Hi there! As a longtime hockey fan and PC gaming enthusiast, I‘ve played just about every hockey video game out there. Lately I‘ve noticed a decline in major new NHL-based releases on computer. Fortunately, a bunch of indie developers have been picking up the slack with a great selection of hockey titles in different styles.
In this guide, I‘ll showcase 6 of the top hockey video games you can currently play on PC. I‘ve tried them all extensively, so I can provide detailed insights into every aspect like controls, modes and technical elements underneath. My goal is to equip you with everything needed to decide which virtual hockey experience might suit you best!
Overview
Hockey games have been popular across consoles and computers for over 50 years, with the first video hockey title actually released back in 1972. Through the 90s and 2000s, multiple high-quality series like NHL, ESPN NHL Hockey and NHL Hitz prospered on PCs.
However in recent times, major publishers have focused hockey releases almost exclusively on PlayStation and Xbox. EA‘s NHL series last hit PC in 2009, leaving a void for hockey fans on computers.
Thankfully, a range of independent developers have picked up the slack delivering a wonderful variety of hockey experiences tailored for PC gamers. Ranging from close NHL approximations to whimsical arcade fare and management simulations, they fill every possible niche.
I‘ve compiled this list of my top 6 favorite current hockey titles available for PC across genres. Whether you enjoy the franchise building of Eastside Hockey Manager or frenetic brawling action of Bush League Hockey, there‘s something perfect for you!
I‘ll be drawing on in-depth personal testing experience with transparent sourcing from expert reviews and user feedback. You can expect hands-on analysis of every meaningful element including controls, physics, modes, overall gameplay and more. Time to drop the puck on this guide to amazing virtual hockey on PCs!
#1: NHL 09
Released back in 2008, NHL 09 stands the test of time as the most realistic, authentic hockey recreation on PC. Boasting official licensing from the NHL and NHL Player‘s Association, it features fully accurate teams, logos and real-world players. Developer EA Canada‘s technical prowess manifests in smoothly polished gameplay capturing the fluidity of skating across the ice.
Controlling your players with keyboard or gamepad feels intuitive, with accessible Skills Stick handling adding fun wrist/slap shot variation to your offensive arsenal. Checking, poke checking and shot blocking are similarly natural defensive maneuvers. NHL 09 introduces the superb Be A Pro mode, casting you as a rising phenom guiding through the minor leagues enroute to NHL stardom. It all combines for an unparalleled simulation-quality experience that GameSpot rated a terrific 9/10 amidst 2009 critical acclaim.
With full Dynasty Mode support for Europe‘s elite leagues, you can steer your club to domestic and continental success. The Franchise Mode stands out too for letting you micromanage every front office aspect like ticket/merchandise pricing while recruiting staff. I‘m a big fan of the online versus multiplayer too which runs smoothly even today. Sure, some compatibility quirks exist running on modern hardware but NHL 09 plays phenomenally otherwise. For the highest quality virtual hockey action outside of PS/Xbox, this remains my top choice.
Key Features
- Officially licensed NHL/NHLPA content with real teams/players
- Intuitive control system eased by Skills Stick puck handling
- Be A Pro mode guides custom rookie through career
- Complete modes like online multiplayer, franchise and dynasty
- Superb gameplay flow and physics engine brings ice to life
Reception
- 9/10 GameSpot score amidst critical acclaim
- "Spectacular gameplay", "Most realistic hockey sim ever" per reviews
#2: Slapshot: Rebound
Looking for an uncompromisingly realistic hockey simulation? Slapshot: Rebound offers exactly that through a meticulously designed physics system capturing the true-to-life weight and momentum of players/puck. Rather than assisted magnetism to the puck you get with some games, everything here behaves realistically. Just reaching the puck is an achievement with well-implemented friction – landing checks, shots and passes takes genuine skill.
It‘s refreshing how penalty calls factor game flow and the ingeniously designed AI challenges you constantly. Between authentic stick handling and shooting, bone-crunching checks, penalty kills and tense sudden death overtimes, Slapshot: Rebound gets hockey‘s risk-reward cycle spot on. Precision passing allowing one-timers and deflections heightens the ebb-and-flow satisfaction when you occasionally light the lamp.
With solo offerings currently limited pending full release, multiplayer is a key draw bolstered through Steam Workshop‘s custom team option. Despite being labelled "the Dark Souls of hockey games" for its challenge, dedicating practice to learn Slapshot: Rebound‘s intricacies pays off hugely. When everything clicks, this is arguably the most fulfilling virtual hockey on PC right now, evident by Very Positive 93% user reviews.
Key Features:
- Highly realistic physics system governs puck/player behavior
- Challenging gameplay extremely rewarding once mastered
- Elaborate AI closely mimics human behavior
- Local multiplayer and Steam Workshop integration
- Accurate rules enforcement including penalty frequency
Reception
- "Very Positive" 93% user score on Steam
- Considered one of most realistic hockey video games
#3: Super Blood Hockey
Offering a gory twist on classic arcade hockey, Super Blood Hockey differentiates through ultra-violent, punk rock visuals and gameplay. The beautiful pixel art style fuses ice hockey‘s grittiness with over-the-top fighting as players regularly pummel each other bloody between plays. It‘s a blast to charge opponents for huge hits while racking up penalties during epic brawls. Such edgy flourishes built on accessible, enjoyable core hockey make Super Blood Hockey incredibly fun.
Five varied game modes provide extensive gameplay depth too. The straightforward Exhibition lets you instantly experience the mayhem while Challenge mode tasks you with increasing difficult scenarios. But I spend most time in the engaging Franchise where you manage a team across multiple seasons through drafting, trades etc. Individual player development via levelling up stats keeps things fresh every campaign. With a pumping 16-bit soundtrack underscoring the coerhsive retro styling, presentation totally delivers.
Expect responsive arcade-style controls familiarizing quickly whether on keyboard or gamepad – basic deking, shooting and hitting mechanics learned fast make newcomers comfortable. Yet there‘s enough nuance around strategizing lines or player builds to satisfy hockey aficionados. Despite some optimzation and technical hiccups, Steam reviews praise Super Blood Hockey‘s creativity and depth yielding a Very Positive 92% score. For a refreshingly quirky modern spin on pixelated classic hockey, see what the "blood" buzz is about and try this gem!
Key Features
- Retro pixel art style with extreme violence twist
- 5 game modes providing extensive variety
- 16-bit soundtrack and coherent presentation
- Accessible controls with nuanced depth
- Engaging progression through player development
- Local multiplayer support
Reception
- Very Positive 92% user score on Steam
- Considered one of the most entertaining modern hockey games
#4: Backyard Hockey
Ideal for kids looking to get into hockey basics without frustration, Backyard Hockey by Humongous Entertainment delivers easy fun. Released in 1999, its playful cartoon visuals and animation hold up appealingly. Gameplay centres on neighborhood kids competing across 30 fictitious teams in outdoor makeshift arenas adding to the laidback enjoyment. While lacking real NHL licensing, everything exudes charming originality.
Backyard Hockey truly excels at keeping hockey complexity accessible for young gamers. With simplified rules, the focus stays on having fun rather than technical mastery. Easy pick-up-and-play controls like direct pass/shoot buttons let novice players meaningfully contribute right away. Helpful audio cues guide you while commentary feedback remains upbeat. Late 90s PC Mag praised these aspects helping kids learn while retaining high entertainment – a balance that retains perfectly decades later.
With little concern for penalties, offsides or icing calls disturbing flow, matches stay snappy. Kids can dive straight into the intuitive action while parents need not worry about violence. Three progressively challenging Cup modes mix up objectives like specific scoring tasks, helping sprout mastery organically. Throw in basic role playing from styling player appearance to upgrading key attributes via points and Backyard Hockey becomes a creative, educational experience on top of just exciting hockey against friends or AI.
Key Features
- Colorful cartoonish graphics and original aesthetic
- Intuitive pick-up-and-play control system
- Rule changes simplify hockey for accessibility
- Engaging role playing elements like customization
- Three Cup modes provide dynamic challenges
Reception
- PC Mag praised fun presentation and educational value
#5: Bush Hockey League
For nostalgic virtual hockey blending retro design with contemporary updates, Bush Hockey League is a slam dunk. Visuals evoke PlayStation 2-era graphics while gameplay feels distinctly modern with online multiplayer support. Quick round-robin matches let you sample Bush League‘s essence while deeper Season progression takes you across multiple circuits facing fierce rivals amidst increasing prestige. It bests retro predecessors through integrated fighting directly into the action – any big hits or dirty plays now seamlessly flow into punch-filled brawls with intuitive controls until the referees intervene.
This brilliant innovation modernizing old-school hockey delivers tremendously fun novelty that Steam reviews constantly praise. But even without fisticuffs, Bush Hockey League shines as a polished package for long-time fans or newcomers. Arcade-style handling with simple deking, shooting and passing feels natural whether using keyboard or gamepad. Easy pick-up-and-play controls help anybody dive right in and have fun immediately against human or capable AI competition.
Yet there‘s enough depth between light sim elements around stamina, chemistry plus stat-building from earned XP to attract hockey enthusiasts. Presentation impresses too, from TV-style cutscenes to smooth 60fps performance and thumping soundtrack. Minor balancing and technical polish issues apart, Bush Hockey League provides a nostalgic yet fresh modern take on hockey. Don‘t hesitate to check it out!
Key Features
- PS2-style visuals blended with contemporary design
- Intuitive arcade-style controls for broad accessibility
- Integrated fighting direct into core gameplay
- Good solo/multiplayer variety with deep Season mode
- Light sim elements via XP, stats and strategy
Reception
- Very Positive 86% user score on Steam
- Widely praised seamless integration of melee fights
#6: Eastside Hockey Manager
For the ultimate fantasy hockey general manager experience minus any on-ice action, Eastside Hockey Manager is phenomenally comprehensive. Initially released in 2015, its immense depth modeling a GM‘s multifaceted responsibilities still impresses despite dated interface. You‘re tasked with every organization aspect from roster shakeups, line management, scouting, minor league development down to nitty-gritty training regimens – all impacting match outcomes.
An exhaustively accurate database with over 4,000 real hockey personalities across 50+ global leagues powered by community contributions adds unparalleled authenticity. Whether trading NHL superstars, discovering European prospects or tweaking defensive schematics, details at your fingertips are unbelievable. Yet daunting complexity means patient dedication unraveling downstream cause-and-effect nuances over long campaigns – this is a genuine slow burn simulation rather than instantly gratifying.
But hockey buffs willing to push through the steep learning curve are rewarded by tremendous long-term enjoyment. There‘s tremendous satisfaction nurturing a fledgling club utilizing shrewd asset management into a blossoming powerhouse. Alternatively try steering an established NHL giant to elusive Stanley Cup success. Regardless of your ultimate aim, think of Eastside Hockey Manager as Football Manager for hockey – a niche yet incredibly rich text-based hockey management game.
Key Features
- Sensational depth simulating hockey GM responsibilities
- Enormous database with thousands of real hockey figures
- Micromanage every aspect from tactics to minor league development
- Tremendous long-term replay value
- Online connectivity features leagues and drafts
Reception
- Very Positive 85% lifetime user score on Steam
- Considered the best hockey management video game
Final Thoughts
And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to 6 of my favorite hockey video games currently playable on PC counting down from the incredible NHL 09 down to the one-of-a-kind management challenge of Eastside Hockey Manager!
Hopefully their highlights gave you a helpful overview figuring out your perfect virtual hockey fit based on your individual preferences. Whether desiring supreme authenticity, uncompromising difficulty or just casual popcorn fun, there‘s something here suiting every need.
Despite hockey‘s immense global fandom, few new titles catering to PC gamers release nowadays unless counting indie offerings. So please consider giving the reviewed games above a shot! The more interest builds around well-crafted PC experiences, the likelier chances increase for bigger developers to greenlight polished hockey projects again.
That said, just playing any of the covered games already rewards with wonderful fun times. Now why not grab that controller or keyboard and let‘s hit the virtual ice for some action! Need any other tips, let me know in comments!
