Blades of Steel

aka: Konamic Ice Hockey
Moby ID: 7223
Arcade Specs
Note: We may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made via eBay or Amazon links (prices updated 3/25 12:05 PM )

Description official descriptions

Based on the arcade game, Blades Of Steel is a hockey arcade action game (gameplay doesn't require the need to worry about statistics or provide the ability to customize teams). Two players can play against each other, or one player against the computer. In one player mode there are single game and tournament mode options. From time to time a fight may break out, which will provide a close up view of the two players. The player has control during the miniature fight game sequence, with the loser having to spend time in the penalty box. The referee will break up fights that go on too long, and calls a few penalties such as icing. Several short clips of digitized voices are also featured.

Spellings

  • コナミックアイスホッケー - Japanese spelling

Groups +

Screenshots

Promos

Credits (NES version)

12 People (10 developers, 2 thanks)

Cover Artwork by
Programmed by
Character Design
Music by
Special Thanks
Directed by
Presented by
  • Konami

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 75% (based on 26 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.4 out of 5 (based on 72 ratings with 2 reviews)

Face Off !!!

The Good
Despite the fact I know next to nothing about hockey, I thoroughly enjoyed Blades of Steel. Why ? Read the review. Sheesh, how many times have you had to figure that out ?

Gameplay-

OK, as I said before I'm no hockey expert, but I'll try not to embarrass myself too much. The basic goal of the game is to send the puck into the opposing player's net. First off, to get possession of the puck, you hit the "B" button like mad to get the puck into your possession. You can also hold down a direction button to pass initial possession to a team member in the line up.

You can be a hero and try to get the puck into the net by yourself, or pass it to another team member closer to the net. You can also intercept the other teams passes, making for some dramatic 30 second scoring opportunities. I think you get the general idea of the offense, but what makes this game different from other hockey games of the time is when the opposing players have the puck, the game automatically changes your defensive player, so you're always near the puck. When it's near your net, you automatically gain control of the goalie. If the opposing player misses, and you catch the puck, you can pass it back to one of your players. To win a game, you have to have the most points before the clock runs out.

OK, now that I covered the basics (In a very boring fashion.), lets get to some of the more unique aspects. You know how hockey players tend to beat each other senseless on the ice occasionally ? Well, that happens on a regular basis here. If the opposing player isn't exactly in the sharing mood with the puck, you can fight him for it. It goes to a side view, where you have to rapidly press the "B" button to punch, or "A" to block. The first to run out of energy loses the puck.

Now I know what you're thinking. "But Daniel ! It sounds like any hockey game I could buy !" WRONG ! All hockey games are essentially the same as far as rules go (Or so I'm told.), but Blades of Steel puts all the elements of a good hockey game together with a fast paced, aggressive arcade style. Because your defensive player automatically changes to wherever the puck is, it eliminates the frustration of changing your defensive player (Unlike Nintendo's Ice Hockey.). This means you can play fast and aggressive.

You still have to be mindful though, because the AI is pretty tough at times. Oh yeah, there are penalty shots, but that only happened twice to me. One nice surprise that comes during half time, is you can play a mini shooter on the video screen. It even has advertisements for other Konami games ! The game modes are pretty standard, with single game, career mode and two player. The two player isn't as exciting as I thought it would be, but it's still fun. Standout gameplay all around.

Graphics-

While the graphics are detailed, they aren't spectacular. All the players are well defined, and animated smoothly. The player you control always blinks, so you know who you're playing as. The puck slides quite easily across the ice, without any awkward movements. All the players and teams are multi colored, but use the same models. The rink is pretty plain, but has a nice semi-three dimensional aspect to it. My favorite touch is before and after every round, the teams dance around the ice in a choreographed routine. Hilarious ! Good marks for the graphics.

Sound-

This is another area where Blades of Steel stands out. Although attempted before, the digitized sounds are done better here than in earlier games. "Blades of Steel.", "Face off !", "Get the puck !", "Fight !", "OOF !", "AHH !" and one other I can't remember. Even today, you can still make out what they're saying, despite it being pretty scratchy. As for the other sounds, they're the standard beeps and shuffle static sounds. The music is good, but somewhat subdued. Overall a nice package.

Controls-

"A" is slap shot, "B" is pass during the normal game, and "A" is block, and "B" is punch during the fight sequences. And the directional pad moves you around. Not much to say other than all the controls are responsive and easy to learn.

The Bad
Gameplay-

There is a bit of a confusion factor to the game. Although your character blinks, when all the other players crowd together, it can be hard to tell where you're at. Or when you accidentally intercept a pass, you might not know what's going on for a few seconds because everything is moving so fast. The only other thing is the game can get a little repetitive after a while.

Sound-

The announcer constantly shouting "Get the puck !" gets real old, real fast.

The Bottom Line
If a person like me who has only watched two whole hockey games in his entire life can like this game, it's pretty much guaranteed anybody will. A classic that definitely stands the test of time.

NES · by GAMEBOY COLOR! (1990) · 2009

Awesome little hockey game....

The Good
I love the little scuffle scenes, where you hit a guy enough and all the sudden you throw your gloves of and duke it out. First time I remember an actual cut scene to a one-on-one fighting game, and, of course, if you lost the fight they drug you off the rink.

The Bad
Graphics, but who cares with an NES game.

The Bottom Line
A very well put together little hockey game. Fun and easy, especially with a friend around to play head to head. Pretty smooth game play.

NES · by Cormana6868 (12) · 2004

Trivia

NES version

In the NES version, between the second and third period of a hockey game, a quick mini game of Gradius is sometimes playable in which the player has a few seconds to try to blow up an enemy ship. There are also ads for other Konami games of that era displayed after the mini game is over.

Analytics

MobyPro Early Access

Upgrade to MobyPro to view research rankings!

Related Games

NHL Blades of Steel
Released 1999 on Game Boy Color
NHL Blades of Steel '99
Released 1999 on Nintendo 64
NHL Blades of Steel 2000
Released 2000 on PlayStation
NHL Blades of Steel 2000
Released 2000 on Game Boy Color
Blades of Exile
Released 1997 on Macintosh, Windows 3.x
Blades of Vengeance
Released 1993 on Genesis
Blades of Brim
Released 2015 on iPad, 2015 on iPhone, 2016 on Android
Blades of Heaven
Released 2005 on Windows
God of Blades
Released 2013 on Macintosh, Windows, Linux...

Identifiers +

  • MobyGames ID: 7223
  • [ Please login / register to view all identifiers ]

Contribute

Are you familiar with this game? Help document and preserve this entry in video game history! If your contribution is approved, you will earn points and be credited as a contributor.

Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Servo.

Wii added by Sciere. Game Boy added by Rogee. Arcade, Windows, Xbox 360 added by Alaka. Commodore 64 added by Kabushi. Amiga added by Martin Smith.

Additional contributors: Alaka, LepricahnsGold, Patrick Bregger.

Game added September 14, 2002. Last modified March 23, 2024.