Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Hockey delivers a tight, fast-paced on-ice experience that closely mirrors the feel of Mario Lemieux Hockey. You control one player at a time, with the CPU handling your teammates, and you can switch to any other skater on the fly. This approach keeps you constantly involved in the action, whether you’re racing down the wing for a breakaway or backchecking to halt an opponent’s scoring chance.

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The built-in penalty and fighting system adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement. If tensions flare, you can drop the gloves and initiate a full-blown brawl—you must land punches continuously if you want to secure the upper hand. Winning a fight can shift momentum, but losing draws you a penalty; knowing when to engage or avoid confrontation becomes a critical part of the tactical decision-making.

With 22 teams modeled on the NHL ’91 lineup, you get a robust selection of club identities that can be customized to taste. You can adjust rosters, swap players, and even mix and match lines before puck drop. Whether you’re a casual fan wanting a quick pick-up game or a simulator enthusiast looking to run a full season, the depth of team selection and lineup editing ensures replay value stays high.

Graphics

The game’s isometric perspective gives you the sense of watching the action from the stands, offering clear sightlines of the puck as it zips across the ice. Player sprites are well-animated, with distinct skating strides, realistic stickhandling motions, and crisp selfie-style celebrations when the puck finds the net.

A muted color palette replicates the cool blue of the rink boards and the stark white of the ice surface without causing visual fatigue, even during longer sessions. Crowd animations are simple but effective: you’ll see fans rise for a big chance, wave pom-poms, or lean forward in suspense as goals are scored. These little touches lend an authentic atmosphere.

Comparing it to contemporaries, Hockey holds its own in terms of detail and clarity. The overhead view never feels cluttered, and the frame rate stays stable even during scrums in front of the net. While texture resolution can look dated by modern standards, fans of retro sports sims will appreciate the clean, functional graphical presentation.

Story

As a straightforward hockey simulation, Hockey doesn’t offer a scripted narrative or campaign mode. Instead, it lets you craft your own story on the ice. You pick a team, manage lineups, and build momentum as you progress through exhibition matches or a league schedule of your choosing.

Emergent storytelling flourishes through in-game drama: last-second goals, hard-nosed rivalries, bench-clearing brawls—all moments that can define a match and leave a lasting impression. Over the course of a season, you’ll experience winning streaks, heartbreaking losses, and the occasional Cinderella run that bring a personal narrative to every franchise.

Though there are no cutscenes or voiced highlights, the game’s frenetic pace and dynamic gameplay ensure you still feel connected to your team’s quest for the championship. Your greatest memories will come from clutch saves, breakaway goals, and the roar of the (pixelated) crowd as you hoist the simulated Stanley Cup.

Overall Experience

Hockey strikes a satisfying balance between accessibility and simulation depth. Newcomers will appreciate the pick-up-and-play controls and straightforward camera angle, while veterans can dive into roster management, line combinations, and strategic use of penalties and fights to tilt the ice in their favor.

The lack of an overarching story or multiple game modes might leave some players wanting more variety, but the core action is so engaging that you’ll find yourself returning time and again just to settle personal scores or chase higher standings. Customizable teams and lineups extend the lifespan of the game, giving you room to experiment and keep the experience fresh.

Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan craving authentic gameplay or a retro sports lover in search of arcade-style thrills, Hockey offers an immersive, satisfying on-ice simulation. Despite its minimalistic presentation, its tight controls, strategic depth, and emergent drama make it a worthy addition to any sports game collection.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10