Hockey Beasts – out now on Xbox
If your idea of hockey involves a regulation rink, realistic players and serious simulation, Hockey Beasts probably isn’t what you’re looking for. But if you’d rather see a giraffe battling a crocodile for rink supremacy, things get considerably more interesting.
Launching on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, just as NHL 27 drops, this colourful arcade hockey game offers a very different way to hit the ice.
At A Glance
Game: Hockey Beasts
Price: £6.69
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Publisher: Revulo Games
Developer: Revulo Games
Pick Your Beast And Hit The Ice
Hockey Beasts puts you in control of an animal hockey team, with a wonderfully odd selection of rink-ready creatures to choose from. Bulls, monkeys, crocodiles, elephants and giraffes are among the teams on offer, and they aren’t simply cosmetic choices.
Different animals bring different strengths to the ice. Some are fast and agile, while others can rely on their strength or reach to gain an advantage. That means choosing your beast is part of the strategy, even if the overall presentation is decidedly more interested in having fun than taking hockey seriously.
As you may expect to hear, the controls are designed to be picked up quickly, making it possible to jump into a match without spending ages learning complicated systems. Winning, however, is another matter.
And throughout, timing and positioning become increasingly important, particularly when you’re facing another player who has worked out exactly how to exploit their chosen animal’s strengths. Matches are kept short too, making Hockey Beasts well suited to quick sessions.
Expect Chaos On The Rink
The colourful presentation is backed up by plenty of unpredictable moments. Rebounds can go anywhere, collisions can turn a promising attack into complete nonsense and a perfectly accidental goal can be just as satisfying as one you actually intended.
That’s where much of Hockey Beasts’ appeal seems to lie. It’s competitive, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
And if you’re looking for company, there are several ways to get involved. Up to four players can compete locally, while online matches support up to six players.
Arcade Hockey Or Serious Simulation?
The timing of Hockey Beasts’ arrival is rather amusing, given that NHL 27 is also hitting the ice on the very same day. The two games could hardly offer more different approaches to the sport.
EA’s latest NHL entry is there for players wanting a more traditional hockey simulation, while Hockey Beasts is aimed squarely at anyone who’d rather throw a bunch of cartoon animals onto the ice and see what happens.
So, whether you’re after serious hockey or something considerably sillier, Xbox has you covered. At £6.69 from the Xbox Store, playable on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, Hockey Beasts is an inexpensive alternative for anyone looking for some quick arcade multiplayer fun. Just don’t be surprised if the giraffe turns out to be the secret weapon you never knew you needed.