NHL 98 (PS1 PLAYSTATION)

NHL 98 features much faster and more refined gameplay (now using four action keys instead of two, removing the need to double-tap to perform certain actions), along with other new features such as "to the volley" developed by then Colorado Avalanche manager Marc Crawford and new commentary lines from Jim Hughson and Darryl Reaugh and a reworked interface. Graphics are improved over the previous version, with players being less angular, and thanks to 3Dfx support, with fewer pixels appearing in textures. The in-game presentation follows a TV-style script, zooming in on players while displaying stats during clock stops.

As for game modes, the year of the first Olympic tournament with professional players, NHL 98 introduced the first truly international competition, with 18 international teams to choose from. Other game modes include Season (option to choose between 25 or 82 games) and Playoff (best of 1, 3, 5 or 7 games) and a Penalty Shootout mode.