About Nintendo 64 games on the Virtual Console
While N64 games are the most expensive on the Virtual Console (1000 Wii points, or AU$15/£7.50), they are arguably by far the best value. Not only are they the most recently produced titles, with some being just over half a decade old, but unlike all the other system's offerings they have been significantly upgraded from their original releases. While the N64 was the most powerful console of its generation, today its low output resolution and over-filtered image mean that the games can look blurry and/or chunky, especially on modern televisions.
For their VC releases, all N64 games have had their resolutions bumped up from their original 256×224 to 640x480, giving them a much cleaner look. Framerates have also been stabilised - it seems at around each game's previous maximum, so games that jumped between 20 and 30fps on the N64 are locked in at a constant 30fps on the Wii. There are some small drawbacks to these changes - the cleaner image makes it easier to see any visible texture seams, and any sprite usage in a 3D environment stands out more then it used to - but the trade off is well worth it, and generally these games look significantly better on the Wii then they did on the original hardware. Add to this component colour, and they have been given a new lease of life.
N64 games can be played with either the Classic Controller or a GameCube controller. Neither have as many buttons as the original N64 pad, so both solutions requite the use of the right stick to emulate the c-buttons. For the games released so far, this has not been a major problem. While the Classic Controller is the more versatile option for general Virtual Console use, due to its more traditional button layout, we recommend the GameCube controller for N64 games, as its centrally placed analogue stick and larger shape make it a better option for 3D gameplay. And you might as well go for a Wavebird, as the Rumble Pak has not been emulated.
For whatever reason, N64 games are the only titles on the Virtual Console to not support the 'interrupt' feature, but so far all released games have a save feature anyway.
PAL conversion issues
PAL conversions varied over the life of the N64, starting badly in the early years, but improving to become a non-issue in later games. The PAL version of Super Mario 64 ran 17% slower then the NTSC version and and had black borders at the top and bottom of the screen. By mid generation, games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time were 100% full screen, and ran faster (though still not quite at full NTSC speed). And by the end of the generation, games like Excitebike 64 were almost the exact equivalent of their NTSC brethren.
Some of this has been rendered moot on the PAL Virtual Console, as along with the visual upgrades, the worst PAL-issue games have received new PAL conversions. While all games are still based on the PAL originals, and have maintained the tweaks and quirks that were in those versions, all are now at (or near) full screen, and those that originally ran 17% slow have been sped back up. Unfortunately it seems games that were originally partially PAL optomised (F-Zero X, which still has some small borders, Ocarina of Time which still runs slightly slower) have maintained their partial optomisation on the VC. But while they remain slightly different versions to the NTSC editions, with different timings and glitches from each other, there's little to complain about in terms of PAL issues, at least compared to some other consoles on the VC.
Our Virtual Console ratings system
We've given every game a 'buy' rating of 'Yes', 'Maybe', or 'No'
Yes means this is a very high quality game, and we have no problem recommending it to anyone as long as they like the genre.
Maybe means we think the game is good, but not necessarily for everyone. If you know the game or like the sound of the description, go for it
No means we think that unless you have some nostalgia for this title, it probably isn't worth your time or money today.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Games listed in alphabetical order
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
F-Zero X
Price: 1000 Points
Developer: Nintendo
Originally released: 1998
PAL conversion issues: Small borders in-game, slightly slower gameplay
Another game that fulfilled the promise of its SNES prequel in 3D, with F-Zero X Nintendo made the wise decision to cut back on anything that would get in the way of fast, tight, futuristic racing gameplay. This meant the game was low on graphical detail, but had big ideas, and despite featuring up to 30 other racers on screen at once it was fast as hell and ran smooth as silk. But the track designs were the real star, with stomach churning loops, dips, bends, pipes and tubes that left the tracks in similar games like Wipeout wallowing in the dust.
While bettered in many areas by Amusement Vision's still stunning GameCube sequel F-Zero GX, the N64 version still has its charms, including a better difficulty curve, a delightfully cheesy synth-rock soundtrack, and better multiplayer (with the hilarious 'slot machine' allowing racers who have fallen off the track to interfere with those left). It looks great on the Virtual Console, as the simpler graphics look sharp in high res, and the game still runs great – although we have noticed a small amount of slowdown that wasn't there before. Another fantastic download.
Worth buying? Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Price: 1000 Points
Developer: Nintendo
Originally released: 1998
PAL conversion issues: Full screen, slightly slower gameplay
What can be said about a game that constantly tops 'best game of all time' lists, often winning by a huge margin? Ocarina of Time was and still is a triumph of game design. With a long, involved quest, a large detailed world featuring many likable characters, and tight action gameplay to boot, Miyamoto's magnum opus has it all.
While showing its age in the graphics department, with some blurry textures and simple geometry, the Virtual Console version still looks pretty good at points, as the increased resolution really helps clean up the image of the large environments. If you want to experience (or re-experience) one of the greatest action-adventure games ever produced (and don't already own the similar port on one of the GameCube 'Zelda bonus' discs), then Ocarina of Time is a must buy, and probably the best value on the Virtual Console.
Worth buying? Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lylat Wars
Price: 1000 Points
Developer: Nintendo
Originally released: 1997
PAL conversion issues: Slightly slower gameplay
The original Starfox (called Starwing in PAL territories due to a copyright issue) used a special chip to allow the SNES to produce what were at the time amazing 3D graphics, but with 3D technology marching on, it dated quite quickly (although the game remained good). With the N64, Nintendo were able to produce the game Starwing wanted to be, and Lylat Wars (Starfox 64 overseas) fulfilled all the promise of the original game's concept and then some. With involved teamplay (with full voice acting), many different worlds, non-linear progression and varied shooting gameplay, Lylat Wars was, and still is, a space-opera shooting classic.
While the game's controls don't map quite perfectly to either the GameCube or Classic Controller (although a GameCube controller is nearly a must for this game), the VC visual upgrades really shine here, as Lylat Wars on Wii looks crisp and runs much better then the N64 original. For some tight shooting action, this is great download.
Worth buying? Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mario Kart 64
Price: 1000 Points
Developer: Nintendo
Originally released: 1996 (Japan), 1997 (PAL)
PAL conversion issues: None.
The first game to support four players on the Nintendo 64, Mario Kart 64 kicked off the multiplayer revolution of the era. Some people argued for years that Super Mario Kart was the better game, but the four player factor was a great plus to the 64-bit variation, as was the much wider track variety afforded by those 3D polygon thingys.
While still worth it today for some multiplayer fun, Mario Kart 64 is the N64 game that least benefits from the Virtual Console upgrade, as its prominent sprite elements really stick out in the higher resolution environment. You also can't save your ghost data due to the lack of Controller Pak emulation, leaving time trial freaks out in the cold. But while not a 'must' download, if you're after some old-school racing or kart battling, Mario Kart 64 will still fit the bill.
Worth buying? Maybe
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper Mario
Price: 1000 Points
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Originally released: 2000 (Japan), 2001 (PAL)
PAL conversion issues: None
What started as an in-house sequel to Square's Super Mario RPG, Intelligent Systems' Paper Mario forged it's own identity with stylish graphics, an inventive battle system, and a brilliant (and hilarious) script. Even if you don't like RPGs, Paper Mario has enough going for it that it's worth putting up with the battles to experience the rest of the game.
Barely even a retro release, Paper Mario was such a late N64 game that many people missed out on it, as they'd moved on to the greener pastures of the Dreamcast and PS2 by the time of its release. Which makes it a perfect fit for the Virtual Console. A PAL copy costs a fortune on eBay, making it an absolute steal at 1000 points. And apart from a couple of slightly blurry textures here and there, with the resolution upgrade it actually looks as good as some GameCube games - or - dare we say it – Wii games.
If we had a rating above 'Yes', this is one of the few games that would get it. Possibly the best thing on the Virtual Console.
Worth buying? Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Earth
Price: 1100 Points
Developer: Treasure
Originally released: 2000 (Japan)
PAL conversion issues: None.
Previously only available in Japan, Treasure's imaginative late N64 rail-shooter has finally made it's debut in the west. It was a very impressive game graphically on the N64, and holds up remarkably well today, even (dare we say it) looking better then a couple of retail Wii games. While playing something like the ground based StarFox missions, Sin and Punishment is full of variety, detail and style, and is one of the most action-packed pieces of 3D gaming ever produced.
Like all 'import content' on the VC, Sin and Punishment is priced at a premium over regular games, but given the quality, translated menus, and that it's likely you haven't played it before, 1200 points is a bargain for a game this great.
As with many N64 games on VC, you'll want a GameCube controller for maximum comfort.
Worth buying? Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Mario 64
Price: 1000 Points
Developer: Nintendo
Originally released: 1996 (Japan), 1997 (PAL)
PAL conversion issues: None.
The first 3D platformer, and in many ways the first truly 3D adventure game of any sort, Mario's 64-bit début blew everybody away when it was first released. Remarkably, it still holds up very well today. Rather then simplify the intricacies of the Mario gameplay for its 3D introduction Nintendo actually expended on them, creating a game with a huge amount of variety and depth. The hub structure of Peach's castle allows for a wide variety of environments, and the game veers wildly between platforming, racing, action and puzzle gameplay.
The camera is a bit clunky compared to more recent games, and it may be a little easy for today's 3D platforming veterans, but Super Mario 64 is still a joy to play. And on the Wii, it looks great too.
Worth buying? Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wave Race 64
Price: 1000 Points
Developer: Nintendo
Originally released: 1996 (Japan), 1997 (PAL)
PAL conversion issues: Small borders, slightly slower gameplay
One of the first games released on the N64 and still one of the best. Jet-ski racer Wave Race 64 blew everything in the industry away graphically upon debut, and the water effects are still very impressive today. But it was the tightly designed gameplay that made the game a classic. The combination of racing and performing tricks over brilliantly designed courses never gets old, and with the randomness of the waves thrown in, the rewarding feeling of winning based on skill in this game has rarely been repeated since.
Probably the best racing game available on the Virtual Console, still a load of fun, and a great purchase for 1000 points.
Worth buying? Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yoshi's Story
Price: 1000 Points
Developer: Nintendo
Originally released: 1997 (Japan), 1998 (PAL)
PAL conversion issues: None.
It's understandable why many were disappointed with Yoshi's Story upon release, as it seemed positioned as the sequel to Yoshi's Island, one of the all-time greatest platformers. When Story turned out to have a different, simpler focus, there was a backlash from those wanting the more complicated gameplay of its predecessor.
All these years later, we can see Yoshi's Story for what it is - a pleasant looking, sickeningly cute 2D collect-em-up with a very laid-back feel to it. And with some of the catchiest music ever put in a videogame.
Not for everyone, but if you want something different after being burnt out on more traditional platformers, this could be just the ticket. Be warned though, you will never be able to get the baby Yoshi singing voices out of your head for as long as you live.
Worth buying? Maybe
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can also check out our other Virtual Console pages for reviews of other system's games:
Virtual Console review round-up: NES
Virtual Console review round-up: SNES
Virtual Console review round-up: Mega Drive
Virtual Console review round-up: Turbografx
Virtual Console review round-up: Neo Geo
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
, thats practically the game with my most play-time ever.
Loading...
