Play Nhl '97 (beta) Online

NHL '97 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System was released by EA Sports in 1996, a time when the 16-bit console was still home to new sports titles. This particular version is a beta, an unfinished build that offers a glimpse into the development of the series during the SNES's later years.

You control a five man unit on the ice, skating up and down the rink to pass the puck and take shots on goal. The main objective is to outscore your opponent by finding openings in their defense. Signature mechanics include the one timer, where you pass and shoot in one quick motion, and a manual goalie control that lets you take direct command of the netminder to make a save. The game moves at a brisk pace, and the difficulty can be sharp, especially when the computer seizes on a mistake. It feels like a fast, physical game of hockey where a single shot can change everything.