The NHL is back, which has inspired me to poll FlynnFiles readers on one of the eternal questions: which is the best hockey game? I'm not talking on-ice game, but a game game. Hockey may struggle with television contracts and mainstream appeal, but in launching games based on the real game it is unmatched. Here are the contenders for the best hockey game: 1. Knock Hockey, played on a large, boxed-in surface with plastic sticks, a wooden puck, and diamond shape obstacles preventing direct shots from the opposition; 2. Air Hockey, a fast-moving table game where opponents propel a plastic puck at frightening speeds toward the net, which is actually lateral fissure that bears no resemblance to an actual hockey net; 3. USA v. Russia, the bubble-top, arcade-style game with the "boo" button and national anthem; 4. the classic, EA Sports, Sega Genesis NHL Hockey of the early '90s, featuring one-timers, fights, and blood! FlynnFiles readers: which of the fantastic four is most fantastic: Knock Hockey, USA vs. Russia, Air Hockey, or '90s-era Sega Hockey. Cast your important vote in the comments section below.

Bubble Hockey is by far the best.

Air Hockey, hands down. Even better at the beach under the black light.

Chinese hockey, AKA in-law hockey, AKA, "The Jittery Goalie Gets His Big Break", receives an honorable mention, if only for the excellent company it keeps.

Some of us played NHL hockey on the far superior Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Your graphics only had a measily 64 colors or some equally pathetic number. Anyways, I have fond memories of playing NHL, going around the net until the opposing goalie comes out and gets stuck. What a great bug.

The best hockey game was MUTANT LEAGUE for Sega Genesis, in which various teams, all made up entirely by colorful mutants, played hockey against each other in odd arenas. You could also do things such as make the puck go aflame.

Sadly it still fell short of the greatest sports game of all time, losing out to NBA JAM

I agree with Eric. Bubble top. You need hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. Video games are for pear shaped kids who drink mountain dew and eat 7-11 burrito's and have the social skills of a bucket of sand. The U.S has a fat kid epidemic on their hands and it all starts with video games.

What about Fi-Ho Floor hockey? When Mr. Baranelli challenged Dennis to a fight.

The last one. Hockey is just not hockey without the blood. Now, if you want to come to blows over bubble-top, that's your decision. (WARNING: This post may contain sarcasm.)

The one that least resembles real hockey is the most fun. Air hockey, hands down.

Super-Chexx, AKA Bubble Hockey is hands down the superior hockey playing format. I spent a summer in DC playing that game w/my best friend in a bar in Gtown, and we had some classic battles. The game has changed from USA-USSR that I remembered from my youth to USA-Canada which may actually be an even better rival since NOBODY wants to play as Canada. At least the USSR had the whole "spectre of communism" thing going for it.

I have to say Sega Genesis EA 93 because I'm from that generation. I would play it with my friends for hours and hours and hours - Jeremy R. on the Blackhawks was always amazing.

Calgary Flames were pretty good too - but that may just be my plug for my team.

Why don't you hoseheads get off the couch and out of the bars and play some real hockey, eh?!

Bubble Top, for sure

I agree with Wayne that REAL hockey is the best, but take off, hoser-Wayne, it wasn't one of the choices, eh!?! I go for the bubble-top version; lots of fun, requires definite-eye hand coordination and manual dexterity! By the way, did anyone out there REALLY miss the,.....what do you call it,....NHL this past year?

Super-Chexx, AKA Bubble Hockey is hands down the superior hockey playing format. I spent a summer in DC playing that game w/my best friend in a bar in Gtown, and we had some classic battles. The game has changed from USA-USSR that I remembered from my youth to USA-Canada which may actually be an even better rival since NOBODY wants to play as Canada. At least the USSR had the whole "spectre of communism" thing going for it.
Posted by Brian at July 14, 2005 10:04 AM

They should have just kept the USSR. Playing as them had that evil allure.

I wouldn't say nobody would be CANADA...I would be proud to stand in and fill the shoes....as I AM CANADIAN! (Beer ad in Canada)