NHL 96

Review

by Jonathan Sutyak

Electronic Arts finally reached the top with NHL 96. New player animations, moves, the return of fights, much better music, and a real challenge make this the best hockey game ever for the Sega Genesis.

Could it be that there is actually a challenge to this game? Yes! Electronic Arts has added 3 difficulty settings, rookie, pro, and all-star. Set the game on all-star difficulty with line changes and penalties on, and use 5 minute periods for a sufficient challenge. You will still defeat the computer much of the time, but you won't score a ridiculous amount of goals. With equal teams the computer should give you a run for your money at least 50% of the time. This is a big deal considering how previous versions have been too easy and a player could score an unrealistic amount of goals.

The next biggest improvement in the series are the players. They skate more realistically and using the start button your player can perform a spin-o-rama to lose hard cutting defenders. Graphics of the players, as well as the complete game, are more detailed and sharper looking. Sound is also much improved, mainly in the music. The music of NHL 96 will get you pumped from the title screen on.

All of the main features that made the series so popular are still here. Gameplay is very fast and the controls are again very good. Fighting, which had been absent in some past versions, makes a return. Before a fight players will stare each other down. This will lead to a 2 minute penalty. If you don't mind getting 5 minutes in the box you can drop your gloves and start pummeling your opponent. 4-Way Play adaptability is also still available.

With the new difficulty settings this game should actually force you to occasionally lose. NHL 96 is one of the most complete hockey videogame for the Sega Genesis and will provide many, many hours of great gaming.