Underplayed Gems

NHL 96 (1995)

NHL 96 cover
Developer
EA Canada, EA Orlando, High Score Productions
Publisher
EA Sports
Platforms
Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, DOS, PlayStation
Genres
Sport
Rating
4.8 of 5, 22 player ratings

How it feels

A breezy, pick-up-and-play hockey experience that balances arcade accessibility with authentic NHL presentation, letting you dial up or down the realism as you chase the cup.

competitiveaccessiblefast-pacedauthenticarcade-likenostalgiccustomizablestraightforward

About

NHL 96 was the first EA Sports game to feature Virtual Stadium technology, which resulted in a 3D feel and multiple camera angles. The NHL license ensures that real teams and players of the era are included, with a full league and playoff system. Many game options can be toggled - the infamous fighting is option, as are the penalties and offsides. The control system makes it possible to execute one-touch passes, and several special trick moves to quickly advance the ball. As a bonus feature, it included 'Hockey Card' profiles of every player on CD, and interviews with the stars of the game.

What players say

Part of EA's beloved 16-bit hockey run, remembered as fast, smooth, and responsive arcade-style hockey with tougher AI than its predecessor; fans say it simply feels like hockey. (Note: the PlayStation port was reportedly cancelled, so community memory centers on the Genesis/SNES versions.)

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