NES – Blades of Steel
September 23, 2008 - 7:14 am - Posted by Sean
Some prefer Nintendo’s Ice Hockey, but in my eyes Blades of Steel is the definitive hockey game for the NES.
Its realistic graphics, digitized sound effects, and tight controls combine to make this the complete package.
Like Nintendo’s Ice Hockey, Blades of Steel is played on a side-scrolling rink, but the arena is larger and more realistic.
Before each contest the teams enter the rink and skate in circles to a disco theme. What is this, the Ice Follies?
The large players look surprisingly realistic and it’s easy to determine which player you control because he flashes brightly.
Passing and shooting are responsive and intuitive, and finding an open man in front of the net is key to scoring.
Unlike Nintendo’s Ice Hockey, your selected defensive player changes automatically, which is very convenient.
Battling for the puck often leads to fist fights presented with a special close-up view.
These battles let you pummel your opponent by mashing buttons, and the loser is left on his rump as the winner speeds away with the puck.
Penalty shots also occur, and these are also impressively depicted with dramatic close-ups.
Blades of Steel’s gameplay is fast and intense, but like real hockey, scoring can be like pulling teeth.
Digitized sound effects include grunts and referee voices, but I could do without that annoying whistling that accompanies the crowd noise.
The limited play-by-play is mainly limited to “makes the pass!” every time you pass the puck.
In the tournament mode, I was shocked to see ads for other Konami games (“All your friends will want it!”). There’s even a shooter mini-game.
Blades of Steel has it all. Not only is it one of the best titles for the NES, but it’s one of the best hockey games of all time.
It’s funny because I’m the opposite of you. I prefer Ice Hockey over Blades of Steel.
Nice review. You should do one on Ice Hockey as well.
@Michael: I might just do a review on Nintendo Ice Hockey but it will be down the road as I don’t want to have back to back Hockey game reviews.
I hope you understand. Thank you for your comment.
“I went to a fight the other day and a hockey game broke out!”
My brother and I loved to rent this game just because of the fights. It was a fun hockey game too, but dude, fights.
@Luke: You’re too funny. Don’t walk to close by the candy factory. I hear they’re looking for nuts like you
I might have an extra copy of Blades of Steel that I can send your way if you’re interested. Let me know.
I too prefer Ice Hockey to Blades of Steel and I still argue with friends about this.
Ice Hockey made our thumbs hurt big time. It took a lot for us to take a break, but Ice Hockey made it necessary.
Also the shootout at the end of a tie game on Ice Hockey was the best! Super speed. So intense.
One of the precious few old-school sports games that has survived the decades, quality intact. One of the best Ice Hockey games ever? Easily, in my opinion.