Summary
Up until the release of the Nintendo Switch,Pokemonmainline games were exclusive to Nintendo handheld systems. While players were getting epic RPG adventures on handheld, home systems were somewhat left behind, and would only receivePokemonspin-offs of inconsistent quality, to say the least.
TheNintendo 64of course makes no exception. This was the first home systemPokemongames were released on, and despite those games being quite outdated, players still have fond memories of them. There are four games (five including the Japanese-exclusivePocket Monster Stadium) in total, but which ones are the best, and which ones are still worth playing today?
5Hey You, Pikachu!
Metascore: 57
Hey You, Pikachu!is, simply put,one of the weirdest spin-offs ever. It’s a digital pet/life simulation game where players are tasked by Professor Oak with taking care of a wild Pikachu for one year (in-game time, of course). There are different kinds of activities players can undertake each day, and upon completion of each activity they will receive Pika Points, which can be used to unlock new items in Abra’s store. The game has very little to offer in terms of content, as it’s little more than a glorified digital pet device. Of course, the game was primarily targeted at kids as an entry-level title to the series, so its simplicity shouldn’t come as a surprise.
The most interesting aspect of the game is probably the fact that this is one of the only two games on the Nintendo 64 that made use of the Voice Recognition Unit peripheral, which surprisinglyisn’t the strangest exclusive in Japan. This device can be paired with a microphone to allow the system to recognize human speech, which allows the player to communicate directly with Pikachu. The game’s heavy reliance on this peripheral is what makes any kind of re-release unlikely, meaning that the game will be probably stuck on an old system, something that’s not so unusual.
Hey You, Pikachu!
For the first time ever, you’re able to actually talk to your favorite Pokémon® . Tag along with Pikachu as it goes through its daily routines, taking field trips, going fishing and having picnics, becoming better friends with each passing day. Pikachu will hear and react to the words you say. The more you speak the closer friends you’ll be!• Talk into the microphone, see Pikachu react. Your voice travels to Pikachu through the N64 Voice Recognition Unit and microphone-both included• Pal around with Pikachu-together you’ll gather cooking ingredients, fish for favorite water Pokémon, and even hunt for buried treasure on a deserted island.• Speak to Pikachu using a variety of key words and phrases. Friendship is based on communication, and there’s plenty to talk about!
4Pokemon Puzzle League
Metascore: 81
Pokemon Puzzle Leagueis aPokemon-themed entry in the long-runningPuzzle Leagueseries. The game plays like a typical entry, where players need to clear the playfield by arranging blocks of the same color in lines of three or more, both horizontally or vertically. The game’s main story mode sees players taking the role of Ash Ketchum as he battles gym leaders, elite four, and more characters from the Kant region, with the game increasing in difficulty over time. Once the story mode is beaten, players can venture through it one more time at a higher difficulty setting,which can prove to be quite the challenge, even for puzzle game veterans.
Of course, the game can also be played in multiplayer, and there’s even an infinite mode where blocks keep coming until the player is defeated. This is probably where the game shines the most, and players won’t harm themselves by challenging a friend on the Nintendo Switch re-release. While puzzle games like this may seem too simple by today’s standards,Pokemon Puzzle Leaguestill provides an engaging and fun gameplay experience, even if it has very little to do with except for characters' sprites.
Pokemon Puzzle League
WHERE TO PLAY
Put your puzzle skills to the test! Join Ash, Brock, Misty, and many more characters from the Pokémon animated series as they compete for the title of Pokémon Puzzle Master. Match three or more blocks of the same color and pull off chains and combos! There are also six different modes to discover.
3Pokemon Snap
Metascore: 77
Pokemon Snapisthe first spin-off released on the system chronologically, and it’s one of the most fondly remembered by fans. The game offers a unique perspective on thePokemonworld, as players are tasked not with catching all the Pokemon, but with taking pictures of them instead. Players move automatically in linear paths while aiming around with their cameras, hoping to find the best possible picture of each Pokemon.
While the game issurely very different from the mainline series, it’s still riddled with the unique charm of thePokemonworld, so much so that fans have been requesting a sequel or a remake for ages. Finally, Nintendo listened to fans' demands with the release ofNew Pokemon Snapon Nintendo Switch, which was a triumphant return for this strange subseries.
2Pokemon Stadium
Metascore: N/A
Pokemon Stadiumis technically the second game in thePokemon Stadiumseries, as it follows the Japanese-only Pocket Monster Stadium. However, since the original game was never released in the US and Europe, players consider this as being the first entry in the series.Pokemon Stadiumhas no real story mode. Players are instead tasked with facing Pokemon battle tournaments of increasing difficulty, and they are allowed to choose between different Pokemon teams offered by the game.
At the time of release,Pokemon Stadiumwas a revolutionary way of experiencing Pokemon battles, as up to that point players could only see battle on a tiny Game Boy screen. The game also provided 9 minigames, all of which can be played in multiplayer,which is much easier to do in the Nintendo Switch Online version. The game might not offer much for contemporaryPokemonfans, but it’s still a nice time capsule for the late 90s, and it brings a lot of nostalgia for all those who grew up with the first generation ofPokemon. Also, the game is necessary to unlock the infamousSurf Pikachu, something that has become almost legendary in the community.
Pokemon Stadium
Pokémon Stadium lets you stage Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow battles in a whole new arena – on your Nintendo 64! Pokémon Stadium gives trainers a ringside seat for heated 3-D arena battles. Tons of features, including support for playing your Game Boy Pokémon Red, Blue or Yellow game through your N64, make Stadium a must-have for Pokémon fans! Pokémon Trainers are able to conduct turn-based battles similar to the Game Boy versions of Pokémon, but outrageous animation sequences and flashy special attack effects will make your Pokémon come to life like never before.One of the most exciting aspects of Pokémon Stadium is that you’re able to battle using your most loyal Pokémon from the Red, Blue and Yellow versions of Pokémon (sold separately). Thanks to a Transfer Pak that comes with the Pokémon Stadium Game Pak and plugs into the bottom of your Controller, data can be transferred straight from a Game Boy cartridge to your N64.
1Pokemon Stadium 2
Metascore: 78
Pokemon Stadium 2expands upon its predecessor byintroducing second-generation Pokemon. The game is compatible with every second-generation title, meaning that players can transfer every Johto Pokemon into the game. Other than that, everything is pretty much identical to the first game. Players are once again tasked with completing a series of tournaments, but this time around there are more opponents to face, including returning gym leaders from the Kanto region and even the original game’s protagonist, Red.
Minigames are also expanded upon, as there are now 12 to choose from. They can still be played by up to four players, and they offer a nice distraction from the main game. Considering that the game is now available on the Nintendo Switch Online program, players might want to give this one a go, as it is undoubtedly the best the Nintendo 64 had to offer toPokemonfans.
Hundreds of Pokémon in Three-mendous 3-D!
What’s sweeter than victory in a Pokémon battle? Victory in a 3-D arena on the N64! Set your strategy, then stand back while your Pokémon battle it out. You can even see the Pokémon you’ve trained-fully rendered in 3-D and ready for battle!
