2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge (rev 1.21)

Play 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge (rev 1.21)

Yes! 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge (rev 1.21) is a fast-paced, over-the-top arcade hockey game developed and published by Midway. This version — rev 1.21 — is a specific revision of the original arcade release, containing minor gameplay or stability tweaks. Like other Midway sports titles of the ’90s (NBA Jam, NFL Blitz), this game is known for its exaggerated action, big hits, and high-scoring madness.

🏒 Game Overview

• Title: 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge

• Revision: 1.21 (refers to a particular arcade ROM version)

• Developer/Publisher: Midway Games

• Release Year: 1995

• Platform: Arcade (Midway Wolf Unit hardware)

• Genre: Arcade sports / Hockey

• Mode: 1–4 players (co-op or competitive)

🎮 Gameplay Features

• 2-on-2 Hockey Action:
  Fast, brutal, no-holds-barred hockey with only two skaters per team (plus goalies). The smaller teams make the game faster and more chaotic.

• Turbo & Big Hits:
  Like NBA Jam, you can use a turbo meter for speed boosts and unleash huge body checks that send players flying across the ice.

• No Penalties:
  Slashing, tripping, and checking are all fair game. No referees, no rules.

• Fire Mode:
  Players can go “on fire” after scoring multiple goals, increasing shot power and speed — very similar to NBA Jam’s “he’s on fire!”

• Special Moves & Goalie Fights:
  You can pull off super slap shots, mid-air spins, and even trigger goalie fights. The game rewards aggression and flair.

• Player Codes:
  Hidden input codes allow you to unlock secret characters, including real NHL stars (like Jeremy Roenick and Ed Belfour), Midway developers, and even Bill Clinton as a playable skater.

🏒 Official Licensing

• NHLPA Licensed:
  The game is licensed by the NHL Players Association, meaning it features real player names and likenesses — but not official team logos (no NHL license).

• Example: You might see Roenick and Belfour in their real uniforms but without the Blackhawks or Stars logos.

🎨 Graphics & Audio

• Graphics:

  • Bright, colorful sprites with digitized player models

  • Classic arcade aesthetic: bold UI, huge explosions for goals

  • Exaggerated animations for hits, slapshots, and celebrations

• Audio:

  • Rock-style music and energetic voiceovers

  • Hilarious sound bites and taunts (“It’s in the net!”)

  • The announcer plays a big role in the game’s personality, similar to NBA Jam

🕹️ Cabinet & Controls

• Arcade Cabinet:
  4-player upright cabinet with two joysticks on each side

  • Each player has joystick + 3 buttons: Pass, Shoot, Turbo

  • Cabinet art features hockey stars and bold Midway branding

⚙️ Rev 1.21 Specifics

The “rev 1.21” version is a revision of the arcade ROM, and may include:

• Bug fixes (crashes, score glitches)

• Balance adjustments (AI behavior, goal difficulty)

• Updated hidden codes or debug features

• Minor performance improvements or input tweaks

These revisions were typically issued to arcade operators by Midway to improve gameplay stability or address exploits.

🧠 Legacy & Influence

• Part of Midway’s legendary arcade sports series, alongside:

  • NBA Jam (1993)

  • NFL Blitz (1997)

  • MLB Slugfest (2003)

• 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge is sometimes referred to as “NBA Jam on Ice”, and that’s an accurate comparison in terms of gameplay speed, tone, and mechanics.

• Home Ports:

  • A PlayStation version was released in 1996 but lacked much of the arcade polish and multiplayer fluidity.

🧊 Summary Table