Weak graphics, bad sound...But what a blast to play.
The gameplay is very simple. You've got your button to pass, button to shoot, button to check, and the rest is up to you. Score your puck in the other team's net. Which can be a hard task, depending on how you play. The AI isn't the smartest set of computer chips out there, and the wrap around will assure a goal almost every time. Faking your shot also works well. But if you avoid these tricks, you can get a challenging game of hockey. There are a few modes in NHL 94. There's Exhibition, Playoffs, and Shootout. Exhibition is good for a quick game, especially when you've got a friend to play against (or with if you want him on the same team as you). Playoffs don't have as many features as games today, and it's pretty much just like exhibition but longer. The Shootout is, of course, you and another team taking turns shooting at the goalie all by yourself. Whoever ends up with the most goals wins. The graphics are sadly not as good as the gameplay. All of the players look the same except for different coloured jersey's. The ice is allright, and there are players in the stands which add some realism. They are improved over NHLPA 93, and even the zamboghni has a new look, as the back of the box claims. The sound is also downright horrible, with the fans murmuring or booing occasionly. And sometimes you'll hear cheesy renditions of "The Saints Come Marching In" and other campy numbers. The replay value in 94 is top notch though. You can play it for a long time and always have great fun.
I would reccomend NHL 94 to almost everybody who owns a SNES, but there's one thing holding me back. The game was included for free with NHL 06. But if you'd prefer to play it on the original system, or you don't have a PS2 or XBOX, NHL 94 is a definite pick up for hockey fans, and even those not interested in the sport might have fun with it too.