The N64 blazed trails for the era of console dominance that would follow, when even PC-centric genres like the first-person shooter would find a home on living room TV screens. The N64’s innovative controller – with its analogue thumbstick designed for navigating 3D environments – created a template that all subsequent console makers would embrace. Meanwhile, classic titles like the groundbreaking Super Mario 64and later Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and GoldenEye established a framework for 3D game design that many future franchises made their own.

via 5 Unsung Nintendo 64 Games That Changed Gaming Forever – Rolling Stone