D game in the Castlevania series
- More complex combat mechanics
- Greater emphasis on exploration
Castlevania was developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Kobe and released in January 1999. This is an action-adventure survival horror game designed for the Nintendo 64 console.
The game is set in 1852 after Dracula reawakens from an enforced slumber. This prompts two heroes, Carrie and Reinhardt, to look for Dracula and conquer him. However, they must get past several vampires before getting to him.
Castlevania has a different combat gameplay compared to other action games released in the past. For instance, this game has a lock-on target system, which wasn’t in other action games. Another exciting thing about this game is that all the weapons have their strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Reinhardt must jump when landing blows with his fist when fighting.
This game also has various elements that make it a survival horror game. Players are placed in stressful situations that make them anxious and vulnerable. For example, you may be trapped in cages where you must fight monsters to survive.
Some caged battles have a time limit where players must defeat the monsters to avoid dying. Castlevania is an epic survival game with good graphics and an interesting plot that will keep you glued to your screen for days.
#5: Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine
If you have watched Indiana Jones, you may know about this game. Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine is an action-adventure survival game released on October 1999. The game was developed by Factor 5 and was initially designed for Microsoft Windows.
However, an advanced version was released for Nintendo 64. The Nintendo 64 Indiana Jones version has better graphics than the one released for Microsoft Windows. You can see the surrounding environment throughout the game, and it accurately captures Indiana Jones, including his dress code.
You will like this game if you love history. The plot is set in 1947 after Indiana Jones, an archeologist, returns after participating in World War II. However, Sophia informs him that the Soviet army plans to excavate the Babylon ruins and acquire a more dangerous weapon than the nuclear bomb. The primary aim of the Soviet army is to use this weapon in the Cold War.
Since the weapon has four machine parts, Sophia asks Indiana Jones to find the weapons before the Soviet army. The game revolves around Indiana Jones’ mission as he looks for the machine parts. At each level, the player must conquer various obstacles to proceed. For instance, one must kill several creatures and humans to progress to the next stage.
The mission’s initial phases only allow limited weapons. However, you can secure more sophisticated and effective weapons as the game progresses. Additionally, the game mode includes a health indicator showing your health status throughout the mission. Ultimately, Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine is an excellent game to check out.
#6: Nightmare Creatures
Nightmare Creatures is among the earliest Nintendo 64 survival games released onto the market. This survival horror game was developed by Kalisto Entertainment and was released in September 1997. Besides Nintendo 64, this game is playable on PlayStation and Microsoft Windows. The game is set in the 18th century and has various horror-themed elements, giving it a gothic aura.
The game’s plot begins when a devil-worshiping cult conducts a sinister experiment in London to conquer the world. However, their experiment fails, and they create various monsters called Nightmare Creatures.
The storyline is set in 1834 in London, where the monsters have taken over the city, and other unusual things are happening. For instance, some people are mutating into Nightmare Creatures, while the dead are coming back to life. Everyone in London is panicking, but there is a glimmer of hope when Ignatius and Nadia come to town to deal with the monsters.
So, what is the gameplay like? Since Nightmare Creatures only has a single-player mode, you will either control Nadia or Ignatius. Your mission is to survive in the city and save it using various weapons, such as pistols, firebombs, and magic spells.
This game has good graphics considering it was released in 1997. You can see Nadia and Ignatius since they have accurate human-like features. The London setting is also accurate since it accurately captures the city’s environment.
One thing to note is that playing Nightmare Creatures on Nintendo 64 is better than playing it on PlayStation or Microsoft Windows. This is because the Nintendo 64 version is clear and has better video quality than the other consoles. Nightmare Creatures is a fantastic survival game that will raise your adrenaline when playing.
#7: Shadowgate 64: Trials of the Four Towers
- An ancient evil stirs. Reaching from beyond the grave, it warps the minds of men who would release it. Soon, very soon, the dreaded Warlock Lord will again be unleashed upon the land. This time there...
Our list of the best Nintendo 64 survival games is closed by Shadowgate 64: Trial of the Four Towers. It is an adventure survival game released by ICOM Simulations in May 1999. This game is a sequel to the original game, Shadowgate, which was released in 1987.
The game’s setting is almost a decade after the original Shadowgate. It recaps the time when Jair defeated Warlock and ascended to the throne. Over time, the kingdom is filled with thieves and other bandits who capture Del.
The gameplay entails controlling Del, whom the bandits capture after arriving at Shadowgate. However, Del escapes the prison and begins a quest to navigate the four towers and conquer various obstacles.
Since Shadowgate 64: Trials of the Four Towers has a single-player gaming mode, you will only control Del throughout his quest. You must solve various puzzles and riddles for the gameplay and avoid the guards. Del can die if he falls from the tower or drops into the water. So, your mission is to avoid death and survive until the end.
This game has been simplified on Nintendo 64 because you only play using two buttons. The only drawback is that it doesn’t have good graphics and many players found it dull. This game is also frustrating because one can easily die. Ultimately, looking at the gameplay and plot, Shadowgate 64: Trials of the Four Towers is a fantastic game.
The Absolute Best Nintendo 64 Survival Games of All Time: Summary
| Developer | Release Date | Launch Price | Gaming Mode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Nintendo | November 1998 | $59.99 | Single-player |
| Rayman 2: The Great Escape | Ubisoft Montpellier | October 1999 | $34.99 | Single-player |
| Resident Evil 2 | Angel Studio | January 1998 | $47.56 | Single-player |
| Castlevania | Konami Computer Entertainment Kobe | January 1999 | $39.99 | Single-player |
| Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine | Factor 5 | October 1999 | $54.97 | Single-player |
| Nightmare Creatures | Kalisto Entertainment | September 1997 | $25.99 | Single-player |
| Shadowgate 64: Trials of the Four Towers | ICOM Simulations | May 1999 | $39.62 | Single-player |
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