Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Brett Hull Hockey delivers a hearty dose of arcade-style ice hockey that still manages to feel authentic thanks to its comprehensive roster and play options. Players can take control of NHL legend Brett Hull alongside over 600 NHLPA athletes, each represented with their real names and teams. Whether you’re matching up the Edmonton Oilers versus the New York Rangers or crafting your own dream squad, the title’s faithful team representation adds an extra layer of immersion.

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The game offers multiple modes—Exhibition, Playoffs, and Season—catering to fans who want a quick pick-up-and-play session or a full-length championship run. Exhibition mode allows for head-to-head fun against a friend or a computer opponent, while the Playoffs option condenses the action into a high-stakes bracket. Season mode is particularly robust, with choices for a full 82-game campaign, a 41-game half season, or an 11-game sprint, letting players tailor their commitment level.

On-ice controls are intuitive: passing, shooting, body checking, and even pulling off a trademark Brett Hull slap shot feel responsive. The inclusion of hat trick celebrations, aggressive board play, and power-play setups captures the gritty energy of real hockey. For those seeking deeper challenges, the AI adapts to your style and ramps up its aggression in later games, making every playoff push unpredictable and exciting.

Multiplayer is a standout feature—local couch co-op and competitive play inject hours of replayability. Matches can be customized for period length and difficulty, and a dynamic fatigue system forces strategic line changes, preventing any one player from dominating indefinitely. In short, the gameplay strikes a satisfying balance between pick-up-and-play fun and strategic depth, ensuring each session feels fresh.

Graphics

Visually, Brett Hull Hockey uses clean, colorful sprites that capture the essence of early ’90s sports titles. Player models are easily distinguishable by jersey color and number, and though faces are rendered in simple pixel art, key stars like Brett Hull stand out thanks to signature moves and unique skating animations.

The ice surface and rink boards feature crisp NHL team logos, and crowd animations—while repetitive—do a solid job of conveying in-game momentum, with color-changing jerseys and goal-light celebrations punctuating standout moments. The overhead camera angle provides a clear view of the entire ice, making it easy to plan breakout passes or spot an open winger on the blue line.

Special effects for slap shots, checks, and puck trails give the game a punchy, fast-paced look. When you thunder a slap shot off the post or deliver a textbook hip check, the brief shake of the screen and accompanying sound cues amplify the impact. Menu screens and in-game overlays are straightforward, prioritizing readability over flashiness.

While modern gamers might find the presentation dated compared to today’s fully 3D sports sims, Brett Hull Hockey’s visuals hold nostalgic charm. The simple yet effective art style keeps focus on fast action, ensuring players spend more time tracking the puck than admiring pre-rendered cutscenes.

Story

As with most traditional sports titles, Brett Hull Hockey doesn’t present a linear narrative in the way story-driven games do. Instead, the “story” emerges organically through season progression and competitive rivalries. Winning a hard-fought playoff series feels like a personal triumph, and upsets against powerhouse teams create memorable moments that build your own hockey tale.

Season mode offers a sense of progression as you guide your chosen team through the standings. Each victory nudges you closer to the Stanley Cup, and Al Michaels’s upbeat commentary references milestones—like crossing the 50-goal mark or clinching a playoff berth—adding to the sense that you’re living out a real NHL campaign.

The inclusion of all NHL teams of the era means you’ll encounter storied matchups, from Original Six showdowns to intense battles between division rivals. Even without a scripted storyline or character arcs, each game writes its own short saga, complete with last-minute victories, overtime thrillers, and season-defining hat tricks.

In the absence of a formal narrative, the game relies on gameplay events and commentary to foster attachment. Hearing Al Michaels call your highlight-reel goals or remark on your team’s hot streak fills in the blanks, giving you a front-row seat to your own hockey story.

Overall Experience

Brett Hull Hockey stands as a faithful snapshot of early ’90s hockey gaming—simple enough for newcomers to pick up, yet layered enough to keep veterans engrossed. Its extensive rosters, varied modes, and solid multiplayer ensure that pick-up games still feel fresh decades after its release. Whether you’re reminiscing about classic EA franchises or diving in for the first time, the game’s addictive nature is immediately apparent.

The lack of a cinematic story mode or deep player progression might disappoint those accustomed to modern sports titles, but the trade-off is fluid, action-packed gameplay that never bogs down. Al Michaels’s commentary, though repetitive by today’s standards, gives the matches a professional sheen and elevates big plays.

Graphically and sonically, the game embraces its retro roots, offering a pixel-perfect tribute to the era’s limitations and strengths. Fast skating, booming slap shots, and collisions that jolt the screen remind you why classic sports games focused on the thrill of the moment over cutscene polish.

For hockey aficionados seeking a nostalgic trip or anyone curious about the roots of NHL video gaming, Brett Hull Hockey remains a worthwhile play. Its balance of authenticity, fun arcade action, and extensive team representation make it an enduring favorite, especially when shared with a friend in local multiplayer.

Retro Replay Score

7/10