As far as PS1 sports games though, NHL 2000 is as good as it gets.
While the graphics may not be the greatest of all time, that is just a minor detail into the greatness of this game brought by the geniuses over at EA Sports. NHL 2000 takes all (at the time) 28 teams of the NHL plus teams representing various different countries and puts them all into a great game.
One thing that is enjoyable about this game is the commentary by Jim Houston and Bill Clement. Generally, the commentary in sports video games can be annoying, repetative, and just get on your nerves, but these two just seem to clique and form a great announcing duo.
The season mode in this game is simple, but good. 82 games, all the teams, all the cities, and even most of the arenas. Plus all of the awards are handed out at the end of the season and it's a truly enjoyable moment to see your team skate out at the end of the season with one of its players holding Lord Stanley's Cup over his head (if you're so lucky).
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