We already published the list of best N64 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best N64 fighting games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the N64 definitely has a great library of fighting games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the N64 and fighting 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.
#10. ClayFighter 63 1/3
- Release Data: Interplay, 1997
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
You really have to wonder what a company is thinking when it puts out a game like this.
It simply can’t compete with a real fighting game in any category. Even if the graphics and music were great, the game would still play terribly.
You’ll probably have a good laugh, but not in the way the developers originally intended.
#9. Fighter Destiny 2
- Release Data: Opus/SouthPeak Games, 2000
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
In the end, Fighter Destiny 2 is incredibly similar to the original—so much so that even fans of the first game will be let down by the sequel’s identical graphics, gameplay, and overall lack of innovation.
For those of you who are interested in Fighter Destiny 2 and haven’t played the original, play Fighters Destiny first.
#8. Dark Rift
- Release Data: Kronos Digital Entertainment/Vic Tokai, 1997
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
With its questionable character design and repetitive gameplay, the only gameplay variation Dark Rift brings to the fighting game table is its default three-out-of-five matches.
The rest feels like a Virtua Fighter-inspired mishmash of monsters, demons, and guys with guns.
The graphic effects are the only things that save Dark Rift from falling below average.
#7. Xena: Warrior Princess – The Talisman of Fate
- Release Data: Saffire/Titus Software, 1999
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Multiplayer modes are enjoyable, but if two or more characters team up on you, you have absolutely no chance of defending yourself successfully because your back is always exposed.
This would probably make a decent party game for players who don’t know how to do anything more than mash every button available, but fans of fighting games should stay away.
#6. Mace: The Dark Age
- Release Data: Midway, 1997
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
All in all, Mace is quite a depressing game.
It looks so good that you really want to like it, but it just isn’t very much fun to play at all.
It falls squarely between Bio FREAKS and War Gods in the realm of 3D fighting on the N64.
#5. Bio FREAKS
- Release Data: Saffire/Midway, 1998
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Tekken, all of the greatest fighting games have a system that is distinctively their own.
Unfortunately Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. lacks a control set up all its own, putting Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. in the category of “just one of those fighting games.”
#4. Killer Instinct Gold
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 1996
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
All of the backgrounds are interactive in some way, which keeps play exciting and varied, but some of the characters aren’t quite as sharp as the backgrounds are.
Killer Instinct Gold may lack that final finesse, but it more than makes up for it with fun.
#3. 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.
#2. 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.
#1. 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.
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See also: Best SNES Games & Best GBC Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which N64 fighting game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!