Harvest Moon 64 and two other N64 games are joining the Nintendo Switch Online library today, December 8.
Described aptly by Nintendo as bringing “thrills, chills, and cozy comfort” to Nintendo Switch, both Jet Force Gemini and 1080° Snowboarding will join the aforementioned Harvest Moon 64. The games will be available at no extra cost to users who have a Nintendo Switch Online membership and have purchased the Expansion Pass as part of the N64 library.
Harvest Moon 64 is a classic entry in the beloved farming simulator series. “Head to the country for a new challenge,” reads the synopsis. “Hard work is rewarded as you struggle to bring prosperity back to a neglected farm. Work the land, pick up odd-jobs, and get to know the neighbours.”
It earned an 8/10 in IGN’s 1999 review: “It’s a rare occasion nowadays that a game with such simple graphics would even make it to store shelves, but Harvest Moon as that rare quality of being totally engaging and challenging,” we said.
Nintendo had previously announced the addition of Jet Force Gemini, a 1999 third person shooter developed by Rare. It revolves around a galactic law enforcement team who battle against the insectoid villain Mizar. In single-player you explore the galaxy, fight hordes of enemies, and save a race of survivors.
This one earned an 8/10 too. “Having played through every inch of Jet Force Gemini, I can honestly say that I enjoyed the experience very much,” our review said, also in 1999. “I never thought I’d complain that a game is too big, but this is exactly the case for Rare’s 3D action-shooter.”
Finally, 1080° Snowboarding rounds out the additions. “Hit the slopes for some serious shredding in one of the first truly realistic snowboarding games ever created,” reads the synopsis, and IGN agreed it was great, also giving it an 8/10 in our 1998 review.
“Nintendo’s 1080° Snowboarding is a remarkable game and our hats are off to the big N,” we said. “With a handful of unique tracks, air-make and half-pipe modes, two-player and Rumble Pak support, an ultra-realistic look with spectacular graphics and tons of tricks, jumps, and air there is a lot of fun to be had with this game.”
These games will join other N64 classics including The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Pokémon Stadium, GoldenEye 007, Excitebike 64, and more.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
