Like many hockey fans out there, as soon as something is endorsed with a celebrity hockey player, you can’t help but take a look. Especially when something goes as far as using the name of Wayne Gretzky. All I could think before playing this game was “Oh man, I hope it’s good”. And here’s what I discovered:
Wayne Gretzky Hockey 2 is great. Not excellent, but great. It certainly hasn’t aged well, and even compared to other games from the same era, it can be a little lacking in the visual effects department. Controls could be tighter, and it can take a while to adjust to the camera views. Of course, I don't mean to compare this game to current NHL games out there (because obviously early 90's graphics have nothing on today's). I'm simply going by memory, of me and my dad just chilling and enjoying some quality time with the pc. Ok, now I've got the negative out of the way, it's time to lay into why this is a good game, and does deserve your consideration.
If you’re a person who can overlook things like untidy visuals and loose controls, than this is certainly a game to pick up. If you enjoy classics, and love the feeling of nostalgia, Wayne Gretzky Hockey 2 will deliver. Gameplay is solid, entertaining, and just downright fun. If sports games are your thing, Wayne Gretzky Hockey 2 belongs in your library. What I enjoy most about playing it now is the simplicity of it, how easy it is to pick up, even if you haven't been a hard core gamer all your life. I know with most games nowadays, if you haven't played the game in quite a while, you need spend time trying to remember how everything works, what your stratgies were, etc. Wayne Gretzky Hockey 2 isn't like that. It's just like riding a bike, I can pick it up now years and years later, and hop on as if I've never been away.
After playing it for many hours, I would say that yes, there are better hockey games out there, but you won’t regret adding this one to your collection. Even if it is just to see some retro NHL teams in action. Classic hockey on a classic system. So, if you've never played it before, you'll definatley enjoy it and pick it up fast. If you have owned it, it's definatley worth a trip down memory lane.
Written by:
~dorento1
