Bush Hockey League

Old Time Hockey rushes out of the box with a great presentation but trips up once it hits the ice and has to prove itself. The game just can't match up to the retro classics that were its inspiration.

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"Bush Hockey League" is a nostalgic ice hockey game that brings players back to the 90s with its retro graphics and intense action. The game features 21 unique teams, each with their own players and playing styles, as well as a career mode where players can lead their team to victory over multiple seasons. With Tag Mode, players can compete in chaotic 4-player matches, adding an extra layer of excitement to the fast-paced gameplay.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

67%

Audience ScoreBased on 218 reviews

story17 positive mentions

optimization3 negative mentions

The game captures the nostalgic feel of classic arcade hockey games, reminiscent of titles like NHL '94 and the movie Slap Shot.
The fighting mechanics and humorous elements add a fun, chaotic layer to the gameplay, making it enjoyable for casual play.
The developers are actively updating the game based on community feedback, showing commitment to improving the overall experience.

The controls can feel sluggish and unresponsive, leading to frustrating gameplay, especially when trying to execute specific moves.
The AI can be inconsistent, often leading to unrealistic gameplay where the opposing team performs better than expected, while teammates may not react appropriately.
The requirement to unlock advanced controls through story mode can be tedious, hindering the ability to fully enjoy the game from the start.

story
98 mentions
17 % positive mentions
79 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The story mode of the game has received mixed reviews, with players appreciating its humor and charm, particularly its references to classic hockey culture, but criticizing its repetitive nature and challenging scaling. While some find the narrative engaging and the objectives add replayability, others feel the forced progression and control limitations detract from the overall experience. Technical issues, such as bugs and crashes, have also been noted, impacting the enjoyment of the story mode.
- “Not only does Bush Hockey League feature a pretty neat story mode, but it offers local co-op for when you and your pals gather around for some beers on hockey night.”
- “The story mode introduces lots of humor as you progress mid-way through a season to try and make the playoffs.”
- “Story mode launches you into a failing franchise, the Hinto Brews, as you follow a classic 'last to champs' storyline.”
- “Unfortunately, it is ruined by a few things (fights are way too often in story mode and cannot be disabled), no multiplayer, icing calls are strange, offside's are finicky, etc. I enjoy the game but wish there was more to it.”
- “There were many times where in the story mode I would play a team and beat them and then the game would not save and move me on to the next game, this made me have to reset the whole story mode which made me stop playing the whole game entirely.”
- “Story mode is boring as it's basically just the gameplay but with objectives.”
gameplay
51 mentions
18 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its arcade-like charm and fast-paced action, particularly for hockey fans. However, common criticisms include clunky controls, sluggish responsiveness, and AI issues, which detract from the overall experience. While some players find enjoyment in mastering the mechanics and the game's unique style, others feel that it lacks refinement compared to established hockey titles, leading to a repetitive and frustrating experience at times.
- “The price is perfect for this game, the style and gameplay is fast-paced and fun, and there's enough here to warrant a re-visit from time to time when you're in the mood for some old-school, fun hockey.”
- “Once you get a hang of the mechanics it actually has some depth too!”
- “The hockey gameplay is decent, arcade-like and full of action.”
- “Big disappointment from this game so far, but let's hope they fix problems with the gameplay.”
- “Clunky controls, slow gameplay, and standard hockey elements missing (such as one-timers).”
- “Gameplay is clunky and the AI is not good.”
graphics
23 mentions
30 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game evoke a nostalgic 70s aesthetic, reminiscent of classic titles like NHL '94, with a stylized, cell-shaded look that some players appreciate for its unique charm. However, many reviewers criticize the visuals as dated and low-quality, likening them to PS2-era graphics, which may detract from the overall experience for those expecting modern standards. Despite the mixed opinions, the game's artwork and thematic presentation receive praise for their creativity and humor.
- “I love the environment for this game; its visuals are very nice and it really creates a nostalgic sense with its imaginative league from the 70s.”
- “The 70s aesthetic along with its unglorified presentation of the sport gives this game a unique feel.”
- “I like the stylized graphics presentation.”
- “The graphics are awful.”
- “It is a low-rent, unresponsive version of any recent EA hockey game but with cell-shaded graphics and a cheap 1970s attitude.”
- “While I do like the 70's league idea, the visuals of the game, much like the actual 70's, are a little ugly.”
music
19 mentions
42 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread praise for its charm and nostalgic references, particularly to classic hockey culture and the film "Slap Shot." Players appreciate the varied soundtrack, which includes licensed tracks that enhance the overall experience, despite some songs being less memorable. The sound effects and retro style further contribute to the game's appeal, making the soundtrack a standout feature.
- “The soundtrack is great, there's a lot of charm and references to Slap Shot (characters, storyline, gameplay), but the on-ice product needs some work.”
- “Surprisingly great music and a story mode that reminds fans of the classic movie Slap Shot.”
- “I love everything about the style with the small arenas, the soundtrack, the bluish ice, the sports cards you unlock, to just the art presented in the game in general.”
- “The music is licensed, and while I doubt you’ll be adding most of the songs to your playlist any time soon, there are a few that stand out.”
- “The sound effects and music clips capture an older era of hockey and sell it.”
- “The only positive thing about the game is that it is a hockey game for PC and its soundtrack.”
humor
13 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players noting its clever jokes, amusing storylines, and a lighthearted tone that enhances the overall experience. While some humor may be considered puerile, it effectively elicits laughter, particularly during memorable moments like the team's fight with Santa. The combination of funny commentary, quirky art style, and engaging scenarios contributes to a consistently entertaining atmosphere, despite some repetitive elements.
- “The story (only 5 games in so far) is a solid 10/10, the team getting into a fight with Santa at the Christmas signing had me laughing!”
- “It stands out for its sense of humor.”
- “Lots of fighting, very few penalties, and a wry sense of humor coming from a clearly small, yet dedicated developer.”
atmosphere
5 mentions
80 % positive mentions
-40 % neutral mentions
60 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised, with reviewers highlighting its fun and engaging tone that enhances the overall experience, particularly in local multiplayer. Despite some rough edges, the game's setting and ambiance effectively capture the spirit of arcade hockey, making it an enjoyable experience for players.
- “Once you set aside your expectations, you'll find a fun little arcade hockey game that's long on atmosphere and is likely even better in local multiplayer than it already is in single.”
- “It’s a great touch to a sports game and v7 did a fantastic job setting a tone and atmosphere for the campaign.”
- “Bhl brings fun smash mouth 70's hockey with great atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players in the game world.”
- “Despite the vibrant visuals, the overall atmosphere is dull and fails to evoke any real emotion or excitement.”
- “The game tries to create a unique atmosphere, but it ultimately falls short, leaving players feeling disconnected from the experience.”
optimization
4 mentions
50 % positive mentions
-25 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
Despite having high-end PC setups, many users report significant performance issues, with the game often running poorly regardless of hardware capabilities. While several patches have been released to improve performance and quality-of-life, the optimization remains inconsistent, making it difficult to distinguish between player performance and game lag.
- “There have already been several patches since release, constantly improving performance and quality-of-life.”
- “Starting with a cool zero stars in each of the three stats for overall team performance, it’s your job to turn the ship around and start winning and improving the team.”
- “Performance issues despite having a PC setup that vastly outgrades the recommended specs; I still can't explain why 75% of the time when I run the game it crawls.”
- “It was impossible for me to tell the difference between a player who had bad stats or was fatigued and the game's performance issues.”
- “There have already been several patches since release, constantly improving performance and quality of life.”
replayability
3 mentions
67 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while the inclusion of objectives in story mode enhances challenge and encourages multiple playthroughs, the reliance on a fixed team in season mode may limit long-term engagement. Additionally, concerns about player progression in multi-year modes suggest that replayability could be hindered by design choices.
- “This would not be very easy either, as player progression has been a complaint against many larger studios in their sports games with a multi-year mode, but it would make the game almost endlessly replayable.”
- “Objectives for each match in story mode add more challenge and replayability.”
- “This mode is more interesting than it sounds, but having to play the season with the same pre-defined team may not lend itself to replayability.”
monetization
2 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game's monetization strategy is positively noted for its absence of advertising on the ice and boards, enhancing player immersion. However, the emphasis on violence, which was highlighted as a selling point, has received criticism from users.
emotional
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the NHL series' recent efforts to evoke specific emotional reactions, noting that after years of playing, the emotional depth adds a satisfying layer to the experience. This development has rekindled their enjoyment and connection to the game.
- “After 30 years of playing games, it was awesome to see a developed attempt to evoke a specific emotional reaction.”
- “I took a break from the NHL series, and playing this game made me feel so satisfied.”
stability
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
Users report frequent graphical glitches, such as heads and sticks protruding through surfaces, indicating significant stability issues in the game.
- “Constant graphics glitches, such as heads and sticks poking through the boards.”
- “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
- “I experience regular lag spikes that disrupt the gameplay experience.”
grinding
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game somewhat tedious, particularly during the tutorial phase, which restricts controls to highlight the challenges in story mode. However, as players unlock more controls, they experience a sense of progression and improvement in their gameplay.
- “The grinding in this game feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged.”
- “I spent hours farming for resources, but the rewards just don't feel worth the time invested.”
- “The grind is so monotonous that it takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”