NHL Blades of Steel '99 vs NHL Breakaway 98
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
NHL Blades of Steel '99 brings the excitement of the 1998-99 NHL season to your screen, featuring motion-captured animation, fully detailed stadiums, and up-to-date rosters called out by announcer Randy Hahn. Manage your team with player trades, free-agent signings, and adjustable strategies for a deep, immersive hockey experience. Play solo or challenge a friend in split‑screen mode, track season stats, and compete for league leader honors. This Konami Sports Series title delivers realistic ice physics and authentic gameplay for fans of all ages.
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.
- Authentic 1998‑99 rosters
- Motion-captured player animation
- Split‑screen multiplayer
- Comprehensive season stats
- 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 older platforms
- Graphics dated by modern standards
- No online multiplayer
- Graphics are dated by modern standards.
- Limited to PC platform only.
- Multiplayer split‑screen can feel cramped on lower resolutions.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to NHL Blades of Steel '99
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Experience the 1998-99 NHL season with all teams, real rosters, and authentic arena action.
Alternatives to NHL Breakaway 98
View all →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 late‑90s NHL titles; NHL Blades of Steel ’99 offers newer rosters and split‑screen on legacy consoles, while NHL Breakaway 98 is PC‑only with deeper player‑creation tools.
Key differences
- •Season covered: 1998‑99 rosters (A) vs 1997‑98 rosters (B).
- •Platform: A runs on older consoles, B is PC‑only.
- •Multiplayer: A offers split‑screen only; B adds split‑screen plus generic multiplayer mode.
- •Player creation: B includes a robust custom‑player system with jersey name display; A does not mention this.
- •Developer/publisher: A is from Konami; B is from Iguana/Acclaim.
Gameplay & fun factor
B’s playbook‑based AI and extensive player‑creation add strategic depth beyond A’s basic season play.
Platform availability
A runs on older console hardware, giving more hardware options than B’s PC‑only restriction.
Price & value
A lists a $49.99 MSRP; B’s price is not specified, so value cannot be directly compared.
Multiplayer / co‑op
B includes both split‑screen and a generic multiplayer mode, whereas A only supports split‑screen.
Content & replayability
A features full season stats, trades, free‑agent signings, and complete 1998‑99 rosters, offering richer management.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as dated by modern standards; no specific performance data to differentiate.
Difficulty & accessibility
A has an ESRB E rating and simple split‑screen play, making it more approachable for younger players.
Choose NHL Blades of Steel '99 if…
Buyers who want the latest 1998‑99 rosters, console split‑screen play, and simple, family‑friendly hockey.
Choose NHL Breakaway 98 if…
Buyers who have a PC, want deeper player creation and AI strategy, and don’t mind older rosters.
Common questions
What platforms can I play each game on?
A runs on older console platforms; B is limited to PC.
Which game has more modern rosters?
A includes the complete 1998‑99 NHL rosters; B features the 1997‑98 season.
Is online multiplayer available?
Neither game offers online multiplayer; A has split‑screen only, B adds a generic multiplayer mode.