A 1998 Title Has Been Ranked the 'Best Nintendo 64 Game of All Time' — Why It Still Sets the Standard
A beloved 1998 title has been ranked as the "Best Nintendo 64 Game of All Time," surpassing some of the most iconic games ever made. It earned that honor for being popular in its era and still widely respected today because it influenced an entire genre of games that followed in its footsteps. The top spot on the list went to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Cast your vote for the best Nintendo 64 game ever at the bottom of this article.
Why 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’ Was Named the Best Nintendo 64 Game Ever Released
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In November 2025, Nintendo Life updated its ranking of the best Nintendo 64 games of all time. The outlet has been known for publishing other fascinating lists, including one of the best Super Mario games ever and another of the Greatest games ever released by Nintendo. Ultimately, the website's staff named The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time as the best Nintendo 64 game that was ever released.
Nintendo Life's article noted that the website's users helped shape their list, which points to the title being extremely respected. It also praised The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for overcoming the technical limitations of the console to tell a compelling story and set a consistent mood. It is also worth noting that it wasn't just that outlet that lavished praise on the game. Instead, a poll of IGN's readers from November 2025 revealed that they also named it the best Nintendo 64 title.
The game's influence lasted far longer than the N64 era. For example, Nintendo Life's explanation of why The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the best N64 title credited it with setting the standard for action-adventure games to this day. "This set the template for not only every subsequent Zelda title, but also the majority of action-adventure games from the past two-and-a-half decades; no wonder it's so revered." A GamesRadar article also noted that several beloved games copied mechanics from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, including Star Fox, Metroid, Assassin’s Creed, Kingdom Hearts, and Psychonauts.
The Top 20: Nintendo Life's Best Nintendo 64 Games Of All Time
- 20. Mario Tennis
- 19. Wave Race 64
- 18. Resident Evil 2
- 17. Mario Party 3
- 16. Mario Kart 64
- 15. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
- 14. Conker's Bad Fur Day
- 13. Mario Party 2
- 12. Banjo-Tooie
- 11. Diddy Kong Racing
- 10. F-Zero X
- 9. Super Smash Bros.
- 8. Perfect Dark
- 7. Paper Mario
- 6. Star Fox 64
- 5. Banjo-Kazooie
- 4. GoldenEye 007
- 3. Super Mario 64
- 2. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
- 1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time