NHL 99 vs NHL Breakaway 99
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
NHL Breakaway 99 brings the full 1998-99 NHL lineup to your screen, featuring all 27 teams, over 600 players, and the newly added Nashville Predators. The game delivers realistic player sizes, weights, and updated jerseys for an authentic hockey experience. The title includes deep management tools such as player creation, trades, and team style customization, plus split‑screen multiplayer for head‑to‑head action on the same console.
- 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
- Comprehensive 1998‑99 rosters
- Deep team management options
- Authentic arena and jersey details
- Split‑screen multiplayer support
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited to PC platform only
- No online multiplayer support
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited platform availability
- Control scheme can feel clunky for newcomers
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to NHL 99
View all →Experience the 1998-99 NHL season with all teams, real rosters, and authentic arena action.
Alternatives to NHL Breakaway 99
View all →
Experience authentic NHL action with motion-captured players and real ice conditions
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNHL 99 is the safer pick for casual players who want easy controls and coaching, while NHL Breakaway 99 offers deeper roster management and more content for hardcore fans.
Key differences
- •NHL 99 uses a Beginner Lever for simple controls; Breakaway relies on a symbol‑based passing system that can feel clunky.
- •Breakaway includes all 27 NHL teams and over 600 players plus arena details; NHL 99 has 18 international teams plus one expansion team.
- •Breakaway adds team‑management features (create, trade, sign players) that NHL 99 lacks.
- •Multiplayer: Breakaway lists generic multiplayer plus split‑screen, whereas NHL 99 only offers split‑screen.
- •Platform: NHL 99 is PC‑only; Breakaway’s platform isn’t specified but is also limited.
Pricing & value
Both games cost $49.99 and are one‑time purchases.
Gameplay & fun factor
NHL 99 is beginner‑friendly; Breakaway offers deeper control and management, appealing to different player types.
Platform availability
Both are limited; NHL 99 is PC‑only, Breakaway’s platform is unspecified but also limited.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Breakaway lists both generic multiplayer and split‑screen, while NHL 99 only supports split‑screen.
Content & replayability
Breakaway features all 27 NHL teams, 600+ players, arena names, and roster management; NHL 99 has fewer teams.
Difficulty & accessibility
NHL 99 includes a Beginner Lever and coaching tips; Breakaway’s control scheme is noted as clunky for newcomers.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as having dated graphics with no further distinction.
Choose NHL 99 if…
Casual gamers or newcomers who want easy controls and coaching.
Choose NHL Breakaway 99 if…
Hardcore or retro fans seeking full rosters, management depth, and broader multiplayer options.
Common questions
Do either of these games support online multiplayer?
No. NHL 99 offers only split‑screen; Breakaway lists multiplayer but does not specify online play.
Which game has more authentic NHL team representation?
Breakaway 99 includes all 27 NHL teams and over 600 players; NHL 99 has 18 international teams plus one expansion team.
Is there a steep learning curve for either title?
NHL 99 is designed for beginners with a simple control scheme; Breakaway’s control system can feel clunky for new players.