Hat Trick (Europe)
Getting to Know Hat Trick (Europe)
Hat Trick is an arcade-style ice hockey game that came to the Atari 7800 in Europe during the late 1980s. Originally developed by Bally Midway for arcades in 1984, this home port brought fast-paced two-on-two hockey to the console. The Atari 7800 version was published by Atari Corp. and is one of the few sports titles available for the system.
Players control a single skater on an overhead rink, working with a computer-controlled teammate to advance the puck and score goals. The game uses a simple control scheme: move your player with the d-pad, press a button to shoot or pass, and switch between your two skaters when needed. The puck slides along the ice with physics that feel satisfyingly arcade-like, and you can check opponents to steal possession. Matches are short, with a timer counting down, and the team with the most goals wins.
Hat Trick is a solid, no-frills hockey game that captures the essence of the arcade original. While it lacks the complexity of later hockey titles, its pick-up-and-play nature makes it a fun diversion, especially for fans of classic sports games. It stands as a competent port that fills a niche in the Atari 7800 library, offering competitive two-player action and a glimpse into the era's arcade conversions.
How to Play Hat Trick (Europe) Online
Getting Started
In Hat Trick, you control a hockey player in a two-on-two match. Your goal is to score more goals than the opponent before the timer runs out. The game starts with a face-off; use the d-pad to move your skater around the rink. Press the X button (A) to shoot the puck toward the net, and the S button (B) to pass to your teammate or perform a body check. You can switch control between your two skaters by pressing V (Select), which is useful for positioning your goalie or attacking player.
The core loop is straightforward: gain possession of the puck, skate toward the opponent's goal, and shoot. You can also intercept passes and check opponents to win the puck back. There are no power-ups or special moves, just raw hockey action. For two-player mode, a second player can join using the same keyboard or a connected controller. Press Enter to start the game and choose your side. The fast pace and simple controls make it easy to pick up and play a quick match.
Hat Trick (Europe) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: Joystick
- X: Button 1
- S: Button 2
- Enter: Pause
- V: Select
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