I just read an article exploring the successes and pitfalls of the Nintendo 64 a decade on. Turns out I have rather fond memories of said console, and while this is far from a surprise to me (nor to many who know me I suspect) it has brought on a wave of nostalgia, and I can’t help posting a few thoughts on here.
The N64 was the first console that Nick (my brother) and I had. Bought through the local free-ads paper, unboxed and with two controllers, it cost us £40 in (I think) April 1998. It was tremendously exciting, and I’ve been a Nintendo man ever since - they simply make the best games, no question as far as I’m concerned.
With games like Super Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64 and of course the staggering Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time I was occupied for hours. I still play Zelda today and it’s still fabulous, a truly brilliant game despite its age. In fact, let me be clear: the phrase “despite its age” perhaps implies something of a patronising, rose tinted accommodation of a fine game that is still fun to play, but doesn’t quite match up to modern games. This is absolutely not the case. It’s beautiful.
So, the ‘64 had some great one-player games, and was good for multiplayer fun too - my personal favourite party game being Mario Kart 64, with popular opinion understandably going for Goldeneye (though I’ve never really enjoyed shooters myself). It was also a trendsetting machine, introducing true 3D games, analogue control and rumbling control pads, all of which are now standard features in today’s home consoles.
So here’s to the Nintendo 64, which probably didn’t get the recognition it deserved due to its utter defeat by Sony’s PlayStation, but was home to some of the best software ever seen. That last, at least, seems to be recognised by most.
Look on for a few more pictures of my favourite N64 games…
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