Growing up in the ‘90s, kids experienced the first DVDs, the first Nokia cell phones, and they were the first to see what text messaging was all about. It was an exciting time for gamers too as it bought the release of the ever popular N64. Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Donkey Kong, Zelda Ocarina, Rogue Squadron… the list of cool Nintendo games was almost endless. For a little trip down memory lane, this article will show you some of the best N64 games for ‘90s nostalgia. But first, keep reading to see how you can use your mood to improve your game playing.
Using your mood to enhance game play and vice versa
It’s amazing how much the mood you’re in can influence the way you act. For example, if you’re in a good mood at work, you tend to get a lot done and time will probably pass really quickly. If you’re in bad mood, mistakes are more frequent, and time drags its heels. The same goes for game playing, but instead of being unproductive when in a bad mood it can actually enhance your gameplay, in certain genres. The following is a list of the some of the moods we all experience now and then and what type of game genre we may perform best during that time:
- Happy Mood: Platform Game: These games are great for spreading happiness and cheer. Most platform games are based in colorful worlds where there’s lots of happy, smiling characters and joyous music playing in the background. It would be very hard not to be happy when playing these games. Usually, they’re suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. Play a platform type game when you’re in a good mood and it will not only help enhance your gameplay but it will help you forget about your worries as you submerge into a fictional world of happiness and glee.
- Anxious Mood: Role Playing Game (RPG): We can all feel a little anxious or insecure at times. Maybe something happened at work to make you feel inadequate. Playing an RPG game while feeling this way can really help you turn that frown upside down. Being anxious and insecure will give you the drive to make something better out of the game. It will give you something to focus on where you can build your own world just how you want it. Doing this will help you recreate that sense of achievement and help rid any insecurities.
- Angry Mood: Shooter Game: There’s no doubt about it that if you’re in an angry mood, taking out a few zombies or enemy lines will inevitably ease the tension and make you feel a heck of a lot better. Because you’re angry it will make you focus more on winning and unleashing havoc on your opponents. That’s not meant to indicate that violence is the answer to everything, but a game is certainly a much safer place to rid your frustrations.
- Powerless Mood: Fighting Game: It may sound obvious, but playing a fighting game while feeling a little powerless or inadequate will help turn that around in a heartbeat. No one likes to be alone or feel lonely. By playing a fighting game, you can instantly become ‘top dog’. And even though it’s a video game, that feeling of being the best fighter out there, will help lift your spirits. Because you’re feeling powerless or inadequate you’ll naturally be better at fighting as you try to wipe out those feelings along with your opponents.
- Relaxed Mood: Survival-Horror Game: To be good at these types of games you need to have a clear head. So, don’t bother trying to play one if you’re angry or stressed as it will more than likely fuel that fire. With this type of game, you need to be on the ball and ready to shoot 100% of the time. They also tend to invoke stress in people as their survival instincts kick in. Being in a relaxed mood will mean that you’re in the right frame of mind to make the right decisions and the right moves to win the game.
- Sad Mood: Adventure Games: There are times when we all feel a little down in the dumps and believe it or not we can actually use this to our advantage when it comes to adventure games. Adventure games give us the chance to explore and create our own paths. Being sad is a driver for these kinds of games as it gives us the motive to go out and seek something better. And the sense of discovery you get when you have found something new wipes away that sad sensation.
Best N64 Games for ‘90s Nostalgia
We all love a little nostalgia to take us back to a time when life was simpler and we had far less to concern ourselves with. Video games are a great way to do this. It’s so easy to submerge yourself in a world that brings back great childhood memories. The following is a list of some of the best N64 games for ‘90s nostalgia to help you recreate those precious moments:
Perfect Dark
Year of release: 2000. Genre: First-person shooter. As the non-official follow-up to GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark was a massive hit when it was first released on the N64 back in 2000. It’s a first-person shooter game that sees secret agent Joanna Dark running around completing missions involving aliens and an evil corporation. There’s a load of different customization options available with this game including what weapons you use and the appearance and difficulty level of your opponents. And there’s a ton of unlockable cheats to help you out if you get stuck making your way through the game. The game can be played as a single player or there’s an option for multiplayer that makes things even more exciting. One of the most popular features of the game is the Combat Simulator that allows 1–4 players to battle it out simultaneously in either a free-for-all or team challenge. Overall rating: 9/10
Pros:
- Allows up to 4 players simultaneously
- 25 action-packed missions
- Great storyline
- Loads of customization options available
Cons:
- Graphics aren’t that great
- The expansion pack is needed to access a large portion of the game
Super Mario 64
Year of release: 1996. Genre: Adventure. There’s no way we could compile this list without adding the iconic and loveable Mario to the list. Made popular with the introduction of the first Nintendo system in the 1980s, this classic game is a must-have for anyone looking to invoke that feeling of ‘90s nostalgia. It was, in fact, the first of the Super Mario games to introduce 3D graphics to the screen. Take to the magical mystical world of Mario and friends as you navigate the happy plumber through a number of different levels on a mission trying to save the princess. As well as doing all the crazy jumps and flips that you’re used to with Mario, he can now do dives, backflips, and super jumps too! There’s so much going on in this game that it’s impossible to get bored quickly. Overall rating: 9.5/10
Pros:
- Variety of levels is impressive
- Great graphics for its age
- Excellent sound effects
- Good overall length
Cons:
- The 360-degree camera can take some getting used to
- Bosses could be a little tougher to beat
Resident Evil 2
Year of release: 1998. Genre: Survival-horror. Prepared to be scared with this N64 game. Even though this game is now 20 years old, it still just as impressive as it was when it was first released. Packed full of great feature, new and old, Resident Evil 2 will provide you with hours of zombie-killing fun. The Randomizer is one of the newly added features that move items around after you’ve completed the game once. Another added feature is being able to change the color of the zombie’s blood. You can even select the actual violence level in case you’re feeling particularly squeamish. Unfortunately, the camera leaves a lot to be desired. Sometimes, recoiling can throw you into another screen where you can’t see what’s around you and are inevitably killed. Other than that it’s a great game to while away the hours trying to complete. Overall rating: 9/10
Pros:
- Graphics are great for its time
- Great range of weapons available
- Fantastic music and sounds
Cons:
- Voiceovers are pretty bad
- Limited camera view
- Controls are difficult to use
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Year of release: 1998. Genre: Adventure. Out of all the Zelda games ever released, many people still regard this as the best one ever. Ocarina of Time was the fifth in the Legend of Zelda series to be released and was the first to be made in 3D. This single player game takes Link on a journey through a magical forest filled with majestic waterfalls and towering castles fighting monsters and stopping evil in its tracks. The characters encountered are a mixed bag ranging from cute frogs and pretty princesses to evil kings and scary wolves. And it’s packed with intriguing puzzles and mini-games to keep you on your toes. The scenery is great and the controls are pretty good too. Overall rating: 9.5/10
Pros:
- Complex worlds providing hours of gameplay
- Great choice of weapons
- Takes real skill to learn
- Excellent storyline
Cons:
- Takes a long time to conquer
- The helpful fairy can sometimes be more annoying than useful
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Year of release: 1996. Genre: Action. Who doesn’t love a bit of Star Wars every now and then? And what better way to enjoy it than with this N64 Shadows of the Empire game. Released over 20 years ago, this is a classic game enjoyed by millions of people across the world. In the game, you take on the role of Dash Rendar who goes in search for a frozen Han Solo. You’ll have to learn how to pilot a Snowspeeder, cruise on a speeder bike, and commence battles in the Outrider (a ship similar to that of the Millennium Falcon). Even though there are four settings to choose from, the camera angling isn’t particularly great and the framing is quite choppy in places. That being said, it’s a great game for any Star Wars gaming enthusiast and will provide hours of solid gameplay. Overall rating: 8/10
Pros:
- Graphics are pretty good for its age
- 9 long, well-thought-out levels to complete
- It’s Star Wars!
Cons:
- Cameras are pretty bad
- Bosses are very hard to beat
- Difficult to control Dash’s movements
Taking a trip back in time for a few hours via a video game is a great way to pass the time and any one of these games will help you do just that. If you’re in a good mood and are looking for a game that’s going to extend that, then Super Mario 64 is an ideal choice. It’s fun, it’s happy, and it’s perfect for keeping that smile on your face. On the other hand, if you're feeling a little down in the dumps, reach for The Legend of Zelda to put you back on track. This game demands your time and patience, leaving no room for sad and lonely thoughts. Whatever your mood, just remember there’s always an N64 game out there that can help bring a bit of ‘90s nostalgia to your life.
