Released in late 1998, The Legend of Zelda (Zelda no Densetsu): The Ocarina of Time was met with universal acclaim. Regarded by many as the greatest video game of all time, the legacy of the game has persevered, even today. An international smash success, the game solidified the legacy of the N64 in addition to the already stellar Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, Goldeneye 007, and many others. Although the N64 lagged behind the PS1 at home and abroad, Nintendo die-hards found plenty to love on the platform. The game was originally planned for the soon-to-be released N64DD add-on. However, delays in the 64DD saw the game be released on a normal cartridge. Ocarina is an amazing game. The game has since been remade for the Nintendo 3DS.
Originally intended for release with the 64DD, Nintendo would release the "Expansion Pak" in 1998 in Japan. While many games made use of the added 4MB of ram, it would be Donkey Kong 64 that would be the first game that would require the memory expansion.
Like their Banjo-Kazooie series, Rare developed a solid 3D platformer in Donkey Kong 64. Visuals were vivid and detailed and even gave the new Sega Dreamcast a run for its money. The N64 became the default home to 3D platformers at the time. A slew of similar games would see release on the system. Rare certainly made their mark on the platform. The N64 also became associated with children, a reputation that has followed Nintendo to this day.
While Nintendo had largely spent most of the N64 era releasing new entries in old IPs, Nintendo would shake things up with Super Smash Brothers in 1999. A four-player fighter, it took the fighting genre and added platforming elements. The Smash series has gone on the be one of Nintendo's most successful properties with each new Nintendo console bringing a new entry selling millions. Today, the game is quite valuable.
Like the Famicom and Super Famicom, Nintendo would finally release disk-based add-on in 1999. Teased since 1996, the 64DD is largely considered to be a massive flop. Selling only 15,000 units (Japan-only), few actually own the system. With a fairly limited offering of original titles, the add-on was largely positioned as a hybrid games machine/internet device with its Randnet internet service. Featuring a 28.8k modem, it brought internet access to the N64.
Despite having few complete games (mostly creative games/expansion packs), the 64DD would see Doshin the Giant and its sequel. A god game a la Black and White, Doshin is a highly sought-after game for its scarcity, originality, and weirdness. Although the game would see release on the GameCube in Europe and Japan, the original version is in high-demand among those lucky enough to have a 64DD. Today, a used 64DD can run upwards of $1000 on the second-hand market.
As the N64 entered its twilight years, some major titles would see release in 2000. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Mujua no Kamen in Japan) was the sequel to Ocarina. Much darker and shorter than Ocarina of Time, it was met with less universal acclaim than Ocarina. Making use of the Expansion Pak, the game was gorgeous and highly detailed. Despite its graphics, the N64 would start to show its age against Sega's Dreamcast and the soon-to-come PS2.
The year 2000 also brought such N64 classics as Perfect Dark, Pokemon Stadium, and a great port of Resident Evil (Biohazard) 2. In 2001, a small stream of AAA titles would grace the aging system. Paper Mario, Conker's Bad Fur Day, and a port of Megaman Legends (Rockman Dash) would see release. In 2002, only a single game would see release in North America. With the release of the GameCube in 2001, the N64 was effectively dead.
While the GameCube had some great games, it was considered a commercial disappointment. While the Wii was a commercial hit, its never-ending shovel-ware brought the platform a dubious reputation for many. With the commercial failure of the Wii U, the legacy of the N64 as the last truly great home Nintendo console is all but guaranteed.
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