NHLPA Hockey 93

"The building blocks for all future hockey games comes from here."

By Alan Regan (Arock66)

Introduction to NHLPA Hockey 1993:

Lets face it, today's hockey games wouldn't be what they are without the building blocks of the early to mid 90's NHL games. The early hockey games released for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System were the platforms to which these games prospered. NHLPA Hockey is one of the founding games of the hockey genre.

Gameplay - 10/10

In the glory days of gaming, it was about the gameplay, and not the eye-candy. NHLPA doesn't shine through its visuals, but through the pure enjoyment of playing the game. I've played this game since the day it came out, and it still doesn't get old. That's how you know a game is truly something special. The gameplay for this game is easy to control, and lots of fun. It will keep you coming back for more old-school classic gaming.

Graphics - 7/10

Although more pretty NHL games came out for the SNES in its latter days, the graphics do their job well for this game. Anytime you check a player and you see him fall to the ice injured, the injured player is animated in a classic 2-D fashion. Its reasons like this that make the games visuals fun to watch. It's BECAUSE they aren't the best visuals that make them all the better.

Sound - 7/10

Yes, you hear the same crowd noises every game. Yes, you hear the same sound a goal is scored. Yea, pretty much every game you will play on NHLPA '93 you will hear the same sounds. However, this is the key as to why the sounds are great. You don't get sick of hearing them. You start to enjoy the repetitive sounds. It sounds crazy, but its true.

Playtime - Depends how much you enjoy classic hockey games.

Personally, I have played this game for over 300 hours. I've played it well into the night with friends. It's an excellent multi-player game. It has old-school fun that keeps you coming back time and time again.

Recommendation :

If you don't own this game, and enjoy classic NHL games, I highly suggest tracking down a copy of this game. The games fun-factor only stops when the power is turned off. Do yourself a favor and get this game. Buy it from a friend, buy it online, buy it anyway you can. This game is a great rental (if you can find it) for those nights when you bust out the old nostalgic games.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/19/02, Updated 11/19/02