I can honestly say that “Hockey League Simulator 2” lead to more heated discussions between my friends and me than did many actual NHL games (and, occasionally, seasons too). For its time, it offered unparalleled customization of the league and players, and was by far the most comprehensive hockey league simulator around. It has since been superseded by current games like “NHL Eastside Hockey Manager”, which offer the same basic experience in a more modern package, but it definitely occupies a place in my gaming heart.
I can honestly say that “Hockey League Simulator 2” lead to more heated discussions between my friends and me than did many actual NHL games (and, occasionally, seasons too). For its time, it offered unparalleled customization of the league and players, and was by far the most comprehensive hockey league simulator around. It has since been superseded by current games like “NHL Eastside Hockey Manager”, which offer the same basic experience in a more modern package, but it definitely occupies a place in my gaming heart. (Still, as a testament to its staying power, people are still using "Hockey League Simulator 2" as the basis for their ongoing fantasy leagues, many have been running continuously since the game was first released.)
In terms of gameplay,
I can only comment on its use as an NHL simulator, where it excelled, provided some time was spent updating players with each season. Offering the ability to customize league settings, schedules, divisions, teams, and individual players (which was one of the main sources of friction amongst our group; I can remember once when a “customized” Trevor Linden led the league in scoring, maintaining the proper balance between players could be tricky), and then follow one or more seasons, from the draft (also customizable), through to hiring a coach, the games themselves, trades, farm team management, payroll and finances, etc.
It was an awesome way to pass a few hours before settling down in front of the TV for Hockey Night in Canada.
All in all, it’s a pretty decent game. A piece of nostalgia really, but one that is probably still worth dusting off and revisiting.
