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NHL Open Ice: 2 on 2 Challenge

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Arcade

NHL Open Ice is the NBA Jam for ice hockey, with a 2 on 2 arcade action featuring a full NHL license including actual team names and logos and 120 actual NHLPA players with reflective stats for the 1995-96 season. The game features power-ups that will aid the players along during a game, inclu...

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Developer
Midway Manufacturing

Released on
1995

Size
1–4 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Sports

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

Cooperative
Yes

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Description

NHL Open Ice is the NBA Jam for ice hockey, with a 2 on 2 arcade action featuring a full NHL license including actual team names and logos and 120 actual NHLPA players with reflective stats for the 1995-96 season.

The game features power-ups that will aid the players along during a game, including the “Hot Meter” which is filled with every score, body check and steals. Once the meter is full, the player will literally catch fire and their stats will max out for a brief period of time, allowing the player to score goals better, steal the puck more often, etc.

There are five difficulty settings and adjustable options such as period time times and cheat options such as “Big Head” mode and multiplayer capabilities for either head-to-head action or co-op play. Legendary retired Chicago Blackhawks announcer, Pat Foley, lends his voice talents to the game for in-game commentary.

NHL Open Ice: 2 on 2 Challenge

Overview & History

Released by Midway in 1995, NHL Open Ice: 2 on 2 Challenge arrived right at the golden age of over-the-top arcade sports gaming. Hot on the heels of their massive success with NBA Jam, Midway applied the same high-octane, gravity-defying formula to the National Hockey League. Eschewing traditional 6-on-6 simulation, the game features frantic two-on-two matches (plus goaltenders) officially licensed by the NHL and NHLPA. Eschewing realistic physics for pure spectacle, the cabinet allowed up to four players to simultaneously battle it out on slick, glowing ice surfaces, featuring legendary 90s hockey stars and hidden unlockable mascots.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike standard hockey titles, NHL Open Ice strips away offsides, penalties, and icing, trading rules for relentless momentum and arcade action. The core mechanic revolves around the "On Fire" meter: after scoring three consecutive baskets—er, goals—a player's stick literally bursts into flames, granting infinite turbo, unstoppable checking power, and a 100% shooting accuracy percentage until the opposing team scores. Players can execute bone-crushing checks that send opponents flying over the glass, perform dazzling dekes, and unleash screaming slap-shots from anywhere past the blue line. The goaltenders feature unique AI personalities, reacting dramatically to soaring one-timers and dramatic last-second saves. While there is no traditional story mode, the game features a tournament ladder where teams battle through the NHL ranks to claim the ultimate championship trophy.