System: Nintendo Entertainment System
Title: Ice Hockey
Publisher: Nintendo
Circa: 1988
Overall Rating:
 

Intro

The best sports game I know of. A wonderful classic game and always good for anyone to enjoy.

 Story

It's a hockey game. What did you expect?

Gameplay

Move around using the d-pad. Use the A button to pass, B to shoot. The D-pad controls both your players and the goalie. Very simple to learn as well. There are also a few kinds of players you can choose as your team:

Small: Average in all respects.

Thin: Fast movement, weak in taking hits and shooting.

Big Guy: Slow movement, Good at taking hits (small and thin both simply bounce) and good shooting strength

The game also has a simple fighting mechanic as well. It lets you once a while get into a fight with each other and someone winds up in the penalty box for a while. Tough break there.

Multiplayer

Set the timer, choose the team’s configuration. It’s just one on one, seeing who can get the most points in the three periods of play.

Controls

Simple, if a bit overlaid as mentioned. The D-pad is used to control your players and your goalie simultaneously. This can make for some confusing bits when your try to use a player to knock someone over who’s trying to shoot while blocking the shot.

Graphics

It’s 8-bit glory baby! The action focuses on the puck and tracks it beautiful

Sound Effects & Music

The sounds never get old honestly. The periods of play last long enough that the music doesn’t get annoying and you usually are focused on taking home the win. The sound effects are pretty simple but again don’t really grate one’s senses. This is a very good thing.

Obscurity

Not really obscure, many know this one.

Summary/Author’s Take

This is one of the VERY few sports games I honestly consider to be mine and worth-while. I would play this game with friends and siblings alike. Even to this day, I consider it one of the best games. It’s far from realistic but it offers wonderful customization that no one can argue. As well as this team selection is actually very balanced as well, a team of one type has distinct advantages, but glaring weaknesses as well.