This list has one hockey game per series, per console generation, and we’re counting anything from the 16-bit days up to the PS4 generation.
1. NHL 21
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Released in 2020 by EA Sports
This is currently the most recent NHL game I’ve played, and it’s also the best, with slight improvements on EA’s awesome hockey engine that they’d been honing for years. It’s got the trademark skill stick control, crystal clear graphics, deep and nuanced hockey logic, furious action, and all the options you need. Full review: NHL 21
2. NHL Legacy Edition
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Released in 2015 by EA Sports
EA cooked up some awesome simulation hockey in this generation, using their brilliant analog control scheme, well-tuned hockey logic, striking graphics, and a ton of options. Full Review: NHL Legacy Edition
3. NHL ’94
Sega Genesis
Released in 1993 by EA Sports
Should be no surprise, NHL ’94 is one of the most beloved video games of all time, of any genre. It’s so simple to pick up, yet packs long-lasting fun. It’s the game with the magic recipe. Full Review: NHL ’94
4. NHL Hitz 2003
PlayStation 2, Xbox
Released in 2002 by Midway
This one might be a surprise, but I urge you to give it a shot. It’s got frenetic, hard-hitting arcade gameplay with more depth and strategy than you’d expect, plus tons of nice touches and great presentation. It’s a blast. Full Review: NHL Hitz 2003
5. NHL 07
PlayStation 2, Xbox
Released in 2006 by EA Sports
NHL 07 is sort of an oddity in the PS2/Xbox era, with some unusual controls that may have been a total experiment, but I find it extremely enjoyable, somewhere between arcade and sim.
Full Review: NHL 07
6. Super Blood Hockey
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam
Released in 2017 (Steam) and 2019 (PS4, Xbox One) by Loren Lemcke and Digerati
This downloadable indie game is a surprisingly exciting round of old-school hockey. It’s got heart-pounding action, tons of charm, and even one of the weirdest franchise modes ever. Full review: Super Blood Hockey
7. NHL 2K6
PlayStation 2, Xbox
Released in 2005 by 2K Sports
2K’s NHL series was filled with potential, yet it never quite delivered an all-around great game. Still, the 2K6 version earns its spot on this list with its gritty take on simulation hockey. Full Review: NHL 2K6
8. NHL Open Ice: 2-on-2 Challenge
PlayStation 1
Released in 1995 by Midway
If you want your hockey extremely fast and extremely simple, Open Ice 2-on-2 is the way to go. This game never got much credit back in its day, but it’s become a treasured, high-priced game in recent times. Full Review: NHL Open Ice: 2-on-2 Challenge
9. NHL FaceOff
PlayStation 1
Released in 1995 by Sony
Sony’s first attempt at hockey may be very primitive, but it’s still fun to play every now and then today. Full Review: NHL FaceOff
Published May 28, 2020
Updated July 18, 2023
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