NHL 98 (1997)

by Christopher May 9, 2024

written by Christopher May 9, 2024 4 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1997
Genres: Sport, Strategy
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega Saturn, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Developers: EA Canada
Publishers: EA Sports

NHL 98: The Pinnacle of 16-Bit Hockey

Released in 1997, NHL 98 was the last NHL game released on 16-bit consoles, and it remains one of the most beloved hockey games of all time. Developed by EA Sports, NHL 98 featured faster and more refined gameplay, new features, and improved graphics over its predecessors.

Gameplay

NHL 98 introduced a number of new gameplay features that made it the most realistic and exciting hockey game at the time. These features included:

Four action keys: Previous NHL games only used two action keys, which made it difficult to perform certain moves. NHL 98 added two more action keys, allowing players to perform a wider variety of moves with greater ease.
In-the-fly tactics: This feature allowed players to change their team’s tactics on the fly, without having to pause the game. This gave players more control over their team’s strategy and allowed them to adapt to the flow of the game.
New commentary lines: NHL 98 featured new commentary lines from Jim Hughson and Darryl Reaugh, which added to the game’s realism and atmosphere.

Graphics

NHL 98’s graphics were a significant improvement over previous NHL games. The players were less angular, and thanks to 3Dfx support, there were fewer pixels showing in the textures. The in-game presentation also followed a TV-style script, zooming in on players while displaying stats during clock stoppages.

Game Modes

NHL 98 featured a variety of game modes, including:

Season mode: This mode allowed players to play through a full NHL season, with the option to choose between 25 or 82 games.
Playoff mode: This mode allowed players to compete in the Stanley Cup playoffs, with the option to choose between best-of-1, 3, 5, or 7 series.
Penalty shootout mode: This mode allowed players to practice their penalty shots.
International mode: This mode allowed players to choose from 18 international teams and compete in a tournament.

Legacy

NHL 98 was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best hockey games ever made. The game’s fast and fluid gameplay, innovative features, and improved graphics set a new standard for hockey games. NHL 98 also had a significant impact on the development of the NHL series, and many of its features were carried over into future games.

Conclusion

NHL 98 is a classic hockey game that still holds up today. The game’s fast and fluid gameplay, innovative features, and improved graphics make it a must-play for any fan of hockey video games. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the NHL series or you’re new to hockey video games, NHL 98 is a game that you should definitely check out.

Additional Information

NHL 98 was developed by EA Sports and published by Electronic Arts.
The game was released on September 12, 1997, in North America and September 19, 1997, in Europe.
NHL 98 was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation.
The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
NHL 98 was the last NHL game released on 16-bit consoles.
The game’s cover athlete was Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche.

Review Score

8.5/10

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.