NHL '94 (Sega CD) review "NHL Hockey ‘94 is the best hockey game to be released before the Sony Playstation. It's that simple. What makes it stand out against the rest? Well, there are the improved graphics that the Sega CD version can offer over its competition. There are many modes to keep the gameplay fresh, just in case you ever get tired of just playing regular hockey games. I invite you to continue reading to see what other amazing features lie within NHL Hockey ‘94. "

NHL Hockey ‘94 is the best hockey game to be released before the Sony Playstation. It's that simple. What makes it stand out against the rest? Well, there are the improved graphics that the Sega CD version can offer over its competition. There are many modes to keep the gameplay fresh, just in case you ever get tired of just playing regular hockey games. I invite you to continue reading to see what other amazing features lie within NHL Hockey ‘94.

Graphics
The graphics in NHL Hockey ‘94 are great considering the technology available then. Even though the game was in 2D, the game looked good. Watch the puck glide smoothly across the ice while checking a helpless defender into the boards. The animations are also well done, especially the goalie sequences. Glove and leg saves are supreme. There is also a Highlight feature where you watch real-life game highlights of your team. You won’t be disappointed here. But let’s be realistic here. There are no facial animations, no 3-D models, and no names across the back of the players’ jerseys. You have to remember that this game was developed in the early nineties. But when compared to the game’s competition visually, this game is awesome.
Rating: 9/10

Sound
The sound in this game is just as good. Don’t you just love a good song played by the organist when on a power play? The crowd noises aren’t bad, and the body checks can sound vicious at times. The pre-game announcer is a nice touch too. The game could've used a game announcer, but that’s forgivable. Overall, the game’s audio is near the top of its class.
Rating: 8/10

Gameplay
Well, once again, the gameplay in this game is excellent. Passing, shooting, and checking are all easily performed. Too bad there isn’t any fighting in this game though. I believe all gamers would have liked that. Fighting aside, the gameplay is almost flawless. I say almost because scoring can become way too easy with a certain trick. (But why should I spoil the fun by telling you the trick here?) Games can too easily become 25 to 3 blowouts. Even with this fact, the gameplay is awesome.

The numerous modes in this game can keep a gamer busy. The Penalty Shot and Playoffs mode are now included into the Sega CD version. You could also control the goalie, which can make every game interesting. There are also many teams to choose from, and over four hundred players total. But don’t expect to crosscheck an opponent without being put into the penalty box. You can also make line changes at almost any point of the game. My favorite feature about the gameplay though is the one-timer shots. Just pass it to your heavy hitter and watch him rocket the puck passed the goalie. One-timers galore! Almost everything you can experience when at rinkside, you can experience it in NHL Hockey ‘94.
Rating: 9/10

Replay Value
There is a very high replay value in this game. Even after winning the Stanley Cup for the hundredth time, the game is still extremely fun! The Penalty Shot mode also adds some variety in the game. This is one of those games you’ll play when you have no more new games to play but you still want to play something. (Understand?) I consider that as having a lot of replay value.
Rating: 10/10

Overall
Well, I think the recap says it all. The graphics for this game are great considering when it was released. The game’s audio will definitely get you into that hockey kind of mode. The gameplay is just as good, even if you can blowout your opponents every game. Then there’s the replay value. This game is fun every time you turn it on. I believe NHL Hockey ‘94 is the best hockey game made before 1995. It’s too bad Sega CD wasn’t more successful.

Community review by cdbavg400 (November 15, 2004) A bio for this contributor is currently unavailable, but check back soon to see if that changes. If you are the author of this review, you can update your bio from the Settings page.