NHL 94

MISSING USA

MISSING JP

Widely regarded as the high-water mark for 16-bit sports titles, NHL 94 on the Mega Drive perfected the formula established by its predecessors. By introducing the iconic "one-timer" shot, EA Sports transformed the flow of the game into a fast-paced, strategic battle that rewarded timing and spatial awareness. The fluidity of the skating and the responsiveness of the d-pad controls created an experience that felt remarkably close to the frantic energy of a real power play, cementing its status as a mandatory addition to any retro collection.

Visually, the game pushed the hardware with detailed sprites and a vibrant, clear presentation of the rink. The inclusion of authentic NHL team licenses and the legendary Ron Barr intro sequences added a layer of televised professionalism that was rare for the era. While some purists lamented the removal of the fighting mechanic from the previous year’s entry, the trade-off was a more refined engine that prioritized skill, passing lanes, and the nuanced "Manual Goalie" mode which added a high-stakes layer to defensive play.

The enduring legacy of NHL 94 lies in its accessibility; it remains one of the few sports simulations that is as much fun for a novice as it is for a veteran. Despite the influx of other genres during the mid-90s, such as the puzzle game Zoop—which was released in the UK in 1995 but never saw a Japanese Mega Drive release—the arcade-style purity of this hockey sim remained the gold standard for multiplayer sessions. Even decades later, the satisfaction of hearing the digital crowd roar after a blue-line slap shot remains an unmatched dopamine hit for fans of the genre.

DID YOU KNOW?

The "one-timer" was so revolutionary that it was actually a bug-turned-feature during development, and the game famously gained pop-culture immortality after being featured in the 1996 cult classic film *Swingers*.

96%

JOYPAD'S VERDICT

NHL 94 is a masterclass in sports game design that perfectly balances arcade speed with genuine tactical depth. It remains the absolute definitive hockey experience on the 16-bit platform and a blueprint for the modern sports genre.

No content yet.

Manual Goalie Control

To take full control of your goalie rather than letting the AI handle him, hold A + B + C and press START at the Team Selection screen. You can also toggle this in the "Controller Configuration" menu during a game.

Disable Crowd Noise

If you want to play in a silent arena (only hearing the skates and puck), hold + A + B + C on Controller 2 while the game is booting (during the EA Sports logo).

The "Weight Glitch" Strategy

In NHL '94, the "Weight Bug" is a legendary secret. Due to a programming error, lighter players are actually harder to knock and are significantly more agile than heavy players. To exploit this, always stack your lines with players like Jeremy Roenick or Theoren Fleury, as their lower weight values make them virtually unstoppable.

Instant Penalty Shot

During a breakaway, if you are hooked from behind and don't get a shot off, you are guaranteed a penalty shot. To "force" this, slow slightly when a defender is behind you to bait the hook animation.

Infinite Time (Clock Never Runs)

AJ4A-AA56

Home Team Starts with 1 Goal

AKHA-AA5C

Away Team Starts with 1 Goal

AKHT-AA4L

Each Goal Counts as 2

P0HA-BJX0

Period Ends After 1 Minute

AF4A-AAB0

Stop Period Clock Completely

RE4A-A6T6

Always Win Faceoffs

AD7T-AAGL

Super Speed Skating (Both Teams)

BB9A-AR7W

The "Crease Glitch" (The Ultimate Goal)

This is the most famous exploit in the game. Skate horizontally across the top of the crease (from one face-off circle to the other). As soon as the goalie slides to follow you, shoot back across the direction he is moving. The AI goalie cannot transition back fast enough, resulting in a 99% success rate goal.

Shattered Glass Secret

To trigger the rare shattered glass animation, you must take a powerful "One-Timer" or "Slap Shot" from the point (near the blue line) that misses the net and hits the glass directly behind the goalie. This is more likely to happen if the player has a high Shot Power stat.

Infinite Replay Loop

During an Instant Replay, hold C to play the footage. If you rapidly tap the Directional Pad in a circular motion while holding B (Rewind), the camera will glitch and lock onto a specific player's head, allowing you to view the arena from a "First Person" perspective until you exit the replay.

The "Wraparound" Goalie Freeze

Skate behind the net and stay there for 2 seconds. The AI goalie will often "stick" to one post. Quickly wrap around to the opposite side and tap B for a soft shot; the goalie will remain frozen on the original post.

No content yet.