NHL 98 vs NHL Breakaway 98
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 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.
- Authentic 1997‑98 NHL rosters and stats
- Responsive controls and smooth gameplay
- Robust multiplayer options
- Deep season and management features
- 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.
- Outdated graphics by modern standards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.
- Multiplayer split‑screen can feel cramped on lower resolutions.
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Alternatives to NHL 98
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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 98 offers broader multiplayer options and a higher critic score, making it the safer default; NHL Breakaway 98 is a solid PC‑only alternative with playbook‑based AI and deeper player‑creation.
Key differences
- •Multiplayer: NHL 98 supports LAN/online up to 8 players; Breakaway 98 only offers split‑screen on PC.
- •Critic reception: NHL 98 has a documented 78/100 score, Breakaway 98 has no score listed.
- •Developer/publisher pedigree: NHL 98 from EA Canada/EA Sports; Breakaway 98 from Iguana/Acclaim.
- •Player‑creation: Breakaway 98 lets custom players display names on jerseys; NHL 98’s roster editor lacks that feature.
- •Platform: NHL 98 released for PC (implied) with LAN/online; Breakaway 98 is PC‑only with no online mode.
Gameplay & fun factor
NHL 98 cites responsive controls, AI that adapts, and smooth gameplay; Breakaway 98 mentions playbook AI but no control feedback.
Platform availability
Both are PC‑only, but NHL 98 mentions LAN/online capability, giving it a slight edge; still tie on basic platform.
Price & value
Both are one‑time paid titles; no price listed for Breakaway 98, but NHL 98 MSRP is $49.99.
Multiplayer / co‑op
NHL 98 supports up to 8 players via LAN/online; Breakaway 98 only offers split‑screen, which can feel cramped.
Content & replayability
NHL 98 includes full season mode, leaderboards, and custom roster editor; Breakaway 98 has season mode but fewer management tools.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as dated by modern standards; no specific performance data to differentiate.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both rated ESRB E and target hockey fans; no detailed difficulty information provided.
Choose NHL 98 if…
Buyers who want robust multiplayer and higher critical approval.
Choose NHL Breakaway 98 if…
Buyers who only need PC play and value deep player‑creation with jersey names.
Common questions
Which game has better multiplayer support?
NHL 98 supports LAN/online matches for up to 8 players; Breakaway 98 only offers split‑screen.
Do both games include the full 1997‑98 NHL rosters?
Yes, both list all 26 teams and over 600 players from the 1997‑98 season.
Is there a price difference between the two titles?
NHL 98 MSRP is $49.99; Breakaway 98’s price is not specified in the provided data.