I'll preface this by saying that I loved the N64 - the first console I owned where games were something I would identify as an actual interest of mine, rather than just something I'd engage with sometimes in the absence of anything else to do - and behind the GameCube it's the retro console for which I hold the fondest memories.
Now, all that being said...
KingK wrote:Is it really worth to spend around £100-150 to buy a 25yr old console and game ? Do they stand the test of time?
It all depends on how much you want to play Goldeneye.
In terms of playability and actual gameplay I would say the range of games available for the N64 still hold up very well today - but the reality is, for the vast majority of games worth playing, better versions now exist on other formats. If you play the N64 originals there's a chance the hardware will let you down.
For a start, there's an undeniably "fuzzy" element to the visuals when viewed with a modern lens. Someone more technically adept than I might be able to advise on how you can correct this, but for me it was off-putting.
Then, there's the controller. Amazing at the time and still useable now - but while it's comfortable to hold, I'd say many of the first party pads (don't bother with any third party ones) have had their analogue stick fairly worn out by this point. That's not to say it won't be useable, but I'd wager that there'll be a noticeable lack of resistance when you move the stick - it won't move itself back into a central place when you let go, it'll just hang there. Or, worse case scenario, there will be too much resistance and the stick will stick.
KingK wrote:However, I’m confused by all the different “paks” i see listed - expansion pak, rumble pak, controller pak. Which, if any, do I need to play, and save, a game? Or are saves stored on the game cartridge?
All first party games and Rare games save on cart. Some later, more technically advanced games required the expansion pak to work. There's a handful of great third party games for the console (including my personal favourite, Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, and some other great games like Snowboard Kids) which require a controller pak to save progress. Unfortunately, even the first party controller paks (again - don't bother with third party versions) have almost all now got worn out batteries. If you're handy with your retro tech you might be able to swap out the battery, but if not, you'll only really be able to play (in a meaningful, make-progress-each-session kind of way) those games that allow for save on cart.
And if we look at that list, we can see that there are more playable (for reasons of improved visual clarity, mainly) versions available elsewhere:
Super Mario 64
Mario Kart 64
Mario Tennis
Paper Mario
Pokemon Snap
F Zero X
Mario Party (/2)
Sin & Punishment
Yoshi's Story
Smash Bros
All better played on the Wii (/U) Virtual Console
Ocarina of Time
Majora's Mask
As above; or, find the GameCube collector's disk and play that instead
Banjo Kazooie / Tooie
Conkers BFD
Jet Force Gemini
Blast Corps
Perfect Dark
Available on the Rare Replay collection on Xbox One
Which leaves us with:
Goldeneye
Diddy Kong Racing (in hindsight, this handles absolutely shockingly)
Pokemon Stadium (fun minigames but I'd be surprised if the main campaign was worth anyone's time now without transferring your own Pokemon in from OG Red / Blue using the relevant Pak)
Rocket: Robot on Wheels
So my verdict would be - if you really want to play Goldeneye, and / or you're able to get hold of a copy of the wonderful RROW, then yes, it's worth getting an N64. And the virtual console options might not be viable - but then SM64 is now on Switch, the Zeldas were remade for 3DS... so it depends a little on what other games you might want to play for the console, and whether you might be better off sampling them elsewhere.
LewisD wrote:I've got an N64 in the loft I was going to be selling this month if you'd be interested. I'd do it cheaper than eBay prices for a fellow GRCadian
Ah crap, sorry Lewis
KingK if you want to get an N64 this is a good bundle right here.
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