How do you improve upon near perfection? That’s the question EA Sports always seems to answer with their annual NHL titles, and ’99 is no exception. While Madden ’99 deserves similar praise, let’s lace up our skates and explore why NHL ’99 reigns supreme on the virtual ice.
Breaking the ice: Forget Actua Hockey and Virgin’s offering – NHL ’99 stands alone, a titan in the hockey gaming arena. But EA didn’t rest on its laurels. They amped up the graphics with more player polygons, smarter AI (no more wild shots through legs!), and subtly enhanced sound. Roster and stat updates remain standard, keeping everything authentically NHL.
Gameplay on steroids: NHL ’98’s gameplay was stellar, but somehow, ’99 surpasses it. Features like Beginner Play, realistic physics, and analog joystick control cater to new and seasoned players alike. Hot and cold streaks keep things unpredictable, and international ice and rules add global flavor. Even the slap and hit meters offer satisfying control.
And that’s just the tip of the puck. NHL ’99 polishes existing features: odd-man rushes become thrilling breakaways, player emotions shine through (especially in the penalty box!), and fighting gets a three-punch overhaul with hooks, jabs, haymakers, grabs, and dodges. It’s a full-blown brawl, not a button mash.
Graphics that go for the gold: Visually, the game shines. Player faces ditch the static look, morphing with smiles, frowns, and penalty box frustration. 3Dfx and D3D card support is better, and more polygons ensure smoother on-ice action. The ice reflects lights and players, skates kick up spray, and everything runs at a silky 30fps. Sure, it’s an evolution, not a revolution, but NHL ’99 pushes the graphics envelope as far as the generation allows.
Sound that echoes through the rafters: The sound flawlessly immerses you. Organ music changes by city, every effect brings the stadium to life, and the cheers (and boos) feel authentic. While the commentary might lack veteran polish, it adds to the overall atmosphere.
Final face-off: NHL ’99 is a slam dunk. It’s the best sports game I’ve played, boasting exceptional gameplay, stunning visuals, immersive sound, and pure fun. If you’re a sports fan, this is a no-brainer purchase. Skip this game, and you’re skating on thin ice. And trust me, you’ll still be playing NHL ’99 long after ‘2000 drops the puck.
The Review
NHL '99
NHL '99 isn't just an update, it's a game-changer. Smarter AI, thrilling breakaways, improved fighting, and gorgeous visuals with realistic ice physics make it the best sports game of its time. Don't miss out, this is a must-buy for any hockey fan.
PROS
- Exceptional gameplay
- Stunning visuals
- Pure fun factor
CONS
- Commentary