Hardkorrrrrrrrrr
With a myriad of wrestling games available on the Nintendo 64, even the now-defunct Extreme Championship Wrestling got their own game. Released in the year 2000 however, there was no shortage of competition. Does Acclaim's wrestling game stack up to the series from AKI/THQ?
Earthworm Jim 3D is the third and final game in the series, and also the first to feature 3D gameplay, which gives the title a sort of double meaning. Bringing the series' trademark wackiness and irreverence to the third dimension, the game stars Jim's super-ego as he takes a trip through the crazy worlds of his own twisted mind. Although it lacks the polish of a Nintendo-published platformer, it still contains a decent amount of variety and somewhat interesting design.
Great, what am I supposed to use, harsh language?
Duke Nukem 64 must have put up decent sales numbers or something, as here we have what was a brand-new Duke Nukem title created exclusively for the Nintendo 64. Changing perspective from first-person to third-person, Zero Hour more closely follows the gameplay conventions of the PlayStation games than its Nintendo 64 predecessor. Although I prefer first-person to third-person, this game is still a solid adventure that spans many time periods, though its multiplayer mode switches to first-person for its frantic action.
So bad to the bone, he doesn't need music.
Following in the footsteps of the likes of DooM and Quake, the PC release of Duke Nukem 3D offered similar alien-busting action with an added layer of raunch, swears, and spoofs. The Nintendo 64 version of the title brings with it a few additional features and levels, but at the same time heavily censors the content. Removing most of the personality from a game that sold itself on its attitude and mature themes results in a bit of a dull shooter, as its design leaves something to be desired.
Duck and cover!
Not about to let Disney's Donald Duck hog all the fame and fortune, Daffy Duck starred in his own Nintendo 64 platformer as well. Unfortunately, this is another case where I'm not very familiar with the source material, having seen the show maybe a few times when I was younger and don't remember a lick of it. However, the game is plenty decent enough to stand on its own, or maybe it's just my love of platformers talking.
Insert obvious “dual zeroes” pun
The Nintendo 64 wasn't really known for fighting games. Just as well, I don't really like them and am particularly rubbish at them as a result. There were a decent number of them released, unfortunately for me, as I will have the (dis)pleasure of trying them all. Dual Heroes advertises a couple of gimmicks such as training a robot to battle virtual gamers, maybe that will make this one more interesting...
I sure hope those aren't the same gloves used to unclog sinks...
As one of the final games released for the system, Dr. Mario 64 was a budget-priced title. Introducing a couple new game modes and a 4-player option, it was the definitive version of Dr. Mario for the time and remains a solid entry in the series.
DooM 64 is the real DooM 3.
Though it wasn't the first of its kind, the original DooM is often credited as the game that popularized the first-person shooter. With detailed graphics for the time, heaps of ugly baddies, a handful of cool weapons, and endlessly challenging gameplay, it's no wonder it was a hit. Despite a slower gameplay pace than the previous PC games, DooM 64 is a worthy followup and an enjoyable run 'n gun shooter in its own right. For better or worse, they don't make 'em like this anymore.
The Canadian version is Goin' Quakers
Licenced games can be a real crapshoot, but surprisingly enough, this one didn't make me go quackers. I'm not very familiar with Disney or Donald Duck in particular, but this game turned out to be decent enough by its own merits.
Donkey Kong's finally back, and so is the Tour de 64
Hot off the heels of Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64 was Rareware's second platform adventure on the Nintendo 64. Requiring use of the Expansion Pak accessory, the game promised to not only ape Super Mario 64, but provide a bigger, prettier adventure. With five characters, huge worlds, and hundreds of collectables, there's a lot packed into this little cartridge, but that also unfortunately becomes its downfall. This would typically be the point where some crack would be inserted about driving the player bananas, but this article is 100% guaranteed to be free of all monkey-related puns. Honest.
