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Sega Genesis

NHL 98

Sega Genesis

Sega Genesis

NHL 98 features much faster and refined gameplay (now using four action keys instead of two, removing the need to double-tap to perform some actions), along other new features such as "in-the-fly" tactics developed by Marc Crawford, then manager of the Colorado Avalanche and new commentary lines ...

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Developer
High Score Productions

Released on
1997

Size
1–4 Players

Version
Sega Genesis

Requirements
Sega Genesis

Downloads
Sports

Publisher
Electronic Arts

ESRB Rating
E - Everyone

Cooperative
Yes

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Description

NHL 98 features much faster and refined gameplay (now using four action keys instead of two, removing the need to double-tap to perform some actions), along other new features such as “in-the-fly” tactics developed by Marc Crawford, then manager of the Colorado Avalanche and new commentary lines from Jim Hughson and Darryl Reaugh and a re-worked interface. Graphics are improved from the previous version with the players being less angular, and thanks to 3Dfx support, with less pixels showing in the textures. The in-game presentation follows a TV-style script, zooming in players while displaying stats during clock stoppages.

As far as game modes go, in the year of the first Olympic Tournament with professional players, NHL 98 introduced the first real international competition, with 18 International teams to choose from. Other game modes include Season (option to pick between 25 or 82 games) and Playoff (best of 1, 3, 5 or 7 matches) and a Penalty Shootout mode.

NHL 98

Overview & History

Released in the twilight years of the 16-bit era, NHL 98 for the Sega Genesis is a fascinating piece of sports gaming history. Developed at a time when publishers had largely migrated their flagship sports franchises to the Sega Saturn and PlayStation, this Genesis port served as a swan song for EA Sports on Sega's iconic black console. Rather than offering a mere roster update, the developers crammed the game with authentic 1996–97 NHL data, featuring all six Canadian and American divisions, international teams, and deep tournament modes. While it lacked the polygonal graphics of its 32-bit counterparts, this iteration leaned heavily into sprite-based optimization, capturing the frantic speed and bone-crunching physicality of late-90s hockey. It stands today as a treasured nostalgic artifact for retro collectors who remember the grit of the dead-puck era.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike modern hockey titles that prioritize simulation, NHL 98 on the Genesis relies on arcade-infused momentum, fast-paced skating physics, and an isometric perspective that lets players survey the ice. The gameplay revolves around executing crisp give-and-go passing combinations, using the turbo button to blow past defensemen on the wings, and unleashing heavy slapshots or quick wrist shots from the slot. Goalie AI is surprisingly reactive, requiring players to master dekes and lateral movement to score. Physicality is a core pillar: body-checking along the boards can jar the puck loose, and dropping the gloves for the iconic 3D-perspective fighting engine triggers instant momentum shifts. Penalties, line changes, and comprehensive stat tracking add layers of tactical depth to exhibition and playoff runs.