Eastside Hockey Manager

87%
Game Brain Score Based on 832 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • stability
Eastside Hockey Manager Game Cover
In this year without an NHL season, fans can manage their favorite hockey franchises down to the last detail: set practice schedules, select tactics, renegotiate contracts, manage hot prospects, sign free agents, and trade and scout players. Games are described as they happen. You'll even have to ha
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Eastside Hockey Manager is a challenging sports simulation game that lets you manage a ice hockey team. Control every aspect, from player transfers and finances to coaching and tactics, in this in-depth hockey simulator. Experience the thrill of leading your team to victory in this engaging and realistic game.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 832 reviews
gameplay8 positive mentions
stability7 negative mentions
  • The game offers a deep and engaging hockey management experience, allowing players to control every aspect of their team.
  • The modding community provides extensive support, including updated rosters, logos, and facepacks, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The simulation engine is realistic, with player development and team dynamics reflecting real-life hockey scenarios.
  • The user interface can be clunky and unintuitive, making navigation difficult for new players.
  • There are frequent bugs and crashes, particularly when simulating games or managing rosters, which can disrupt gameplay.
  • The game lacks official NHL licenses, resulting in unlicensed player names and teams, which may detract from the experience for some players.
  • gameplay34 mentions

    The gameplay of this hockey management game is praised for its depth and mechanics, offering a highly realistic simulation experience that can be both addictive and rewarding once players familiarize themselves with the interface. While it may lack the visual excitement of traditional hockey games, it compensates with a functional 2D match engine and extensive management features, making it suitable for both casual and hardcore fans. However, some users note that the learning curve can be steep, and certain mechanics may require further refinement.

    • “Best hockey management game out there as far as mechanics go.”
    • “Despite how simple the gameplay is, it still manages to create exciting moments during the simulation.”
    • “The depth is fantastic, the gameplay is realistic; it's just an overall great experience.”
    • “If you're looking for fast-paced, exciting gameplay that isn't just menus, you're probably better off getting an EA Sports NHL game if you have the money, which is a big factor because with this, I can run it on any laptop that's around $200, while consoles can be more than twice that amount.”
    • “The mechanics of the game do take a little while to learn, and even once you think you know everything, it can be easy to forget exactly the steps you need to take to do something simple.”
    • “Although I have decent time played, I'm still learning, so if I have gotten anything wrong, I'd love an explanation on how a few mechanics work. I know it's early access, so it's not fully complete, but it's already a great, complete game in my book.”
  • graphics29 mentions

    The graphics in the game are generally considered outdated and simplistic, with many users noting that they lack the depth and polish expected in modern titles. While the 2D visuals are functional and easy to follow, they often feel dated, and there are frequent reports of graphical glitches and compatibility issues. Overall, the focus on tactical depth and management gameplay overshadows the graphical shortcomings, appealing primarily to a niche audience rather than mainstream gamers.

    • “The in-game graphics are very easy to follow.”
    • “The 2D graphics are smooth and easily followable, and the tactics are in-depth and provide a wide range of ways to play each game and develop your team.”
    • “Graphically, the 2D engine does a good job of representing what's happening on the ice, and while I would like to see an option of choosing between 3D and 2D just as in Football Manager, I'm more than content to settle for the current model as it serves its purpose really well.”
    • “The graphics don't work on high pixel density screens (Surface Pro in my case).”
    • “Graphics and sound are poor; not that it matters to a manager game, but it feels really outdated.”
    • “Half the time I try to launch the game, I either get a graphics error, or nothing works at all.”
  • stability7 mentions

    The game's stability is heavily criticized, with numerous reports of bugs and glitches leading to crashes and freezes, particularly when exiting the game. Players express frustration over the unreliable online network features and persistent graphical issues, indicating a need for significant improvements to enhance overall stability.

    • “However, it is buggy as hell.”
    • “Lots of glitches causing the game to crash.”
    • “The only thing is; I wish they would fix the online network games, as they are very buggy and glitchy.”
  • emotional4 mentions

    Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, highlighting its ability to evoke strong feelings, including heartbreak and joy. Despite its current limitations, many recommend it for the profound experiences it offers, with some stating they would willingly relive the emotional moments.

    • “10/10 would cry again”
    • “10/10, would cry again”
    • “I have poured so much time into this game, and although it is still pretty bare-bones right now, I can wholesomely recommend this game.”
  • story3 mentions

    The story aspect of the game revolves around the player's journey in scouting and building a hockey team, emphasizing the importance of gathering information on prospects to succeed in the annual draft. Players can customize scouting missions to find the right talent for their specific needs, whether aiming to stockpile young players or seeking experienced talent for a championship run. Overall, the narrative encourages players to engage in team management and aspire to lead their national team to glory.

    • “Please do yourself a favor and buy this game if you enjoy the sport of hockey and have ever wanted to build your dream team or test your management skills in the lower leagues and build a legendary story as you climb the ranks to finally lead your national team to world glory.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The trading system is noted for its depth and dynamic AI that adjusts player values based on performance and team interest, but the user interface is considered confusing and in need of optimization for a smoother experience.

    • “The trading system is a little bit weird sometimes, but very in-depth as well; the AI recognizes dynamically changing player values based on their performance and how badly other teams want the player.”
    • “The UI is confusing and unoptimized; it needs streamlining.”
  • humor2 mentions

    Players find the humor in the game particularly engaging, noting amusing parallels between in-game decisions and real-life NHL moves, such as player lineups and trades. The comedic element is highlighted as a significant improvement over other management games, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

    • “I found it hilarious that the Oilers this year made some of the same moves in real life that I did in this game. Putting Leon, Yamamoto, and Nuge together on a line, trading for AA, signing Sheahan. Just too bad Jesse Puljujarvi didn't turn into a 100-point guy like in the game.”
    • “So much better than FHM it's not even funny.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability due to the ability to employ various strategies in each playthrough. Players express a desire for additional playable leagues, such as the Australian and Ukrainian leagues, to further enhance the experience.

    • “I would die for more playable leagues; even some smaller leagues like the Australian league and Ukrainian league would be awesome to be playable.”
    • “The replayability factor is really high as you can play it with different strategies over and over again.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and sometimes stressful, particularly when managing menus. However, some appreciate this realism, likening it to the challenges faced by a real general manager in a hockey team.

    • “Some menus are tedious to maintain.”
    • “While it is tedious and can be stressful, I think the same applies to being an actual general manager of a hockey team.”
  • music2 mentions

    Reviewers note that the game's music is lacking, with only crowd noise present and no menu music or button sounds. They suggest that the addition of ambient sounds or a calming musical track could enhance the overall experience.

    • “The game has a great atmosphere, but it could really benefit from some menu music and button sounds.”
    • “While the crowd noise adds to the experience, the game would be enhanced with some ambient sounds and a calming musical track.”
    • “There are no sounds except for crowd noise; the game might benefit from some ambient sounds or a calming musical track.”
    • “The music is completely absent, leaving only the crowd noise, which makes the experience feel empty.”
    • “Without any musical elements, the game lacks atmosphere and feels monotonous.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

80% average critic score

Buy Eastside Hockey Manager

Play time

1975hMedian play time
1726hAverage play time
400-4000hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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