Summary
- Release Year: 1998
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Nintendo 64
- Developers: Atari Games, Treyarch
- Publishers: Midway
Olympic Hockey Nagano ’98: Relive the Olympic Ice Hockey Tournament on Nintendo 64
Released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, Olympic Hockey Nagano ’98 is the official video game of the 1998 Winter Olympics held in Nagano, Japan. Developed by Konami and published by Sega, the game allows players to experience the excitement and intensity of international ice hockey, featuring all 13 teams that participated in the Olympic tournament.
Gameplay
Olympic Hockey Nagano ’98 offers fast-paced and realistic ice hockey gameplay, with fluid player animations and responsive controls. Players can choose from a variety of game modes, including:
- Exhibition Match: Play a single match against the AI or a human opponent.
- Tournament Mode: Compete in the full Olympic tournament, starting from the group stage and progressing to the medal rounds.
- Shootout Mode: Practice your shooting skills in a timed shootout against the goalie.
- Practice Mode: Hone your skills and experiment with different strategies.
The game features a variety of camera angles, allowing players to customize their view of the action. Players can also choose from a variety of control schemes, including the traditional button layout or the analog stick for more precise movement.
Teams and Players
Olympic Hockey Nagano ’98 features all 13 teams that participated in the 1998 Olympic tournament, including:
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Great Britain
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Russia
- Slovakia
- Sweden
- United States
Each team has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and players can choose to play as any of the teams in the game. The game also features a number of legendary players, such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Pavel Bure.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Olympic Hockey Nagano ’98 featured impressive graphics and sound. The player models are detailed and well-animated, and the ice rink environments are realistic and immersive. The game’s soundtrack is also energetic and fitting for the Olympic atmosphere.
Reception
Olympic Hockey Nagano ’98 received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising its fast-paced gameplay, responsive controls, and realistic graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Olympic Hockey Nagano ’98 is considered to be one of the best ice hockey video games ever made. It set a new standard for hockey games on consoles, and its influence can still be seen in modern hockey games today. The game also helped to popularize ice hockey in Japan, and it remains one of the most popular sports games in the country.
Conclusion
Olympic Hockey Nagano ’98 is a classic ice hockey game that still holds up today. Its fast-paced gameplay, realistic graphics, and immersive atmosphere make it a must-play for fans of hockey and sports games in general. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the sport, Olympic Hockey Nagano ’98 is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
Review Score
7.5/10
