Blades of Steel (NES)

What is Blades of Steel?

Blades of Steel (known as Konamic Ice Hockey in Japan) is a classic ice hockey video game developed by Konami and released in the late 1980s. This pioneering title for the NES captures the thrilling action and strategy of ice hockey, making it one of the standout sports games of its era. The game combines fast-paced gameplay with arcade-style combat, offering a mix of excitement and strategy that appeals to both casual players and sports enthusiasts.

The game’s appeal lies in its engaging modes, its iconic fighting mechanics, and the fun mini-games that add variety to the experience. It was one of the first games to incorporate player fights, a feature that set it apart from other sports titles at the time. Blades of Steel became a favorite for those looking for a quick, fun sports game with some additional flair beyond traditional hockey.

How to Play Blades of Steel

Blades of Steel offers two main game modes: Exhibition and Tournament, each providing a different experience.

 - Game Modes:

• Exhibition Mode: In this mode, you can quickly jump into a match either against the computer or a second player. Exhibition mode is perfect for casual play or practicing your skills without the commitment of a full tournament.
• Tournament Mode: Tournament mode simulates the intensity of the NHL playoffs. Players select one of the available teams and compete in a knockout-style format, with the goal of winning the championship cup. The action is fierce as you face off against a series of rivals, progressing to the final round where you aim to be crowned the victor.

 - Fighting Mechanics:

One of the game’s standout features is its fighting mechanic. Fights occur when players collide three times consecutively, leading to a confrontation where they can throw punches. The winner of the fight gains a significant advantage—while the loser is penalized, the victor continues without penalty, creating a power play situation. Multiple fights can result in up to four simultaneous penalties, potentially allowing for 5-on-1 gameplay, which adds a tactical element to the matches.

 - Intermissions and Mini-Games:

In addition to the core gameplay, Blades of Steel includes interactive intermissions. These mini-breaks serve as a fun diversion and often feature advertisements for other Konami games like Contra and Gradius. During the second intermission, players can engage in a mini-game where a small spaceship fights a larger one, adding a delightful arcade touch to the hockey action.

 - Shootout:

In the event of a tie, the game uses a shootout to determine the winner. Players take turns attempting to score goals against the opposing team’s goalie in a tense back-and-forth. The game continues until one team has successfully outshot the other, creating an exciting conclusion to each match.

 - Teams and Customization:

Blades of Steel features eight teams, divided between Canada and the United States. These teams represent cities with NHL franchises at the time of the game’s release, including:

• Canada: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Edmonton
• United States: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minnesota
• Each team wears its own uniquely colored jerseys, adding variety and making it easy for players to distinguish their team from their opponent.

Blades of Steel is a fast, fun, and strategic ice hockey game that has stood the test of time. With its thrilling gameplay, exciting fight mechanics, and unique mini-games, it remains a beloved classic in the world of sports video games. Whether playing alone or with friends, Blades of Steel offers a memorable gaming experience filled with action, strategy, and plenty of arcade-style excitement.