10 N64 Games That Deserve A Remake
“Pokémon Stadium” (2000) & “Pokémon Stadium 2” (2001)
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For us, the potential of a remake combining these two spin-offs is too high to ignore. While there have been several spiritual successors, the “Stadium” duology is steeped in nostalgia thanks to incredible mini-games and the ability to battle with whatever Pokémon you want, at whatever level you desire. Bringing the mini-games and two generations of Pokémon together would be wonderful, but so too would new online functionality. If the remake, like the originals, had a way to bring in your own pokémon from a mainline game, even better. The first was one of the best-selling on the system and the remakes for “Diamond” and “Pearl” are already some of the best-selling games on the Switch. So this feels like a no-brainer.
“Snowboard Kids” (1998)
Not including games that have already been remade allows us to shine a light on obscure titles that deserve more love. The Atlus-published “Snowboard Kids” wasn’t the only snowboarding game on the system, but it was the most adorable one. Cute characters with oversized heads raced through courses that were more varied than you’d expect. Neat power-ups could give you the upper hand as you overtook your opponents alongside increasingly catchier tunes. A remake could introduce the series to a whole new audience as it hasn’t seen a release since 2005. Update the tracks and the controls, maybe bring in some courses from the second game or some new ones, and you’d have a resurgence on your hands.
“Donkey Kong 64” (1999)
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Donkey Kong is a bonafide platforming star, though most of his games are 2D. His first venture into 3D is far from perfect as it’s overstuffed with collectibles. But it’s also got some of the best level design and music that Rare has ever put out, not counting the DK Rap of course. We would absolutely love to see the likes of Angry Aztec or Fungi Forest with a fresh coat of paint. And a remake could rectify some issues in the original, like allowing us to switch between characters on the fly rather than backtrack to a Kong Barrel. Speaking of playable characters, it would also be a joy to see Lanky or Chunky Kong back again. Make it happen, Nintendo.
“Star Wars: Rogue Squadron” (1998)
This awesome flight combat game set in the “Star Wars” universe is still pretty fun to play today, though there’s no denying the improvements a remake could bring. Better graphics could easily eliminate the distance fog that lingers all over. And we’d happily welcome enhanced flight controls, more ships, and weapons to make the experience more fun. Unfortunately, this is highly unlikely considering developer Factor 5 has closed and reopened since the series wrapped up. And Disney probably has all sorts of plans for future releases, none of which involve remaking games from a different canon. But we can dream.
“Jet Force Gemini” (1999)
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The partnership between Rare and Nintendo resulted in some of the finest games in the 64’s library. We all love “Banjo” and “GoldenEye,” but one that deserves to be spoken of as fondly, yet seemingly never is, is “Jet Force Gemini.” The sci-fi game blended third-person shooting and platforming to create one of the more unique releases on the system. But it could also be exceptionally tough. Revamp those controls, give us some new weapons, add in a split-screen co-op mode for both online and couch play, and rework the graphics to truly do the art style justice. “Jet Force Gemini” is a great game and it’s time that more people got to experience it outside of the 64 and “Rare Replay.”
“Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards” (2000)
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“Kirby 64” is one of the little puffball’s most important adventures. It was the first 3D entry and the first to let him combine two power-ups into something new. For such a major installment, and one that’s tons of fun at that, it deserves a remake. Just like most other “Kirby” games, “The Crystal Shards” has charming, colorful worlds that an HD remake could lovingly capture. It is a bit short, so we’d also appreciate some new worlds or at least some levels from other installments. Several recent Kirby games also offer co-op for their story modes and it would be great to see it included here. With 2022’s “Kirby and the Forgotten Land,” Nintendo probably isn’t interested in a remake. But we’d nonetheless love to see it.
“Mischief Makers” (1997)
Another underrated pick, “Mischief Makers” is a platformer that should have taken off like the others on the system. Sadly, it didn’t. But a remake could change that. Gameplay revolves around a grab and shake mechanic, combining traversal and combat. Being a 2D game just with 3D models, a remake likely wouldn’t be too difficult to make. And it would only increase the quality of its aesthetic, which has aged better than most other N64 games. It’s a shame that “Mischief Makers” didn’t get any love at launch and hasn’t ever even been in an e-shop. But with how well 2D indie platformers perform on Switch these days, we can’t help but want to give it a second chance.
“Gauntlet Legends” (1999)
While this Arcade dungeon crawler did release on other platforms, the N64 got it first so we’re still going to count it. Plus, “Gauntlet” hasn’t seen a release since a bare-bones 2014 reboot and the series deserves a comeback. Somewhat like an easier, funnier “Diablo,” “Gauntlet Legends” puts players in the shoes of various fantasy classes as they hack and slash their way through hordes of monsters. A remake of what is arguably the best in the series could add more RPG elements as well as character classes from later installments. Give it some online play and perhaps some competitive modes, as well as more zany power-ups, and this would be a hit.
“F-Zero X” (1998)
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Each “F-Zero” game hits you with insane speed and high difficulty, but the N64 entry hasn’t aged quite as well as its SNES or GameCube counterparts. And that’s why it deserves a remake. Plus, Nintendo has clearly been wary to release a new installment and a remake would be a good way to test the waters. Track design here is absolutely incredible, with 3D offering more insane twists and curves as well as a lot more opponents to deal with. We’d love to see these courses refreshed with tighter controls. And we’d of course be ecstatic if it came with some new races or those from other entries.
“Banjo-Kazooie” (1998) & “Banjo-Tooie” (2000)
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Yes, the first entry did release for Switch’s N64 Expansion and yes we did replay it immediately. But if “Banjo-Kazooie” and its sequel were to get the remake treatment, possibly in the same vein as “Spyro” and “Crash,” we’d honestly cry tears of joy. The duology offers some of the wackiest characters, happiest music, and most fantastic levels on the entire system. Despite being dormant for years, there is still a passionate following behind the franchise. Reception to the arrival of the first game on Switch and the heroes’ inclusion in “Smash” proves it. Microsoft and Nintendo have become very friendly over the last few years. So please, gaming gods, let this happen.
