NHL Blades of Steel

Pucks, power plays and punches. Plus, it's portable!

It's been two years since the release of a hockey game for Game Boy, and the last time the Blades of Steel series graced the small screen was back in 1991. Fast-paced arcade action and furious fist fights highlight Konami's latest hockey title, which should inspire many fans to flash their toothless grins.

Like its companion release for the Nintendo 64, NHL Blades of Steel for Game Boy Color is fully equipped with the NHL and NHLPA licenses. The thorough Mode of Play menu allows players to choose from:

• Exhibition
• NHL Season
• Random Season
• Playoffs

Konami has included a Create-A-Player feature, which has become common in N64 sports games but is still rare in the Game Boy sports library. One of the most fun features is the practice arena, where players can perfect penalty shots and pummel opponents in a simulated bare knuckle brawl. Two players can use the Game Link Cable to heat up the ice in a head to head game.

Players of any skill level will be able to learn the fundamentals almost immediately, and crisp graphics provide a good view of what's happening on the ice. We would have liked to see Game Boy Color's palette used more extensively during gameplay, but special scoring animations and fight scenes are a visual treat.

The on-ice play is fast and furious, which can sometimes make it challenging to keep your eye on the puck. Fans of arcade action may enjoy the frantic pace, but hockey purists should be warned that double-digit scores are common. Arcade and sim fans alike will love it when a fight breaks out, because the game cuts to a tournament fighter view which allows players to deliver a barrage of knuckle sandwiches. Any puck-hugger knows that that's as realistic as it gets.

Blades of Steel is compatible with Game Boy Color only.

Source: www.nintendo.com