Top 10 FPS Games on N64 [Best Recommendations]

The Nintendo 64 was Nintendo’s forefront into a better gaming age and with its creation, the world of gaming was updated in numerous ways. Those who loves first person shooters—which there were already an abundance of in the gaming landscape—were treated to a large amount of possible titles to play and enjoy. Today, we here at Honey’s Anime decided to travel back in time—not literally as we don’t have time machines yet—to reminisce about all the great FPS games on the N64. Welcome one and all to our Top 10 FPS Games on N64 list! Time to dust off those consoles and handle the strange N64 controller once again!


10. John Romero’s Daikatana

  • System: PC, N64, GameBoy Color
  • Publisher: Eidos Interactive, Kemco
  • Developer: Ion Storm, Will (GBC)
  • Release Dates: May 24, 2000

During Feudal Japan, a powerful swordmaster named Usagi Miyamoto created the Daikatana to end a war between two rival clans, the Ebihara and Mishima. Using the blade, the Ebihara clan wins the war and to avoid the sword falling into the wrong hands they throw into a massive volcano when the war finally concludes. The year now is 2455 and a young swordmaster named Hiro Miyamoto learns from a descendant of the Ebihara clan that the world Hiro is in has been altered! Someone had gone back in time and reclaimed the Daikatana to use its power for evil and in turn has changed the landscape of the world. It is up to Hiro to reclaim the powerful blade, right the world’s timeline and defeat the rule of the world known as Kage Mishima.

John Romero’s Daikatana—known simple as Daikatana to most—was one of the stranger FPS games to be released for the N64. Due to a lot of backlash over advertising and with some bad publicity, many didn’t care for Daikatana when it first released and for good reason. Yet, if you looked beyond all of that, there was a lot of fun to be had with Daikatana due in large part to its cool themes and awesome FPS gameplay. Daikatana wasn’t perfect—far from it—but it was one of the better FPS games to grace the N64 and we will give it props for being something different.


9. Armorines: Project S.W.A.R.M.

  • System: Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: Acclaim Studios London
  • Developer: Acclaim Entertainment
  • Release Dates: November 30, 1999

Earth has been invaded by a swarm of aliens that look similar to spiders! The only defense for our planet falls upon two warriors who are ready to stand against the invaders! Join Tony Lewis and Myra Lane as they do battle to stop their planet from falling to these spider-like beings in Armorines: Project S.W.A.R.M. These aliens might be tough but it’s time to show them who’s tougher!

Armorines: Project S.W.A.R.M. isn’t a title you often hear about from those who played on the N64. That always makes us feel a little bad here at Honey’s Anime as Armorines: Project S.W.A.R.M. was—and is—a solid FPS game that is fun and very simple. Players choose between the two heroes—Myra and Tony—and must defeat various enemies in their mission to save Earth. Players could go at it alone or team up with friends for a battle together! Armorines: Project S.W.A.R.M. might not be the best FPS game ever and we don’t think many will disagree. However, Armorines: Project S.W.A.R.M. was an awesome N64 title that we feel needs to be remembered as one of the cooler FPS games to grace the console back in the turn of the century.


8. Doom 64

  • System: Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: Midway Games
  • Developer: Midway Games
  • Release Dates: Mar 31, 1997

Humanity thought the incident on Phobos and Deimos was over when the marines came back home and gained humanity a win over the demons that tried to invade our world. However, the demons survived being completely eradicated and in turn, their survival made them stronger than before. With a fear growing in their hearts, the marines are sent back to Phobos and Deimos to see if they can stop the rest of the demons from invading from Hell. Unfortunately, the group of marines that are sent in are all but decimated in a moment and only one sole survivor remains…you. Arm up soldier as your battle begins in Doom 64!

Doom has been a series that has lasted along the years and only continues to keep being awesome. That’s why it should be no surprise that the N64 version of Doom—which was titled Doom 64—was just as awesome as all the previous versions before it. Acting as a sequel to the original Doom, Doom 64 once more has players facing off against Hell’s armies using guns, rockets and chainsaws to survive. Doom 64 didn’t look that impressive and can be considered quite dated now but that doesn’t matter to us. What Doom 64 lacks in style it makes up for in awesome FPS gameplay that even today rocks.


7. Forsaken 64

  • System: Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: Iguana Entertainment
  • Developer: Acclaim Entertainment
  • Release Dates: Apr, 1998

Forsaken tells the story of an advanced future Earth gone horribly wrong. Humanity has continued to push science further and further but it comes back to bite us when an accident occurs causing a fusion reactor to explode. Due to the fusion failure, the landscape of Earth has become corrupt and non-habitable for anyone. However, this doesn’t stop rebellious mercenaries from going out and trying to salvage what they can from Earth’s depleted resources. Though, more than salvage awaits on Earth’s dying land and those not prepared will face a quick death...

The N64 had a dozen FPS games that focused on telling deep stories or having complex gameplay formulas. Forsaken 64 though didn’t care about any of that. Instead, Forsaken 64 was all about survival as players went through dozens of levels with little ammo and were forced to defeat wave after wave of enemy threats. Simple as it was, Forsaken 64 was a blast to play and it even had multiplayer for some good same screen gameplay when friends were over. Forsaken 64 might be an old FPS title, but it hasn’t been forsaken by us here at Honey’s Anime and we will still cherish our times playing it in the past.


6. Quake 2

  • System: PC, AmigaOS, Classic Mac OS, Nintendo 64, PS1, Xbox 360, Zeebo
  • Publisher: id Software
  • Developer: Activision, Bethesda Software
  • Release Dates: Dec 9, 1997

Quake 2 tells the story of Marine Bitterman who is facing a challenge of interstellar proportions. Earth has been invaded by an alien race and Bitterman is the last line of defense in Operation Alien Overlord. With the others killed or captured, Bitterman must go to the alien world Strogg and face a torrent of aliens alone. If Bitterman fails to kill Makron—the alien leader—the world as he knows it will be gone and left to the alien race…

Quake 2 was one of the few FPS games where the main story—as good as it was—mattered less than the multiplayer component. Quake 2’s multiplayer was easily one of the most frantic FPS games ever and it made for matches that always felt different and exciting. While there was a decent amount of titles already out on the N64 with good multiplayer, Quake 2 stood out alone as its own game entirely. Quake is a franchise still alive today and it’s easy to see why. Yet, we always will remember Quake 2 for the N64 where many have forgotten it existed it seems.



5. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six

  • System: PC, Nintendo 64, PS1, Mac OS, GameBoy Color, Dreamcast, PSN
  • Publisher: Red Storm Entertainment
  • Developer: Red Storm Entertainment
  • Release Dates: Aug 21, 1998

With a rise of international terrorism occurring, various governments realize measures must be taken. Thus, the Rainbow team is created using soldiers from various factions to eliminate global threats. Rainbow’s first mission is to stop a seemingly rogue terrorist group before they unleash any potential harm on the world. However, unknown to Rainbow, this rogue cell known as Phoenix Group is actually stronger than they believe. If the newly Rainbow team doesn’t move fast, the world may face a catastrophic biological attack never seen before…

Most FPS games back in the early 90s were simple titles. Shoot and kill these guys. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six however was an FPS where tactics played a larger role and made players think about how to control their team and when to shoot at the bad guys. With several team members under your control as well it made you feel as if losing a team member was your fault due to poor decisions in your actions. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six was one of the better N64 titles and it did quite well to be ported to a multitude of consoles as well as keep the legacy going even today.


4. Duke Nukem 64

  • System: Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: 3D Realms
  • Developer: GT Interactive
  • Release Dates: Nov 16, 1997

Duke Nukem is back and he’s ready to kick some more alien butt. Now for the Nintendo 64, Duke Nukem 64 stars everyone’s favorite “hero” Duke Nukem as he saves the planet from violent aliens. Armed to the teeth with a host of weapons, Duke will blow up anything—and anyone—that stands between him and saving the planet one girl at a time! You ready to take control of the legend himself? Then grab your controllers and get ready for an explosive ride in Duke Nukem 64!

As corny as the following synopsis sounds—which trust is sounds corny to us here at Honey’s Anime—Duke Nukem 64 has always been best described as a outlandish action movie in game form. Players controlled Duke Nukem a guy who screams curse words out and goes about making mature rated jokes/comments as he kills aliens left and right. However, Duke Nukem 64 was created by 3D Realms who was king of making mature FPS games and this was no exception. While there have been several more titles since Duke Nukem 64, this is hands down one of our favorites. If you needed a mature title for the N64, then Duke Nukem 64 was waiting for you.


3. Turok: Dinosaur Hunter

  • System: Nintendo 64, PC, Xbox One, Mac OS X
  • Publisher: Iguana Entertainment
  • Developer: Acclaim Entertainment
  • Release Dates: Mar 4, 1997

Unknown to most, there is another realm behind Earth called the Lost Land. In this Lost Land, prehistoric creatures still roam free and various other beings exist untouched by man. However, a powerful being known as the Campaigner aims to fuse Earth with the Lost Land and rule over both with his powerful magic. Thankfully, the Campaigner will not go unchallenged as a hero arises in the form of Tal’Set. Tal’Set has been dubbed the newest Turok—warriors who keep the balance of both worlds safe—will rise up and take down the Campaigner. Join Turok in his quest and stop this evil from coming to fruition in Turok: Dinosaur Hunter!

As far as niche franchise go, you can’t get anymore niche than Turok: Dinosaur Hunter. Starting on the N64, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter gained a large following of fans thanks to its violent FPS gameplay as players killed aliens, dinosaurs and other various beings with weapons like guns, alien weapons and a classic bow. Publisher Acclaim Entertainment has long been gone from the gaming world when they shut down years ago but their legacy of good games will always be remembered. Especially when they made one of the coolest FPS games in the form of Turok: Dinosaur Hunter for the awesome N64.


2. Perfect Dark

  • System: Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: Rare
  • Developer: Rare
  • Release Dates: May 22, 2000

In the year of 2023 a war in space between two races—Skedar and Maians—has begun to make its way to Earth. The Carrington Institute and dataDyne have both aligned themselves with the alien races and in turn have created a dual war on the Earth’s surface. Agent Joanna Dark—codename Perfect Dark—is sent on the behalf of the Carrington Institute to grab a scientist named Dr. Caroll who wishes to betray dataDyne and reveal the truth behind the company. Joanna Dark is seen as the perfect agent capable of handling any mission or challenge but is she ready for her first and most danger one ever? Find out in Perfect Dark for the Nintendo 64!

Perfect Dark was a very awesome FPS that release back in 2000 for the N64. Not only was the main protagonist a strong female lead but Perfect Dark had aliens and conspiracies sewn into its story! Tight controls, fun multiplayer and solid guns/tools made Perfect Dark a legend for the N64 even now in 2018. While the sequel—Perfect Dark Zero—was terrible, it never destroyed our love for the short-lived franchise. If you don’t have a N64 to play Perfect Dark on, it is available as a remaster for the XBLA so go check that one out if you can!


1. GoldenEye 007

  • System: Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: Rare
  • Developer: Nintendo
  • Release Dates: Aug 25, 1997

James Bond—aka Agent 007—has had his fair share of dangerous missions. However, when James ends up in the Soviet Union following another agent called Alec Trevelyan he ends up caught in the beginning of a mission that will be his toughest yet! Take control of the legendary spy as you engage in a slew of missions that will take you across the world. Utilize your agent weapons and gear to take down enemies stealthily and or go in guns blazing. The choice is yours agent, make the right one in GoldenEye 007.

The James Bond films were always legendary for those who loved spy movies and that’s why it’s fitting that one of the best spy games—as well as one of the best FPS games on the N64—was GoldenEye 007. Even today, GoldenEye 007 is a crowd favorite with fun controls, great multiplayer—split screen only though—and a solid campaign full of spy themed goodness. Is GoldenEye 007 old? Yes, it does show its age as a game. However, GoldenEye 007 shines as a beacon for the N64 showing the world how powerful this console was back in its hay day and we will always hold GoldenEye 007 as one of the best games ever release for Nintendo’s awesome console.


Final Thoughts

While the lifespan of the N64 was reduced with the introduction of the PS2, Nintendo’s strong console delivered a slew of great games that still hold up even today. Our time with the N64 was short but it was a console that even now we don’t dare get rid of as it still can be a great retro console to pull out when you and some friends feel like going back to those school days long ago. Now we talked about our favorite FPS games, but what were some of your favorites? Did our list nail hit all the right notes or did we miss a title or two? Tell us in the comments below and be sure to keep stuck to our hive for even more articles like this one curtsey of us here at Honey’s Anime.

Armorines-Project-S.W.A.R.M.-game-500x345 Top 10 FPS Games on N64 [Best Recommendations]

Writer

Author: Aaron

Hey everyone I’m Aaron Curbelo or Blade as I’m called by my YouTube Subscribers. I’ve been an anime/manga fan since I was a young kid. In terms of anime I have watched nearly a thousand shows and have read hundreds of manga series. I love writing and honestly was so happy to join Honey’s Anime to get a shot to write articles for such a wonderful site. I’m a firm believer in respect in the anime community being the most important embodiment we should all have. We all love anime and we have varying opinions of series but we should respect one another for those differences! Life is too precious to spend it making needless arguments in a community that should be the shining example of loving an amazing medium. I hope as a writer for Honey’s Anime I can bring you folks some amazing articles to read and enjoy!

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