NHL 96 is the first entry in the series to feature real-time three-dimensional graphics through the DOS version's "Virtual Stadium" technology.

The game also features improved and adjustable opponent artificial intelligence, a previously-barred ability to engage in physical fights, new moves such as the spin-o-rama, and general enhancements to the visual animations and audio.

NHL 96 was met with critical acclaim, with reviewers commending the game's improved opponent AI, fluid graphics, and added gameplay features.

In addition to the cycling of lines being performed manually or automatically before each face-off, the ability of the players to fatigue can be toggled on or off in the main menu.

[11] This reversal of policy was brought about by a determined appeal from EA Canada and on the condition that the fights were limited to one or two times per game.

[11][12] It is also the first entry to feature real-time 3D graphics; the DOS version incorporates the "Virtual Stadium" technology previously used in FIFA Soccer 96, which allows the game to be seen from 11 different angles and to feature such details as reflections in the ice, corporate logos on the sideboards and more accurate team logos and jersey colors.

[11][13][14] The game's audio incorporates crowd chants and organ tunes specific to the stadium being played,[13][15] and features the 2 Unlimited song "Get Ready for This" as a musical track.

[16] The cover of the game features Steve Yzerman and Scott Stevens, then team captains of 1995 Stanley Cup finalists the Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils respectively.

[18][20] The Game Boy version was released in North America on November and carries the NHL league license, but not an NHL player's license; as a result, the game features official team names and logos, but no existing player rosters.

[22][25] The Genesis version of NHL 96 received highly positive reviews and is widely considered to be the best installment in the franchise.

[33] A critic for Next Generation commented that the game took the basics of NHL 95, "arguably the best sports simulation product ever",[30] and added new features which served to only improve upon the gameplay of the series.

[29] Air Hendrix of GamePro gave the Genesis version a resoundingly positive review, applauding the new moves, the return of the fighting feature, the improved opponent AI, and the fluidly animated player sprites.

[27] Video Cowboy and the Iceman of Electronic Gaming Monthly also gave their approval of the Genesis version, particularly praising the improved opponent AI.

[6] Reviewing the DOS version, Todd Vaughn of PC Gamer praised the game's detailed graphics (particularly when higher resolutions are enabled), realistic and challenging gameplay, and modem-enabled multiplayer capability, though noted that not all of the game's camera angles were optimal for gameplay, and that the system requirements were steep.

[32] Hugo Foster of GameSpot criticized that the games are too frequently scoreless, and that success and failure seem to be largely random.

[39] NPD Group analyst Mat Piscatella reported that the SNES version of NHL 96 was the third highest-selling retro title of April 2018.