During the planning stages of development, EA Sports consulted with Marc Crawford (then coach of the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche) on how to improve the realism and strategy of the gameplay.

"[13] Reviews especially praised the advanced AI,[8][10][13][21] fast gameplay,[8][12][13][21] and the ability to change team strategies on the fly, without going to a pause menu.

[8][10][12][21] IGN pointed out that thanks to this last feature, "It only takes a little while for those who don't even care about strategy to experiment with new offenses and defenses that match their playing style.

They noted that the high resolution textures, translucent and reflective effects, scoreboard, names on jerseys, goal celebrations, and referee were all cut from the Saturn version, which nonetheless runs at a frame rate so choppy that it is almost unplayable.

[9][15] With his sole praise being for the play-by-play commentary and sound effects, Nutter dubbed the port "A shambling mockery of its former self" and recommended Saturn owners get NHL All-Star Hockey '98 instead.

[22] During the AIAS' inaugural Interactive Achievement Awards, NHL 98 was a nominee for "PC Sports Game of the Year",[23] which ultimately went to FIFA: Road to World Cup 98.