Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

NHL Breakaway 98 delivers one of the most immersive on-ice experiences of its era, thanks in large part to the playbook-based AI system. Each team’s real-world tactics are faithfully reproduced, letting you feel the pressure of a checking line or the finesse of a top power play unit. Whether you’re controlling a hulking defenseman or a lightning-quick winger, the variable player sizes and attributes shine through in every board battle and breakaway rush.

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Beyond the immediate action, the game’s total team management suite gives you full control over the front office. You can orchestrate trades, fine-tune coaching staff, and juggle draft picks just like a real general manager. Training camps become crucial battlegrounds where prospects must prove their worth, and injured stars can be sent off for specialized therapy to get them back in top form.

For newcomers and veterans alike, NHL Breakaway 98 includes strategic insights from Keith Tkachuk, whose in-game hints help you master each squad’s signature style. Whether you’re struggling to set up the perfect one-timer or learning how to clog shooting lanes in your own zone, Tkachuk’s guidance bridges the gap between arcade thrills and authentic hockey smarts.

Graphics

Visually, Breakaway 98 strikes a fine balance between performance and detail. Player models are rendered in crisp polygons, and animations feel fluid as skates carve into the virtual ice. The overhead and broadcast-style camera angles capture the fast-paced action, while close-ups during replays highlight slashing checks and spectacular saves.

The ice surface gleams under arena lighting, complete with skate marks and dynamic reflections that track your movements around the rink. Crowd sprites pop and wave their team colors, adding atmosphere without dragging down framerates. On hardware of the late ’90s, this level of graphical fidelity was impressive and remains charmingly nostalgic today.

Menus and overlays are both functional and thematic, featuring team logos, customized play diagrams, and clear stat readouts. Transition screens for line changes or power plays are rendered with simple but effective animations, keeping the focus on the core gameplay instead of flashy distractions.

Story

Although NHL Breakaway 98 doesn’t offer a traditional narrative campaign, its franchise and training modes craft their own emergent stories. You’ll watch underdog rookies rise through the ranks, veteran stars battle injuries, and rivalries heat up week after week. Each trade or draft pick can shift the balance of power in your league, keeping the drama alive from preseason to the Stanley Cup Finals.

The inclusion of marquee names like Lemieux, Gretzky, Messier, Sakic, and Hull adds an extra layer of lore. Facing off against these legends—or slotting them onto your own roster—lets you re-write hockey history or relive iconic moments. It’s this player-driven narrative flexibility that keeps you invested beyond a single match.

Moreover, the tactical hints from Keith Tkachuk feel like having a player-coach at your fingertips. His advice frames each matchup as a mini-story: “Contain Detroit’s power play,” or “Exploit their defensemen’s size disadvantage.” These bite-sized narratives guide your choices and foster a sense of progression as you adapt to ever-changing challenges.

Overall Experience

NHL Breakaway 98 remains a standout title for anyone seeking an authentic, management-rich hockey simulation wrapped in engaging arcade-style action. Its combination of playbook-driven AI, robust team-building tools, and marquee rosters delivers a depth rarely seen in sports games of its generation. Whether you’re setting up a perfect breakout pass or executing a blockbuster trade, the game rewards both on-ice skill and strategic foresight.

While its graphics and UI may feel dated compared to modern releases, Breakaway 98’s core mechanics and replay value stand the test of time. The learning curve—bolstered by Keith Tkachuk’s tips—strikes a good balance, letting casual players jump in quickly while still providing depth for hardcore fans.

For nostalgia seekers and those curious about classic hockey sims, NHL Breakaway 98 offers a rewarding blend of fast-paced skating, managerial control, and legendary players. It’s a title that won’t just fill your screen with pucks and goals, but also weave a season-long story you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10