Hockey has a loyal following of fans worldwide, and video games have been a way for fans to get their hockey fix. From retro arcade games to modern games with realistic graphics and gameplay, there have been numerous hockey video games produced over the years. This article ranks the top 10 hockey video games of all time, including NHL 97, NHL 10, NHL 19, NHL Hitz 2003, NHL 2000, NHL 94, NHL 2K10, Blades of Steel, and NHL 06. Each game provides an enjoyable and realistic hockey experience that any fan of the sport would appreciate.
Hockey Video Games: Ranking the Greatest Ones of All Time
Hockey has been a popular sport for several years and has amassed a loyal following of fans from around the world. Along with live matches, video games have been a way for fans to get their hockey fix. From retro arcade games to modern games with realistic graphics and gameplay, there have been numerous hockey video games produced over the years. However, some of these games stand out more than others. In this article, we will rank the greatest hockey video games of all time.
10. NHL 06
Released in 2005, NHL 06 from EA sports was a game that took a new approach to the NHL series with the introduction of the Skill Stick. This special controller feature allowed players to control the puck with more precision and made gameplay more realistic. The game also had an improved AI making it more difficult to score goals and increasing the competitiveness of matches.
9. Blades of Steel
Blades of Steel was released back in the 80s, yet it still holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. This arcade-style game featured fast-paced hockey gameplay, exciting fights, and memorable commentary. The game was simple yet addicting and managed to capture the essence of the sport in an entertaining way.
8. NHL 2K10
NHL 2K10 features a variety of new gameplay mechanics and improvements to ensure a more realistic and enjoyable experience. The game also introduced some fun new modes like the Road to the Cup and the new inclusion of European leagues. The graphics and sound were excellent, and the game managed to capture the excitement of live hockey games.
7. NHL 94
NHL 94 was a game that managed to capture the excitement of the sport while also providing fun arcade-style gameplay. The game featured fast-paced matches, memorable commentary and improved AI compared to earlier games. The game also allowed players to create their own teams and players, making it even more enjoyable.
6. NHL 2000
NHL 2000 brought a lot of new features to the table, including better graphics, sound and gameplay mechanics. The game featured improved animations and physics to make the matches more realistic. The game also included new modes such as the Shootout mode, which was a lot of fun.
5. NHL Hitz 2003
NHL Hitz 2003 was a game designed for players who loved the fast-paced gameplay of arcade-style games. The game featured three-on-three matches, over the top hits, and a unique power-up system that added a fun twist to gameplay. The game was perfect for players who wanted a less serious hockey game experience.
4. NHL 12
NHL 12 was a game that brought a lot of improvements to the series. The game had new stickhandling and shooting mechanics, improved graphics and sound, and better AI. The game also introduced the Legends mode, which allowed players to play as some of the NHL’s most iconic players.
3. NHL 19
NHL 19 has arguably the best graphics of any video game in the hockey genre. It features new animations and improved physics, making gameplay more realistic than ever before. The game has a great selection of game modes, including the new Ones and World of Chel modes. NHL 19 is also the first NHL game to feature the Vegas Golden Knights.
2. NHL 10
NHL 10 was a game that upped the ante in terms of gameplay mechanics. The game had improved graphics, physics, and sound. The game introduced the new precision passing system, which allowed players to make more accurate passes, and the new face-off system that added even more depth to the gameplay. NHL 10 is a game that any hockey fan should play.
1. NHL 97
NHL 97 is a game that many hockey fans consider to be the greatest of all time. The game featured realistic gameplay mechanics, excellent graphics for its time, and memorable commentary. NHL 97 had a vast selection of teams to choose from and allowed players to create their own players and teams. Overall, NHL 97 was a game that managed to capture the excitement and essence of the sport in a way that no other game has ever done.
In conclusion, the hockey video game genre has produced many fantastic games over the years. While there are several great games that could have made this list, these ten games are the best of the best. Each game on this list provides an enjoyable and realistic hockey experience that any fan of the sport would appreciate.