NHL 98 Overview
NHL 98 is a hockey simulation for the Sega Genesis that presents matches with a televised broadcast aesthetic. During stoppages in play, the camera zooms in on athletes while relevant statistics are displayed on screen.
Its visual presentation was enhanced over earlier versions, with player models appearing less angular. Support for 3Dfx technology resulted in textures with fewer visible pixels. The commentary team consists of Jim Hughson and Darryl Reaugh, who provide new lines of analysis.
Gameplay operates at a quicker pace and is more polished, partly due to a control scheme utilizing four action keys. This change eliminated the previous necessity to double-tap buttons for certain maneuvers. Strategic options were expanded with the inclusion of adjustable "in-the-fly" tactics designed by Colorado Avalanche coach Marc Crawford.
Reflecting the debut of professional players in Olympic hockey that year, the title introduced a genuine international competition mode featuring eighteen national teams. Other available modes include full or shortened Seasons and customizable Playoff series, alongside a dedicated Penalty Shootout option.
