Local multiplayer had been a thing for ages, of course, but the N64 was something special because it was the first significant console that supported four full

Local multiplayer had been a thing for ages, of course, but the N64 was something special because it was the first significant console that supported four full controllers (not just paddles) from day 1 without an aftermarket multitap. There was unprecedented four-player support, and simultaneous four-player play is a different experience than passing around two controllers. It wasn't just Goldeneye, true, but Goldeneye was one of the console's best sellers, it was out within the first year, and it was arguably the first really top-shelf FPS for any console, so it left a big impression.