Mario Lemieux Hockey on the Sega Genesis is one of those old-school hockey games that somehow nails the chaotic fun of the sport without getting bogged down in realism. You pick your team—Canada, USA, USSR, or the NHL All-Stars—and jump right into fast, arcade-style matches where checking someone into the boards feels way more satisfying than it should.

The controls are simple (pass, shoot, body check), but the game has this weird charm where the puck bounces unpredictably and players slide around like they’re on ice (because, well, they are). The graphics are blocky by today’s standards, but the animations have personality—especially when a fight breaks out and players just start swinging wildly.

It’s not deep, but it’s the kind of game you fire up when you just want to smash some slapshots and laugh at the absurdity. Mario Lemieux’s name is on the box, but honestly, it’s more about the vibe than any real hockey simulation. Still holds up if you’re into retro sports games.