WinBack introduced a cover system to the third-person shooter, which felt revolutionary at the time. Its controls are a bit unwieldy, but it’s still a fun game with a delightfully cheesy soundtrack.
Dr. Mario was never a top-tier puzzle game, but it’s addictive enough to push you through round after round. The original Dr. Mario is already on Switch Online, but Dr. Mario 64 is by far the better option.
6. Mario Tennis
Between getting his medical degree and saving Mushroom Kingdom, Mario still has time to be a world-class athlete. Mario Tennis is one of the best Mario spin-offs ever, in solo or multiplayer mode.
Super Mario 64 essentially defined what 3D platformers could be, and its influence hasn’t waned yet. The only real knock against it is that the games it inspired leave it looking a little outdated now.
The Mario Kart series has been a must-play party game since its very first release. Mario Kart 64 may lack the improvements added in later games, but you won’t miss them when you’re busy pelting your friends with blue shells.
Star Fox 64 didn’t reinvent the series, but it didn’t need to. Improvements to graphics and controls alone make this game a classic, as long as you can stand your chatty teammates constantly lighting up the radio.
The Legend of Zelda has advanced a lot since Ocarina of Time, but that shouldn’t stop you from playing one of the series’ best games. It’s every bit as important to the history of 3D games as Super Mario 64, and holds up even better today.