Faceoff!

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs

GAME DESIGNER:
GAME DEVELOPER:MindSpan
GAME PUBLISHER:Gamestar
Copyright 1989, MindSpan

A great ice hockey game developed by Canadian sports games experts MindSpan (makers of Hardball series and Joe Montana Football). Faceoff! was MindSpan’s first game, and was instantly touted (although not loudly enough in my opinion) as one of the best ice-hockey games of its time for the IBM-PC.

What makes the game an instant classic? Although good graphics doesn’t guarantee a good game, great graphics goes a long way toward making an ice hockey game an action-packed, “total immersion” experience. And immersion is what Faceoff! offers in spades. Even more so than Konami’s classic Blade of Steel, Faceoff! offers very fluid controls, excellent player animations, and just a lot of atmosphere– including very good fighting interface for this essential part of real-life hockey game. There are some coaching options which are adequate, although of course not as extensive as complex hockey sims such as Hockey League Simulator. Faceoff! delivers a great you-are-there experience that all hockey fans will enjoy. Two thumbs up, way up!