Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey |
Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey is an ice hockey video game created and released by Atari Games for arcade machines in 1996. A version for the Nintendo 64 was launched almost simultaneously on November 15, 1996, marking the platform’s first title to support four players, arriving more than a month before Mario Kart’s debut in Japan. This game was succeeded by Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98, which also appeared on the PlayStation and laid the groundwork for Olympic Hockey Nagano '98.
Gameplay
In contrast to the more authentic simulation approach of Electronic Arts’ NHL franchise, Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey focuses on an arcade-style experience featuring exaggerated actions such as "power saves," "power shots," and "power checks" that trigger dramatic visual effects like the goal catching fire or an ambulance rushing across the screen. Matches are characterized by high scores and intense fights, with an optional simulation mode available for players desiring a more realistic experience. The game allows users to create profiles and monitors essential player and team statistics, including goals, assists, and victories.
Development
This title was the second installment in a three-year licensing agreement involving Wayne Gretzky, following the release of Wayne Gretzky and the NHLPA All-Stars. To produce lifelike skating animations, Gretzky was filmed from various perspectives to develop precise 3D character models. The arcade edition ran on hardware centered around the Voodoo Graphics chipset and was offered either as a dedicated arcade cabinet or as a JAMMA-compatible conversion kit.
The Nintendo 64 version initially planned to feature fatalities following fights; however, these were removed by Midway prior to release. Originally scheduled for publication by Time Warner Interactive, the rights were transferred first to Williams Entertainment and subsequently to Midway Home Entertainment after WMS acquired Atari Games.
Reception
Next Generation commended Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey as a benchmark arcade hockey title, emphasizing its realistic physics engine, diverse gameplay modes, comprehensive licensing agreements, detailed statistics tracking, and extensive move set. The inclusion of a "Burst" button was highlighted for maintaining fluid gameplay by preventing the puck from becoming stuck.
Critical response to the Nintendo 64 edition was mixed. Reviewers generally praised the polygonal graphics and successful adaptation of arcade gameplay,[1][2][3][4] but criticized the single-player mode due to underwhelming artificial intelligence.[1][3][4] Although a simulation mode was present, it did not fully satisfy fans seeking authentic hockey realism.[2][3][4] GamePro summarized that while fast-paced, straightforward hockey might appeal to casual players and friends, it lacks the depth and longevity found in EA’s NHL series or Sony’s Faceoff '97.[4]</ref> Similarly, Next Generation noted that although serious hockey enthusiasts might find the realism lacking, those who enjoy multiplayer action, rapid arcade-style play, and in-game fights would find it entertaining.[3] Conversely, Tom Ham of GameSpot regarded the absence of an authentic simulation mode as inconsequential and praised the engaging 64-bit gameplay.
Both Ham and GamePro expressed dissatisfaction with the repetitive nature of the audio commentary,[2][4] whereas Joe Rybicki from Electronic Gaming Monthly considered having an announcer impressive for a cartridge-based title.[1]
See also
References
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External links
- Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey on MobyGames
- Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey featured at the Killer List of Videogames