Summary

• Release Year: 1988
• Genres: Sport
• Platforms: Family Computer Disk System, Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii, Wii U
• Developers: Nintendo, Nintendo EAD Tokyo Software Development Group No.1
• Publishers: Nintendo

Ice Hockey (1988): A Retro Classic That Still Packs a Punch

Released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Ice Hockey is a fast-paced, action-packed hockey game that quickly became a classic. With its simple controls, addictive gameplay, and charming pixelated graphics, Ice Hockey is still a blast to play today.

Gameplay

Ice Hockey is played from a top-down perspective, with the player controlling one of six national teams: Canada, the United States, the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, Finland, and Sweden. The objective of the game is to score more goals than your opponent within the three-period game.

Players can control their team’s players with the D-pad, and use the A and B buttons to pass and shoot the puck. The game features a variety of different shots, including slap shots, wrist shots, and backhand shots. Players can also perform hip checks and body checks to knock their opponents off the puck.

One of the things that makes Ice Hockey so fun to play is its fast-paced gameplay. The puck moves quickly around the rink, and players need to be quick on their feet to keep up. The game also features a variety of different power-ups that can give players an advantage, such as increased speed or shooting power.

Graphics and Sound

For an NES game, Ice Hockey’s graphics are quite impressive. The players and the puck are all well-defined, and the rink is rendered in detail. The game also features a variety of different animations, such as player collisions and goal celebrations.

The sound in Ice Hockey is also very good. The game’s music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are realistic. The crowd noise is especially impressive, and it really adds to the atmosphere of the game.

Multiplayer

One of the best things about Ice Hockey is its multiplayer mode. Up to two players can compete against each other in a variety of different game modes, including single games, tournaments, and shootouts. The multiplayer mode is a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to test your skills against a friend.

Legacy

Ice Hockey was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, addictive multiplayer mode, and charming graphics. Ice Hockey has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, and it remains one of the most popular hockey games of all time.

Conclusion

Ice Hockey is a classic NES game that still holds up today. With its fast-paced gameplay, addictive multiplayer mode, and charming graphics, Ice Hockey is a must-play for any fan of hockey or retro gaming.

Tips for Playing Ice Hockey

Here are a few tips to help you win at Ice Hockey:

• Use the hip check to knock your opponents off the puck.
• Use the body check to knock your opponents down.
• Pass the puck to your teammates to create scoring opportunities.
• Take your time and aim your shots carefully.
• Use the power-ups to your advantage.
• Play with a friend in multiplayer mode for even more fun.

Trivia

• Ice Hockey was one of the first NES games to feature a licensed soundtrack.
• The game’s music was composed by Hirokazu Tanaka, who also composed the music for Metroid and Kid Icarus.
• Ice Hockey was originally released in Japan under the name “NES Ice Hockey.”
• The game was ported to the Game Boy in 1991 and to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992.
• Ice Hockey is still considered to be one of the best hockey games ever made.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots