NHL 99 is an ice hockey simulation game developed and published by EA Sports, initially released for Windows 95/98 in September 1998. It is the seventh installment in the NHL series, featuring all 27 NHL teams and their rosters from the upcoming 1998-99 season. The game boasts an extensive license with authentic arenas, team logos, and player likenesses, including digitized face textures for each athlete. The presentation mimics a television broadcast, with dynamic camera angles, pre-game arena flyovers, national anthem performances, and full play-by-play commentary by Jim Hughson and Daryl Reaugh. The game supports 3D graphics accelerators, including 3Dfx Voodoo, ATI Rage Pro, and NVIDIA Riva TNT, delivering detailed ice surfaces, reflective boards, and realistic player animations.
NHL 99 includes multiple game modes: Exhibition, Season (customizable 82-game schedule), Playoffs, Tournament (16 national teams), Shootout, Coaching Drills, and Remote League for internet play. The season mode allows deep customization of rules, difficulty, period length, and expansion draft options. Coaching Drills offer skill challenges such as 1-on-1, 2-on-1, and powerplay exercises. The game was well-received for its polished gameplay mechanics, responsive controls (optimized for both keyboard and gamepads), and a high-energy rock soundtrack that enhanced the arena atmosphere. It was considered a benchmark for hockey simulations on the PC, winning numerous Editor's Choice awards and maintaining a devoted fanbase.
