NHL 96

NHL 96 is the first entry in the series to feature real-time three-dimensional graphics through the DOS version's "Virtual Stadium" technology.The game also features improved and adjustable opponent artificial intelligence, a previously-barred ability to engage in physical fights, new moves such as the spin-o-rama, and general enhancements to the visual animations and audio.NHL 96 was met with critical acclaim, with reviewers commending the game's improved opponent AI, fluid graphics, and added gameplay features.In addition to the cycling of lines being performed manually or automatically before each face-off, the ability of the players to fatigue can be toggled on or off in the main menu.[11] This reversal of policy was brought about by a determined appeal from EA Canada and on the condition that the fights were limited to one or two times per game.[11][13][14] The game's audio incorporates crowd chants and organ tunes specific to the stadium being played,[13][15] and features the 2 Unlimited song "Get Ready for This" as a musical track.[16] The cover of the game features Steve Yzerman and Scott Stevens, then team captains of 1995 Stanley Cup finalists the Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils respectively.[33] A critic for Next Generation commented that the game took the basics of NHL 95, "arguably the best sports simulation product ever",[30] and added new features which served to only improve upon the gameplay of the series.[29] Air Hendrix of GamePro gave the Genesis version a resoundingly positive review, applauding the new moves, the return of the fighting feature, the improved opponent AI, and the fluidly animated player sprites.[27] Video Cowboy and the Iceman of Electronic Gaming Monthly also gave their approval of the Genesis version, particularly praising the improved opponent AI.[6] Reviewing the DOS version, Todd Vaughn of PC Gamer praised the game's detailed graphics (particularly when higher resolutions are enabled), realistic and challenging gameplay, and modem-enabled multiplayer capability, though noted that not all of the game's camera angles were optimal for gameplay, and that the system requirements were steep.[39] NPD Group analyst Mat Piscatella reported that the SNES version of NHL 96 was the third highest-selling retro title of April 2018.
An example of gameplay in the DOS version; the player is currently in control of Dean McAmmond of the Edmonton Oilers . Through the DOS version's "Virtual Stadium" technology, NHL 96 is the first entry in the series to feature real-time 3D graphics.
Scott StevensSteve YzermanDeveloper(s)EA TiburonEA CanadaProbe EntertainmentPublisher(s)EA SportsProducer(s)Designer(s)Programmer(s)Composer(s)Jeff van DyckDavid WhittakerBrian L. SchmidtNHL seriesEnginePlatform(s)Sega GenesisGame BoyGenre(s)Sports (ice hockey)Single-playermultiplayersports video gameice hockeyartificial intelligenceDean McAmmondEdmonton Oilers1994–95 NHL seasonpoke check, and body checkGoaliesface-offpenalty boxroughinginstant replayswingertime-outPlayoffsexhibition gamepenalty shotJohn Madden Football '93NHL '94NHL 95FIFA Soccer 96sports cardDonruss2 UnlimitedGet Ready for This1995 Stanley Cup finalistsDetroit Red WingsNew Jersey Devils1995–96 NHL seasonGame GearPlayStationElectronic Gaming MonthlyGameProGameSpotNext GenerationPC Gamer (US)Game PlayersBlockbuster VideoComputer Games Strategy PlusNPD GroupPC GamerImagineZiff DavisBusiness WireImagine MediaComputer Games MagazineNHL HockeyNHLPA Hockey '933 on 3 NHL ArcadeNHL SlapshotBrind'AmourRichterMollerSandströmKovalevMcLeanStevensYzermanVanbiesbrouckForsbergLindrosProngerLemieuxIginlaHeatleyNäslundLecavalierOvechkinPhaneufStamkosGirouxBrodeurBergeronTarasenkoMcDavidSubbanMatthewsZegrasQ. HughesJ. HughesL. Hughes