NHL 2005 vs NHL Breakaway 98
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
NHL 2005 brings the speed, finesse, and excitement of pro hockey to your living room, featuring EA Sports Open Ice Control for dynamic offensive plays and defensive strategies. The game also expands the Dynasty mode with deeper GM interactions and an in‑game e‑mail system. Enjoy international competition with the World Cup of Hockey, complete with authentic teams and venues across North America and Europe, plus split‑screen multiplayer for head‑to‑head action.
NHL Breakaway 98 brings the excitement of the 1998 NHL season to your PC, featuring all 26 teams and over 600 licensed players. The game offers authentic playbook‑based AI, letting each team execute its real‑world style, from aggressive forechecking to defensive trapping. Choose from five gameplay modes—including Exhibition, Season, Playoffs, Practice, and Shoot‑Out—and customize your roster with a robust player‑creation tool that places names directly on jerseys. Earn bonus points during the season to improve coaching, development, and injury therapy options, delivering a deep and rewarding hockey experience.
- Innovative Open Ice Control system
- Deep Dynasty mode with GM interactions
- Authentic World Cup content
- Split‑screen multiplayer on two platforms
- Authentic 1998 NHL rosters and player attributes.
- Playbook‑based AI delivers realistic team strategies.
- Robust player‑creation system with jersey name display.
- Multiple modes including full season and shoot‑out.
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited online multiplayer options
- AI can be inconsistent in higher difficulty
- Graphics are dated by modern standards.
- Limited to PC platform only.
- Multiplayer split‑screen can feel cramped on lower resolutions.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to NHL 2005
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Alternatives to NHL Breakaway 98
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Experience authentic NHL action with motion-captured players and real ice conditions
Experience the 1998-99 NHL season with all teams, real rosters, and authentic arena action.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNHL 2005 offers newer gameplay systems, broader content, and multi‑platform split‑screen, while NHL Breakaway 98 is a retro‑only PC title with classic 1998 rosters.
Key differences
- •Platform: NHL 2005 runs on PC and PlayStation; Breakaway 98 is PC‑only.
- •Content depth: NHL 2005 includes World Cup teams, Dynasty mode with GM interactions; Breakaway 98 only the 1997‑98 season.
- •Control system: NHL 2005 features Open Ice Control; Breakaway 98 uses playbook‑based AI.
- •Multiplayer scope: Both have split‑screen, but NHL 2005 also supports head‑to‑head on two platforms.
- •Release era: NHL 2005 is six years newer, offering more modern features despite dated graphics.
Gameplay & fun factor
Open Ice Control and interactive Dynasty mode give NHL 2005 richer, more varied play than Breakaway 98’s static season mode.
Platform availability
NHL 2005 supports PC and PlayStation; Breakaway 98 is limited to PC.
Pricing & value
Breakaway 98’s price not listed; NHL 2005 MSRP $59.99, so without price data B may be cheaper.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both have split‑screen, but NHL 2005 adds head‑to‑head on two platforms, giving more flexibility.
Content & replayability
Dynasty mode, World Cup teams, and interactive GM features in NHL 2005 outweigh a single season in Breakaway 98.
Difficulty & accessibility
Breakaway 98’s playbook AI is consistent; NHL 2005 AI can be inconsistent at higher difficulty.
Graphics & performance
Both are dated, but Breakaway 98’s older graphics are expected for 1998; NHL 2005’s graphics are newer yet still dated.
Choose NHL 2005 if…
Buy NHL 2005 if you want newer features, multi‑platform play, and deeper career modes.
Choose NHL Breakaway 98 if…
Buy NHL Breakaway 98 if you prefer a classic 1998 roster experience on PC and possibly lower cost.
Common questions
Which game runs on modern PCs?
Both are older titles; neither is officially updated for modern OSes, but NHL 2005 was released later (2004) and may run more reliably.
Is online multiplayer available?
Neither game lists online multiplayer; both only support split‑screen/local multiplayer.
What is the price difference?
NHL 2005 MSRP is $59.99; Breakaway 98 price is not specified in the provided data.