Even with its single camera angle, its 2D graphics and hokey fight sequences, the original NHL was enough to keep me and my friends in constant thumb agony. The first thing you'll notice is the gameplay improvements over NHL '98.
Players are much easier to control and gameplay is smooth and intuitive.
The new, harder glass-breaking checks are quite intense and satisfying as well. EA has also added a shot meter so you can gauge the intensity of your shot before wacking it. You can tap the button for a wrist shot or hold it down for a much more powerful slapshot. Finally, the developers have added more realistic puck physics allowing for more accurate passing, shooting, and puck deflections. Another improvement over last year's version is the Artificial Intelligence system.