NHL Open Ice: 2 on 2 Challenge - PC Gameplay (1996)
2NHL Open Ice: 2 on 2 Challenge is a fast-paced, arcade-style hockey video game that was originally developed by Midway and released in arcades in 1995. A PC version was released in 1996, bringing the exaggerated, over-the-top fun of the arcade to home computers. Similar in spirit to NBA Jam, another Midway classic, NHL Open Ice focused on delivering high-energy, simplified hockey action rather than a strict simulation of the sport. This made it appealing not just to die-hard hockey fans, but to casual gamers looking for quick thrills and accessible gameplay.
In the PC version of NHL Open Ice, players control two skaters and a goalie per team, with gameplay focused on speed, outrageous moves, and big hits. The pace is lightning fast, with players pulling off rocket-speed slapshots, flaming pucks, body checks that send opponents flying, and the occasional goal explosion. Controls are tight and responsive, and players could perform exaggerated dekes and one-timers with ease. The game features real NHL teams and rosters (albeit from the mid-1990s), allowing fans to play as their favorite stars of the era—albeit in cartoonish form.
Graphically, the PC version maintained the vibrant, over-the-top style of the arcade original. Sprites were large, colorful, and full of character, capturing the playful, humorous essence that made the game stand out. Animations were fluid, with distinct, fun expressions and reactions from players on the ice. The game also featured digitized voice commentary, comical sound effects, and energetic background music that contributed to its chaotic and light-hearted atmosphere.
What made NHL Open Ice particularly engaging was its multiplayer mode. On PC, two players could team up or face off using a keyboard or connected controllers, making it a perfect party game. While it didn’t have the complexity or realism of a simulation game like NHL 97, Open Ice embraced its arcade roots fully. This approach paid off in creating a uniquely fun experience that’s still remembered fondly by retro gaming fans.
Today, NHL Open Ice is considered a cult classic. The PC version, though limited by the era’s hardware, brought a taste of the arcade to home systems in a way that few other hockey games did at the time.
Its legacy lives on as a reminder of how video games can combine sports with fun and absurdity in the best ways.