NHL Breakaway 98

• Release Date: 1997
• Genre: Sports
• Style: Hockey
• Similar Games: NHL 98 (PlayStation), NHL 99 (PlayStation), NHL Hockey [CD-ROM Classics: Gold Edition] (IBM PC Compatible)

Review: Overall

This game just isn't any good. That's the most simple, one-sentence description to give for this game, NHL Breakaway 98. This is simply one of the weakest hockey games, though there are a few good qualities.

First off, the options. The choices being presented before a game starts is plentiful. You can choose if you want to have a forechecking or trap defense before you start the first period. There are also descriptions that the game gives for each team line that are useful. For example, for the Scoring 1 line, it says that this line has the ability to dominate the game, and has a lot of size. However, this gets annoying, as the second and third lines say essentially the same thing! It was a good idea, but they didn't come through on it, which is pretty much how the rest of the game feels.

The graphics are pretty good. Yes, they are grainy, and my eyes did begin to hurt after the first two periods, but the players are all polygonal, and move more or less like real players do. However, they all look the same, much like NHL 98.

Unfortunately, though, the physics in the game are awful. You never feel completely in control of anyone. The players seem to move when and how they want, and are not very responsive to commands. It just doesn't feel like you're playing one of the most exciting sports on earth, like it should. Someone should have told Acclaim Sports that wrist shots from two feet outside of the goal crease do not go at speeds upwards of 90 mph, like their radar guns say. Accuracy for game developers should be an important factor, and when you play this game, you just don't feel like the developers put a lot of thought into the game. My recommendation is to stay away from this game, far, far away. And, if you are a hockey enthusiast or fanatic, stay even further, because if you do play this game, you will be embarrassed of how other people see the sport that is so exciting.

Review: Enjoyment

No fun whatsoever!

Review: Graphics

Players look pretty good. However, everything is grainy.

Review: Sound

There is NO commentary! The guy just announces when someone scores. The background music is looping elevator music.

Review: Replay Value

You can play a full season, but after a few games (or a few periods), you won't want to!

Review: Documentation

Adaquete.