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NHL Hockey (USA, Europe)

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About NHL Hockey

Game Gear
Sports
5· 0 votes

NHL Hockey is an ice hockey simulation published by EA Sports for the Sega Game Gear. It arrived in 1991 alongside the 16-bit versions, bringing a condensed but faithful take on the sport to Sega's handheld. The Game Gear port retains the core gameplay of its console siblings, offering a portable way to play as real NHL teams from the early 90s. On the ice, you control five skaters plus a goalie, moving them with the D-pad and using buttons to pass, shoot, and check opponents. The game simulates face-offs, penalties, and line changes, though the smaller screen means a tighter field of view. Matches play out in three periods, with the objective being to outscore the opposing team before the clock runs out. For a handheld sports title, NHL Hockey delivers a solid experience that captures the pace of console hockey. It's a straightforward port that doesn't add new features, but it's one of the better sports games on Game Gear. If you enjoy retro hockey games and want a quick match on the go, this is worth trying.

GAME INFO

Platform: Game Gear
Genre: Sports
Publisher: EA Sports
Region: USA, Europe

How to play NHL Hockey online

Getting Started

When you boot up NHL Hockey, you'll be taken to a title screen. Press Start to proceed to the team selection menu. Use the D-pad to choose a team from the available NHL squads, then confirm your choice. You can also set the game length and difficulty before starting.

The core loop is simple: win face-offs, pass the puck to open teammates, take shots on goal, and defend your own net. The A button shoots, the B button passes or checks, and the D-pad controls movement. Pay attention to the on-ice indicators for puck possession and player stamina. The game uses a top-down perspective similar to the console versions.

If this is your first time, start on an easier difficulty to get used to the controls. The Game Gear's smaller screen means you'll need to watch the radar or keep an eye on off-screen players. Penalties are called for tripping, hooking, and other infractions, so play cleanly unless you want to be short-handed.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: Button 1
S: Button 2
Enter: Start / Pause

NHL Hockey FAQ

Who developed NHL Hockey?

Electronic Arts developed NHL Hockey under the EA Sports label. The game was created by the same team that worked on the Genesis and PC versions.

Is there anything iconic or memorable about NHL Hockey?

This was the first entry in what would become a long-running NHL series for EA Sports. On Game Gear, it stands out as a capable portable adaptation of a console sports title, a rarity at the time.

What type of game is NHL Hockey?

It is a sports simulation that focuses on realistic ice hockey rules and team play. Players control skaters and a goalie in a five-on-five match with penalties and face-offs.