Overview and Gameplay
Wayne Gretzky’s name fronts an overhead ice hockey game adapted from Bethesda’s earlier computer title. The NES version focuses on skating, passing, shooting, checking, penalties, faceoffs, and team positioning from a top-down rink view.
Players can set the period length, game speed, and match type. Practice mode reduces pressure with fewer skaters and no penalties, Normal mode uses three periods and sudden-death overtime, and Playoff mode continues overtime until a winning goal is scored.
Controls And Mechanics
- The player controls the flashing skater and can switch to another teammate.
- Passing, shooting, faceoff play, and checking are central actions.
- Positioning matters because chasing the puck with one skater can leave the team exposed.
- The game supports head-to-head two-player play.
- Two players can also play on the same team against the computer.
Version Notes
This is the licensed USA NES release published by THQ. It is a console adaptation of Bethesda’s computer hockey game, which first appeared on Amiga.
Release And Credits
- Release year: 1991
- Developer: Bethesda Softworks
- Publisher: THQ
- Original platform: Amiga
