Sega Genesis
Released in 1994 by Tecmo
Grade: D-
Tecmo’s first and only foray into hockey aims for an easily accessible sim with some arcade flair, but the poor thing is bogged down by finicky controls, sluggish movement, and one-dimensional logic.
Where it falls in the series
It’s the one and only. The planned SNES counterpart was canceled.
Gripes
This game uses a retro-style side-scrolling view and cartoony cutscenes, just like the classic Tecmo Super Bowl, but neither element gives this game the zippy presentation Tecmo is known for.
Before every faceoff, we watch a close-up of two tough guys lining up (always the SAME two tough guys), and then ANOTHER close-up of their sticks hacking at the puck. Other cutscenes include big body checks (interrupting the flow of the game just when you’re ready to go scoop up the puck) or a big slap shot (resulting in a floaty puck harmlessly lofted toward the net).
The side view may have charm, but it can make passing lanes hard to see, it reveals just how sluggish the skating is (you’ll be screaming “Go! Skate! Skate, you bum!”), and there’s awful collision detection around the net that makes the entire area feel like quicksand.
Once you do get your player moving, the game might feel smooth for just a second until you try a pass or shot (both slightly delayed, ugh!) or until you end up in a crowd of players, usually followed by choppy slowdown (say it ain’t so!).
Don’t even bother trying to outsmart this game with proper teamwork and clever passing sequences. Just unleash as many shots as you can. It seems random which ones go in.
Defense is agitating as well, with a delayed “switch player” control and a mushy-feeling body check that only makes contact because of the shoddy collision detection. Be sure to toggle the penalties off, because otherwise every hit will put your team on the penalty kill.
Don’t be fooled by the Tecmo name on this one, folks. The charms get old fast and the action only feels playable for a moment at a time.
Published July 23, 2023