10 Best Nintendo 64 RPGs, Ranked

Even though the Nintendo 64 is renowned for having games mainly based on colorful adventures, the console had games that explored other genres as well. RPGs on the Nintendo 64 are on the more niche side of things, as Nintendo gravitated toward other games due to the limitations of the N64. However, at the same time, the company still knocked it out of the park with the RPGs they released.

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Since storage space wasn’t as big as other consoles, this genre didn’t have room to shine as brightly as it could’ve. But, because of how mystical these games still were, it’s hard to find them any less than iconic. Without further ado, here are the most fantastic RPGs on the Nintendo 64.

10 PD Ultraman Battle Collection 64

PD Ultraman Battle Collection 64 is sadly the weakest RPG on the Nintendo 64. However, this doesn’t erase how entertaining it is at the end of the day. Featuring a unique mechanic of generating any character for you after using the data from your Game Boy, this game had a lot of potential.

It’s important to note that this game isn’t horrible. In fact, it combines familiar gameplay that’s been seen in other Nintendo games, such as Pokémon Stadium-style mechanics. From this, the music and sound effects also feel quite nostalgic during battle. All-in-all, it’s a charming game at its core.

9 Hybrid Heaven

This game explores the more grim side of Nintendo 64 video games. Hybrid Heaven centers around a life of aliens, as you take the role of a synthetic human created by said extraterrestrials. Overall, experimentation and combating aliens are the main essence of this game’s enthralling story.

Hybrid Heaven was created as an answer to Metal Gear Solid, an attempt to better Konami Japan’s masterful title in development. On top of this, most of the elements in the game were inspired by the classic sci-fi film Blade Runner. It was met with mixed reviews at release, as more variety could’ve been added to make the game more entertaining than it already is.

8 Shiren The Wanderer 2: Oni Invasion! Shiren Castle!

Being part of the Mystery Dungeon series, the second game in the Shiren The Wanderer series is quirky at heart. Shiren The Wanderer 2 is brilliant from the get-go, as each level is finely-constructed and addictive. Keeping you on your toes with a monster waiting for you at nearly every corner, this RPG is a rather combative one.

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Following the story of Shiren, you are brought on a thrilling journey in order to save the people in your village. Exploring dark dungeons and finding materials to build a castle to defend yourself from monsters, it’s a simple adventure that anyone will thoroughly enjoy. Especially if you’re a sucker for crafting and turn-based fights.

7 Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage

You’ll feel like a powerful hero during your playthrough of Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage. Capturing the magnificent feeling of high fantasy, this N64 RPG can be right up anyone’s alley. Involving goblins, mysterious evil forces, and a kingdom in need of your help, your conquests in this game are endlessly praised.

Setting you on a quest as you search for a sense of who you are, you’re accompanied by worthy companions who help you on this eye-opening journey. With this said, Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage is an underrated masterpiece that gives us the opportunity to be entirely interactive.

6 Ogre Battle 64: Person Of Lordly Caliber

In this real-time strategy RPG, you’re graced with an everlasting branching story and a great depth of customization. Giving you the chance to command a large battalion at your fingertips, you must think tactfully when it comes to beating the battles with an iron fist.

Every section in this game is divided into chapters, each serving as a mission with specific objectives. We follow the story of Magnus, who strives to save the people in the kingdom from eternal slavery. Uniting people in the kingdom to join his fight, he forms troops to take down any foes in his path. Funnily enough, with its combat style and storytelling, it can be seen as similar to the Fire Emblem series.

5 Gauntlet Legends

The home-console version of Gauntlet Legends is the N64’s innovative version of a hack-and-slash. It was originally an arcade game that soon made its way to home consoles with the Nintendo 64. From there, more players than before were quickly drawn into its melee-focused world.

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Your main goal in Gauntlet Legends is to defeat the final bosses in each of the four kingdoms. However, fighting these enemies won’t be an easy feat. Throughout the game, you’ll come across various treasure that allows you to level up your skills. Which, in turn, gifts you the ability to become a master wielder with your weapon and be an absolute figure of destruction.

4 Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon

While it might not be a classic RPG on the surface, Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon is a work of art that utilizes RPG elements fascinatingly. Combining platform and action-adventure games into one beautiful result, this game is more than just a single genre.

As we experience a story full of struggles and cinematic combat, we also get to enjoy its strange comedy. It has a surrealist approach to portraying its story, offering oddly challenging gameplay that connects fully with this surrealism. When it comes to this game, embracing all of its oddities will make it utterly charming.

3 Harvest Moon 64

Harvest Moon is an iconic farming simulator and RPG. Similarly to Stardew Valley, the N64 version of Harvest Moon begins during your grandfather’s death. After his passing, he leaves you his abandoned farm. Trusting you with the initial goal of restoring the farm, it’s a relaxing experience to take it all in bit by bit.

Once you restore your farm, you’ll get the chance to interact with the surrounding citizens. From completing side quests to going to festivals in town, Harvest Moon 64 is simply a classic. Besides the mechanics and visual look of the game, nearly everything about this version of Harvest Moon will be familiar to devoted fans of the series.

2 Quest 64

Also known as Holy Magic Century, Quest 64 was the first Nintendo 64 RPG released in North America. It’s a magical RPG that gives you abilities centred around elemental spirits, such as wind and fire. Instead of following the traditional leveling-up mechanics, Quest 64 levels you up based on how well you’ve performed in battle.

Interestingly, this game isn’t a typical N64 RPG. Having no money system, you find items in treasure chests that are even found after defeating monsters or given to you at no charge. Because of how fantastic the graphics and spell mechanics were then, Quest 64 became renowned for having innovative capabilities for being on such a limiting console.

1 Paper Mario

The first game in the Paper Mario series was the catalyst to one of the most entertaining series in the Super Mario franchise. During the week of its release, it became the best-selling video game in Japan. The first Paper Mario quickly became beloved with how it blended RPG elements with platforming aspects.

Paper Mario has aged well over the years. It’s a perfect introduction to retro RPGs, let alone being one of the greatest Nintendo 64 RPGs ever. Full of vibrancy and fantastic characters from the Super Mario series, it’s impossible not to want to give this game a shot. Overall, it’s a one-of-a-kind package, as the puzzles and story are beyond admirable to experience.

Next: Every Mario RPG, Ranked