''NHL FaceOff '97'' is a video game developed by American studio Killer Games and published by

Sony Interactive Entertainment Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), formerly known as Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), is a multinational video game industry, video game and digital entertainment company wholly owned by multinational conglomerate Sony. The SIE Group is ma ...

for the

PlayStation is a video gaming brand that consists of five home video game consoles, two handhelds, a media center, and a smartphone, as well as an online service and multiple magazines. The brand is produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment, a divisi ...

. It is the second game in the ''

NHL FaceOff ''NHL FaceOff'' is a video game series published by Sony Computer Entertainment and based on the National Hockey League. Originally released for the PlayStation, the game spawned many sequels for both the PlayStation and PlayStation 2, with the ...

'' series.

Gameplay

''NHL FaceOff '97'' includes new features like tournament modes, and new strategy settings.

Reception

Reviews for ''NHL FaceOff '97'' were highly positive. Critics generally remarked that while the sprite-based graphics are dated, the gameplay design, especially the new icon-based passing, make the game superior to other hockey games for the PlayStation. An exception was Hugh Sterbakov of '' GameSpot'', who also praised the icon-based passing but said it was generally the control configuration and sound effects which held the game back, and the graphics which made it still worthwhile. He scored it a 7.9 out of 10. Air Hendrix of ''

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'' found the icon-based passing gave ''NHL FaceOff '97'' a strategic depth not found in any previous hockey game, and assessed that "Novices and pros alike will find fun, ferocious gameplay and a challenge that doesn't fade." A ''

Next Generation Next Generation or Next-Generation may refer to: Publications and literature * ''Next Generation'' (magazine), video game magazine that was made by the now defunct Imagine Media publishing company * Next Generation poets (2004), list of young ...

'' critic concluded, "Overall, ''NHL Face Off '97'' is a great effort, and the quick, easy to get into gameplay makes running through a full season fun again, something that's been missing for far too long." He scored it four out of five stars. The two sports reviewers of '' Electronic Gaming Monthly'' gave it a 9.25 out of 10, with Joe Rybicki stating "It's quite simple to pick up, but difficult to master, qualities of some of the best games of all time."

Reviews

*''

LeveL Level or levels may refer to: Engineering *Level (instrument), a device used to measure true horizontal or relative heights *Spirit level, an instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal or vertical *Canal pound or level *Regr ...

'' #26 (03/1997) *

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- Jun 04, 2004 * Official UK PlayStation Magazine - 1997

References

{{NHL FaceOff 1996 video games NHL FaceOff PlayStation (console) games PlayStation (console)-only games Video games developed in the United States