We already published the list of best N64 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best N64 action games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the N64 definitely has a great library of action games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the N64 and action games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Forsaken 64
- Release Data: Iguana Entertainment/Acclaim, 1998
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Although it might get boring after a while, the game is interesting enough in the single player mode.
But plug in a few more controllers and you get one of the most gripping shooters on the system.
All told, between the various multiplayer options and the great single-player mode, Forsaken 64 comes out a real winner.
#24. Pokemon Snap
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 1999
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Rail
Pokémon Snap‘s a fun game and a relaxing break from the other Pokémon titles.
It’s got one flaw, though – it’s super short. If you don’t fool around, it’s quite easy to photograph every type of Pokémon within an hour!
Still, though – it’s fun while it lasts and a nice break from the norm. Just don’t expect something deep and involving!
#23. Lode Runner 3-D
- Release Data: Big Bang/Banpresto, 1999
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Overall, Lode Runner 3-D is a fun puzzle platformer game.
Unfortunately, the game’s graphics date it as a first-generation title and will keep those spoiled with other AAA games from enjoying Lode Runner 3-D to its fullest.
However, puzzle and platformer fans should definitely take a look.
#22. Mortal Kombat 4
- Release Data: Eurocom/Midway, 1998
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
With beautiful graphics, tight control and excellent sound, the only thing keeping Mortal Kombat 4 from a perfect score is its aged fighting system.
If you haven’t liked any of the previous Mortal Kombat titles, Mortal Kombat 4 probably won’t win you over.
#21. Fighters Destiny
- Release Data: Opus/Imagineer, 1998
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
The unique scoring system and variety of modes make Fighters Destiny a winner.
It may not have the best characters or the best graphics, but it’s a well-rounded game, making Fighters Destiny stands as one of the best N64 fighters on the market.
#20. Body Harvest
- Release Data: DMA Design/Gremlin Interactive, 1998
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Body Harvest is a much needed breath of fresh air in a stale genre.
There is so much originality here, that it’s really a shame that the graphics aren’t quite on par.
Too bad there isn’t a multiplayer mode, either. With all the vehicles, it would have added much more replay value.
#19. Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion
- Release Data: Acclaim Studios Austin/Acclaim, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
With 25 hidden game features waiting to be unlocked, it’s easy to see why Turok 3 will stay plugged into your Nintendo 64 for some time.
Shadow of Oblivion is successful because it concentrates upon what made the Turok franchise a best-seller instead of attempting to one-up the competition, making it in many ways a great shooter.
#18. Super Smash Bros.
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 1999
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
One thing about Super Smash Bros. is, the game is extremely simple to learn and reasonably easy to master.
So, if you’ve got a crew of friends ready to pick a Nintendo character and throw down, then Super Smash Bros. is definitely worth having.
#17. Jet Force Gemini
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 1999
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Jet Force Gemini is a really enjoyable game but has its fair share of flaws that tend to hinder the experience.
That being said, it’s certainly an incredibly fun title, at its best, that will definitely raise a few smiles; if you’re just looking to blast through a few levels then there is a ton of fun to be had.
#16. 007: The World is Not Enough
- Release Data: Eurocom/Electronic Arts, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
More stealth elements and less reckless gunplay would have helped give it the elegant feel that’s appropriate for the franchise, but thanks to the cool gadgetry, it still maintains that James Bond vibe.
Bond fans will enjoy this game immensely, and for serious FPS fans, it serves as a nice diversion.
#15. Quake II
- Release Data: Raster/Activision, 1999
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
It may not be as memorable or as deep in terms of gameplay as its Rare competition on the system, but Quake II is nevertheless entertaining, and especially worth experiencing if you miss the glory days of the arena multiplayer shooter.
#14. Rocket: Robot on Wheels
- Release Data: Sucker Punch/Ubisoft, 1999
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
What you should know is that Rocket is easily one of Nintendo 64’s most innovative, original, deep, and utterly brilliant “platformers” to date.
It’s a game that is clever in a way that so many games aren’t.
It’s also a game that challenges players with a seemingly never-ending variety of unique, satisfying puzzles and mini-adventures.
#13. Space Station Silicon Valley
- Release Data: DMA Design/Take-Two Interactive, 1998
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Ultimately, Space Station Silicon Valley is a simple, moderately short game, with extremely engaging “personalities” that hit the game character target right on the mark.
And while Space Station Silicon Valley isn’t a Super Mario 64 by far, it actually does accomplish what it set out to do—entertain, amuse, and charm.
#12. Turok: Dinosaur Hunter
- Release Data: Iguana Entertainment/Acclaim, 1997
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
It isn’t the prettiest or most playable title on the N64, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t marvel at everything it managed to achieve.
The game world is large and full of life, both the weapons and enemies are vicious, and while it may not be to everyone’s liking, it offers an insanely tough challenge.
#11. Donkey Kong 64
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 1999
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Those of you who remotely liked Super Mario 64 or Banjo-Kazooie will be excited to the point of numbness by this game.
But, overall, Donkey Kong 64 has high-quality adventure written all over it and it gives you many reasons to see the good-guy Kongs thrive in 3D.
#10. Rayman 2: The Great Escape
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft, 1999
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
With a wonderfully humorous story, excellent game mechanics, and perfection in almost all other categories, there is no way Ubisoft could have done a better job with Rayman 2 on the N64.
A truly excellent game on all fronts, Rayman 2 proves that sometimes you have to take a little time to do something right.
#9. Blast Corps
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 1997
- Genre: Action » General
The mixture of puzzle-based and time-limited gameplay provides a unique challenge that even the most veteran gamers will find incredibly testing at times.
The end result is absolutely smashing; if you’re an N64 enthusiast, there’s certainly no excuse for not having this brilliant game in your collection.
#8. Turok 2: Seeds of Evil
- Release Data: Iguana Entertainment/Acclaim, 1998
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
It’s a visually stunning experience, where the high-quality graphics and an astonishing amount of detail constantly surprise you.
The unusual setting and multiplayer mode may not be to everyone’s tastes, and it’s rather choppy in terms of performance, but nevertheless Turok 2: Seeds of Evil is quite possibly the best third-party effort ever released for Nintendo 64.
#7. Star Fox 64
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1997
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Rail
There’s a lot of enjoyable battling as you weave about the screen, taking out enemies and avoid colliding with obstacles in Star Fox 64.
But the main reason to return to this cinematic on-rails shooter is that it’s still a total delight.
#6. Conker’s Bad Fur Day
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./THQ, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
The bottom line is, this title is a spectacularly creative, wonderfully satisfying 3D action-platformer that shines with Nintendo’s very best.
Basically, a game that is likely to be cherished by Nintendo 64 owners and copied by developers for years to come.
#5. Banjo-Tooie
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Like the original game, Banjo-Tooie is one of those games that invades your subconscious and beckons you to return and play.
The challenging breadth of the adventure, the richly detailed graphics, varied gameplay, and multiplayer mode all fuse into one amazingly fun experience.
Banjo-Tooie is simply one of the greatest 3D platformers ever.
#4. Banjo-Kazooie
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 1998
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
If you were a fan of Mario 64, then it’s pretty apparent that you’re going to like Banjo-Kazooie as well.
Banjo-Kazooie may be a Mario clone, but that isn’t exactly a bad thing. In fact, it’s a pretty good thing.
In a world filled with mediocre N64 games, it’s nice to see a truly great game on the system.
#3. Perfect Dark
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Perfect Dark was once amazing and as it turns out is still amazing, even though the genre has changed quite a bit since it was originally released in 2000.
However, Perfect Dark proves to still have what it takes to be a really fun shooter for solo gamers and especially great with friends.
#2. GoldenEye 007
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 1997
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
The game is brilliant in both the single-player mode, opening up new weapons each time a difficulty level is cleared, and in multiplayer mode, making it the best multiplayer game on the system.
In fact, we can say with a clear conscience that GoldenEye 007 is the best single-player first-person game on the N64.
#1. Super Mario 64
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1996
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Mario emerged into the 3D realm fully-formed and exceptionally well-realized.
And with realms so vast and detailed, and yet so graphically clean and simple, one instinctively wants to go exploring.
Super Mario 64 was a momentous achievement, and one that still feels fresh decades on. It is highly recommended.
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See also: Best SNES Games & Best GBC Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which N64 action game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
