NHL 98

Developer: Electronic Arts (EA Sports)

NHL 98 on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis delivers brisk, arcade-flavored hockey that balances pick-up-and-play fun with season-long goals. Tight controls and speedy skating make breakaways and board battles feel immediate, while simple passing and shooting mechanics reward timing and positioning. Local multiplayer heats up with frantic shifts, momentum swings, and buzzer-beater moments that define late-90s couch competition. The retro presentation — chunky player sprites, energetic commentary clips and pulsing crowd noise — amplifies the nostalgia, offering a challenging yet accessible sports experience that still shines in head-to-head matchups.