While only really brought in as a way for the NHL to quieten down all of the players who wanted to represent their countries at prestigious competitions, like the Olympics, the 4 Nations proved to be a tremendous success. Fittingly, it ended with Connor McDavid firing home from Mitch Marner’s pass, while becoming the most-viewed game on ESPN+ that wasn’t in the NFL with 16.1 million viewers.
With the NHL underway again, hockey hype is through the roof. So, here’s how you can go that step further and immerse yourself in the sport with top games!
Guide Your Franchise to Victory and Play the 4 Nations
Naturally, the obvious choice for a hockey simulation game is EA Sports’ NHL. Seeing as most people who want that game already have it, here, we’ll be beaming the spotlight onto Franchise Hockey Manager. Now in its 11th edition, the PC management sim has gone from strength to strength, especially since earning league licenses – including that of the NHL. For this season, the new additions include player development tracking, owner goals, betting AI trading, playable minor league hockey, international games, and the 4 Nations Face-Off itself. There’s a lot to like about this hockey version of the imperious Football Manager, with more than enough depth, choice, and realism to make you feel like you’re in the front office and behind the bench of your favorite team.
A Hockey Fan Favourite for Over a Decade
Sometimes, you don’t need new installments to a game each year. In the case of EA’s NHL series, it can easily be argued that the approach isn’t warranted. Then again, with it being so easy to update with an eWallet purchase on the console’s game store, it’s not a surprise that so many people quickly jump in for the new edition. Still, some do update and evolve as innovation and technological advancements dictate, from a design and feature level to the payment options being accepted, and this is the case with one of the longest still running hockey favorites. Break Away launched in 2012 as a creative 243-payline hockey slot.
To this day, anyone looking for good PayPal casinos will find Break Away in the game libraries. This is key because PayPal casinos have surged in popularity. Not only do they offer significant welcome bonuses, but with PayPal, withdrawals and deposits are made quick and easy. These players making use of the ever prominent payment method continue to seek out this classic slot. In 2019, the die-hard fans were gifted with an enhanced sequel, Break Away Deluxe, which buffed its volatility and increased its maximum win.
Gaudy Arcade Action with Surprising Depth and Difficulty
The indie game scene is always worth exploring for a different take on sports games. There are loads for soccer, but comparatively few for hockey. One of the best, if not the best, is Super Blood Hockey. In a retro and pixel NES aesthetic, the games themselves feature 4v4 hockey, sliding skating physics, tough-to-beat goaltenders, and big fights. If you foul too much, the teams will drop their gloves and rumble. If you fight well and win, your team will escape relatively unscathed. The losing team will be down a player for an extended spell depending on their injury – be it minor, major, or death. In Franchise Mode, this matters a lot. Brain Damage is a key stat line that you need to manage across your roster, while injuries can lead you to having to pull the plug to save money. It’s a unique, surprisingly deep, and very enjoyable Franchise Mode in which bankruptcy means game over.
If you’re still feeling the hype of that tremendous 4 Nations clash, see if you can appease your appetite for hockey in any or all of these great games!
