Not Quite Dead Yet–Adventure Games on the N64
By Mike
Schwab
The Nintendo 64 system (or N64) is without a doubt in the autumn
of its existence, with winter approaching fast. Because Nintendo’s
new system, the Game Cube, is scheduled to arrive in late 2001, many
titles for the N64 have been delayed and/or cancelled. Despite all
this doom and gloom, the fact remains that there are some very impressive
and high-quality adventure games due out for the N64 in the next few
months. If you write the N64 off before it’s properly buried, you
could be missing out.
Don’t have one, you say? Well, here’s some good news for you frugal-minded
gamers–because the N64 is on its way out, you can practically pick
one up with some spare pocket change. Doing a quick price check on
eBay, I found several N64 systems in the $50 to $75 range, and many
included more than just the basic setup. If you insist on a shiny
new unit still in the box, you won’t have to pay more than $99 anywhere.
Furthermore, there are several online (as well as local) stores to
either rent or purchase old games at discounted prices.
The N64 still packs some pretty good graphics (some games will require
the expansion pack) and sound and, in my opinion, the coolest controllers
ever created. With several games still in development and production,
there’s no reason to believe the N64 can’t have a strong run to the
end. Here’s a quick overview of some of the adventure games either
recently released or due out in the next few months, with release
dates in parentheses.
Perfect
Dark (released)–Although this game was released earlier this
year, I’m including it here because it’s one of the best titles available
for the N64. While wandering pretty far into the action category,
there are still adventure elements throughout this engrossing X
Files-type story with tons of objectives to accomplish and numerous
locations to visit. You play Joanna Dark, a government agent investigating
a suspicious technology company possibly involved in an alien conspiracy.
The
Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (recently released)–The Zelda
games have always been well-done and clever, albeit sometimes
a bit cutesy for many people’s taste. This incarnation has the game’s
hero, Link, pursuing a new enemy through a slightly darker world than
fans of the game are used to. In addition, the game incorporates timed
events and deadlines as a primary function of the game, which should
be an interesting twist. Look for a full review soon.
Hercules:
The Legendary Journeys (11/17/00)–Until its official release,
this game is available only as a rental through Blockbuster. You’ll
explore 12 huge worlds as one of three different characters (Hercules
included, of course), each with different abilities. Dozens of puzzles
and quests await as you search for lost artifacts that aid you in
your eventual showdown with Hercules’ own brother, Ares.
Banjo-Tooie
(11/20/00)–The sequel to the energetic Banjo-Kazooie. You’ll
again control both bird and bear through much larger areas with improved
graphics. These games have a definite Mario 64-type feel and
are very addictive and just plain fun to play. Developed by the fantastic
third-party company Rare, it’s hard to believe this platform/adventure
title won’t be solid. Interestingly enough, Rare has included a multiplayer
mode as well.
Scooby
Doo: Classic Creep Capers (11/21/00)–How cool, an opportunity
to control the well-known gang of Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and
Scoob. Adapted right from the cartoon series, you’ll move through
three separate episodes and enjoy voice acting from the entire original
cast. Scooby Snack, anyone?
Indiana
Jones & The Infernal Machine (December 2000)–The original
tomb raider himself, now in glorious 3D. The PC version of this game
was panned, but reports say that LucasArts cleaned it up for release
on the N64. Improved graphics, puzzles, and control will hopefully
whip this game into shape.
Roswell
Conspiracies: Aliens, Myth, & Legends (Q4 2000)–Based on
the animated series, this story is another X Files scenario
with a heavy dose of horror. Your characters will hunt werewolves
and vampires while solving puzzles and protecting the earth from an
alien invasion.
Dinosaur
Planet (1/15/01)–Another intriguing title by Nintendo’s savior,
Rare. This ambitious and epic story will be one of the biggest games
ever for the N64, and it apparently had jaws dropping at the E3 earlier
this year. Highlights include gigantic worlds and extensive speech
sequences. You play as a duo that travels to faraway worlds in hopes
of saving the universe.
Aidyn
Chronicles: The First Mage (1/16/01)–Stepping into the virtually
vacant RPG arena for the N64 is Canadian-based H20. Nintendo is hoping
this little-known shop can produce a unique game that will reel both
role-playing and adventure fans in. Your character, Alaron, will traverse
the fully 3D lands with a party of up to four characters in search
of his origins.
Eternal
Darkness (2/15/01)–One of the most exciting titles on the horizon,
Eternal Darkness is Nintendo’s foray into the realm of survival
horror. This eerie and complex tale spans multiple eras over a 2000-year
period, and you’ll control several different characters throughout
as the story progresses. This game is unquestionably adult-oriented
and actually features a “sanity meter.” I’ll let your imagination
run with the possibilities on that one.
