Playing the Gens Version Online | Playing the Snes Version Online
This is a guide to setting up your computer to be able to play NHL94 (and other games) against other people. Before we go any further, these are the recommended requirements for playing:
Recommended Requirements
01 - Good Sportsmanship
This is the first thing you should keep in mind when deciding to play in leagues and vs. others online. No one wants to play against someone who talks unnecessary smack or behaves immaturely. This type of behavior will NOT be tolerated in this community. Take the tough losses like an adult.
02 - A Computer (Windows-based preferred)
I would suggest at least a Pentium 3, with at least 256 Memory, and a 64 Meg Videocard or something similar. This isn't needed since the most important piece of the hardware is the high-speed internet connection. If you don't know what any of this means, you can continue and see how it runs on your computer. I know people have used Macs and have been able to play online, so it's possible.
03 - A High-Speed Internet Connection (Very Important)
This is pretty much the main aspect of playing this game online. You will need a high-speed internet connection such as Optonline, Roadrunner (Time Warner), Comcast, AOL Broadband, etc. A slow connection such as a dial-up modem will give you a very choppy gaming experience, and usually won't be allowed in leagues.
We've noticed that guys who use a wireless connections tend to be flaky. This type of connection may cut in and out more than a hard ethernet cable. This isn't always a problem, so it's worth trying if you have wireless.
Downloading applications, such as limewire, soulseek, etc, will cause your online gaming to suffer if it's running while you are playing a game. Turn off any major programs before playing games online, especially video-heavy applications.
Note: If you are looking to join future leagues and have a slow internet connection, you won't be able to participate in these leagues.
04 - Control Pad Hooked To Your Computer
Any control pad with at least 3 or 4 buttons will do. Guys who play use everything from a basic Gravis Gamepad, Microsoft Sidewinder to actual Sega Saturn or Super Nintendo pads (some using a converter).
If you don't have a control pad, you can use the keyboard. There are guys who use this method, but if you're looking to re-live the NHL94 experience I suggest getting a control pad.
Sega Saturn Replica
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Super Nintendo
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Gravis Gamepad
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Sidewinder Gamepad
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Note: There are many variations of these control pads, newer/older versions. Just about any control pad with the right number of buttons will do.
Setting Up The Game
Once we get all of the above taken care of, we can setup the game to play online. You'll have to decide which version of the game you're looking to play. Here are the steps to playing the Genesis version:
Playing The Genesis Version Online
STEP 1 - The first thing to do would be download the Gens emulator and league ROM (bin file) found of the homepage of this website (League Downloads section). You will have to unzip the emulator into a folder somewhere easy to remember on your computer.
STEP 2 - Run the Gens emulator. It should open in a small window with grey noise as shown. Configure your control pad and emulator settings.
 
STEP 3 - Hit "Redefine Keys" next to the "Player 1" line. Then follow the instructions within the "SETTING KEYS" area. This will setup your control pad the way you want the buttons to be. You should only have to do this once. Hit "OK" when finished.
STEP 4 - Open the ROM (bin file). Select the .bin file you downloaded from this site (NHL94 [Spring 2006 GENS].bin for example. By opening the ROM now, you set the emulator's default directory for games. This also checks to make sure your emulator is working.
 
STEP 5 - Close the ROM. You'll see it kind of fade away. You can always open the game and play on your computer to practice. Now you're ready to play online. With the emulator still open, goto File -> Netplay. You'll see a new window open getting servers. These are the servers we connect to, to play against other players.
Note: Ping will always be different for each player, depending on where they are from. Generally, you try to pick a server that's close, or in the middle of both players.
STEP 6 - At this point, you will pick a server. You and the person you're playing will both need to know which server you will be joining. Before joining a server, make sure you've entered a "Username" and "Connection Type". The Connection Type must be the same for both players. As a general rule, we all usually keep the Connection Type to "Good (20 keyframes/s).
Now, double-click the server you've chosen. A new window will pop up. This is the server window where you create the game. Basically one person will "Create new game" and the other person will "Join" the game, which will appear in the Game list at the bottom.
The person who created the game will see this once they've created it. Then, when the other person joins, his name will pop in the list. You can both chat in the "Current players" window to communicate. Once you're both ready, the person who created the game hits "Start Game". That's it, you now will be playing against each other. Both players have control over all settings in the game, as if it were on console.
I will probably be adding to this guide more as I realize what's missing. |
Playing The Super Nintendo Version Online
Click here
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