During the 16-bit console wars there were few exclusive titles. Most developers, wary of getting on juggernaut Nintendo’s bad side, developed games for both Genesis and SNES. Nintendo’s system was graphically more powerful than the Genesis, but Sega had a big head start with a much earlier release date than Nintendo’s 16-bit console.

I mention this because in the world of 16-bit hockey games, NHL ‘94 on SNES reigns supreme. It’s only bested by the power hungry, PC version that required a 486 to run. Gameplay and presentation wise, SNES NHL ‘94 nearly mirrored the PC version. One of the few things missing was the lack of digitized voices and arena announcer, which PC NHL ‘94 had.

Gameplay options mirror that of the Genesis version. However, even from the setup screen, the visual upgrades are clear. You’ll find sharper graphics in the logos and a wickedly clear soundtrack compared to Genesis’ somewhat cloudy audio playback.

It’s clear that this game had much more polish compared to the Genesis version which felt somewhat gritty when compared to this one.

The level of detail in the scoreboard design is sweet. While the board itself isn’t much to look at, notice the extra details in the penalty box and time/score keeper’s box. The audience in the background and on-ice are much more animated and generally feel alive.

The pay-off comes together with the on-ice gameplay. Players skate and glide smoothly and move like hockey players should. Change directions abruptly and you’ll find chips of ice fly up in the air. The tight controls are nearly flawless and you’ll easily pull off one move after another.

Passing though, is really really hard. Your target must almost be facing you, as the AI controlled players don’t have the intelligence enough to see a pass coming when they’re facing the wrong way. It’s okay though, as passing in real hockey requires practice and communication. Somehow, I doubt the AI players talk to each other here.

One-timers are equally hard to execute. Setting up is easy to do, and you can even mix in a drop pass if you do it right. Lightly tapping on the pass button in the key here. However, potting a one-timer is really hard, but makes netting it so much more fulfilling.

Player control feels right. Skill players get to their top gear more quickly than the goons of the game. But the brutes are tough to knock down and will build up steam as they trudge ahead. There’s enough balance that when you pass the puck to lesser skilled player, you feel the difference right away.

The ice surface looks appropriately white-ish blue and provides an excellent contrast to pick-up classic 16-bit animations and details. You’ll see a lot here, everything but the ads on the boards.

Like all NHL ‘XX games in the 16-bit era, “The Move” is here. Move one way to pull the goalie slightly and shoot the other…instant goal.

Instant replay is a huge part of this game, especially when playing head-to-head. Use it wisely, otherwise an easy pick-up game between two friends can quickly boil over to real punches. Fighting is removed in this version as with several versions of NHL ‘XX post ‘93, but that doesn’t stop your buddy from evening the score if you show him up too many times on replay.

Still, pull off a sweet backhander like I just did above, and it’s more than worth it to watch, over and over and over and over and over…

Sound is well balanced here. You’ll have crowd noises and grunts of players checking into each other. Even the “clang” off the goal post is much more of a clang than a “thud” as in the Genesis version.

Beyond the sound, controls, gameplay, presentation, there’s the plain simple fun-factor. If you enjoy hockey, then you will love this game. NHL ‘94 on SNES is by far the best version of hockey in the 16-bit era.

For classic 16-bit action, this is one of the best titles. You’ll find all the little animations and touches that make 16-bit gaming so much fun. Just like in real hockey…there ain’t nothin’ like scoring a hat-trick!

Go Sabres!

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