NHL 96

Last updated

NHL 96
NHL 96 Coverart.png
Cover art featuring Scott Stevens and Steve Yzerman
Developer(s) EA Tiburon (SNES)
High Score Productions (GEN)
EA Canada (DOS)
Probe Entertainment (GB)
Publisher(s) EA Sports (GEN, SNES, DOS)
THQ (GB)
Producer(s) Rob Martyn (GEN, SNES)
Designer(s) Scott Probin (GEN, SNES)
Programmer(s) Mark Lesser (GEN)
Jason Andersen (SNES)
Composer(s) Jeff van Dyck (DOS)
David Whittaker (GEN)
Brian L. Schmidt (SNES)
Series NHL series
Engine Virtual Stadium
Platform(s) DOS, Sega Genesis, SNES, Game Boy
ReleaseGenesis, SNES, DOS:
  • NA: October 6, 1995
  • EU: October 1995
Game Boy:
  • NA: November 1995
Genre(s) Sports (ice hockey)
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

NHL 96 is a 1995 sports video game developed by EA Tiburon for the SNES, High Score Productions for the Sega Genesis, EA Canada for DOS, and Probe Entertainment for the Game Boy. EA Sports published all versions of the game except the Game Boy version, which was published by THQ. The game is based on the sport of ice hockey and puts the player in control of a hockey team in modes of play such as exhibitions, seasons and playoffs. It is the fifth installment in the NHL game series.

Contents

NHL 96 is the first entry in the series to feature real-time three-dimensional graphics through the DOS version's "Virtual Stadium" technology. The game also features improved and adjustable opponent artificial intelligence, a previously-barred ability to engage in physical fights, new moves such as the spin-o-rama, and general enhancements to the visual animations and audio. NHL 96 was met with critical acclaim, with reviewers commending the game's improved opponent AI, fluid graphics, and added gameplay features.

Gameplay

An example of gameplay in the DOS version; the player is currently in control of Dean McAmmond of the Edmonton Oilers. Through the DOS version's "Virtual Stadium" technology, NHL 96 is the first entry in the series to feature real-time 3D graphics. Gameplay from the DOS version of NHL 96.jpg
An example of gameplay in the DOS version; the player is currently in control of Dean McAmmond of the Edmonton Oilers. Through the DOS version's "Virtual Stadium" technology, NHL 96 is the first entry in the series to feature real-time 3D graphics.

NHL 96 puts the player in control of either accurate real-life hockey team rosters from the 1994–95 NHL season or customized teams and players. [1] As one of any given player, the controlling player can skate about the rink and stick-handle the puck in any direction, and can move with a short burst of speed with a certain input. When on the offensive, the player can dump the puck into the opposing team's zone, pass the puck to another player, take or fake shots, and execute a spin-o-rama. When on the defensive, the player can hold or hook, hit the ice to block shots, poke check, and body check. [2] [3] Goalies can be manually or automatically controlled, the state of which can be toggled in the main menu. [1] Manually-controlled goalies can dive, poke check, and make save attempts. The player takes control of their goalie if they have saved the puck regardless of the manual or auto setting. In this stage, the player can either flip the puck out of their team's zone, pass to an open teammate, clear the puck along the boards, or draw a face-off by avoiding any input, at which point the referee will blow his whistle and call the puck dead. [2] [3] The skill level of computer-controlled opponents can be adjusted to "Rookie", "Pro" or "All-Star" in the main menu. [1]

If a player violates one of several infractions (including holding, hooking, goalie-interference, etc.), the player is directed to the penalty box to wait out the duration of his penalty time, which may be two or four minutes depending on whether the player on the receiving end of the violation is injured. [4] Among these infractions is fighting; the players are capable of getting into physical fights during heated moments in the game, and this feature can be toggled on or off in the main menu. [1] If an opponent squares off against the player, the player can either press any button to drop their gloves and initiate a brawl or avoid any action for four seconds; the latter option will prompt the referee to intervene and call roughing penalties. During a fight, the player can throw punches to the opponent's head, send uppercuts, grab and pull the opponent's jersey, skate back and forth, and block incoming punches. Players who get involved in a fight are given five-minute major penalties. [3] The end of a player's time in the penalty box is signified by six tones. [4] Penalties can be toggled on or off in the main menu. [1]

The game's scoreboard is displayed between periods and any time the game is paused. Along with reviewing basic ongoing game information, the player can view instant replays, change their goalie, edit their winger lines, call a time-out (this option is only available once per game), or abort the game in progress. [5] The players can fatigue and decline in performance quality over time; editing the lines or calling a time-out refreshes the players' stamina. In addition to the cycling of lines being performed manually or automatically before each face-off, the ability of the players to fatigue can be toggled on or off in the main menu. [1] [5] If the player's team is on a power play, the amount of alternate lines they have access to is restricted. [3]

Modes of play

NHL 96 features six modes of gameplay: Regular Game, Playoffs, Playoffs Best of 7, Season, Shootout, and Transactions; [1] the Playoffs, Playoffs Best of 7 and Shootout modes are absent from the SNES version. [6] The Regular Game mode is a single exhibition game in which the player can play against computer-controlled or human opponents. In the default Playoffs mode, eight teams from each conference engage in a single-game-elimination tournament. The Playoffs Best-of-7 mode is a closer reflection of the real-life NHL playoffs. The Season mode is a play-through of an entire 84-game season, complete with a best-of-7 playoff tournament and season-end awards ceremony. In the Shootout mode, the player can practice their penalty shot technique in a five-round shootout contest between any two teams. [1]

In the Transactions mode, the player assumes the role of a general manager and creates, trades, and releases players, and signs free agents. [1] The player can create and edit up to 19 new players and add them to a pool of free agents. The free agent pool is formed from all unassigned players, which includes newly-created players and existing players who have been released from their team's roster. Created players can be named and customized by team position, stick handedness, body weight, jersey number, and a series of attributes that can be configured using a limited number of points. When trading players, multiple players can be involved at a time, but no more than three from a team per transaction. Any attempt to stack a team will be rejected. Each team's roster must carry between 17 and 27 players, including two or three goalies. [7]

Development and release

The Genesis version was programmed by Mark Lesser, who had previously programmed John Madden Football '93 , NHL '94 and NHL 95 . [8] The SNES version was programmed by Jason Andersen. [9] A coaching feature was planned for the game, but was dropped late in the development cycle. [10] NHL 96 is the first entry in the series to include physical fights between players following an absence of the feature in previous installments that was enforced by the NHL to promote a more wholesome image of the sport. [11] This reversal of policy was brought about by a determined appeal from EA Canada and on the condition that the fights were limited to one or two times per game. [11] [12] It is also the first entry to feature real-time 3D graphics; the DOS version incorporates the "Virtual Stadium" technology previously used in FIFA Soccer 96 , which allows the game to be seen from 11 different angles and to feature such details as reflections in the ice, corporate logos on the sideboards and more accurate team logos and jersey colors. The DOS version includes 668 printable high-resolution color photographs of the game's players made in collaboration with sports card manufacturer Donruss, as well as video interviews of NHL players and video highlights from the 1994–95 NHL season. [11] [13] [14] The game's audio incorporates crowd chants and organ tunes specific to the stadium being played, [13] [15] and features the 2 Unlimited song "Get Ready for This" as a musical track. [16] The cover of the game features Steve Yzerman and Scott Stevens, then team captains of 1995 Stanley Cup finalists the Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils respectively. [17]

The Genesis, SNES and DOS versions of NHL 96 were shipped to stores in North America on September 30, 1995 and released on October 6, 1995 to coincide with the opening of the 1995–96 NHL season. [13] [18] The same versions were released in Europe the same month. [19] A Game Gear version was advertised, but not released. [18] [20] The Game Boy version was released in North America on November and carries the NHL league license, but not an NHL player's license; as a result, the game features official team names and logos, but no existing player rosters. [20] A version for the PlayStation was announced the same month, [21] [22] but later cancelled because it did not meet Electronic Arts' quality standards. [23] [24] A version for the 3DO was also planned. [22] [25]

Reception

The Genesis version of NHL 96 received highly positive reviews and is widely considered to be the best installment in the franchise. [33] A critic for Next Generation commented that the game took the basics of NHL 95 , "arguably the best sports simulation product ever", [29] and added new features which served to only improve upon the gameplay of the series. They added that the opponent AI had been improved, and were also pleased with the more detailed player graphics, new sound effects, greater strategy with new ways to score, ability to create players, and more complex fighting mechanics. They concluded, "The only thing possibly wrong with this game is that every other sports game in your library may pale in comparison." [29] Mike Salmon of Game Players declared that "the superb gameplay of the '95 version has only gotten better with time", and commended the game's sharp graphics, enhanced audio, tougher AI, and added techniques and features. [32] Air Hendrix of GamePro gave the Genesis version a resoundingly positive review, applauding the new moves, the return of the fighting feature, the improved opponent AI, and the fluidly animated player sprites. [27] Video Cowboy and the Iceman of Electronic Gaming Monthly also gave their approval of the Genesis version, particularly praising the improved opponent AI. [26]

The SNES version was also received positively, though less so than its Genesis counterpart. Next Generation noted that the SNES version has sharper graphics and more animation than the Genesis version, but determined it to be slightly inferior overall due to the rougher gameplay and AI. [30] Salmon stated that while the SNES entry had sharper graphics and gameplay than its predecessors, the combination of a less solid AI and faster gameplay pace led to a lower amount of challenge and capacity for strategy than the Genesis version. [32] Game Players subsequently referred to NHL 96 as "far and away the best Super NES sports title". [34] Quick-Draw McGraw of GamePro remarked that the SNES version had muddier graphics and less content than the Genesis version, the fights were dull and hard to control, and the "weak" audio was comparable to "listening to the game from the parking lot". [6]

Reviewing the DOS version, Todd Vaughn of PC Gamer praised the game's detailed graphics (particularly when higher resolutions are enabled), realistic and challenging gameplay, and modem-enabled multiplayer capability, though noted that not all of the game's camera angles were optimal for gameplay, and that the system requirements were steep. [11] Next Generation's reviewer was less enthusiastic about the DOS version than the console versions, but their complaint was with the graphics and extreme slowness of the SVGA mode "on even high-end 486s." However, they gave the game an overall strong recommendation for its realistic features and many special moves. [31] Hugo Foster of GameSpot criticized that the games are too frequently scoreless, and that success and failure seem to be largely random. He added that the game "is still fun to play", and praised the fluidly animated graphics and the precise controls. [28]

NHL 96 was the 9th highest-renting SNES title and the 6th highest-renting Genesis title at Blockbuster Video in its opening month. [35] Game Players named NHL 96 the best Genesis game of 1995. [36] GamePro awarded the Genesis version 2nd Best Sports Game of 1995. [37] In GamePro's "1995 Readers' Choice Awards", the Genesis version was ranked the fourth Best Sports Game (16-Bit Games), taking 11% of the vote. [38] Computer Games Strategy Plus named NHL 96 the best computer sports game of 1995. [39] NPD Group analyst Mat Piscatella reported that the SNES version of NHL 96 was the third highest-selling retro title of April 2018. [40]

Related Research Articles

<i>Rise of the Robots</i> 1994 video game

Rise of the Robots is a fighting game released by Time Warner Interactive in 1994. Originally developed for the Amiga and DOS by Mirage's Instinct Design, it was ported to various video game consoles, including the Super NES, the Mega Drive, and the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. The game includes a single-player mode in which the player assumes the role of the ECO35-2 Cyborg, as he attempts to stop the Supervisor who takes over Electrocorp's facilities in Metropolis 4.

<i>Syndicate</i> (1993 video game) 1993 video game

Syndicate is an isometric real-time tactical and strategic game from Bullfrog Productions created in 1993, and released for a variety of platforms beginning with the PC and Commodore Amiga. It is the first title in the Syndicate series. Set in a dystopian future in which corporations have replaced governments, Syndicate puts the player in control of a corporation vying for global dominance.

<i>Pac-Attack</i> 1993 puzzle video game

Pac-Attack, also known as Pac-Panic, is a 1993 falling-tile puzzle video game developed and published by Namco for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Genesis. Versions for the Game Boy, Game Gear and Philips CD-i were also released. The player is tasked with clearing out blocks and ghosts without them stacking to the top of the playfield — blocks can be cleared by matching them in horizontal rows, while ghosts can be cleared by placing down a Pac-Man piece that can eat them. It is the first game in the Pac-Man series to be released exclusively for home platforms.

<i>Madden NFL 96</i> 1995 American football video game

Madden NFL '96 is a football video game designed for the 1995 NFL season, licensed by the NFL. Publisher Electronic Arts intended for it to be the first licensed NFL game for the PlayStation, but the PlayStation version was delayed and ultimately cancelled, with the game being published only for previous-generation consoles, PCs, and handhelds. Compared to previous Madden NFL games, the AI has been boosted and can now hurry in two-minute drill situations, spike the ball, and cover the receivers with better efficiency. In addition to the 16-bit console and portable versions, a DOS version was also released under the title of Madden NFL Football: Limited Edition in 1996.

<i>WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game</i> 1995 video game

WWF WrestleMania is a professional wrestling arcade game released by Midway Manufacturing Co. in 1995. It is based on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) professional wrestling promotion.

<i>Troy Aikman NFL Football</i> 1994 video game

Troy Aikman NFL Football is an american football video game originally developed by Leland Interactive Media and published by Tradewest for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System first in North America on August 1994. Officially licensed from the National Football League, it prominently features former NFL player Troy Aikman, who became the first member of the 1993 Dallas Cowboys to have his namesake in a game, followed by his teammate Emmitt Smith in Emmitt Smith Football.

<i>Wayne Gretzky and the NHLPA All-Stars</i> 1995 video game

Wayne Gretzky Hockey NHLPA All-Stars is a Super NES and Genesis/Mega Drive hockey video game that features Wayne Gretzky and other NHLPA players.

<i>Batman Forever</i> (video game) 1995 video game

Batman Forever is a beat 'em up video game based on the movie of the same name. Though released by the same publisher at roughly the same time, it is an entirely different game from Batman Forever: The Arcade Game. The game was followed by Batman & Robin in 1998, itself based on the movie of the same name.

<i>NHL 95</i> 1994 video game

NHL 95 is an ice hockey video game developed by Electronic Arts Canada. It was released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Genesis. The team rosters and player attributes in the game reflect that of the 1994–95 season.

<i>NHL 97</i> 1996 video game

NHL 97 is an ice hockey video game by EA Sports. It was released in 1996 and was the successor to NHL 96. It is the sixth installment of the NHL series and the first to be released on both PlayStation and Saturn. A Panasonic M2 version was in development and slated to be one of the launch titles for it, but never happened due to the cancellation of the system.

<i>Madden NFL 97</i> 1996 American football video game

Madden NFL 97 is a football video game released in 1996. It was the first multiplatform Madden game released for the 32-bit consoles, being released on both the PlayStation and Sega Saturn. 16-bit versions were also made for the established Super NES and Genesis platforms, as well as a portable version for the Game Boy.

<i>Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story</i> (video game) 1994 video game

Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story is a fighting video game developed and originally published by Virgin Interactive Entertainment in Europe for the Sega Genesis in June 1994. It is based on the 1993 film of the same name, which is a semi-fictionalized account of the life of Hong Kong-American actor and martial artist Bruce Lee. Following the events of the movie, players take control of Bruce Lee across several stages that takes places in different time periods of his life and fight against some of his adversaries.

<i>NHL 94</i> 1993 video game

NHL '94 is an ice hockey game by EA Sports for the Genesis, Super NES, and Sega CD, as well as the first release for the PC (DOS), simply titled "NHL Hockey", without the "94" in the title. The game is officially licensed from the National Hockey League and the NHL Players' Association, and was the first game in the series to have both combined licenses. Being the third game in the NHL series media franchise, it was released in October 1993. NHL '94 launched to critical acclaim, and it has since been referred to as both the greatest sports game of all time as well as one of the best games ever made.

<i>Brett Hull Hockey</i> 1994 video game

Brett Hull Hockey is an ice hockey video game developed by Radical Entertainment and originally published by Accolade for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in North America in January 1994. It prominently features former Canadian-American NHL player Brett Hull and is officially licensed from the NHL Players' Association.

<i>PGA Tour 96</i> 1995 video game

PGA Tour 96 is a sports video game developed by Hitmen Productions for the PlayStation, MS-DOS, and Windows versions, Unexpected Development for the Game Boy version, NuFX for the Sega Genesis and 3DO versions, Ceris Software for the Game Gear version, and Polygames for the SNES version and published by EA Sports for PlayStation, MS-DOS, Windows, Game Boy, Sega Genesis, 3DO, Game Gear and SNES.

<i>NFL Quarterback Club</i> (video game) 1993 video game

NFL Quarterback Club is an American football video game for multiple platforms that features quarterbacks from the NFL. It is the first game in Acclaim Entertainment's NFL Quarterback Club series.

<i>NBA Live 96</i> 1995 basketball video game

NBA Live 96 is the second installment of the NBA Live video game series published by EA Sports and released on November 30, 1995. The PC and PlayStation covers feature Shaquille O'Neal of the Orlando Magic, while the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis and European PlayStation box covers feature a photo of the tip-off to Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals. PlayStation and PC versions are the first games in the series to feature 3D-rendered courts, allowing for multiple camera angles using EA's "Virtual Stadium" technology, which is also used for FIFA Soccer 96. On-court player graphics remain 2D sprites. It is also the first NBA Live game released for the PlayStation and the only game for the Game Boy. NBA Live 96 is followed by NBA Live 97.

<i>FIFA Soccer 96</i> 1995 video game

FIFA Soccer 96 is a football simulation video game developed by Extended Play Productions and released by Electronic Arts in 1995. It was released for the Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega Saturn, Sega 32X, Game Gear, PlayStation, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and MS-DOS compatible operating systems.

<i>NFL Quarterback Club 96</i> 1995 video game

NFL Quarterback Club 96 is an American football video game released in December 1995. The game was released on the Sega Saturn, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, Sega Game Gear, DOS, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game's cover features San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young passing while being tackled by Chicago Bears defensive linemen Chris Zorich and Albert Fontenot. The Saturn, Genesis, SNES and DOS versions were developed by Iguana Entertainment, while the Game Boy and Game Gear edition was developed by Condor Inc.

<i>Goal Storm</i> 1995 video game

Goal Storm, known as World Soccer: Winning Eleven in Japan, is a football sports video game developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and published by Konami. It was released in late 1995 in North America and in early 1996 elsewhere for the PlayStation. It is the first installment of the Winning Eleven franchise, later known as Pro Evolution Soccer internationally. Gameplay-wise, the player controls one of thirty six national teams over two different game modes, which both simulate association football matches and/or tournaments.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 NHL 96 (Genesis) instruction manual, pp. 5–7
  2. 1 2 NHL 96 (Genesis) instruction manual, pp. 2–3
  3. 1 2 3 4 NHL 96 (Genesis) instruction manual, pp. 13–16
  4. 1 2 NHL 96 (Genesis) instruction manual, pp. 25–28
  5. 1 2 NHL 96 (Genesis) instruction manual, pp. 9–12
  6. 1 2 3 Quick-Draw McGraw (October 1995). "NHL '96 Second-Round Pick on the Super NES" (PDF). GamePro . No. 85. IDG. p. 84.
  7. NHL 96 (Genesis) instruction manual, pp. 22–24
  8. NHL 96 (Genesis) instruction manual, inner cover
  9. NHL 96 (SNES) instruction manual, inner cover
  10. "Sports Insider Previews: NHL '97". GamePro . No. 99. IDG. December 1996. p. 194.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 Todd Vaughn (December 1995). "NHL '96". PC Gamer . Imagine (19): 227–228.
  12. "Inside Look: NHL '96 (Genesis, SNES)" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 73. Ziff Davis. August 1995. p. 118.
  13. 1 2 3 "Electronic Arts announces NHL 96 title to ship on three platforms; Best-selling hockey video game to face off with the opening of the NHL season". Business Wire. September 30, 1995. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
  14. NHL 96 (DOS) back cover
  15. NHL 96 (Genesis) instruction manual, p. 4
  16. NHL 96 (Genesis, SNES and DOS) back cover
  17. "NHL '96". Crash the Net. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  18. 1 2 "NHL 96 advertisement" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 75. Ziff Davis. October 1995. pp. 125–127.
  19. "Previews: NHL '96 (SNES/Mega Drive)". Joypad (in French). Yellow Media (45): 42. September 1995.
  20. 1 2 "Team EGM Previews: NHL Hockey '96 (Game Boy)" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 77. Ziff Davis. December 1995. p. 220.
  21. "Inside Look: NHL '96 (PlayStation)" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 76. Ziff Davis. November 1995. p. 251.
  22. 1 2 "NHL '96 (3DO and PlayStation)" (PDF). Game Players . No. 77. Imagine Media. November 1995. p. 111.
  23. "Madden '96 in '97?" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 80. Sendai Publishing. March 1996. p. 121.
  24. "EA Delays 32-Bit Madden, NHL Until Fall" (PDF). GamePro . No. 90. IDG. March 1996. p. 16.
  25. "3DO SALES INCREASE WITH NEW $299 PRICE POINT; Low Price; Software Library; Mass Market Coverage Make for 170% Sales Increase". Business Wire. July 26, 1995. Retrieved December 21, 2018. More than 75 new titles are scheduled to be released for the 3DO system between now and Christmas including NHL `96, Primal Rage, Flying Nightmares and PO'ed.
  26. 1 2 "NHL Hockey '96 (Genesis) by Electronic Arts" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 75. Ziff Davis. October 1995. p. 124.
  27. 1 2 Air Hendrix (October 1995). "NHL 96 for Genesis Reigns on the Ice" (PDF). GamePro . No. 85. IDG. p. 82.
  28. 1 2 Hugo Foster (September 12, 1996). "NHL '96 Review". GameSpot . Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  29. 1 2 3 "Slapshot" (PDF). Next Generation . Imagine Media (10): 125. October 1995.
  30. 1 2 "NHL '96" (PDF). Next Generation . Imagine Media (11): 189. November 1995.
  31. 1 2 "NHL Hockey '96" (PDF). Next Generation . No. 13. Imagine Media. January 1996. pp. 163–4.
  32. 1 2 3 4 Mike Salmon (October 1995). "NHL '96" (PDF). Game Players . Imagine Media (76): 88–89.
  33. Andy Slaven (2002). Video Game Bible, 1985–2002. Trafford Publishing. p. 259. ISBN   978-1-55369-731-2. Considered by many to be the best game in the franchise, NHL '96 is the smoothest and most refined entry in the series.
  34. "System Analysis: Super NES" (PDF). Game Players . Imagine Media (79): 48. December 1995.
  35. "Blockbuster Video November Hot Sheet!" (PDF). GamePro . No. 86. IDG. November 1995. p. 189.
  36. "The 1995 Annual Game Players Awards" (PDF). Game Players . Imagine Media (79): 22. December 1995.
  37. "Editor's Choice Awards 1995" (PDF). GamePro . No. 89. IDG. February 1996. p. 26.
  38. The Feature Creature (June 1996). "1995 Readers' Choice Awards" (PDF). GamePro . pp. 24–25.
  39. Staff (November 2000). "A Decade of Gaming; Award Winners of 1995". Computer Games Magazine (120): 56–58, 60, 62, 66, 68, 70–76.
  40. Jason Evangelho (May 23, 2018). "NPD April 2018 Report: The Best-Selling Games for Really Old Consoles". Forbes. Retrieved December 13, 2018.