Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

NHL 99 builds upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering a tighter, more responsive on-ice experience. Player controls feel more intuitive, with slap shots now easier to execute and backhand shots requiring a more realistic positioning—skaters must be facing the net for accurate one-timers. This tweak adds a layer of strategy, as you’ll find yourself angling your skater carefully before unleashing a rocket from the faceoff dot.

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AI teammates and opponents have received a marked upgrade in hockey IQ. Defenders pinch at the blue line when opportunities arise, forwards make smarter runs into open ice, and breakouts feel more authentic. The newly refined special moves—dekes, spin-o-ramas, toe drags—are all mapped to simple stick flicks, letting you recreate the flashiest moves of legends like Jágr, Fedorov, or Selänne. However, venturing too close to the crease now risks a video goal judge review, prompting you to weigh finesse against raw power and avoid unlucky overturns.

NHL 99 also caters to newcomers with its Beginner mode, stripping away harsh penalties and toning down opponent difficulty. It’s an ideal way to learn passing lanes, timing checks, and shot accuracy before dipping into the full simulation. For veterans, the expanded Season mode introduces player streaks that dynamically boost or hinder individual attributes, keeping team management fresh. And with the Nashville Predators appearing for the first time, you can either guide an expansion franchise through its infancy or challenge yourself with a fantasy draft.

Graphics

Visually, NHL 99 represents a clear step forward. Arenas now feature richer details—advertising boards, glass reflections, and crowd animations all contribute to an immersive environment. The ice surface gleams under realistic lighting, and each collision sends believable sprays of snow as skaters carve arcs into the rink.

Player models have been overhauled with a higher polygon count and improved facial textures, making star athletes instantly recognizable. Enhanced motion capture brings fluidity to every stride, shot, and hit. When you lay a well-timed body check, the glass cracks convincingly, just like in a real NHL rink, adding tangible weight to physical play.

Subtle additions, like dynamic shadowing under the puck, skates cutting through ice mist, and animation transitions during fights or big saves, all elevate the presentation. Whether you’re playing under bright arena lights or in a dimly lit international rink, the fidelity holds strong—making each match feel like a broadcast highlight reel.

Story

While NHL 99 doesn’t offer a traditional narrative campaign, its “story” unfolds through the seasonal journey and international showdowns. The expanded International mode lets you switch between NHL rules and IIHF regulations, complete with Olympic-sized rinks and national rivalries. Playing for Team Canada or facing off against Sweden adds a sense of global stakes beyond the usual Stanley Cup chase.

Season mode creates its own drama via player streaks—a hot shooter might catch fire for several games, while a fatigued defenseman could struggle to contain rushes. These hot and cold stretches feel organic, forcing you to adjust line combinations or rest star players to stave off slumps. Debuting the Nashville Predators also brings a fresh sub-plot: will you elevate a fledgling franchise to playoff contention or seize the fantasy expansion draft to craft a dynasty elsewhere?

Commentary by Jim Hughson and Darryl Reaugh further sells the narrative of each contest. Their energetic play-by-play and colour insights highlight key moments—an unexpected hat trick, a take-out check, or a controversial goal review—lending each game its own storyline within the rigours of simulation hockey.

Overall Experience

NHL 99 strikes an impressive balance between arcade flair and pure simulation, appealing to newcomers and series veterans alike. The refined skating and stick-handling mechanics reward precision, while the Beginner mode ensures you can ramp up difficulty at your own pace. Whether you’re mastering a sniper’s one-timer or perfecting a defensive breakout, the game feels consistently rewarding.

Graphically and aurally, NHL 99 stands among the best sports titles of its era. Detailed arenas, lifelike player models, and dynamic lighting make every afternoon and primetime match feel special. Coupled with enthusiastic commentary from Hughson and Reaugh, you’re never far from that authentic NHL broadcast atmosphere.

Between season-long sagas, international showdowns, and the thrill of breaking sticks and glass, NHL 99 offers depth that keeps you coming back. It’s a polished package that refines nearly every aspect of NHL 98, making it a must-play for hockey fans looking to lace up virtual skates and hit the ice.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10