NHL 95 vs NHL Breakaway 98
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
NHL 95 delivers a rapid, top‑down view of ice‑hockey with realistic penalties optional for a pure arcade feel. Guide your team through an 84‑game season, manage trades, and create custom players. New moves like dummy shots and lie‑down blocks add strategic depth, while split‑screen multiplayer lets friends compete head‑to‑head on the same screen.
NHL Breakaway 98 brings the excitement of the 1998 NHL season to your PC, featuring all 26 teams and over 600 licensed players. The game offers authentic playbook‑based AI, letting each team execute its real‑world style, from aggressive forechecking to defensive trapping. Choose from five gameplay modes—including Exhibition, Season, Playoffs, Practice, and Shoot‑Out—and customize your roster with a robust player‑creation tool that places names directly on jerseys. Earn bonus points during the season to improve coaching, development, and injury therapy options, delivering a deep and rewarding hockey experience.
- Fast, responsive top‑down gameplay.
- Robust season mode with injuries and trades.
- Innovative dummy shot and lie‑down block moves.
- Split‑screen multiplayer for local competition.
- Authentic 1998 NHL rosters and player attributes.
- Playbook‑based AI delivers realistic team strategies.
- Robust player‑creation system with jersey name display.
- Multiple modes including full season and shoot‑out.
- Limited to PC platform in this listing.
- Top‑down view may feel dated to modern gamers.
- No online multiplayer support.
- Graphics are dated by modern standards.
- Limited to PC platform only.
- Multiplayer split‑screen can feel cramped on lower resolutions.
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Alternatives to NHL Breakaway 98
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Experience authentic NHL action with motion-captured players and real ice conditions
Experience the 1998-99 NHL season with all teams, real rosters, and authentic arena action.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic PC hockey sims, but NHL 95 offers a cheaper, simpler top‑down experience, while NHL Breakaway 98 adds full team licenses and deeper modes at an unspecified cost.
Key differences
- •NHL 95 uses a top‑down view; Breakaway 98 uses a more modern perspective with licensed 1997‑98 NHL teams.
- •Breakaway 98 includes over 600 player‑size specific athletes and playbook‑based AI; NHL 95 has generic player creation and basic AI.
- •Season mode depth: NHL 95 features injuries and trades; Breakaway 98 adds coaching upgrades and multiple distinct modes.
- •Multiplayer: Both support split‑screen, but Breakaway 98 also lists generic multiplayer (unspecified), while NHL 95 lacks online play.
- •Price: NHL 95 lists $19.99 MSRP; Breakaway 98 price not provided.
Gameplay & fun factor
Breakaway 98 offers licensed teams, playbook AI, and more modes, providing richer strategic depth than NHL 95.
Platform availability
Both are listed for PC only; no other platforms mentioned for either.
Price & value
NHL 95 has a disclosed MSRP of $19.99; Breakaway 98 price is not specified, making NHL 95 the clearer value.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Breakaway 98 lists generic multiplayer in addition to split‑screen, whereas NHL 95 only offers split‑screen.
Content & replayability
Breakaway 98 includes all 26 NHL teams, 600+ players, and season upgrades; NHL 95 has a single season mode with trades and injuries.
Difficulty & accessibility
NHL 95’s top‑down view and simple controls are generally easier for newcomers than Breakaway 98’s detailed AI.
Graphics & performance
Both are dated by modern standards, but Breakaway 98’s later release (1998) likely has marginally better graphics.
Choose NHL 95 if…
Buyers who want a low‑cost, easy‑to‑learn PC hockey game with split‑screen local play.
Choose NHL Breakaway 98 if…
Buyers seeking authentic 1998 NHL rosters, deeper modes, and more advanced AI, and don’t mind an unknown price.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
NHL 95 lists a price of $19.99; NHL Breakaway 98’s price is not provided.
Do either games have online multiplayer?
No; NHL 95 only supports split‑screen, and Breakaway 98 lists split‑screen and generic multiplayer but no online.
Which game has more authentic NHL teams and players?
Breakaway 98 includes all 26 NHL teams from the 1997‑98 season and over 600 NHLPA players; NHL 95 does not specify licensed teams.