The 10 BEST N64 3D Platformers

10 Best N64 3D Platformers

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re counting down our picks for the ten best 3D platformers for the Nintendo 64. Let’s double jump into our list!

“Glover” (1998)

Playing as a whimsical, sentient glove might not be everybody’s cup of tea; however, “Glover” was a refreshing take on the budding 3D platforming genre at the time. You see, instead of hopping around levels like many other 3D platformers, “Glover” is all about playing as the eponymous glove as it guides around a colorful ball through myriad, creative platforming stages. The unique mechanic didn’t always work perfectly in action, but the physics-based ball platforming gameplay, surreal, dream-like stages, and high challenge level meant that genre fans had a ton of platforming fun to get to grips with. See what I did with the pun there…grips…hand/glove…you get it right? Nevermind. I’ll see myself out.

“Duck Dodgers Starring Daffy Duck” (2000)

One of the less discussed platforming gems of the N64 generation, “Duck Dodgers Starring Daffy Duck” genuinely feels like you are playing out an episode of the venerable, beloved cartoon. Sure, it’s got the usual jank that came with my 3D platformers of the time, but, you can tell it was lovingly crafted, with the great “Looney Tunes” property in mind. This game just goes all in, the whole nine yards, on Daffy Duck’s persona: Duck Dodgers. Exploring the whimsical, well-laid-out sci-fi planet levels is a real blast here, especially since Duck’s platforming moves are spot-on. Toss in some unique and fun gadgets for Mr. Dodgers to use, some laugh-out-loud humor, and oodles of creative platforming, and you have yourself a nice little hidden 3D platforming gem on the N64.

“Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon” (1997)

We don’t often hear many gamers chat about “Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon” for the N64. This, of course, is a real shame. Because, for those of us that have actually played and experienced this super unique 3D platformer; we know it’s a real treat to play. This is one of the 3D platformers that masterfully combines style and substance as Goemon and pals explore each intricately crafted world. The game’s playful use of the stylized Japanese setting makes for some memorable levels to platform through. “Mystical Ninja” is chock-full of tight platforming moments, tough puzzles, fun mini-games, and loads of punchy combat that makes you feel both nimble and powerful. Plus, we can’t forget to mention that you could bound through this quirky adventure with a friend in tow in the game’s great 2-player co-op mode. Good times had by all!

“Rayman 2: The Great Escape” (1999)

Most “Rayman” games are downright awesome, with “Rayman 2: The Great Escape” being one of the best (and also one of the hardest) of the 3D variety. “The Great Escape” is loaded to the brim with cartoony personality as Rayman uses his signature core platforming moves to bounce and bound through each well-crafted stage. The stages themselves are overflowing with atmosphere and style, made even better by some solid visuals and fun music. Gaining new abilities such as the helicopter glide and wall climb consistently adds variety and experimentation to Rayman’s repertoire of moves. Plus, the 3D camera here really pulls its weight which helps “The Great Escape” to feel that much more immersive, especially in the more challenging platforming/puzzle sections.

“Conker’s Bad Fur Day” (2001)

Developer Rare was coming out swinging during the N64 days of gaming, with home run after home run. “Conker’s Bad Fur Day” is the first of the Rare-developed 3D platforming trifecta we will be chatting about in this list. While, of course, this game is first and foremost remembered (fondly or otherwise) for its super raunchy humor, it’s also just a bang-on solid 3D platformer in its own right. Conker feels like he is perfectly suited to this genre, even if the game didn’t have the off-the-wall mature goofs and gaffs to bolster its appeal. The Rare charm and playful sense of platforming experimentation oozes throughout this beefy adventure. It’s not an easy game, mind you; but it will always leave you wanting more.

“Banjo-Tooie” (2000)

For many N64 3D platforming fans out there, you could easily interchange “Kazooie” with “Tooie” on this list, depending on your platforming preferences. For our money, while we do adore both “Banjo” games, we think “Tooie” sits a bit lower down on the list, mostly due to how gargantuan the game size is, which often equates to loads of backtracking and getting lost. But again, many gamers prefer this less linear version of their favorite bear and bird duo. “Tooie” takes all the wonderful aspects of “Kazooie” and expands them out tenfold with bigger levels, more exploration, tons and tons of collectibles, and even more ways to platform around as both Banjo and Kazooie. The name of the game in “Tooie” is gameplay variety, and you will never get bored weaving in and out of this lovingly crafted interconnected 3D platforming world.

“Rocket: Robot on Wheels” (1999)

From the team behind “Sly Cooper,” “Infamous,” and “Ghost of Tsushima/Yotei,” developer Sucker Punch, comes 1999’s superb and quirky 3D platforming treasure, “Rocket: Robot on Wheels.” Many of us remember this game for its super unique and uber rare red N64 cartridge. But, apart from that, it’s just a downright enjoyable 3D platforming with oodles of goofy moments, wacky levels, and fun platforming abilities as our titular robot, Rocket. Rocket’s movements and abilities in this game are intertwined with the game’s ahead-of-its-time physics system, which filter into both platforming gauntlets and tricky puzzle areas. Plus, you gotta love the whole theme park/carnival/circus vibes that are woven into this whole adventure. Oh, and of course you can drive around in a hot dog vehicle…because why the heck not!

“Donkey Kong 64” (1999)

The collect-a-thon to end all collect-a-thons! “Donkey Kong 64,” apart from being one of the best “DK” games, also just so happens to be one of the very best 3D platformers you can play on your Nintendo 64. “DK 64” is a big game, full stop. Honestly, it kinda makes “Banjo-Tooie” feel small by comparison. However, despite its massive size, it never really feels all that overwhelming since the game generally signposts where to go fairly well. Yes, yes, it has boatloads of collectibles…but, honestly…we think that’s all part of the game’s overall charm, fun, and replayability. Getting to play as each of your favorite Kongs, each with their own unique platforming moves and abilities, is such a joy here. Between the Kong variety, the strong and varied world design, and the plethora of gameplay scenarios, it’s obvious why “DK 64” is a super solid 3D platformer, all around.

“Banjo-Kazooie” (1998)

The penultimate game on our list of best 3D platformers for the N64 is, of course, “Banjo-Kazooie.” Like I mentioned with the “Tooie” entry, depending on the type of platforming player you are, you could swap out “Tooie” here. Really though, it’s the way “Banjo-Kazooie” has a distinct laser-focus in its overall experience that, for us, makes it the better 3D platformer. This is just a super refreshing 3D platformer that never lets up on pure video game fun. Every single level feels distinct and entertaining, it’s always rewarding hoovering up Jiggies and Jinjos alike, and each Mumbo transformation vastly changes the platforming gameplay for our eponymous duo that we simply can’t help but fall in love with this game, time and time again. Plus, that incredible musical score from Grant Kirkhope is just the perfectly ripe cherry on top of an already delightful sundae.

“Super Mario 64” (1996)

I mean, come on, could the best 3D platformer for the beloved N64 really be any other but the game that truly revolutionized the genre as we know it today? I think not! “Super Mario 64” is pure platforming perfection…yes, even all these many years later; it’s just that good. The way Mario feels to play as is second-to-none. Hopping in and out of the whimsical castle paintings to challenge yourself to get the coveted Power Stars never gets old. The pure cartoony nature and humor the game throws your way never fails to put a smile on your face. And, the sheer variety in worlds, gameplay, challenge level, and audio-visual presentation is consistently on point. If, for some crazy reason you have yet to experience this incredible 3D platformer, then be sure you remedy that straight away!

So, do you agree with our picks for this list? What are some of the best 3D platformers for the N64 that you have played? Let us know in the comments.