11 Local Multiplayer Gems That Built Gaming Communities

5. GoldenEye 007: The Legendary N64 Battleground

GoldenEye 007 on the N64 wasn’t just a multiplayer shooter—it became a rite of passage for an entire gaming generation. With its iconic split-screen action (and rules about “no Oddjob!”), this classic redefined what couch multiplayer could be. Facility, Complex, and other fan-favorite maps are etched in memory, as are the wild house rules and four-player “slappers only” contests. It’s easy to see why GoldenEye still inspires reunion gaming nights, often with original hardware dusted off just for the occasion. Local deathmatches and legendary rivalries at sleepovers and college lounges were common ground for bonding. While its visuals may have aged, the fun absolutely hasn’t. GoldenEye not only built a genre—it built gaming communities that still fondly remember those perfect matches and priceless betrayals.