When it comes to watching professional sports, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of an NHL match. But what can NHL fans do during the off-season? Well, when you’re not able to watch and bet on NHL games and put a wager on them, you might be looking for something else that can bring you to the edge of your seat.
There are, of course, other sports that you can bet on after choosing a reliable bookmaker. Some sites even offer bonuses to attract new users. That way you can take advantage and place bets on all the games you want with a bit of an extra boost to start.
Aside from that, here are a few online games that any NHL fan would love:
Why play an online game?
Playing online hockey games allows you to take control of the players and decide the game’s outcome. Whether you’re controlling an entire team or working in the background as a team manager, there’s a sense of immersion and involvement that you can only get from playing a game.
There are also the derivative games that add another layer of fun to the concept. Whether with puppet players or exaggerated chaos, these games tend to shy away from realistic depictions and focus on entertainment.
Without further ado, here are some hockey games you can play online:
NHL Series by EA Sports
If you want the definitive hockey experience, EA Sports’ NHL series is your best bet. It’s been produced annually since the early 90s, and each entry includes changes, such as updated rosters, improved graphics and gameplay tweaks.
Different modes have also been added to increase the game’s variety. Depending on the game version you buy, you can control a single player throughout their career, manage a team’s operation, build your dream team against other players online and more. Of course, if you just want to relive your favorite team’s journey and change the outcome, you can do that too.
Puppet Hockey Battle
Puppet Hockey Battle is great if you don’t want to take things too seriously and just want to have some quick fun. It’s a browser-based game, so it’s better when accessed with a computer. It features cartoonish graphics with players that look like puppets, and the gameplay is much more simplified compared to other hockey games.
The best part about this game is how quickly the games are played. Each hockey match lasts only 60 seconds, making this an excellent choice for quick breaks.
Super Blood Hockey
At the other end of the hockey game spectrum is Super Blood Hockey — an indie video game that offers an exaggerated look at the game through pixel graphics. It features over-the-top violence and humor, along with fast-paced and straightforward gameplay.
If you’re curious just how violent the game can get, here’s how: there are no penalties for violent tactics, and matches can end with a gory outcome. You can also buy players from the black market, give them performance-enhancing drugs and manage their overall health.
Slapshot: Rebound
Slapshot: Rebound is another ice hockey game that features cartoonish graphics and simplified, arcade-style gameplay. The game is physics-based, meaning the puck will move depending on how the players handle it. It’s a 3-on-3 match, and players can play with their friends or against other players online.
The game also features multiple training modes to allow players to improve their skills and familiarize themselves with the game. Even though the game is available for download on Steam, Slapshot: Rebound is free-to-play.
Tape to Tape
Though still in early access, Tape to Tape is a fascinating ice hockey game that combines a story-based management system and a 4-player multiplayer mode, packaged with a retro aesthetic.
The management aspect requires players to make crucial decisions as they hire players and improve the team. You can even choose abilities for your players to improve their performance or bribe the referee to make your life easier.
As for the hockey gameplay, Tape to Tape is inspired by the fast-paced, 90’s style of arcade hockey. Multiplayer is accessible locally or through Steam remote play, and you can have a friend help you go through the main campaign.
What should you look for when searching for an online game?
From simplistic, air hockey-style mobile games to more involved simulator games, there is plenty of variety when it comes to hockey games. So how do you know which one to pick?
Firstly, figure out what you want from the game. Are you looking for an in-depth experience of what a hockey game is like, without any gimmicks? If so, games such as EA’s NHL series are your best bet. Newer games typically have an online multiplayer option, allowing you to test your skills against other players.
However, remember that the further back you go in the version with these games, the less likely you will have an online option. For example, the earlier versions of the NHL games from the 90s get a lot of praise for their gameplay, but they don’t have an online option. If online connectivity is important to you, stick to newer games.
Secondly, determine how much you’re willing to pay for such a game. Most mobile and browser-based games are free but feature ads to support the game. Some might allow you to pay a nominal fee to remove the ads so you can enjoy the game without any interruptions. However, they may only feature simplified gameplay packaged in a not-so-detailed aesthetic.
