NHL 94

PRESS START

An Introduction To Today’s Game

NHL 94.

Released in 1993 for the Sega Genesis, this third entry in EA's hockey series didn't just refine the formula. It cracked the code.

You don’t need to know what the blue line is. You don’t need to understand icing. You couldn’t name a single player if you tried. Maybe hockey has never clicked for you at all.

Doesn’t matter.

Because NHL 94 isn’t about knowing hockey. It’s about feeling it.

The speed, the chaos, the split-second decisions that somehow turn into something beautiful. Within minutes, you’re not thinking about rules or strategy. You’re reacting, anticipating, chasing that perfect moment where everything connects.

And when it does, you’ll get it.

Over 30 years later and this game is still considered by many to be the best hockey game ever. And replaying it today, I can see why.

BEHIND THE PIXELS

Let’s Dive Into The Game

NHL 94 is a top-down ice hockey simulation where you control NHL teams through exhibition games, playoffs, best-of-seven series, or shootout mode. Sadly the season mode didn’t come until next year and it’s the biggest thing missing in this version.

It's an arcade-style sports game that prioritizes fast, accessible gameplay over simulation depth.

The genius lies in the control scheme. Two buttons handle everything: one for passing and shooting, another for checking and switching players.

That simplicity makes it easy for anyone to pick up a controller and compete within minutes.

The game builds on the foundation laid by NHLPA Hockey '93, keeping the beloved vertical camera angle that gave players better strategic visibility than the side-scrolling hockey games of the era.

The 2D sprite-based graphics don't dazzle by today's standards, but they're clean and functional. Players glide across the ice with smooth animations, and when you miss the net with a slap shot, the glass shatters.

Little details make this shine. Like a kid in the stands who occasionally walks up and bangs on the glass or the zamboni cleaning the ice between periods. These small touches add personality without overcomplicating things.

What separates NHL 94 from its predecessors is the one-timer. This authentic hockey move lets you fire a shot directly off a pass, and it's devastatingly effective. So effective, in fact, that it became the preferred scoring method for most players.

Goalies can be beaten, but they're not pushovers. You'll need to set up plays, use your teammates, and find openings. Defensive play feels satisfying too, with harder body checks and new animations that make stopping breakaways rewarding.

The audio stands out. Each team has its own organ music, from the Hartford Whalers' "Brass Bonanza" to the Chicago Blackhawks' "Here Come the Hawks."

These tracks play after goals and between periods, giving each matchup a unique flavor. The crowd noise reacts to the action, and the sound of skates cutting across ice sells the atmosphere.

There's no play-by-play commentary, but the game doesn't need it. The presentation stays focused on the action.

You can save your records, which was a welcome addition in 1993. Line changes can be set to manual or automatic.

Penalties can be toggled on or off. The game gives you enough options to customize your experience without drowning you in menus. Four-player support via the EA Sports 4-Way Play adapter turned NHL 94 into a social event, perfect for dorm rooms and basements.

The Tech newsletter for Engineers who want to stay ahead

Tech moves fast, but you're still playing catch-up?

That's exactly why 200K+ engineers working at Google, Meta, and Apple read The Code twice a week.

Here's what you get:

• Curated tech news that shapes your career - Filtered from thousands of sources so you know what's coming 6 months early.

• Practical resources you can use immediately - Real tutorials and tools that solve actual engineering problems.

• Research papers and insights decoded - We break down complex tech so you understand what matters.

All delivered twice a week in just 2 short emails.

Join 200K+ engineers

GAME INFORMATION

WHERE TO PLAY

• NHL 94 Rewind was originally a preorder bonus for NHL 21 and was later released separately.

• Emulation and the original cartridge.

• Original Copies of the Game (All prices in USD)

  • Loose: $10

  • Complete: $18

  • New/Sealed: $46

COVER ART

RETRO NEWS

Neo Geo+ AES Pre-Orders Now Live Ahead Of November Launch
Secure SNK’s new hardware revival with multiple bundles and accessory options available. Read more here

Fan-Built Pokédex Brings Anime Fantasy To Life With Real Hardware
Custom device uses camera and Raspberry Pi to identify Pokémon like the show. Read more here

Obscure 1990 Famicom Strategy Game Finally Releases Outside Japan
Koei’s Ishin no Arashi arrives on modern platforms for first time globally. Read more here

Tired of Thinning Hair? This Shampoo Fixes It

Most shampoos weren't built for thinning hair. Particle was. SLS-free, salt-free, paraben-free — a science-backed formula that rebuilds from root to tip and makes hair look and feel fuller over time. No complicated routine. Thirty-day money-back guarantee. 20% off and free shipping with the code BH20.

Upgrade Your Routine — Risk-Free

GAME OVER

Why You Should Play This

NHL 94 still deserves your time, but go in with realistic expectations. If you're chasing the exact rush you felt in 1993, you might be disappointed. The animations feel stiff compared to modern standards. The AI teammates can frustrate you, especially if you leave offside turned on. The learning curve exists, even if the controls are simple.

But once the old-school mechanics click, the appeal becomes obvious. The one-timer remains satisfying. The two-button simplicity lets you focus on strategy instead of memorizing complex button combos. Breaking the glass never gets old. There's a purity to the design that modern sports games, with their microtransactions, ultimate teams and seasonal content, have lost.

You can experience NHL 94 through emulators with online play, or grab NHL 94 Rewind on PlayStation or Xbox if you want modern rosters with classic gameplay.

The original Genesis cartridge still works if you've got the hardware. The SNES version is amazing as well, just slightly less smooth with its gameplay.

However you play it, you're stepping into a piece of gaming history.

It just feels good to go back to a sports game that’s just pure fun and not complicated with ultimate team bs modern games shove down your throats.

Play it. Not because it's perfect, but because it understood what made hockey fun and refused to overcomplicate things. That's a lesson worth remembering, even if your one-timers aren't as sharp as they used to be.

SUPPORT

This is a passion project made with love, and every open or read means the world.
If you’d like to show extra support, you can use the button below.

RETRO HARDWARE

The Miyoo Flip V2 is a tiny clamshell retro handheld that lets you carry a whole library of classic games in your pocket. With a bright screen, solid controls, and the nostalgic flip design we all remember, it’s perfect for quick gaming sessions anywhere. Click the picture to check it out. My readers can use the following code for a 12% discount: NY12

Our merch shop is online! Check out the new designs below.