The game gained widespread criticism for its lack of changes from the original Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey; while the gameplay was tweaked and the A.I.

The gamer has the ability to customize period length, fatigue (on/off), line changes, fighting (on/off), penalties (simulation only), rink size (arcade only), puck-streak (on/off), and camera angle.

Additionally, arcade mode sees the introduction of a "power shot", which a player may utilize to light the net on fire after a goal.

While most critics still liked the series' fast, unrealistic gameplay,[3][7][9][10] they also overwhelmingly complained that the '98 installment was largely unchanged from the original Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey.

"[9] GamePro was more positive, saying that the recycled elements still hold up, but still advised that players who already owned the original game should rent the '98 edition before deciding whether to buy it.

[10] N64.com (later renamed IGN) concluded, "Last year, N64.com gave the original Wayne Gretzky 3D Hockey a rating of 8, and it deserves every single point.