NHL All-Star Hockey

NHL All-Star Hockey is the first hockey video game released for the Sega Saturn, developed by Gray Matter and published by Sega in 1995. The game features full NHL licensing, including all 26 official teams and their real players from the 1995 season. Providing commentary and pre-game narration is legendary sportscaster Marv Albert. The action can be viewed from nine different camera angles, including a unique "puck cam." Instant replay allows any play to be reviewed. The game includes realistic hockey elements such as checking, hooking, penalties, injuries, power plays, and one-timers. Players can choose between exhibition matches or a full season, with the ability to trade players. The game supports up to twelve players using two Saturn 6Player adapters.

Sega Saturn

Released in North America on October 2, 1995, and in Europe in November 1995. Critical reception was overwhelmingly negative. Next Generation rated it two stars out of five, stating it "isn't the worst hockey game ever, it's just the most disappointing." Reviewers universally criticized the sluggish, unresponsive controls that make players "move like bricks." The digital sprite-based player models were called a "pixelated mess," with some noting Genesis hockey games looked better. While Marv Albert introduces the game, there is no actual in-game commentary during matches—an unacceptable omission. The low-angle camera often obscures the puck entirely. On the positive side, the game's presentation including FMV segments and the Hall of Fame tour was praised. Ultimately, NHL All-Star Hockey is a major disappointment—a flawed early Saturn sports title that fails to compete with EA's offerings. Recommended only for Saturn collectors.