NHL 99

• Release Date: October 01, 1998
• Genre: Sports
• Style: Hockey
• Similar Games: NHL 98 (IBM PC Compatible), NHL 98 (Sega Saturn), NHL 98 (PlayStation), NHL FaceOff 98 (PlayStation), NHL 98 (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), NHL 98 (Sega Genesis), NHL FaceOff 99 (PlayStation)

Game Description

Electronic Arts' hockey series returns to PlayStation with new motion-captured animations from actual NHL athletes, a beginner's difficulty setting, on-the-fly play calling strategies, player hot and cold streaks, and revamped goalie artificial intelligence. Play an exhibition game, embark on a full season, jump to the playoffs, enter a tournament, or test your agility in a shootout. You can also work on perfecting your skills during Marc Crawford's coaching drills. Twenty-seven NHL teams, including the Nashville Predators, are in the game, along with 3D arenas sporting such details as banners, retired jerseys, and luxury boxes. Eighteen international teams, with their distinct rink sizes and rules of play, are also available. Jim Hughson and Daryl Reaugh reprise their play-by-play and color commentary duties from NHL 98. A memory card is required to save statistics, user records, line changes, and configuration options.

Roots & Influences

Electronic Arts released NHL Hockey for the Sega Genesis in 1991, which redefined console hockey games as the Madden series did for football. The game featured fast six-on-six action, checking, 22 NHL teams, penalties and instant replay. Fights were also included as well as a password save feature that allowed gamers to continue their progress through the playoffs. The one big knock on the game was that it was far to easy to score, since computer goalies were extremely vulnerable to the left or right.

Review: Overall

NHL 98 helped redefine how sports games should play with an immersive presentation that made you feel like you were participating in a live televised broadcast. Yet there were a few cogs in the Zamboni, so to speak. NHL 99 addresses many of the flaws that appeared in 1997's title. Unfortunately, it trips up in a few areas in the process, frustrating those expecting the ultimate hockey game.

The biggest change is that it's significantly easier to score, which may disappoint fans who enjoyed the tight games of last year. NHL 98 had goalies that were extremely stingy on defense, so much so that scoring involved using cheap tactics such as ramming the puck into the net instead of shooting. Was the AI realistic? No, but the result kept scores very close. Goalies in NHL 99 are more forgiving, meaning they won't stop everything in sight. In addition, the computer doesn't knock your players down as frequently by hooking--although this may have upset the balance of the game. Now breakaways are more routine than the Sunday paper! I guess you can't have it both ways... Despite it being easier to score, I prefer knowing I can use the skills of my players instead of relying on blind luck.

The computer also does a better job in trying to score, but still can be shut down if you're skilled on defense. Therefore, the only difficulty that should even be considered for NHL vets is All-Star; other levels will remind you of the early Genesis hockey games.

My favorite new feature is the slapshot meter which allows you to determine the amount of power by holding down the button. A horizontal bar will change from green to red to show you how hard your shot is going to be. The harder the shot, the longer it's going to take to wind up, which may leave you open to get checked. The payoff is there though, as you really "feel" the harder slapshots and can even shatter the glass behind the net.

The drawbacks are camera angles that seem to be more distant, you still can't skate backwards on defense and the framerate is not as fluid as 1997's game. The presentation has also been cut down with far fewer close-ups and cut-aways, which minimizes the television feel of NHL 98. And while the commentary is very impressive, Reaugh is not quite as talkative this time. Yet the biggest disappointment for me is the lack of music. There are a few snippets during face-offs, but whenever you score all you hear is the siren wail or horn blare. I miss the individual team themes first introduced in NHL '94 on the Genesis. After the foot-tapping "Get Ready for This" in 1997's game, I thought more music would be included. I thought wrong. This omission is offset by the fantastic P.A. announcer and extremely loud crowd that gets you involved with the game.

The bottom line? NHL 99 isn't a Stanley Cup winner yet, but there is still an undeniable amount of fun to be had if you're willing to except a few flaws.

Review: Enjoyment

If the game had an adjustable speed and user-defined camera, I would have ranked it higher. All-Star is the only way to go for the experienced hockey players, but don't expect as hard a time as in NHL 98.

Review: Graphics

The players have improved textures on their uniforms and sport new, realistic animations. The rinks also show nice details such as a Wendy's logo on ice or visible banners and jerseys hanging from the rafters. Problems include choppy framerates (which doesn't really hurt gameplay) and the eight camera angles don't really offer a perfect view of the action. The game needs a custom camera and adjustable speed. I liked the video flybys of each stadium before the game started.

Review: Sound

The crowd is LOUD (at times almost deafening) in full surround sound. You also "hear" each slapshot and will recognize the airhorns and sirens if you've ever been to a game. The P.A. announcer is awesome: "the concessions will remain open until midway through the third period" or "don't forget to buy a raffle ticket for fifty cents..." Plus, there is an echo just like you would hear in a real arena. The only problem I found was that he was a bit late in announcing who scored. After hearing the "Wake up the Heroes" song in the introduction, I was hoping to hear it during the game. More music samples are needed!!

Review: Replay Value

The Coaching Drills are pretty fun even though they seem more like a gimmick. The season, statistics, tournament and eight player support all add up to a high replay value.

Review: Documentation

The instructions lack flash or style, but they get the job done and are easy to read.

Production Credits