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EA’s seminal hockey series lasted well into the twilight of the 16-bit era, and while fans will debate which is the best installment, the series never really dropped its overall level of quality. That’s pretty impressive compared to the many other sports franchises that floundered as time wore on, and the 1997 edition of NHL is proof positive that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” does work.
Electronic Arts has long been associated with quality sports games, but some of its releases have flown a bit under the radar, and with good reason. The NHLPA Hockey series evolved into the popular and long-lived NHL juggernaut, but did EA hit the rink running with this initial installment or serve up a body check? Read on and see!
EA’s NHL series had one last outing before departing for 32-bit waters, and the final installment ranks among the best. NHL ’98 is a clear example of why the Genesis was THE sports machine during the 16-bit era, and it was a fitting bookend to the remarkable legacy Electronic Arts left on the console.
The Sega CD has only a few hockey games, and most fans choose to swat their pucks in cartridge form. When looking at games like, this, it become painfully clear why. Sony Imagesoft’s CD rendition of ESPN National Hockey Night offers little over its cartridge sibling save for some awful load times and grainy video. Check this one and stick (ha!) with the cartridge version.
With all the hockey games on the Genesis, you know there has to be a stinker somewhere. Well fans, let me introduce you to Accolade’s Brett Hull Hockey ’95, which more or less finds a way to get all the important things wrong. A horrible view perspective, annoying announcer, and spotty gameplay are just some of the problems that make this one to keep in the penalty box.