Software:NHL Breakaway 98

From HandWiki
"NHL Breakaway" redirects here. For the ice hockey term, see Breakaway (ice hockey).
Short description: 1997 video game
NHL Breakaway 98
Nintendo 64 box art featuring Keith Tkachuk
Developer(s)Sculptured Software[lower-alpha 1]
Publisher(s)Acclaim Entertainment[lower-alpha 2]
Producer(s)Douglas Yellin
Designer(s)J. David Elton
Rich Reagan
Chandler Holbrook
Programmer(s)Thomas Carbone
Dave Lang
Christopher Braymen
Platform(s)PlayStation, Nintendo 64
ReleasePlayStation
Nintendo 64
Genre(s)Sports
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

NHL Breakaway 98 is a 1997 ice hockey video game for the PlayStation and Nintendo 64. It was the first hockey game to come from Acclaim Entertainment[4][5] and the first game released under the publisher's new Acclaim Sports label. The game met with divisive reviews upon its release for the PlayStation, though the game's management mode and its system of using points to improve aspects of a team received widespread praise, but reviews for the later Nintendo 64 version were more consistently favorable. It was followed by a sequel, NHL Breakaway 99, released the following year.

Gameplay

NHL Breakaway 98 has a momentum-based checking system.[6][7] Players can out-skate and out-muscle each other, depending on a player's size and speed. Some players are small but fast, while others are slow but possess strength and size. If a large, fast player such as Eric Lindros gets moving at high speed, the power behind his check is greater than what someone like Pierre Turgeon could produce.

Two players can compete in the Versus mode. If a player is edited, the name and number appear on the player's back. The game does not feature play-by-play announcers, but there is a public address announcer that only speaks when penalties are called, and when a player scores a goal, the name and number are said.

The Nintendo 64 version has Rumble Pak support.[8]

Development

A Sega Saturn version was also in development, and was the last Saturn title to be dropped from Acclaim's release schedule when the publisher withdrew their support from the Saturn.[9]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
N64PS
AllGameStarStarHalf star[12]StarStar[13]
EGM7.25/10[16]N/A
Game Informer8.25/10[17]7.75/10[18]
GameFanN/A75%[19][lower-alpha 3]
GameRevolutionN/AC−[20]
GameSpot7.8/10[21]7.9/10[22]
Hyper87%[23]N/A
IGN7.4/10[8]7/10[24]
N64 Magazine62%[25]N/A
Next GenerationN/AStarStarStar[26]
Nintendo Power7.6/10[27]N/A
OPM (US)N/AStarStarStar[28]
Aggregate score
GameRankings78%[10]66%[11]

Reviewers were split about the PlayStation version; GameSpot and IGN both hailed it as a strong entrance into the crowded hockey genre by Acclaim, while GamePro and Next Generation opined that though it has some good features (the management mode and its point system were almost uniformly praised by critics[22][26][29]), it fails to effectively compete against established franchises from EA Sports (NHL) and Sony Computer Entertainment (NHL FaceOff). Where Next Generation said the graphics are rough[26] and GamePro said the players move stiffly,[29] GameSpot and IGN both said the graphics and animation are incredibly detailed and lifelike.[22][24] And while GameSpot asserted that "Even my puck-head of a roommate who is still addicted to NHL 96 for the Sega Genesis could immediately play Breakaway without being intimidated by the control",[22] GamePro maintained that "the unruly movements of your players make controlling them very frustrating",[29] and Next Generation found that "The speed is so intense that it takes away from the control and strategy by making the game a bit random. Often a goal will happen and no one realizes it until the players start to celebrate."[26] IGN, which called the momentum-based checking "one of the most innovative features ever to appear in a hockey game", summarized that "Acclaim has definitely poured its hearts into its initial entry -- and it shows."[24] On the other side, Next Generation concluded that "Breakaway is a solid hockey game that would've been best a year ago. However, strong showings by all the major competitors make this one that can be missed."[26]

GamePro concluded of the PlayStation version, "If you want theme park set to a hockey beat, then Breakaway is for you. If you want quality action and gameplay, wait for a Stanley Cup contender like Face Off '98 [sic] or NHL 98."[29][lower-alpha 4] Five issues later, however, they said of the Nintendo 64 version, "Breakaway offers a solid sim-hockey experience that, until now, has been missing on the N64. So if you're looking for something a little more like the real thing, you'd do well to hit the ice with this title." They remarked that the Nintendo 64 version has more polished graphics, more fluid animation, and better control than the PlayStation version.[30][lower-alpha 5] Electronic Gaming Monthly likewise described it as "light-years ahead of its PlayStation counterpart in nearly every aspect", as well as praising the management mode and animation, though their four reviewers disagreed on how good the A.I. is.[16]

IGN also considered the Nintendo 64 version an improvement over the PlayStation original, noting that it has interesting new camera modes and that the speed was reduced to make the game more playable, though they added that the latter made the game feel slightly sluggish at points.[8] GameSpot instead said that the two versions are "practically the same game", and while they praised the new camera modes and improved control, they argued that the graphics are not as crisp as the PlayStation version's. They judged that it overall maintained the excellence of the PlayStation version, and "seems to have everything going for it: great graphics, superb sound, unmatched control".[21] Electronic Gaming Monthly, IGN, and GamePro all compared it favorably to the three Wayne Gretzky/Nagano Olympics games for the Nintendo 64, describing it as both deeper and more realistic.[16][8][30]

At the time of the review aggregation website GameRankings' closure in 2019, the Nintendo 64 version held a 78% based on 12 reviews,[10] and the PlayStation version held a 66% based on 5 reviews.[11]

Notes

  1. ↑ The Nintendo 64 version uses the Iguana Entertainment logo, as it was released after the developer rebranded as Iguana West
  2. ↑ Released under the Acclaim Sports label
  3. ↑ In GameFan's viewpoint of the PlayStation version, one critic gave it a score of 76, and the other 74.
  4. ↑ GamePro gave the PlayStation version 3.5/5 for graphics, 3.0/5 for sound, 3.0/5 for control, and 3.0/5 for fun factor.
  5. ↑ GamePro gave the Nintendo 64 version 4.5/5 for graphics, 4.5/5 for fun factor, 4.0/5 for sound, and 4.0/5 for control.

References

  1. ↑ I. G. N. Staff (1997-09-11). "NHL Breakaway '98" (in en). https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/09/11/nhl-breakaway-98-2. 
  2. ↑ Next Publishing (March 1998). "NHL Breakaway 64" (in english). N64 Gamer (Next Publisher): 24. http://archive.org/details/N64_Gamer_Issue_02_1998_03_Next_Publishing_AU. 
  3. ↑ "Acclaim Breaks Gretzky Streak" (in en). February 25, 1998. https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/02/26/acclaim-breaks-gretzky-streak. 
  4. ↑ "NHL Breakaway '98". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (94): 113. May 1997. 
  5. ↑ The Rookie (October 1997). "Sports Insider Previews: NHL Breakaway '98". GamePro (IDG) (109): 169. 
  6. ↑ "NHL Breakaway '98: Acclaim Ices their N64 Sports Lineup". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (104): 43. March 1998. 
  7. ↑ Johnny Ballgame (March 1998). "NHL Breakaway '98". GamePro (IDG) (114): 109. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Casamassina, Matt (February 26, 1998). "NHL Breakaway '98 (N64)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/02/27/nhl-breakaway-98-3. Retrieved September 10, 2018. 
  9. ↑ "Acclaim Back Away from Sega". Sega Saturn Magazine (EMAP) (22): 15. August 1997. https://archive.org/details/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_022/page/n14/mode/2up. Retrieved October 29, 2021. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "NHL Breakaway 98 for Nintendo 64". CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 12, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190512184713/https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/198179-nhl-breakaway-98/index.html. Retrieved September 10, 2018. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "NHL Breakaway 98 for PlayStation". CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 1, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190501142629/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/198180-nhl-breakaway-98/index.html. Retrieved September 10, 2018. 
  12. ↑ Cook, Brad. "NHL Breakaway 98 (N64) - Review". All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141116112048/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=993&tab=review. Retrieved September 10, 2018. 
  13. ↑ Kanarick, Mark. "NHL Breakaway 98 (PS) - Review". All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141116225608/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=7910&tab=review. Retrieved September 10, 2018. 
  14. ↑ Marrin, John (April 3, 1998). "NHL Breakaway 98". CNET. Archived from the original on August 23, 2000. https://web.archive.org/web/20000823205309/http://gamecenter.com/Consoles/Nintendo/Nhlbreak98/. Retrieved October 29, 2021. 
  15. ↑ Marrin, John (October 31, 1997). "NHL Breakaway 98". CNET. Archived from the original on August 16, 2000. https://web.archive.org/web/20000816205653/http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Sony/Nhlbreak/. Retrieved October 29, 2021. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 "Review Crew: NHL Breakaway '98". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (105): 97. April 1998. 
  17. ↑ Anderson, Paul; Storm, Jon; Reiner, Andrew (March 1998). "NHL Breakaway 98 - Nintendo 64". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (59). http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=n64&path=mar98&doc=nhlbwy. Retrieved September 10, 2018. 
  18. ↑ "NHL Breakaway 98 (PS)". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (55): 83. November 1997. 
  19. ↑ Joe Kidd; The Rookie (October 1997). "NHL Breakaway '98 (PS)". GameFan (Metropolis Media) 5 (10): 124. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_5_Issue_10/page/n129/mode/2up. Retrieved December 13, 2020. 
  20. ↑ Cooke, Matt (October 1997). "NHL Breakaway 98 Review (PS)". CraveOnline. Archived from the original on June 13, 1998. https://web.archive.org/web/19980613222839/http://www.game-revolution.com/games/sony/nhlbreakaway.htm. Retrieved September 10, 2018. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 MacDonald, Ryan (April 1, 1998). "NHL Breakaway 98 Review (N64)". Red Ventures. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nhl-breakaway-98-review/1900-2544933/. Retrieved September 10, 2018. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 MacDonald, Ryan (October 22, 1997). "NHL Breakaway 98 Review (PS)". Red Ventures. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nhl-breakaway-98-review/1900-2548795/. Retrieved September 10, 2018. 
  23. ↑ Toose, Dan (April 1998). "NHL Breakaway '98 (N64)". Hyper (Next Media Pty Ltd) (54): 48, 53. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 IGN staff (September 10, 1997). "NHL Breakaway '98 (PS)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/09/11/nhl-breakaway-98-2. Retrieved September 10, 2018. 
  25. ↑ Mortlock, Dean (April 1998). "NHL Breakaway '98". N64 Magazine (Future Publishing) (14): 52–55. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 "NHL Breakaway '98". Next Generation (Imagine Media) (37): 154. January 1998. https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_37. Retrieved May 16, 2020. 
  27. ↑ "NHL Breakaway '98". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 106: 97. March 1998. http://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-348-103.jpg. Retrieved September 10, 2018. 
  28. ↑ Rybicki, Joe (November 1997). "NHL Breakaway 98". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis) 1 (2): 113. https://archive.org/details/official-u.-s.-play-station-magazine-volume-1-issue-02-november-1997. Retrieved October 29, 2021. 
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 The Rookie (November 1997). "NHL Breakaway '98". GamePro (IDG) (110): 161. https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_110_Volume_09_Number_11_1997-11_IDG_Publishing_US. Retrieved October 29, 2021. 
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 The Rookie (April 1998). "Breakaway N64 Leaves Its Competition Eating Ice". GamePro (IDG) (115): 89. Archived from the original on January 13, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050113233821/http://gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/180.shtml. Retrieved October 29, 2021. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  • No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

Template:Atari



Warning: Default sort key "Nhl Breakaway 98" overrides earlier default sort key "Mobygames".



Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Software:NHL_Breakaway_98&oldid=3956731"