August’s addition ofWave Race 64toNintendo Switch Online’s growing library of retro games is a welcome one. The groundbreaking jet-ski racer was an eye-opening glimpse into the future of 3D gaming when it released in 1996. It also represents the first standalone sports title available in the Nintendo Switch Online’s N64 Expansion Pack subscription service, excluding Nintendo titles likeMario GolfandMario Tennis.
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NHL 99
Ice Hockey games are not an incredibly popular genre outside of North America, and aside from die-hard Hockey fans, most gamers are oblivious to the fact that they even exist these days, despite developer EA still releasing new yearly titles, the latest of which is theupcomingNHL 23. Back in 1998 though, whenNHL 99released for the N64, it managed to appeal to a wider audience thanks to engaging gameplay that didn’t take itself too seriously. Combined with an arcade-style feel, the game got an impressive visual upgrade from its predecessor, and still plays well today for those lucky enough to own a copy.
Madden NFL 99
Madden NFL 99represented an important development for the franchise as the first game in the series to feature the now-standard Franchise mode. This was a huge draw for fans of the NFL and ensured the series' popularity. Aside from this improvement,Madden NFL99looked good, and the gameplay offered an experience which balanced realism with a slight arcade feel, satisfying fans of both camps.
WWF No Mercy
WhenWWF No Mercywas released for the N64 in 2000, during the height of the WWE’s popularity, it quickly built up a cult following. The sequel toWWF WrestleMania 2000came with a wealth of upgrades over its predecessor, including new game modes and an increased roster of superstars including the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. The N64, and publisher THQ, had already built up a reputation of producing high quality wrestling games starting withWCW vs NWO: World Tour, andNo Mercywas the culmination of this. Despite the game’s blocky graphics, thanks to gameplay that remains incredibly intuitive and balanced even by today’s standards, it is regarded by many as one of the best wrestling games ever made.
All-Star Baseball 2000
All-Star Baseball 2000represented a real step up for Baseball games when it released for N64. It was one of the best looking games on the console, making use of every ounce of the N64’s graphical capability. The gameplay was also innovative, allowing gamers to control the direction in which they hit the ball. Baseball isn’t crowded with new titles these days, despite word ofKonami working on a new game with the World Baseball and Softball Confederation. In spite of this though,All-Star Baseball 2000represents one of the high points for baseball games from that period of time, and would be a worthy addition to the Expansion Pack’s library.
1080 Snowboarding
One classic sports title that often gets overlooked is1080 Snowboarding, which released as an N64 exclusive back in 1998. Focusing on high-octane, adrenaline fueled snowboard races, it is a combination of speed and finesse, as gamers are tasked with completing races as well as performing stunts and tricks successfully. The game has a fairly steep difficulty curve that can put some people off, but mastering it provides a great sense of satisfaction. While it enjoyed a re-release for the Wii U’s eShop in recent years,1080 Snowboardinghas yet to surface for the Switch, but including it in the Expansion Pack would change this.
These are just a handful of the huge catalog of sports titles released on Nintendo consoles over the years, and there are no doubt many more that would be great additions to theNintendo Switch OnlineExpansion Pack. Time will tell which ones, if any, will joinWave Race 64inNintendo Switch Online, allowing gamers to experience them all over again.
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