Top 15 Hockey Video Games of All Time

By Amanda Sklarek

Top 15 Hockey Video Games of All Time

Blades of Steel
YouTube

Sports video games allows you to immerse yourself in a world like you have never experienced. Ice hockey video games give fans the chance to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup, sucker punch superstars, and hit a slap shot at their favorite netminders. Since 1978, there have been countless titles released on numerous platforms, but only a few games have left a lasting impression. Here's a look at the top 15 hockey video games of all time.

15. NHL Faceoff (PlayStation)

15. NHL Faceoff (PlayStation)

NHL Faceoff
YouTube

NHL Faceoff was released in 1995 and it was the first installment of the "Faceoff" series. NHL Faceoff was enjoyable back in the day — especially since it featured multiplayer — but the gameplay would be highly underwhelming if you chose to play it now.

14. NHL Championship 2000 (PlayStation)

14. NHL Championship 2000 (PlayStation)

NHL Championship 2000
YouTube

NHL Championship 2000 lacked impressive graphics and decent sound, but it offered players a more realistic on-ice experience for its time.

13. Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey (Arcade, Nintendo 64, PlayStation)

13. Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey (Arcade, Nintendo 64, PlayStation)

Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey
YouTube

Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey was the first-ever four player game for the Nintendo 64. It was also one of the whackiest sports games at the time, as it featured goalies who turned into brick walls and nets that would burst into flames. Unrealistic, but fun to play with a group of friends.

12. NHL 2K10 (PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii)

12. NHL 2K10 (PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii)

NHL 2K10
YouTube

In 2000, 2K Sports began a series of hockey games to compete with EA. Most of these games sucked, which is why the series was discontinued in 2010. NHL 2K10, however, ended up being an appreciable game and has rightfully earned a spot on this list.

11. NHL 07 (PlayStation 2, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360, PC)

11. NHL 07 (PlayStation 2, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360, PC)

NHL 07
YouTube

NHL 07 was a turning point for sports video games. NHL 07 featured a newly designed control setup, which included the Skill Stick Revolution. Skill Stick eliminated the urge to button mash and ultimately give the player a more realistic gaming experience.

10. NHL 08 (PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC)

10. NHL 08 (PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC)

NHL 08
YouTube

NHL 08 is like NHL 07's cooler brother. NHL 08 offered players even more features than NHL 07 and upgraded the use of the analog stick even more.

9. NHL Hitz 2002 (GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox)

9. NHL Hitz 2002 (GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox)

NHL Hitz 2002
YouTube

NHL Hitz 2002 differed from most hockey video games due to its arcade-like gameplay. Fighting was greatly encouraged and players could develop over-the-top abilities.

8. NHL 02 (Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC)

8. NHL 02 (Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC)

NHL 02
YouTube

Another great installment by EA in the NHL series and the only one that was available on Game Boy Advance. Being able to hold hockey in your hands and play it wherever you pleased was like a gift from God.

7. NHL Hitz Pro (GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox)

7. NHL Hitz Pro (GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox)

NHL Hitz Pro
YouTube

Unlike the previous NHL Hitz games, the third and final installment in the series featured 5-on-5 gameplay and was a lot more violent. The game appealed to casual hockey fans more than hardcore, but was still fun nonetheless.

6. NHL 99 (Nintendo 64, PlayStation, PC)

6. NHL 99 (Nintendo 64, PlayStation, PC)

NHL 99
YouTube

Not the best installment in the series, but still entertaining and advanced for its time. NHL 99 is best known for its fantastic opening video, which I have provided for you.

5. NHL 98 (SNES, Sega Saturn, Sega Genesis, PlayStation, PC)

5. NHL 98 (SNES, Sega Saturn, Sega Genesis, PlayStation, PC)

NHL 98
YouTube

NHL 98 is one of EA's finest creations. Avid sports gamers still praise NHL 98 and still pop it in to their old school systems to this day.

4. Mutant League Hockey (Sega Genesis)

4. Mutant League Hockey (Sega Genesis)

Mutant League Hockey
YouTube

In Mutant League Hockey, you could play as either a robot, undead skeleton or troll. The league was divided by the Toxic Conference and Maniac Conference and teams were named things like the Deathskin Razors and Pucksucker Pucks. Gameplay included awesomely bizarre on-ice shenanigans such as bribing refs to call fake penalties and cratering holes in the ice. Mutant League Hockey is still one of the coolest hockey video games to date.

3. Blades of Steel (Arcade, SNES, PC, Virtual Console)

3. Blades of Steel (Arcade, SNES, PC, Virtual Console)

Blades of Steel
YouTube

Blades of Steel was fast-paced and chock-full of fighting. Blades of Steel is a cult favorite among gamers and is the perfect game to go back and play if you feel nostalgic.

2. NHL 14 (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)

2. NHL 14 (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)

NHL 14
YouTube

Some people might disagree with this, but let's be real here. There is no other hockey game out there right now like NHL 14. The graphics are beautiful and the gameplay is frighteningly realistic. NHL 14 also features numerous game modes and a rocking soundtrack.

1. NHL 94 (SNES, Sega Genesis, PC)

1. NHL 94 (SNES, Sega Genesis, PC)

NHL 94
YouTube

Easily the greatest hockey video game of all time, and quite possibly the greatest sports video game of all time. It has been 20 years since its release, but NHL 94 is still played by many. There is even a website where you can play NHL 94 in a league! NHL 94 paved the way for future sports games and will forever be cherished by anyone who has ever played it.

Amanda Sklarek is a Pittsburgh Penguins/NHL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandabukowski, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.

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