Official N64 Thread

[digitalpress]

In the Retrogaming Roundtable continuing series of classic system homage... let us discuss the system that would prove to be the last cartridge-based console.

I'd like EVERYONE who has ever played this system to give some input here, please.

If you're a Roundtable visitor chances are you've probably played this system. And if so, tell me:

- What is your favorite game on this system?
- What are some of your other favorites?
- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
- How many games do you have for it?
- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?

Go time! Have fun with this, but by all means, share your thoughts!

NOTE: to jog your memory, you can find a complete list of games right HERE (http://www.digitpress.com/DP/cmf/listing.cmf?system=86).

[Raedon]

Mario 64 sold me on my first N64. At the time the PS1 was going strong on fighting games which I suck at and FF7 which I had finished. The PS1 was offering the same old stuff with better graphics but the N64 had a launch title that defined a new gameplay style.

Zelda on the N64 was easily the greatest gaming experience at the end of the 20th Century. OOT was such a big deal that I'm sure many will remember standing in line at a game store for their gold cart.

Even to this day my only problem with the console was the analog stick needing repair after a few games of Mario Party.

I've got an almost complete N64 collection minus all the sports repeats. The system is rather easy to collect for still with even "rare" carts popping up still in the wild.

[Gzilla23]

N-64 was the party system in high school. Goldeneye and your buds was the best. Later it was Perfect Dark and then it was a little Conker multiplayer. Good times. Come to think of it N-64 was in high school what X-box and Halo became for me in College. I know there was much more to that system but my best memories are ones with friends.

[Cmtz]

When I first saw Mario 64 go into the paintings my mouth dropped. I didn't think anything like that was possible. I thought the 3DO was advanced, but nope.

[GobopopRevisited]

First time I saw the thing in action- Best Buy. Some kids were playing Super Mario 64 at a kiosk while I was playing the giant Game Boy... Heard a nice big yell from one of them, so I decided to go check it out. They were Tossing Bowser!!!! How COOL! This little joystick in the center of the controller could be twirreld arround and at the same time, litle ol' Mario would twirl arround big ol' Bowser!

Thats when I fell in love with the system, I had been pretty disapointed with my other Next-Gen system at the time... SEGA Saturn, especially considering I had always been a Nintendo gamer. So I just had to have my Nintendo 64.

I've had so much fun with it over the years, I often find myself playing long multiplayer sessions with friends even now. And thats really what gave the system staying power, multiplayer accesability. Games like GoldenEye, Perfect Dark, Mario Party, Mario Golf, F-Zero X, Mario Kart 64, and my personal favorite *Game of all Time* Conker's Bad Fur Day, all fueled my multiplayer gaming needs. And most came with a damn fine single player mode to boot.

And the graphics were just phenominal. Games developed specifically for the system looked great, they didn't have all the pop-in and jitteryness that many 3D PlayStation and Saturn games had. You really felt like you were in a 3D world when playing games like Mario 64 or Ocarina of Time. You weren't limited to exploring small rooms and dealing with stationary camera's / camera angles. And despite limited cartridge space, many of the games sound better than your average CD game at the time. Some of the later output in Dolby Surround, and with Factor 5's MusyX compression... you could really crank out Cinema Quality sound on your sound system! (Battle for Naboo anyone?)

Currently it's the only system I "collect" for. It's the only system I know of that has almost no rarities, and the only truly hard to find games were / are rental only. It's definately one of my favorite systems, and will forever sit proudly in my entertainment center.

[MegaDrive20XX]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Would have to be, Super Mario 64

- What are some of your other favorites?
Wave Race 64, Mario Kart 64, Goldeneye, Paper Mario, Super Smash Bros., Pokemon Stadium, Bomberman 64, Bust-a-Move 2, Quake, DOOM 64, Turok (the original), Star Fox 64, Zelda OoT & Majora's Mask, and Resident Evil 2

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?

Resident Evil 2, baffles me how they did all that file compression.

The game that makes me the most upset would have to be, Goldeneye, sometimes the missions were insane, but god I love it.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?

October 3rd, 1996....Super Mario 64....Whoa...

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

Oh ya, I bought it during the Christmas season when Goldeneye was huge. I still have one,never too far for a little bit of N64 :)

- How many games do you have for it?
Back then, about 23

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?

From December of 1997 till June of 1998...we (my friends and I) During high school, would play Goldeneye every single weekend...that is no joke...24 weekends straight...

[Slate]

OK:

What is your favorite game on this system? - Of all of the games i own on the N64, I like Goldeneye 007 a lot.

What are some of your other favorites? - THPS1, Star Wars Racer, Mission Impossible, NBA Live 99

What games surprised you? Infuriated you? - Goldeneye 007, NBA Live 99

Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction? - I forget when i saw the system in action the first time. The earliest game i remember playing on it was 1080 Degree Snowboarding (I Think that was the game i played, but i can't be sure - I was playing the N64 at a store) And i think that my reaction was "Oh, nice. something i can play on a TV" (I never heard of a videogame before LOL )

Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now? - I Didn't own one back in the day, But i own two N64s now. Both are the standard black color.
How many games do you have for it? - I forget the Exact number, but i think i have about 18 games for the N64.

Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us? - Well, it was my first game system, Other than the GBA. I bought it, 4 N64 games, a second controller, and a memory card all for.. What did i pay again.. Something like from $60 to $95... But i was not collecting back then. i just wanted to play those games.

Well, there you have it. :)

[Nesmaster]

- What is your favorite game on this system?

Tough choice. I'd say a tossup between Super Mario 64 and Zelda OOT

- What are some of your other favorites?

Mario Kart 64, Goldeneye, the Bomberman games, Indiana Jones

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?

I was surprised by Super Smash Bros. I rented the game not really knowing what it was about, and was amazed by it. I soon after bought a copy for myself.

I was infuriated by 007 TWINE. I was expecting a game as good or greater than the first one, but in my opinion fell FAR short of being anything great. The multiplayer level with the elevators was fun though.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?

I saw it in action shortly after release, in zellers. They had a game kiosk playing Super Mario 64. My initial reaction was "meh, why do i need this? i have my snes". After playing it for a while i soon changed my mind, and that following xmas received one along with mario. Boy that was a fun 2 weeks off!

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

Owned it then, still do now :)

- How many games do you have for it?

Currently i have 53 games, and probably about 30-40 are boxed/complete

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?

One night Me, my dad, and a friend were playing mario kart 64. We had a blast, and so did my little sister who was watching us. Well she decided to go running down the hallway in the pitch dark at full speed (she was maybe 2 yrs old at best at the time) and smashed her head hard on the corner of our freezer. Needless to say she was crying real hard, and for no reason my dad sent my friend home. I think my parents took her to the hospital to see if any serious damage was done, but it was just a bad, big ugly lump. Any harder and im sure her head wouldve split open

that is all :)

[namzep]

I got my N64 the second month that it was out back '96. The first time I saw it in action was when I popped in my newly purchased copy of Mario 64. I was amazed at the graphics and lush worlds that it presented.

My all-time favorite game for the system is probably Goldeneye. My friends and I would spend hours playing 4 man deathmatch on it. I only owned 7 games for it back then (and two of them were Turok games).

I've been grabbing N64 games here and there lately and am up to about 20. I still think Goldeneye is my favorite but I also really enjoy Mario Kart 64, Donkey Kong 64, and Perfect Dark.

The N64 was probably the last system that I really enjoyed until I started picking up gaming again late last year. I still only own one current gen console (the Gamecube) and bought it mostly from my love of Nintendo systems (starting back when I got my NES for Christmas at the age of 8).

[Trevor Belmont]

I remember my group of friends were separated into those who backed the PSX and those who were in favor of the N64. I was more of a PSX guy because I thought CDs were the way to go as opposed to cartridges. But I'll never forget the first time my N64 cronies fired up Mario 64. Anyone who even held any remote dislike for the system was most likely changed that day. It was a huge step in so many ways. Pilotwings was also very impressive and a fun game for all of us to play. I wasn't as taken by Wave race, although it was certainly a decent game in its own right. Same with Turok.

But the mother of all games in high school was Goldeneye. People were freakishly good at that game. Literally groups of us would take turns for hours playing that game. To this day, it's still my favorite multiplayer game.

Favorite game on the system: Goldeneye, big surprise.

Other favorites: Perfect Dark, Pilotwings, Mario Kart, the Goemon game, the Zeldas, and hell, I even liked the Castlevanias.

I did not own the system back in the day. I do own one now, and own Perfect Dark, Goldeneye, and Castlevania. Looking forward to beefing up the collection quite a bit though.

[Mattiekrome]

Wow, memories ;)

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Bond 007 : Goldeneye, hands down 100%

- What are some of your other favorites?
Super smash bros was a damn good game, Mario Kart 64 as well

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
Bond 007 is probably one of the "funnest" games I have ever played. Same goes for Mario Kart 64, I never thought it could be so much fun. It was like a daily ritual at college. Go to class, get back at 2 pm, drink beer and play 007 / Mario Kart until 2 am... An endless cycle

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
Hmmm... I would have to say it was Mario 64. I just remember jumping around everywhere and sliding on his belly or something like that

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
Yeah owned it back then, still have it till this day (although the box is missing :angry: )

- How many games do you have for it?
Less than 10 probably, havent really counted lately but a majority of them have been stolen in college (especially the friggin Excitebike 64 that I bought on release day got stolen that same night :angry:

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
4 player bond... all day all night :)

[ECWSandmanECW]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
WWF No Mercy
- What are some of your other favorites?
Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, WCW/NWO Revenge
- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
Pokemon Stadium suprised me. N/A on infuriated games
- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
I remember a video of Wave Race 64, don't remember my reaction.
- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now? No, but I played it alot at my cousin & friend's house
- How many games do you have for it?
N/A
- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us? My Friend's N64 coming close to overheating after playing it for about a half hour.

[Cantaloup]

I'd like EVERYONE who has ever played this system to give some input here, please.

Ok.


If you're a Roundtable visitor chances are you've probably played this system. And if so, tell me:

- What is your favorite game on this system?
- What are some of your other favorites?

My favorites are Mario 64 and Zelda OOT. They are both classics and really demonstrated how this whole 3D gaming thing would work. I also liked Goldeneye and Starfox 64.


- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?

Hmm... not sure. Blast Corps was pretty tough, and Killer Instinct Gold gave me blisters. Things I didn't like about the N64 in general were the high game prices, the inconsistent save systems (sometimes on the cart, sometimes on the memory card), and the controller (particularly swapping save cards and rumble packs).


- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?

I can't say I remember specifically the first time I saw an N64 game. I was checking out all 3 systems (Saturn, PlayStation and N64) before I got one (I do remember playing Die Hard Trilogy on the PS). My earliest memories were getting the system shortly after it launched and playing Mario 64. My reaction was that I was witnessing the next step in gaming (which I was). It was Mario in 3D, not 2D Mario with 3D graphics. Whether exploring underwater caverns, sliding down a mountain, or soaring through the air it showed how using 3D could create a large, immersive world that you could fully explore without the usual restrictions.

The inside of the pyramid in the sand world seems to stand out in my mind, particularly the part where the giant log appears.


- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

Had it then, have it now.


- How many games do you have for it?

About 15 or so. Others I played via rental. They were always so expensive.


- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?

Can't think of anything right now. If something comes to mind, I will add it later.

[Bratwurst]

I first caught a glimpse of Mario 64 at Wal Mart before the demo kiosk had a chance to get trashed and remember feeling lukewarm about what I saw until I actually held the controller in my hands. Moving Mario felt so seamless and intuitive my opinion quickly changed.

When the N64 debuted my best friend at the time ordered his set through a Fingerhut catalogue in anticipation for Christmas, the demand was so great I remember he didn't get it until January. He must have paid 300 USD total for a system and Mario 64 or something ilke that. We spent quite a few nights into the wee hours of the morning trying to get all those stupid stars.

During those years, I lived in an area where a new video game system was perceived as a big purchase for a family, but even a newly immigrated, multi-member household of dubious legality from Puerto Rico had one for their kids for December. Not the best of investments when you're in that kind of situation but that's how influential the entertainment industry is.

Times change and my friend and I drifted apart, moved, etc.

I just did get a N64 for myself a couple weeks ago, with Mario 64, Perfect Dark and Castlevania. I'm hopelessly addicted to the first title, it truly is a classic and stands on its own merits even today.

It seems that one of the faults of the N64 is that Nintendo made such an impression with its launch title that any third party that DID make software for it pretty much copied Mario 64, and the results were barely comparable in execution.

[DragonMaster Sam]

Good ol' Nintendo 64.. Fun machine that had the best multiplayer party-type games.


Favorite game: Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Other favorites: Super Mario 64, WCW/nWo Revenge, Mario Kart 64, Star Fox 64, Goldeneye 007, Paper Mario

Game that surprised/infuriated me: Nothing really surprised me or irritated me that much, from what I can remember.

First time I saw the system in action: It was in either '95 or '96 when Toys 'R Us had a display at a kiosk, and most of the time, I'd try out whatever game was on there, which most of the time was Super Mario 64.

System ownage: Back in '99, my brother bought it from someone for $50 and two controllers. Shortly after the recent ('04) Christmas, I went to Gamestop and bought a used system for $20.

# of games owned: Only four: Super Mario 64, Starfox 64, Mario Kart 64, and Cruis'n USA.

Cool memories: During the summer of '98, my brother and I spent the night with two friends of ours. We stayed up until 5:15 AM mostly playing WCW/nWo World Tour. Only got 6 hours of sleep (got up at 11:15 AM), and still felt great!

[dreamcaster]

What is your favorite game on this system?
Perfect Dark

What are some of your other favorites?
Lylat Wars, Top Gear Rally, Blast Corps, Re-Volt, World Driver Championship, Mario Party 2, Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Wipeout 64, Wave Race 64.

What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
World Driver Champuionship surprised me. The graphics are almost Dreamcast-quality. Infuriated? Ugh...too many to list.

Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
Cruis'n USA was the first game I saw in action in about mid-1997 and I thought it looked cool, and it was the first game I got. Little did I know that the N64 could do SO much better!

Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
Got mine on August 30th 1997 - two days after my 12th birthday. I still have that console to this day. I also acquired an NTSC-U one in late 2002.

How many games do you have for it?
Currently 50 - most of which is boxed and complete.

Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
Friends + WCW vs. nWo: World Tour + four controllers = the best time I've had on a console. LOL

[legov8]

Nintendo 64 = Best system EVER!

Favorite: Mario Kart 64
Others: Super Mario 64, Mario Party 1-3, Road Rash, Stunt Racer, Vigilante 8, Vigilante 8 2nd Offence
Time Owned: "Back in the day", and still gets played just about every day
# of games: 19 (as of now)
Stories: My very first system, and still the best.
GO NINTENDO 64!!!

[Teo]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Mario Kart 64 noneother have I spent so long behind the controlls blasting into the elite time record on time trials.

- What are some of your other favorites?
007, Mario 64, ZELDA Begins 1&2 ;)

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
Mario64 such an intricate overal experience more than the title led you to believe if you were a late comer. 007 Arghh! Why is my Brother a Genius at this game dropping tha hammer on everyone around.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
Mario Kart 64 in my home, whoah baby here it comes!

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
Owned it right when MArio Kart 64 came out, still do

- How many games do you have for it?
about 30

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
none but what Iv'e said soforth

[Drexel923]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time / Super Mario 64

- What are some of your other favorites?
Banjo Kazooie
Conker's Bad Fur Day
Diddy Kong Racing
Goldeneye 007
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Mario Kart 64
Mario Party
Paper Mario
Perfect Dark
Star Fox 64
Super Smash Bros.
Wave Race 64
Yoshi's Story

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
Well Super Mario 64 surprised me the most (see next answer), but another game that surprised me that people may have passed up is Pokemon Snap. Now I never really got into the whole Pokemon craze...I liked the first GB game but didn't bother with anything else. My cousin had gotten this game (he loved pokemon) and he brought it over. The premise of the game sounds ridiculous and most would think that only a pokemon fan would love it, but you would be wrong...this game is so addicting, I had to have a copy right after playing his. Who knew taking pictures was so much fun 8-).

For a game that infurates me, I guess I'll go with Mischief Makers. Love the game, but it's damn hard at times...lots and lots of deaths in that one LOL

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
Bought the system on launch day...went home and popped in Super Mario 64 :eek 2: :hail: Absolute awe...I couldn't believe what I was seeing or playing. It is my most memorible moment in my gaming life. Everything I ever saw or knew about games changed that day...everything was revolutionary about the game, and it was all done so well.

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
Got it on launch day.

- How many games do you have for it?
I have 46 games for the system.

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
Here's my story of my events on the launch day for the system (taken from a thread I made a while ago):

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14437&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=launch+stories

My father had taken me to Toys R Us to buy the N64 around 6:00 PM (As you can see my chances were already low due to the time of day). When we got there we found that all of the systems were sold out. I of course was upset. So we decided to go to the mall since it had three stores that sold games. We get to the mall, got to Babbages...no systems. We got to KB...none left. Once again I was upset. But never fear, there was one more store to go in the mall, EB. So we walk over the EB and ask if they have any systems left, they say that have one left...hurray! BUT the guy tells me that its on reserve for a lady for was supposed to pick it up earlier that day. Well that certainly ruined my mood for a while. I must have looked really upset because as we were walking away the guy called us back. He told us that since it was close to closing time and since the lady didn't look like she was going to show, he was going to sell the system to us. Well I certainly have never met a nicer employee at any game store before or after that night. So I picked up my N64 with Mario and when I played that game for the first time, I can still remember the awe that I had. I guess I kinda feel bad for that lady...nah :P

Another thing to mention, though not really a story, was the significance of the N64's multiplayer library. I spent many many nights in college with my buddies battling it out in Mario Kart, Goldeneye, Mario Party, Perfect Dark, etc. As much as I love the N64 as a single player machine, the multiplayer is absolutely amazing.

[rayearthknight]

What is your favorite game on this system?
Starfox 64

- What are some of your other favorites?
Killer Instinct Gold
Mario Kart 64
Super Mario 64
Blast Corps.

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
I was surprised at Resident Evil 2--sure it had compression lines galore... but still...

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
Shadows of the Empire...I'm a SW fanboy...it looked pretty "sweet"

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
I did not buy an N64 until three months after launch.\
I do not own the system now.

- How many games do you have for it?
I had the following:
Super Mario 64
Blast Corps
Killer Instinct Gold
Shadows of the Empire
Mario Kart 64
Starfox 64

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
At a party, I had 21 shots of tequila and then played Mario Kart 64...I don't recall if I won though.

[Ryaan1234]

What is your favorite game on this system?
It's definitely a tie between Kirby 64, Goemon's Great Adventure, and Super Smash Bros.

What are some of your other favorites?
I also like Mario Kart 64, Iggy's Reckin' Balls, Banjo-Kazooie, Indiana Jones, Banjo-Tooie, Pokemon Puzzle League, Glover, Quest 64, Harvest Moon 64, and the Mario Party games

What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
I really think all the Rare(as in the company) games were great and to me a company having all the games that they made for a system being good is pretty surprising to me. The only thing that makes me mad is that Diddy Kong Racing wasn't 4 player. It would've been a great party game if it was 4 player.

Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
The first time I saw it was at my friend's house. He had Banjo-Kazooie. My reaction was "Oh my gosh it's so cool!
I have to have it!" luckily it was close to christmas and when it came around I got a N64 system with Banjo-Kazooie. (My first N64 game!) That was about late 1998 so I got it christmas then. I'm not sure if that would be "back in the day" or not. I still have it.

How many games do you have for it?
I have 40ish games.(A game holder full + some more)
The centerpieces would be: Zelda:Ocarina of Time sealed, Harvest Moon 64, Super Smash Bros. complete, and Indiana Jones: The Infernal Machine.

Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
Not really, my N64 leads a pretty boring life. That and I really don't have any N64 stories.

[NESVIDIOT]

The first time I saw a running demo of Mario 64 in the store I immediately opened my wallet and layed down almost 400 (CAN) for the system and Mario 64. I then played Mario every day until Mario Kart 64 came out. I loved my N64 so much I made a table in appreciation ( see in my R.O.D. pics) and customized game cases for the carts.
I LOVE too many games for this system and gladly will say I love the controller too. The button config was perfect for FPS games.
I have almost 110 games for the N64- not one do I not like.

N64 is the last of a great era of cartridge videogames.
The N64 was the original party system, which again caused almost all other makers to follow the trend and include 4 control ports, so while being called the failure (financially) compared to Playstation, I think the impact of the N64 on the whole videogame community was greater that of the PSX which didn't even introduce the CD format it is so famous for.

[Trebuken]

I purchased an N64 at release, brought it home and my mouth just dropped at the sight of Mario 64. It was like nothing before it, it was obviously the greatest gave ever made (at the time). I played this to death, no thought given to other games at first. Eventually I moved on to Castlevania, and Rogue Squadron (castlevania was a let down), but that was the end of my N64 career...until a couple months ago. All the local GameCrazy stores decided to mark their N64 games down to $5 (no matter what). Unable to let this get away from me I consulted Mr. Visa and Mr. Mastercard on how best to handle this. Their solution...get one of each. I am now only a few titles shy of a complete US collection. (The missing ones are rarest ones). I even played through Paper Mario recently, awesome game; a little easy but a lot of fun. Now I hunt boxes for my games, only have 30 something. Also grabbed a couple import games for variety (cheap ones), and have been eye-balling Sin & Punishment on ebay as well. Which game next??? leaning toward Ogre Battle.

Trebuken

P.S. - Also debating whether to pursue an RGB solution for my N64, have heard very mixed opinions on this...

[Slimedog]

I fell in love with the Mario 64 demo and bought it at launch. Then I got Star Wars Shadows of the Empire and loved the heck out of that too. Then came a big long spell of no good games and I traded the system for a PSX. I regretted it when Zelda came out and I got it again when I started collecting about 4 years ago. Since then I've amassed about 40 or so games.

Zelda: OoT probably tops the list followed by Zelda: MM, Rouge Squadron, Mario 64, and the usual quality lineup. Oh and don't forget Mischief Makers, I love that game. I still play the 64 quite a bit. In fact, I just finished Castlevania tonight.

[Streetball 21]

I first saw Mario 64 when my neighbors friend, who imports a lot of games from Japan, imported a Japanese N64 with Super Mario 64. Man, did I fall in love with the game. The game was in Japanese but I didn't even care cause the graphics had me in awe! I had to puy my N64 on reserve since I waited too long but finally got it about a month after launch.

The best game has to be without a doubt The Legend of Zelda: OoT. Man this game was huge at the time and revolutionary. I think this game still rocks! Other favorites are Blast Corps, probably the most underrated game on the N64, Mario Kart 64, and another favorite is 1080 Snowbarding. These are just a few of the great games on this system!

[downfall]

- What is your favorite game on this system?

Virtual Pro Wrestling 2! Japanese wrestling madness abounds!

- What are some of your other favorites?

All the THQ/AKI wrestling games rocked - best wrestling games you'll probably ever play save for Fire Pro, but that's a different beast. Mischief Makers rocked, as did Excitebike 64. And Blast Corps is one heck of a game too. Top Gear Rally will always be one of my favorite racers as well - I probably spent as much time painting cars as I did racing them. LOL

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?

I was very suprised by Excitebike 64 - I spent a ton of time with that, and have always felt like it carried the Excitebike name well.

I've also been very suprised with N64 imports - it's a stellar import system!

Turok 2 infuriated me though - I enjoyed Turok, and while Turok 2 has probably the best graphics on the N64, the game as a whole was just a huge departure from whatever made the original so much fun.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?

First game I played was Pilotwings 64, which was great fun, as the original Pilotwings was one of my SNES favorites. I couldn't control anything in a 3D world at all, but I knew I had to have an N64 anyway. It really just blew me away.

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

Got it at launch. I got Super Mario 64, and I saved up my money for Pilotwings. My aunt bought me Cruisn' USA that Christmas also, and nobody did anything but play that the whole time.

- How many games do you have for it?

Around 30 I believe. I have most of the ones I really want.

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?

We also used to play multiplayer constantly - Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, VPW 2, Super Smash Bros. - you name it, we wore it out. There were many nights where we'd burn through a case of Mountain Dew and finally go to sleep at about 7 or 8 in the morning. Just always had a great time with it - and there was just that little something about it that hasn't been recaptured since.

[poopnes]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Super Mario 64

- What are some of your other favorites?
Mischeif Makers, Goldeneye 007, Paper Mario, Blast Corps, Conker, Perfect Dark, Wave Race, Pilotwings...you know basically all the 1st and 2nd party games.

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
San Fransico Rush was definately a disappointment. It definately wasn't a bad game per se, but it surely wasn't the arcade perfect port that I was expecting. Let's be glad that I actually rented it first.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
It was the summer of 1996 sometime and it was Mario 64 at TRU. It was about 3 to 4 months before the system launched. And I believe it was after E3. So I knew what to expect. So there I was, controller in had, and I saw "Peach". She spoke. Wow. Then the swooping camera around the castle and Mario jumping out of the pipe. I was blown away....and then I got to play. To this day, the opening still brings back fond memories, and I have never and probably never will be so hyped for another game...or system.

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
Got mine on September 29, 1996 with Super Mario 64. One day before the "official" launch. I somehow learned that I could pick it up early and I was glad I did because I recieved the last N64 TRU had (I had preored after prementioned Mario 64 exposure). I still own it. I was 15 at the time and I had a part time job at the local drive-in. I didn't start saving until that last month (there were still lots of good SNES games coming out). So I went hungry that last month, saving my lunch money and my measily paychecks to be able to afford it. I also remember pulling it out of the box and thinking it was so small. I could go on and on. I was so hyped on the 64.

- How many games do you have for it?
I have 27 games, most of the AAA games. There's only a few left I want to get. I don't plan on even attempting a complete collection.

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
I lived off of Mario 64 for months. I knew about Pilotwings 64, but while I liked the SNES version it wasn't enough to sell me on the 64 version. So I passed until much later on (regret--it's so much better than the original). Kind of the same thing with Wave Race. Like the GB version, but not enough to sell me again. Finally picked up Wave Race in like 2000 for $6 and was blown away (kicking myself). But I actually did preorder MK Trilogy, but never picked it up, instead used the $10 for a $9.90 copy of Mario's Picross (a wise investment). Anyway, I bought a PSX in January of 1997. The hype left. While I love my 64, I felt sorry for all my friends who just had a 64. I couldn't have done it. I'm done baballing.

[Poofta!]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Mario 64

- What are some of your other favorites?
Goldeneye (of course), Mario Kart, Banjo Kazooie (sp?), OgreBattle64, San Francisco Rush, Zelda OOT, Cruisn USA... thats about it. paultry i know.

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
Mario 64 of course, and i was pretty amazed at how close Cruisn USA was to its arcade counterpart. What infuriated me was a shitty ol game called Hybrid Heaven, i bought it new and i remember talking my dad into pay something like 55 dollars for it. what a piece of shit that was, and i was deciding between that and Winback.... shoudlve gotten Winback. grr.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
HAHA... again, saw it at a friends house, i have a knack for never buying a system before having a friend test the waters for me, needless to say i was amazed with the graphics but at the same time i was bothered by the price of the games, they were a solid 20 dollars above PS1 games at the time, the first games i played were the launch titles, waverace, mario, wayne gretzky hokey and cruisn usa.

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
Yep, got it about 8 months after its release. sold it. and rebought it off a buddy for 20 bucks, complete in box with 2 controllers and Goldeneye. hehe.

- How many games do you have for it?
not that many, maybe 10? n64 didnt have a good library. i grew to hate it later.

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
what a bunch of wasted potential. a royal mess. nintendo still didnt recover. just my opinion though.
we did get 4 people parties of goldeneye quite often, that was fun. sad how i can define an entire system by maybe 3 games.

[Pantechnicon]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Star Wars Rogue Squadron

- What are some of your other favorites?
Star Wars Episode I Podracer, Pokemon Stadium, Turok, Quake I and II.

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
Turok surprised me as being very good. Most people don't like it for some reason. I was pretty disappointed in Lego Racers. It seemed like too hard a game and building your own car ate up the memory card like you wouldn't believe.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
I was visiting a friend in another state. He had just bought this thing around its launch and was raving about it. So he put in Turok and I was pretty blown away becaus I didn't know a console could make an FPS look that good as compared to a computer.

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
Did not own back in the day. Took advantage of Gamestop's sales a couple of years back when the price dropped to $20 so I bought one out of curiosity...and I was lucky enough to get one that had a system expansion module in it before those suddenly got scarce.

- How many games do you have for it?
In the final analysis I'm not as crazy about this machine as I might have been. I felt the same way about SNES but unlike SNES I am going to keep my N64. It gets a lot of play because my kids like the Pokemon games. I have a personal goal of getting all the Star Wars titles released for this machine (one to go). And I also want the Zelda games. Once I've got all that I think I'll be done collecting for this machine.

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
I think the N64 is significant system in gaming history because it was - excluding handhelds - the last cartridge based system the world will ever see.

[Yamdasrd]

- What is your favorite game on this system?

Goldeneye 007


- What are some of your other favorites?

Super Mario 64, Mischeif Makers, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, Paper Mario, Castlevania Legacy of Darkness.


- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?

I saw it on TV on those computer shows that Sci Fi Channel used to show. Super Mario 64. I thought it looked awesome.


- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

Yep, got it in 1997. My brother's friend sold me his for $75 with 2 controllers, Goldeneye 007, and San Fransisco Rush. My brother sold it about half a year later and I didn't have one until 9-9-99 when another one of his friends bought a Dreamcast. I paid $95 for that one with 3 controllers, Goldeneye 007, Rogue Squadron, and the ram upgrade.


- How many games do you have for it?

19

[Oobgarm]

- What is your favorite game on this system?

Goldeneye 007.

- What are some of your other favorites?

Super Mario 64, Blast Corps, Conker's Bad Fur Day, Harvest Moon 64, The New Tetris, Beetle Adventure Racing, Wave Race 64, Top Gear Rally, Sin & Punishment

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?

Pilotwings 64 surprised me by taking all of the fun out of the SNES game. Goldeneye, as much as I love it, has infuriated me more than any other game I've ever played. Blast Corps is up there, too.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?

Super Mario 64 at a local BlockBuster during their N64 promotion. I spent a lot of time there just playing the game.

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

Yes and Yes, still have my launch model. I've acquired 3 other units, one being the limited edition gold.

- How many games do you have for it?

56 US releases, 2 JP imports

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?

No, not really. :)

[SkiDragon]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Probably Super Smash Bros. or Goldeneye

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
Blast Corps was a good suprise. Good game, not well known.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
I first saw it in action the day it came out with Mario. It was amazing. Ive never been so engrossed in just the graphics of a game. And it was fun to play, too.

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
I got it the day it came out. I saved up my money for it when I first heard about it, and luckily there was one left in the display case at K-mart when I got there.

[The-Bavis]

- What is your favorite game on this system?

Goldeneye

- What are some of your other favorites?

Typical stuff: both Zeldas, Pilotwings, Mario Kart and I probably play Star Wars Racer more now than any other game on the system. One day I will finish that game, dammit.

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?

I was surprised by how much I hated wrestling games on the system. I had always liked them before and I haven't given a wrestling game a chance since.

Games that infuriate me with their gameplay are the aforementioned pod racer game and it's third to last track. I HATE that track. Also, Shadow of the Empire's Boba Fett has made me commit some serious controller abuse.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?

Saw it at a friend's house over Christmas break in college. He had Mario and Wave Race. I got to try out Wave Race and was so awful at it, I thought I was done with these new-fangled vidyuh games.

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

Yes. Got it a Christmas after release. It was a big surprise to me.

- How many games do you have for it?

I think around 20. I have lots of trashed out ex-rentals and stuff since this system was in its heyday while I was in college and the games were pretty freakin' expensive.

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?

Several short ones:

1 - Despite the high price of games, this is the first system I was able to find a "bargain" priced game for. I got Quake II for $7 at Wal-Mart or something. Not a great game, but fun multi-player.

2 - My dad, who was in his 50s when the 64 was new started playing my copy of Goldeneye while I was home from college. He got hooked, bought his own system and copy of the game. My dad became the master of that one game. He barely dabbled in any other game after that, but I think he still plays Goldeneye.

3 - I still don't own Mario 64. I plan to buy it some day, but I feel like I know the game because I watched my younger sister-in-law play that game almost everyday one summer. I've never been able to watch a video game with such interest until the 64 came along.

[Sothy]

I was looking forward to it back when it was "Ultra 64" just being announced. I think that original logo was way cooler.

Playing Star Wars Shadows of the Empire for the first time was monumental. And GolenEye...was like wow man. One of those games that get people to crash at your place and spring for pizza and shit. I also had a pretty good time with games like Blast Corp. Pilot Wings "trippy stuff" and of course Mario 64 and Zelda.

I kind of lost interest around the time Expansion pack titles were being released but still had a chance to experience Conker and Perfect Dark in its waning years.

Buying the DC when it came out 9/9/99 Was the end of N64 being my main system but to tell the truth if I have one of those weird dreams about being able to fly... It sure as hell looks alot like those birdman stages from pilot wings 64...

[SKVermin]

I picked this system up specifically for one game: Eternal Darkness. :) So, it ended up that I didn't purchase a lot of games for it. I have some of the must-haves, like Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007, but little more.

The first time I saw it in action was a 4-player game of GoldenEye in the company Game Room. Got me hooked instantly. At the time I bought my 64, I was more heavily into the PC gaming scene, a trend that has since reversed itself. I plan on expanding my library as I find good buys, but unfortunately it got retired to the "classic" shelf perhaps before its time.

- Favorite game: Goldeneye 007
- Other favorites: Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64
- Surprise: Perfect Dark. I couldn't stand this game, I had high hopes and was just utterly disappointed. Particularly after the alien entered the story. :(
- How many games: Just seven.

[Xexyz]

- What is your favorite game on this system? Super Mario 64.

- What are some of your other favorites? The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Paper Mario, Mischief Makers, Perfect Dark, 007 Goldeneye.

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you? LoZ:OoT was my first game for the system and also my first time playing a true, 100% 3D game. As you'd expect, the new dimension surprised me.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction? 1996, the store demo was playing Super Mario 64. I was amazed and was enjoying the transition to 3D (too bad I despise most 3D games now days).

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now? I didn't get mine until the Christmas of 1998. My parents had gotten me the N64 with the limited edition Atomic Purple controller (which I foolishly sold in a garage sale back in 2001 :angry:) and OoT.

- How many games do you have for it? Only 12.

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us? I started out loving this console, and then gradually despised it. it's the only console I've ever owned that I've grown to hate. I like it again today, but only for what it is. Back in 2000 I began to dislike it. It was all due to the lack of 3rd party support. I like Nintendo games, but I need a large variety of other company games too. I kind of wish I got the Saturn instead, it was probably on clearence at the time.

[Ackman]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Mario Kart 64


- What are some of your other favorites?
conkers bad fur day, duck dogers 64, road rash 64, mario 64 etc etc


- What games surprised you?
road rash 64

I wasn't expecting it to be good at all but it 's one of those games that grabs you by the nuts and shakes you around, really good stuff.


Infuriated you?
castelvaina 64

no comment


- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action?

At a friends house he was playing mario kart 64 I was kinda green with envy looked really awesome, mind blowing etc


Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

not quite, yup you'll have to pry it from my cold dead hands.


- How many games do you have for it?
15

[DigitalSpace]

What is your favorite game on this system?
Mario Kart 64. I play through all the tracks at least once whenever I'm on an N64 kick.

What are some of your other favorites?
Super Mario 64, Diddy Kong Racing (great career mode and multiplayer), Goldeneye 007, Beetle Adventure Racing, Cruis'n USA, Pokemon Snap (wish it hadn't been so short, though), Banjo-Kazooie, Star Wars Ep. 1 Racer, San Francisco Rush, Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
-Surprised: Pokemon Snap actually kept me addicted for a couple weeks. I enjoyed it more than my brother, who had asked for it for his birthday. Ocarina Of Time was really impressive and surpassed my expectations.
-Infuriated: Star Wars Shadows Of The Empire. I got stuck in it a few times too many and just gave up on it.

Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
The first time I saw it, I was at a wedding reception at someone's house shortly after the console was released. I was 14 at the time. There was an N64 with Super Mario 64, and a bunch of kids were gathered around it, so I didn't get much playtime, but with what playtime I did get, I was pretty impressed and knew I wanted more.

Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
I didn't, but my younger brother had one, so I wasn't deprived of the N64. In the spring of 2004, a friend of mine was selling his N64 with two controllers and a bunch of games, and I didn't pass it up. The games were:
-Goldeneye 007 boxed (later found a manual for it)
-About 5 different wrestling games. I got rid of most of them and the only one I have now is WWF No Mercy.
-Pokemon Stadium boxed w/transfer pak (I'm going to have to get a new transfer pak though, my brother borrowed it and lost it :roll: )
-Knockout Kings 2000 (boxed)
I also had Mario Kart 64 and Diddy Kong Racing, so I had a decent starter library. Unfortunately, I don't have the console hooked up right now due to lack of space.

How many games do you have for it?
I currently have 32 games. Most of them are racing titles, but I do have a good share of games in other genres as well.

Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
Not too long ago, I brought Pokemon Stadium over to a friends house since he was looking for multiplayer games we could check out. The minigames in Pokemon Stadium were the closest thing I had to Mario Party so I figured it might work. We had a blast and suprisingly, he asked if he could borrow it.

[Jumpman Jr.]

My N64 probably gets the most playtime of all the consoles in my collection. I truly love what it can do, and the games that you can choose from. It being the last cartridged based console infuriates me because I can't stand dics. \
My favorite game on the console has got to be Ocarina of Time. I played it for months and loved it to death. It, single-handedly got me into RPG's.
Other great games on the N64 are:
Super Mario 64
Mario Kart 64
Goldeneye 007
Super Smash Bros.
Majora's Mask
NFL Blitz
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Star Fox
Cruisn USA
1080 Snowboarding
Banjo Kazooie
etc....

I remember the first time I had played it. It was at my cousins house (they always had the newest games/consoles), and they were playing Super Mario 64. I had always been a fan of Super Mario games, and I thought this one was sooooo cool.

After I saw them play it, I saved up $200 (I was 10 at the time) and bought it along with Super Mario 64. And I still own the same one to this day. (One of the only things that I have had since I was a kid)

I currently have about 75 games for the good-old N64. I am trying to complete the collection (boxed) because I think any game on a cartridged made by Nintendo has to be in my collection. 8-)

[WanganRunner]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Super Mario 64 is my favorite game of all time, and thus also my favorite on this system.

- What are some of your other favorites?
Zelda OoT, Mystical Ninja, Mischief Makers, Pikachu Genki de Chu, Extreme G, Top Gear Rally, Mario Kart 64, Goldeneye.

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
Well, Mario 64 certainly surprised me the first time I ever saw it, but I think everyone can say that. Top Gear Rally was a lot better than I expected it'd be. I was really hyped for Diddy Kong Racing, but once I got it I was not impressed, I feel that the blatantly cheating AI in SMK actually makes it a better game.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
My friend brought the system and Mario 64 to my house shortly after launch. My jaw just hit the floor. See the "stories" question for more on this.

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
I bought one in early '97 I believe, and have owned the same unit since. It sadly hasn't gotten much play time recently, but neither has anything else. My job is sorta all-consuming.

- How many games do you have for it?
I've got about 20 games, I still have lots to buy.

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
The first time I saw the system was winter 1996, known as "the blizzard of 96" in the DC Metro Area. We missed school for an entire week, and our midterms were outright canceled as a result. My friend Dan lived a block away, and we spent the entire week playing N64. Mario 64, Waverace, Mortal Kombat. I had an N64, Game Gear, and Genesis before the N64, but the N64 is what really got me into gaming. Since then I have been obsessively collecting and playing, and that week in 1996 remains one of my favorite memories.

[fishsandwich]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
- What are some of your other favorites?
- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
- How many games do you have for it?
- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
HERE (http://www.digitpress.com/DP/cmf/listing.cmf?system=86).

It's hard to pick my absolute favorite game for the N64, but I can narrow it down to two in different categories...

F-Zero X (This is my "stuck on deserted island game. I still think that the original SNES game rules over all sequels.)

http://n64media.ign.com/media/previews/image/fzer6.jpg



Sin & Punishment (my all-time favorite N64 game, but it's too short for island duty.)

http://n64media.ign.com/media/previews/newimages/sinpunish/sinner23.jpg




Some other favorites include...




Diddy Kong Racing (Superior to the allmighty Mario Kart 64 in my opinion, much better AI mainly)

http://n64media.ign.com/media/previews/image/diddy8.jpg



Hydro Thunder (plays better than the DC version and beats the crap out of the shitty PSone port.)

http://n64media.ign.com/media/previews/image/hydro2.jpg



Rayman 2: The Great Escape (same comments as Hydro Thunder)

http://n64media.ign.com/media/previews/image/rayman2/RAY2N~12.jpg



Road Rash 64 (Looks like ass, but man, does it play great and the crash animations are hilarious.)

http://n64media.ign.com/media/previews/image/roadrash/SS2.jpg



Stunt Racer 64 (DAMN this game looks and place great!)

http://n64media.ign.com/media/previews/newimages/SR3K/sr3kbitchen41.jpg



Wetrix (hey... don't knock it until you play it days on end.)

http://n64media.ign.com/media/previews/image/wetzed5.jpg




-Carmegaddon 64 irked with it its blatant awfulness. Who the hell approved this?
-Mario Kart 64 pissed me off with its cheating SOB A.I. Diddy Kong Racingis far superior.
-I was disappointed to hear that Sin & Punishment had been cancelled for a USA release, even though it had already been localized. GameFan did a big interview with Treasure and everything.
-Stunt Racer 64 surprised me with its beauty and fluidity. I wasn't happt to see the gorgeous hi-res mode in letterbox, though.


I first saw the N64 in action the day after it came out. My friend had Mario 64. I thought it looked and played great, but I'd already been very impressed with Battle Arena Toshindin and Ridge Racer on PSone, so it wasn't the "WOW!" experience that some people had.


My boyfriend at the time bought me a new N64 for my birthday (or maybe it was Christmas) in 1999. It had Star Wars Episode I: Racer packed in with it. I thought the game was fast, beautiful, and got hard as hell too quickly. It took a while to get used to the controller, but now I like it a lot.


I still have my old N64, and I also got a Watermelon console to match me decor. It stays out most of the time.


I have about 200 or so Nintendo 64 games, most of them boxed. I have about 10 or so imports. The N64 import scene is sadly ignored, and that's a shame. There are some really cool imports for the N64 (nothing like the Saturn, though.)

Bakuretu Muteki Bangaioh
Bomberman 64 (last N64 game)
Custom Robo 1 & 2
Dezaemon 3D (Shooter maker!)
Sin & Punishment
Rukakids


I remember when Next Generation Magazine had the N64 on the cover with the headline "SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH NINTENDO 64" and a big image of a shattered Mario face on it. There article was about how the "Triple A" and "Dream Team" games were really not so great (Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Cruisin' USA) but that NOA was concentrating on how the N64 games were selling so great and ignoring the fact that many of the games were crap and if there are only a few games available for a popular console then those games will sell regardless of quality.

In short, the N64 is one of my all-time favorite consoles dispite the Vaseline graphics.

:D

[Jake2215]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Gotta be Paper Mario. OoT and SM64 are close though.
- What are some of your other favorites?
Goldeneye, Excitebike64, Kirby64...
- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
Paper Mario surprised me. I guess Superman64 infuriated me but I really bought it because I wanted to play the worst game ever. The rumors are true. Superman64 and NCAA Basketball for SNES.
- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
At a Target, at one of the N64 displays. Saw Mario64. Thought it looked brilliant and everything was so different from what defined gaming for me.
- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
Nope, but played others'. Nope, but I still play others'.
- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
Not really.

[VG_Maniac]

- What is your favorite game on this system?

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

- What are some of your other favorites?

Star Fox 64
Super Mario 64
Wave Race 64
Goldeneye
Turok: Dinosaur Hunter
Zelda: Majora's Mask
Mario Kart 64
Star Wars: Rouge Squadron
Super Smash Bros.
F-Zero X
Mischief Makers
Perfect Dark
Jet Force Gemini
Pilotwings 64
WWF No Mercy

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?

Ocarina of Time far suceeded any expectations I had for it. I usually always prefer the 2D version of a game, and although I knew I'd like OoT, I didn't think it would be as good as the 2D Zeldas. Boy was I wrong.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?

It was at Blockbuster Video. They had the Nintendo 64 and Super Mario 64 set up there for people to play...and this was like a full month before Sept 29th when the system was released! I played Super Mario 64 there to death, until one of the Blockbuster employees kicked me off. The blockbuster was about about 2 miles from my house, so I would get on my bike and ride there almost every other day just to play Mario 64 until one of the employees said I had to stop.

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

Yeah, I got it for Christmas 1996...about 3 months after it had been released. I still own my N64 to this day.

- How many games do you have for it?

I own 30 games for it....all of them are complete.

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?

Unlike the SNES....I knew about the N64 WAY before it was released. I subscribed to Nintendo Power Magazine (and still do) and I first read something about the N64 in a late 1994 issue when it was being called "Project Reality". Over the next year or so...I followed every update on the N64 there was in NP magazine. I saw the first picture of the N64 system unit in a mid 1995 issue, when it was still being called the Nintendo Ultra 64. The January 1996 issue of NP was the one that really got me fired up for the N64. It was the first time I had ever seen pictures of the games, and it looked amazing! Nintendo did a very good job of hyping their new system up. A few months later, there was another big N64 preview in one of the NP mags. This time, there were more pictures and more games. At this point...I decided to start saving up so I could buy an N64 the very day it came out.

As I mentioned above, I got to play the N64 for the first time at our local Blockbuster Video about a month before the release date. That just made me want one all the more. By the time Sept 29th rolled around...I had only managed to save up $150 (hey, I was only 13 at the time). I begged my parents to let me borrow the rest of the money, but they said no way. So I knew I would just have to wait for Christmas. Problem was, every single store had sold out of N64 units within a week...and all of them said they wouldn't be getting more N64s in until AFTER Christmas. Well, I was really pissed off.

About a week before Christmas, my mom came to me and said there was no way I was going to get an N64 for Christmas. She said she had called every store within a 100 miles, and they all had told her the same thing, no N64 systems till January or Febuary. Even on the news they were talking about how people that had gotten their hands on an N64 were turning around and selling it for double or even triple the original price!

So Christmas morning came...and for the first time in my life, I wasn't all that excited about opening presents. I knew I wasn't going to be getting an N64 that day. I opened up an envelope that had an "I owe u" from my mom for an N64 system. She said that she had given several stores our phone number, and they would call as soon as they got an N64 system in...which could be one or even two months down the road. I was very depressed. After we had all finished opening presents...i headed back to bed. But my mom stopped me and said there was one last present she had forgotten to put under the tree. She pointed me towards the closet and told me not to get excited because it wasn't anything big. I opened the closet and and there was the package on the ground. What could it be? I opened it up....and it was a NINTENDO 64!!!!!!!!!
And not just an N64 system...my parents had gotten me Super Mario 64 as well!! I seriously had never been so excited in my life. I was screaming my head off!

Turns out, a guy my family knew worked for Nintendo, and he was able to get us the N64 with the game. My mom told me the funny thing was, that after she had gotten the N64 and game from him...a video game store she had given our phone number too called and said they had gotten a very small supply of N64s in and they would hold one for her. Looks like I would have gotten an N64 for Christmas nomatter what had happened!

[ubersaurus]

- What is your favorite game on this system?
Starfox 64, easily. I played that game to DEATH. Beat it like 3 times a day for almost half a year.

- What are some of your other favorites?
the Zeldas, Mario, Mario Kart, F-Zero, Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, Pokemon Stadium 2, Smash Bros, Mario Tennis, Robotron 64, Rogue Squadron...there's quite a few.

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
Well, I can't say I expected Mario Tennis to be so damn good. On the flip side, I couldn't have imagined Forsaken being so damn bad.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
It was at my friend's house after christmas, as he got it. We spent all day playing Pilotwings, Shadows of the Empire, and Mario 64, and I was lovin every second of it.

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
Yup, and it was the first system I ever bought with my own money. Still one of my favorites, I think it's aged better than the Saturn and PS1's games did, at least graphically.

- How many games do you have for it?
36.
- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
Well, I recall the time I was playing Smash Bros with my friends, and, winning so many games in a row, they decided to do a 3 on 1 handicap match against me. I won.

[jdc]

I started on the N64....the "uncool" system. The "kiddie" system......I STILL to this day don't know WHY people called it that. If you take a look at the complete library there wasn't much that would appeal to kids.

I guess that I like the N64 games for the same reason that you would like "comfort foods". There's something warm and familiar about them. I clocked SO much time with these games during the many years when it was my only console. When the N64 was good it was VERY good.

I recently made the somewhat difficult decision to stop collecting for the N64. I unloaded about 60 mint completes and kept only the games that I routinely enjoy playing. The decision was based on the fact that I still had too many of the common shitty titles (like WWF Attitude) to buy in order to own a complete library, and the potential monetary outlay was something that I didn't want to get into. It taught me that if you're going to go for a complete library, you've got a better chance if you do it from launch day. I wish I had of done it with the Cube.

N64? Great system, unique texturing, awesome controller and some great developers making som special games.

[EricRyan34]

I remember that first time I saw an N64 was at my cousins house on Thanksgiving day. He was playing Mario 64. The only thing that impressed me at the time were the graphics of it, but when I started playing it, I wanted to get an N64 right away. But unfortunatly, that didnt happen because I already had a Playstation 1 and I couldnt afford it with just my allowance money :-(


- What is your favorite game on this system?
007 Goldeneye

- What are some of your other favorites?
Super Smash Brothers
Mario 64
Perfect Dark
Resident Evil 2

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?
Super Smash Brothers was awesome, totally rocked my world when I didnt think it would.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?
See above
- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?
No I didnt own it "back in the day" but now I have one, complete in box Smoke colored, very beautiful

- How many games do you have for it?
12
- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us? Nope

[cyberfluxor]

*WARNING: I will rant*

This is one of my favorite systems. It harnesses the graphics and sound that I love. The only issue I had with the system was how the polygons glitched so often with camera views, but this is expected. With the games, I love the selection. There are few games that I don't enjoy on this system. Of course my first game I bought was Super Mario 64 because it was astonishing and terrific gameplay that made it have huge replay value personally. The second game that I fell for was Wave Race 64 because it felt like I was actually riding along and taking the jumps. The physics was so well done! Most say Goldeneye 007 is their favorite FPS, I claim Quake 2 as mine. Being different from the PC version made it a must for me to get. I roughly have 50 N64 games and continue to buy them up when I spot them on sale.
I'd have to say the controllers are really nice in the design. It was different from all privous constructs and made a lot of the games for the system have great control attributes. An edge that it had over the PS1 to me was the Cartridge. The PS1 loadtime sometimes kept me away from it, with games like Diablo taking minutes to load a game matrix. With the idea of continuing the life of the cartridge is a clinger. I don't think we'll see another cartridge home game system again (meaning non-handheld). There are a lot of childrens games on here but hell, there's still plenty of party, fps, sports/racing, puzzle, and action games that make up for it.
Conkers Bad Fur Day!

[CreamSoda]

- What is your favorite game on this system?

Goldeneye 007, This is the best FPS to me and by far the best Bond game ever! Everything about it was quality, and it held up to the movie very well. To this day the game is still a blast, from the single player, to the kick ass multiplayer, to the insane amount of secrets hidden in the game.

- What are some of your other favorites?

Super Mario 64, Super Mario Kart 64, Diddy Kong Racing, Perfect Dark, Micro Machines 64, Space Station Silicon Valley, Body Harvest, Resident Evil 2, Harvest Moon 64, Banjo Kazooie, Tetrisphere, Super Smash Brothers, Pilot Wings, Road Rash 64, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and a big shout out to all the games I forgot to list that rocked!

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?

Surprised? Goldeneye(my first real FPS), Space Station Silicon Valley(rented it not knowing anything about it and finding out it rocked!), Body Harvest(awesome free roaming action!). Infuriated? NBA Jam 2000(because I thought it would be like the classic Jam games and it sucked ass compared to those), Quest 64(Nothing needs to be said), Most of the later levels in Goldeneye on 00 Agent, really hard at the time, but still fun as hell!

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?

The first time I saw it in action was on the demo units at Toys R Us in the Summer of '96? I remember it crystal clear, we were on vacation at a Toys R us in Michigan visting my grand parents, I was about 6 years old. And me and my Dad played Mario Kart on the demo unit. IT WAS MIND BLOWING!

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

I'm very proud to say I did, My parents got me the N64 with Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Kart 64 in the Summer of '97. And I still own an N64 of course, not my original unit sadly, but an Ice Blue unit purchased around when the "Funtastic series" had just came out. Since my black system had died.

- How many games do you have for it?

I think around 70 or so.

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?

More then I could ever list! Seriously, here are some of my favorites though... Ok so, even though these are mostly memories.

-First hooking up the system and seeing Mario Kart in action, the graphics were breath taking(keep in mind all I had played was NES/Genesis). And this was my first real taste of 3D gaming(besides abit of time playing my uncles PSX).

-All the matches of Mario Kart we used to play, in Battle mode. Seriously everyone I knew was into that game, my Mom, Dad, friends, cousins, ect. Tons of great battle storys!

-The first time playing Super Mario 64, that was amazing. Really words can't describe it.

-Playing deathmatch on Goldeneye, really any battle had some good moments. I remember me and my friend Ricky would spend hours playing hostage in the Facility, locking eachother in the bathroom stalls.

-When Harvest Moon came out me and a few friends were addicted, we each had a file and we'd play every ay and compare secrets/tips. Anyway this one kid, was kind of stuck up and more or less a jerk at times. Anyway he would always hog time on my N64 playing HM64 without giving anyone else a turn. He got to the part where oyu have to give the girl a Blue Feather to marry her, anyway he got in a hurry and some how wasted it. And it turns out that item never seems to come back after that one time! After that he wasen't to into the game anymore! HAHAHA.

Sorry for my long rant of a post everyone, but to me the N64 is an incredible system. It doesn't have tons of features, killer graphics, or the ability to play movies/cds. But it gets gaming right on the mark, The N64 really does live up to that slogan of being "The Fun Machine". Alot of you might think I'm crazy, but to me the Nintendo 64 is gaming at it's best! This system is a big part of my childhood, with countless memories and good times wrapped up in it. IMO Only the Dreamcast can match the 64 for the greatest system ever. Everyone has that certain system, the special console that brings a tear of joy to your eye just thinking of it. WELL THIS IS IT, LONG LIVE THE NINTENDO 64! :D :D :D

[MASTERWEEDO]

- What is your favorite game on this system?

Excitebike 64

- What are some of your other favorites?

Aero Gauge, Blitz, Mortal Kombat Triology

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?

Excitebike 64 surprised me because of the old school Excitebike and the freestyle mode had a 360 and was nice.
Havent played many games, but NFL Blitz seems to piss me off on ever port.....passing game is just too hard, lost many a controller for the ps1

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?

I was at a toy store in the Gurnee Mills Mall, I think it was a Mario game. I hated using the joystick cuz i kept fucking up

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

I just got one at the end of last year, it was my brothers......dunno when he got it, i never really played much exept for "Excitebike 64"

- How many games do you have for it?

11

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?


not really.

[daynum]

- What is your favorite game on this system?

Ocarina of Time.

- What are some of your other favorites?

Mario 64, Pilot Wings, Goemon, Banjo Kazooie, Goldeneye.

- What games surprised you? Infuriated you?

Blast Corps was a nice surprise. Castlevania 64 I thought was poor compared to others in the series. The camera angles definitely infuriated me.

- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action? What game was it? What was your reaction?

The first game I ever played was M.rio 64. I can't remember if I'd seen it in action before that. My reaction was: :D

- Did you own the system "back in the day"? How about now?

I got the system a couple of months after launch. Still have the same one now.

- How many games do you have for it?

About 25 I think.

- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?

Well I nearly failed my first year exams at university thanks to too much multiplayer Goldeneye and Mario Kart!

[NinjaJoey23]

Ok, so this doesn't exactly follow the rest of the thread, but... what is the best way to repair a loose/broken joystick in an N64 controller? I am sure this topic has come up, but I'm fairly new so I thought I'd throw that out there.

[Kid Ice]

Ok, so this doesn't exactly follow the rest of the thread, but... what is the best way to repair a loose/broken joystick in an N64 controller? I am sure this topic has come up, but I'm fairly new so I thought I'd throw that out there.

Go to search and look up "N64 controller" in the Technical and Restoration Society forum. You'll find a bunch of threads to check. If you don't find the answer you are looking for you can start a new thread in that forum.

Also, check the Knowledge Base (linked off the home page).

[keiblerfan69]

Umm... What the total number of US release N64 games? I have the PDF from Nintendo.com but I don't feel like counting.

[Fearmyflatscreen]

- What is your favorite game on this system? Super Smash Bros, dispite the fact I don't own the game.
- What are some of your other favorites?
Mario Tennis, Pokemon snap
- What games surprised you?
Pokemon snap, I thought it would be more tricky
Infuriated you?
The closest to infuriated i can think of is pokemon stadium, it had a real lack of a story
- Do you remember the first time you saw the system in action?
yes it was my birthday present, i got the pikachu one, it's cheeks light up, so cute.
What game was it?
pokemon stadium, and pokemon snap
What was your reaction?
i thought it was amazing, i'd only ever played a gbc before.
- Did you own the system "back in the day"?
yes
How about now?
still have it, it did need a few repairs over the years though
- How many games do you have for it?
an embarassing 3, i got 2 games when i first got it, i never completed them entirely so i didn't bother getting new ones. Recently I got Zelda OoT, i haven't played it bcos my controller is broken (but 2 new controllers are on the way via the postal system :D )
- Any stories surrounding the system that you can share with us?
When I repaired the power supply, the cable became 6 inches long