Yoshi's Story
 
   
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Yoshi's Story
 
 
Simple platforming sequel staring Yoshi as he navigates platforming stages searching for fruit. Yoshi's Story is a bit disappointing in comparison to its predecessor on SNES, but its still a game full of charm that contains the hallmarks of classic Mario platforming, with loads of fiendish jumps and memorable boss fights. Where the game falls down most is its longevity, its a little too easy overall, especially if you only play the preliminary levels (getting enough hearts in each stage opens up a load of optional, harder levels to play), but its still very fun while it lasts.
 
 
Star Wars Episode 1: Racer
 
   
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Episode 1 Racer
 
 
Take the futuristic racing game Wipeout and make it easier and more accessible and you get an idea of Episode 1 Racer. Ep1 goes with wide courses and low penalty for edge scraping, the game's main mechanic is a boost system whereby you have to charge (by pushing up) for a certain amount of time and then let go and accelerate, this allows you to move at higher speed until you touch an edge (or blow up from overheating!). The game starts off a little too easy, but things pick up quickly and reveal a challenging game with excellent presentation, good amounts of content, and great courses.
 
 
Duke Nukem: Zero Hour
 
   
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Duke Nukem Zero Hour
 
 
Exclusive Duke Nukem game made by ever reliable UK developer Eurocom. With this game Eurocom decided to go with a 3rd person view and an emphasis on straight-forward shooting action. The series went through the transition fairly well, with the new view allowing for some new jumping sections and a higher emphasis on taking cover and such. The game is a good length, and is packed with items and equipment to learn and use (the gas mask is especially useful). Overall one of the better Duke Nukem episodes.
 
 
Mario Golf
 
   
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Mario Golf on N64
 
 
A fun Golf game made by Camelot, a company known for their popular Hot Shots Golf series on Playstation (to be honest Mario Golf practically is a Hot Shots Golf game, just with Nintendo's famous characters in it). The game is accessible, and easy to get into, but still has the kind of depth required for a Golf game, with wind direction, and weather conditions playing an active part.
 
 
Harvest Moon
 
   
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Harvest Moon on N64
 
 
This is a very addictive simulation game where you have to run a farm, make friends, get married and have children and such. The game is honestly a lot more fun than it sounds, its infused with a whole load of charm and is always giving you new things to keep you busy and thoroughly entertained.
 
 
 
Rogue Squadron
 
   
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Rogue Squadron
 
 
This is the first game in the popular series of Star Wars-themed Mission-based shooters from Factor 5. The game has you piloting a variety of aircraft shooting down enemies, protecting allies, and tying up walkers. Most of the elements apparent in later games were already well established here, with the game offering a lot of fun and excitement, but I've dropped the game a few places in favour of its pseudo-sequel Battle For Naboo, which has aged a little better in my opinion.
 
 
Space Station Silicon Valley
 
   
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Space Station Silicon Valley
 
 
One of the more interesting puzzle games on the N64, Space Station has you playing as a computer chip which can attach itself to animals to solve puzzles and complete objectives (each animal has different abilities). Its a quirky game with a lot of charm but can be a little slow paced at times and has a somewhat flawed difficulty curve. Best suited to those who like to take their time and work their way through problems as opposed to those looking for quick action and excitement.
 
 
Hydro Thunder
 
   
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Hydro Thunder
 
 
Watercraft racing game where you collect power-ups to fill up a boost gauge, and search for short-cuts. Hydro Thunder is a fun, attractive looking arcade port with excellent handling and controls. The game was available on most consoles of the time, with the PS1 version being slightly weaker and the Dreamcast version being better, but this was the only one with a 4-player split-screen option, and its a great example of what the N64 can accomplish when put in the right hands (ie Eurocom).
 
 
Vigilante 8: 2nd Offence
 
   
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Vigilante 8 on N64
 
 
Sequel to the original Vigilante 8 game (which was also on N64). This is essentially a Twisted Metal style game, with the aim being to drive a variety of vehicles around arena's dispatching your opponents. The game is a lot of brainless fun, with devastating weapons and big explosions being the order of the day, and a cool 70s vibe playing throughout. This is a good port of the game, the music isn't quite as good as the Playstation version, but the graphics and control have been tweaked and there's now some excellent 4-player split-screen support.
 
 
Mortal Kombat 4
 
   
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Mortal Kombat 4 on N64
 
 
With Mortal Kombat 4 Midway attempted to bring the fighting series into the 3D era whilst also trying to take it back to its classic, mystical roots. The 3D here is more of a cosmetic addition overall, with the game mostly playing a lot like Mortal Kombat 3, but with some new dodge and weapon mechanics, as well as a more concerted attempt at character balancing for tournament play. Whilst the gameplay has more in common with the third Mortal Kombat game, the style of the first two Mortal Kombats makes a welcome return here, with the game filled with malevolent looking dungeons and arenas. Overall this has to be the best 3D fighting game on N64, its not top tier for its generation, but its still a worthy, fun play for fighting game fans.
 
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