The Nintendo 64 game library is full of powerful games, and racing games are no exception. Some of the best riders (even today) can be found on the N64. If you are a fan of retro games, you should spend the weekend lazily playing the best games the library has to offer.
We’ve done a great job bringing together the best racing games for the N64. If you don’t already have it, you can also try the N64 emulator. You can check out some of the emulators here., here. and here.
Mario Kart 64
Was there. really any doubt about which game will top this list? Mario Kart 64 is arguably still the best N64 racing game in the Mario Kart series. It builds on the foundations laid out by Super Mario Kart, with four different game modes and eight playable characters.
The best versions of the series’ most beloved levels can be found in Mario Kart 64, especially Rainbow Road. If you manage to get your hands on a copy of Mario Kart 64 on the original console or through emulation, this is a great way to hang out with your friends.
F-Zero X
The original F-Zero was released in 1990, so when the sequel came out eight years later, fans were thrilled to see what would be in it. The F-Zero X did not disappoint. This is one of the best games for the N64, packed with incredible content.
There. are 24 different tracks for racing as well as 30 different vehicles. There. is even an “X” cup that generates random tracks every time you play. This means that the variety of races is almost limitless. Each race is unique, making this N64 racing game the most replayable.
Scan 64
Wipeout is a rare title in the Nintendo library, as almost all but three of the games in the series were released for the Sony console. The title represents a futuristic racer that is a bit like the F-Zero in some respects, but strong in its own right. This allows up to four players to play in split screen mode. It also features more weapons than previous games, including rear-locked rockets.
Sadly, longtime fans of the show will notice that most of the tracks are just mirrored versions of tracks from previous games, but that doesn’t stop them from playing incredibly fun on the Nintendo 64.
Micro 64 Turbo Machines
Micro Machines is an odd series, but don’t let the name fool you – the fun in this title isn’t micro at all. This is the perfect game for anyone who loved to play with Micro Machines cars as a child. You drive a small toy car and race along tracks made from everyday objects, but the size of your small car makes them seem bigger than life.
The controls are simple, making it easy to play the game, but you won’t get bored anytime soon. You have to drive 32 different types of vehicles and explore 48 tracks. There. are both time trials and face-to-face multiplayer game.
Star Wars Episode 1: Racer
If you are looking for a great N64 racing game, then Star Wars Episode 1: Racer is a game not to be missed. Don’t miss this because of the name. It contains all the best elements of Episode 1 – the pod race – and excludes everything else.
There. are 25 different racers, each with their own abilities and pods, and you can upgrade every car in the store. The customization is impressive for a Nintendo 64 game. Updates affect how each car will react.
Damage also plays a big role in this title. If you bump into the left side, it will be a little more difficult for you to steer when turning left. Your capsule will also be more vulnerable on this side. It brings a strategic element to racing that is not found in many other N64 racing games.
Lego Racers
Any game that has Lego in its name must have at least two or three outstanding aspects. Lego Racers lives up to those expectations with insane customization options. As a player, you are given several Lego blocks with which you can build both your driver and your car.
The Lego set you can use to customize your car and driver will grow as you progress through the game. You will also unlock more throughout the storyline, a series of four different cups with six tracks each. You can even level up various weapons that you have access to to make them more powerful.
Lego Racers only supports split-screen mode for single races, which is a bit of a shame. This game could be played with friends, but the multiplayer mode is somewhat limited. However, the single-player mode will be one of the most fun you have on the N64.
San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing
San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing is a port of the arcade game, but the N64 version is arguably better than the original for several reasons, least of which is the introduction of more tracks. The Nintendo 64 version of the racing game contains six tracks, two of which contain secret “stunt” courses.
Depending on who you ask, the controls aren’t the smoothest in the game. Some people like to use the Nintendo 64 analog stick while others don’t respond. It works fine in our opinion, although the use of a peripheral steering wheel did add a new element to the header.
What makes San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing stand out is the practice mode and the death race mode. In Death Race, cars remain on the tracks after a collision. This adds another layer of complexity and is also an impressive technical achievement given the limited hardware of the Nintendo 64.
What’s the best racing game for the N64 in your opinion? Let us know in the comments below.
–