Overview and Gameplay
Hit the Ice uses two skaters and a goalie per team in fast arcade-style hockey matches. Teams pass, shoot, check, fight, and use charged super shots to push the puck through the opposing goal. Match settings include adjustable period lengths and five team-strength levels.
Quest Mode adds an overhead world map with six stadiums, shops, houses, random hockey encounters, money, experience, and player attributes. A selected team must defeat the other five clubs to win the VHL championship. Victories award money and experience, while shops sell food and power drinks that support progression.
Controls And Mechanics
The directional pad moves and aims. A passes while carrying the puck and performs a sliding save as the goalie. B shoots, charges a super shot, or checks an opponent without the puck. Start pauses play.
Power drinks temporarily strengthen the trailing team. Bottles trip skaters, octopuses restrain them, and fights use repeated button presses. Two players can compete simultaneously or cooperate against the computer, while four-player team matches use a compatible controller adapter.
Version Notes
This cancelled NES prototype is the earlier preserved build, known as Prototype A. It includes the full hockey modes and the NES-exclusive Quest Mode but never received a retail cartridge release.
Release And Credits
- Developer: Taito
- Intended publisher: Taito
- Original platform: Arcade
