There were a lot of excellent racing games on the Nintendo 64. Here's a look at a few of the finest of the lot.
For the first time in 3D, the Nintendo 64 reintroduced various game series. At the time, the leap in detail was enormous, and the Nintendo 64 quickly became the go-to platform for local multiplayer racing games. Many of the Nintendo 64's racing games, although not all of them were considered outstanding, elevated the genre to new heights.
The Nintendo 64 includes games for various kinds of racers, including kart racing, motocross, and boat racing. Names like Forza, Mario Kart, Dirt, and Need for Speed spring to mind when we think about racing games nowadays. Let's take a look back at some of the most impactful racing games on the Nintendo 64.
Jump to:
10. LEGO Racers
When it was first published in 1999, this game went mostly unnoticed. When LEGO Racers 2 was launched on PC, PlayStation, and Game Boy, the franchise gained even more momentum. Regardless, the original LEGO Racers game for the Nintendo 64 was a roller coaster experience. To fall in love with the game's LEGO vehicles and characters, you don't have to be a LEGO enthusiast. LEGO Racers pales in comparison to many other Nintendo 64 racing games. By any means, it's not a terrible game.
9. Extreme-G
If you're hoping for a realistic racing game, you may be disappointed with Extreme-G. It's more of a game to get your pulse pumping while driving fast. It's the quickest racing game ever released for the Nintendo 64. It doesn't have memorable races like many of the other games listed, but it does offer unique gaming features. As you try to keep up with Extreme-pace, G's expect to utilize weaponry and leaps.
8. Hydro Thunder
Hydro Thunder was a global arcade racing sensation before it was launched for the Nintendo 64. Midway Games' move to home consoles wasn't as seamless as they had anticipated, but it was still worth playing.
Hydro Thunder is a racing game in which you will go from the Arctic Circle to a flooded New York City. The vehicles available vary from large, difficult-to-steer boats to light, easy-to-drive boats. While the easy-to-drive boats are preferable for beginners, they lack the speed of the more challenging boats.
7. Wave Race 64
During the Nintendo 64 era, home racing video games were popular. Wave Racer 64, for example, had both dangerous and beautiful racing courses for experienced players. As you advance through Wave Racer 64, the game gets more challenging. Jet skiing in Wave Racer 64 was the most realistic experience next to actually participating in the sport. Players may enjoy hours of racing in multiplayer mode.
6. Star Wars Episode I: Racer
One of the most controversial films in Star Wars history was Episode I – The Phantom Menace. However, the film did introduce podracing, which has become a video game racing craze. It was a side quest in the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic series, as well as featuring in Star Wars Episode I: Racer.
Setting aside nostalgia, Star Wars Episode I: Racer is a fantastic game. You must manage your vehicle's repairs while navigating the game's hazardous courses. In 2020, this game was re-released on current-generation consoles.
5. F-Zero X
Since its debut on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the F-Zero series has been a Nintendo exclusive (SNES). It's a racing series known for showcasing the elusive Captain Falcon in high-speed races. After the Grand Prix main event race was canceled, the game takes place in the future. With new regulations, courses, and cars, the Grand Prix returns. F-Zero X is available in both multiplayer and single-player modes.
4. Ridge Racer 64
Ridge Racer 64 by Namco was light years ahead of its Nintendo DS equivalent. It was published back when music was played backward for the ultimate challenge. After the novelty of playing the same songs backward wore off, the creators started to introduce more new maps.
Ridge Racer 64 may not have the fastest-paced races, but it was a significant advancement in automobile racing. While it lacked a lot of distinctive elements, it was still a lot of fun. It's worth playing again since it supports four players and has a large number of vehicles.
3. Mario Kart 64
On the Nintendo 64, the Mario Kart series made its first foray into 3D graphics. Mario Kart 64 was a major step forward in terms of visuals and gameplay for a racing game. Mario Kart 64 offers a lot of replay value since there are eight characters to select from, each with its own racing style. It's a kart racing game that raised the bar for the genre. Rainbow Road, Bowser's Castle, and Toad's Turnpike are all too well-known.
2. Diddy Kong Racing
While Mario Kart 64 appealed to a wider audience with its more accessible racing, Diddy Kong Racing took a different path. Diddy Kong Racing has a comprehensive single-player campaign as well as more difficult races. In comparison to Mario Kart 64, it has additional courses, characters, and vehicle choices. It's a kart racing game with the addition of hovercraft and aircraft control. Boss races, hidden secrets, and more made Diddy Kong Racing an instant favorite on the Nintendo 64.
1. Excitebike 64
Since its inception on the Nintendo Entertainment System, the motocross sport has gone a long way (NES). Despite its restricted character and bike choices, it's one of the finest Nintendo 64 racing games available.
Excitebike 64's gameplay is its strong point. The ground on the tracks has irregularities, allowing players to grab air. It's a racing game where you can win big. Excitebike 64 was the peak of racing games back when the Nintendo 64 had local multiplayer.