NHL Hitz 2002 vs Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
NHL Hitz 2002 brings Midway’s signature arcade style to the ice, delivering hard‑hitting 3‑on‑3 hockey with no penalties and over‑the‑top physics. Players can create and customize their own franchise, earn points to upgrade attributes, and unlock a variety of hidden mini‑games and extras. The game supports both single‑player and split‑screen multiplayer on PlayStation 2, offering quick exhibition matches, a full franchise mode, and a championship tournament for endless replayability.
Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98 brings the excitement of NHL hockey to the PC with both arcade and regulation‑size rinks. Choose from 26 real teams, manage rosters, and compete in 3‑on‑3, 4‑on‑4, or 5‑on‑5 matchups. Play full 82‑game seasons, best‑of‑seven playoffs, or quick exhibition games, all backed by improved AI and hidden teams for endless replay value.
- High‑energy, fast‑paced gameplay
- Easy to learn controls
- Robust franchise customization
- Local split‑screen multiplayer
- Authentic NHL rosters with real player names.
- Multiple game modes including season, playoff, and exhibition.
- Customizable team lineups and trades.
- Improved AI provides a challenging experience.
- Limited to PlayStation 2 platform
- Arcade style may lack realism for simulation fans
- No online multiplayer support
- Limited to PC platform only.
- Graphics are dated by modern standards.
- No online multiplayer support.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to NHL Hitz 2002
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Arcade‑style hockey with over‑the‑top power moves and fast‑paced action.
Alternatives to Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98
View all →Arcade‑style hockey with over‑the‑top power moves and fast‑paced action.
Classic arcade hockey with exhibition, tournament, shootout and fight modes.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataWayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98 offers deeper season and roster content on PC, while NHL Hitz 2002 delivers fast‑paced arcade action on PS2; the main trade‑off is platform and depth versus pick‑up‑play simplicity.
Key differences
- •Platform: Hitz is PS2‑only; Gretzky is PC‑only.
- •Game modes: Gretzky includes full 82‑game season, playoffs, and multiple team sizes; Hitz focuses on 3‑on‑3 arcade matches with a franchise mode.
- •Team roster: Gretzky features all 26 NHL teams with authentic players; Hitz does not specify real teams.
- •Multiplayer: Hitz supports split‑screen for two players; Gretzky lists multiplayer but no split‑screen detail.
- •Graphics: Gretzky’s graphics are noted as dated; Hitz emphasizes a high‑energy arcade aesthetic.
Gameplay & fun factor
Gretzky provides multiple game sizes, season/playoff modes and challenging AI, offering richer gameplay depth.
Platform availability
Both are limited to a single platform (PS2 for Hitz, PC for Gretzky), so neither has broader reach.
Price & value
Both are one‑time paid titles; no price data for Gretzky, so value cannot be definitively compared.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Each supports local multiplayer (split‑screen for Hitz, unspecified for Gretzky) and lacks online play.
Content & replayability
Gretzky includes all NHL teams, full season, playoffs, and exhibition modes, giving more long‑term replay value.
Graphics & performance
Hitz highlights a vibrant arcade aesthetic, whereas Gretzky is explicitly described as having dated graphics.
Difficulty & accessibility
Hitz features simple controls and easy pick‑up‑play; Gretzky’s AI is noted as harder, raising the difficulty bar.
Choose NHL Hitz 2002 if…
PS2 owners seeking quick, arcade‑style hockey with easy controls.
Choose Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98 if…
PC gamers wanting authentic NHL rosters, season/playoff depth, and more strategic play.
Common questions
Which game has a full season mode?
Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98 includes an 82‑game regular season, playoffs, and exhibition matches.
Can I play online with friends?
No; both titles lack online multiplayer support.
What platforms are the games available on?
NHL Hitz 2002 is PS2‑only; Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey '98 is PC‑only.