NHL 98 vs NHL 99
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
NHL 98 brings the excitement of professional hockey to the PC with authentic team rosters, realistic physics, and smooth controls. Players can dive into a full season mode, quick exhibition matches, or compete online with friends. The game features updated player attributes, customizable lineups, and a robust multiplayer experience that captures the intensity of the rink. Its intuitive interface and strategic depth make it a timeless favorite for both casual fans and hardcore hockey enthusiasts.
NHL 99 brings the excitement of professional ice hockey to the PC with intuitive Beginner Lever controls that let anyone pick up and play. Featuring coaching tips from Stanley Cup winner Marc Crawford and commentary by Bill Clement, the game feels authentic and immersive. Choose from five distinct game modes, compete with 18 top international teams, and enjoy the updated 1998 roster including the expansion Nashville Predators. Split‑screen multiplayer lets you battle friends on the same screen, making it perfect for couch competition.
- Authentic 1997‑98 NHL rosters and stats
- Responsive controls and smooth gameplay
- Robust multiplayer options
- Deep season and management features
- Easy-to-learn controls for newcomers
- Authentic coaching from a real Stanley Cup winner
- Rich roster with 1998 updates and expansion team
- Multiple game modes and split‑screen multiplayer
- Outdated graphics by modern standards
- Limited online infrastructure on PC
- No official mod support
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited to PC platform only
- No online multiplayer support
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to NHL 98
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Alternatives to NHL 99
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Experience the 1998-99 NHL season with all teams, real rosters, and authentic arena action.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic late‑90s hockey sims at the same price, but NHL 99 is geared toward newcomers with simpler controls and coaching, while NHL 98 offers deeper season management and broader multiplayer options.
Key differences
- •NHL 99 includes the Beginner Lever and coaching tips for new players; NHL 98 focuses on realistic stats and AI depth.
- •Multiplayer: NHL 99 only supports split‑screen local play; NHL 98 supports LAN/online for up to 8 players.
- •Roster tools: NHL 99 provides a fixed 1998 roster plus Nashville expansion; NHL 98 includes a custom roster editor.
- •Game modes: NHL 99 offers five modes including exhibition and tournament; NHL 98 emphasizes a full 82‑game season with playoffs.
- •Graphics: Both have dated graphics, but neither offers modern visual upgrades.
Gameplay & fun factor
Both deliver fast‑paced hockey; NHL 99 is beginner‑friendly, NHL 98 offers deeper AI and season management.
Platform availability
Both are PC‑only releases; no other platforms are listed.
Price & value
Both priced at $49.99 with one‑time purchase; value depends on desired features.
Multiplayer / co‑op
NHL 98 supports LAN/online up to 8 players; NHL 99 only offers split‑screen local play.
Content & replayability
NHL 98 includes a full 82‑game season, custom roster editor, and leaderboards; NHL 99 has fewer modes and no editor.
Difficulty & accessibility
NHL 99’s Beginner Lever and coaching make it easier for newcomers; NHL 98 assumes more skill.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as having outdated graphics by modern standards.
Choose NHL 98 if…
Experienced player seeking deep season mode, custom rosters, and online multiplayer.
Choose NHL 99 if…
New to hockey games, wants easy controls and coaching, plays locally with a friend.
Common questions
Do either of these games support online play?
NHL 98 supports LAN and online matchmaking for up to 8 players; NHL 99 has no online multiplayer.
Which game is better for a beginner?
NHL 99 includes the Beginner Lever and coaching from Marc Crawford, making it more beginner‑friendly.
Can I edit team rosters in either title?
Only NHL 98 offers a custom roster editor; NHL 99 uses a fixed 1998 roster with Nashville expansion.