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NHL 97 is a classic ice hockey video game that was released for the Sega Genesis (known as the Mega Drive in some regions) in 1996.

Developed by Electronic Arts (EA), the game was the fourth installment in the NHL series and built upon the success of its predecessors, NHL 94, NHL 95, and NHL 96.

One of the key features of NHL 97 was its expanded roster of real NHL teams and players.

The game included all 26 NHL teams at the time, as well as updated rosters and player ratings based on the previous season's performance.

This allowed players to recreate their favorite teams and players on the virtual ice and added to the overall realism and immersion of the game.

In terms of gameplay, NHL 97 continued to build upon the fast-paced, arcade-style action of its predecessors.

The game used a top-down view of the ice, allowing players to quickly move the puck and execute complex plays.

The game also featured smooth and responsive controls, allowing players to easily skate, shoot, and pass with precision.

One of the key new features of NHL 97 was its improved AI.

The game's AI was even more advanced than in NHL 96, with computer-controlled players able to make even more intelligent decisions and react even more realistically to the actions of the human player.

This added an additional challenge to the game and made it even more difficult to score and win games.

Another new feature of NHL 97 was the ability to play with full NHL teams or international teams, including Canada, the United States, Russia, Sweden, Finland, and Germany.

This added a new level of variety and depth to the game, allowing players to compete against some of the best hockey teams from around the world.

NHL 97 also introduced a number of other new gameplay features, including the ability to perform a variety of dekes and special moves, improved defensive strategies, and new sound effects and music.

The game also had a new "simulator" mode, which allowed players to simulate entire seasons and playoffs, adding to the game's replayability.

In addition to its innovative gameplay mechanics, NHL 97 was also known for its impressive graphics and sound.

The game featured realistic player models and animations, as well as accurate depictions of the various NHL arenas.

The game also had a memorable soundtrack, featuring classic rock tracks such as "Rock and Roll" by Led Zeppelin.

Overall, NHL 97 was another significant improvement over its predecessors, building upon the success of NHL 94, NHL 95, and NHL 96 and adding new features and gameplay mechanics.

Its expanded roster of real NHL teams and players, improved AI, and ability to play with international teams made it a fan favorite among hockey fans and gamers alike, and it remains a classic favorite to this day.