Play 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge Online Free for Arcade.

Arcade 1995 1 Player Midway Home Entertainment, GT Interactive

2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge hits different when it boots instantly in your browser. Released in 1995 on the Arcade, this retro classic from Midway Home Entertainment, GT Interactive is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.

NHL Open Ice: 2 on 2 Challenge is an ice hockey arcade video game released by Midway Games in 1995. It has been described as an ice hockey equivalent to Midway's NBA Jam.

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2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge gameplay screenshot
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The Story Behind 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge

The skating sounds were recorded by Jon Hey at the Chicago Park District's only indoor ice rink, McFetridge Sports Center, which is just a block north of what was once Midway's Chicago studios. The lead programmer was Mark Penacho, assisted by Bill Dabelstein. The announcer in the game is the famous voice of the Chicago Blackhawks Pat Foley.

If a team achieves "On-Fire" status (made famous initially by Midway's NBA Jam), Pat Foley's voice will occasionally announce: "Toasty", a reference to Mortal Kombat. A version of NHL Open Ice for Panasonic M2 was in development and slated to be one of the launch titles but it never occurred due to the system's cancellation. The game is an official licensed product of the National Hockey League Players' Association.

How 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge Plays

NHL Open Ice: 2 on 2 Challenge is an ice hockey arcade video game released by Midway Games in 1995. It has been described as an ice hockey equivalent to Midway's NBA Jam. NHL Open Ice was ported to the PlayStation in 1996 with updated rosters and teams from the 1996-97 season, the Winnipeg Jets having moved and become the Phoenix Coyotes.

The game was released for Windows in 1996-1997, with the same roster and teams as the PlayStation version. The game is an official licensed product of the National Hockey League Players' Association.

Why Players Still Load It Up

NHL Open Ice: 2 on 2 Challenge is an ice hockey arcade video game released by Midway Games in 1995. Kitts acknowledged problems with the animations but praised the inclusion of novelty power-up codes, and judged the game an overall refreshing break from realistic hockey sims. Reviewing the arcade version, Next Generation called the game "NBA Jam on ice", and said it would be particularly appreciated since arcade hockey games were almost unheard of at the time.

The game was released for Windows in 1996-1997, with the same roster and teams as the PlayStation version. The PlayStation and PC versions divided reviewers. Official UK PlayStation Magazine said that players should "avoid the game at all costs." Stephen Poole of GameSpot said of the PC version, "NHL Open Ice isn't the kind of game you'll play for hours on end, but it is the kind that you can fire up just about any time for 20 or 30 minutes of fun, or leave running at your next party for your guests to enjoy.

2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge — Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge online for free?

Absolutely. The full game loads in the player at the top of this page and runs right in your browser — no installs, no plugins, no waiting.

Do I need a controller to play 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge?

No. Keyboard controls work out of the box (see the controls panel), and any USB or Bluetooth gamepad is detected automatically.

Who developed 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge?

Development was handled by Midway Games, Avalanche Software, with Midway Home Entertainment, GT Interactive publishing the release.

Where can I buy the original 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge?

See the "Other Places You Can Get This Game" section below the article for legitimate places to buy real-world versions.

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