NHL Blades Of Steel Game by: Konomi Reviewed by: The Solid Snake solidsnake885@yahoo.com Size: 8 Mega-bit Save: Battery (YES!!!) Released: 1999 Works with: GBC only **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: When I got my GBC, I wanted to get a good sports game with my hard-earned money. Knowing that most sports games for the Game Boy are utter CRAP, I decided to go with my instincts and get this game. Did I guess wrong? I dunno... **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: It's hockey... do you know how to play hockey? Well, I'm sure you do, but to play this game you have to REALLY know how to play hockey becuase like in real hockey, you need to react quickly. Ok, i'm building up to something here... this game runs REALLY fast!!! I mean, before you even consider getting this game, make sure it's compatible with you! It's WAY too fast for me! You can play exhibitation mode, where you play one little shirmish with a team of your choice, The two season modes, where you play a NHL season (one you can make players, the other you can't). In the seasons, you can manage your players, and even trade them with people via your laser- link thingie that you never use. You can even practice your fighting and your penilty shots. Lots o' options! Liked: Not a bad game at all. Lots O' Options!!! Hated: Damn too fast for me! I mean blazing fast! I really think it's too fast! **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: The graphics have plenty of color since it is a GBC only game. The players are small and all look the same. Luckily, you can tell easily between your players and the others... usually. See, each team has its own set of two colors, so that they stand out no matter what team you face. but this isn't always the case. One big problem here though. See, in this game, every player is simulated in terms of power, speed, and stanima. I don't see the differance with the power and stanima parts, but the speed of that particular player is important. What I'm getting at here is... some of the players steer like cows, and the game just dosn't tell you what player has the puck. Therefore you are always surprised when a player is good or not. The only good players are the ones that can shoot across the screen. It would be nice if a little box showed if Gretzky had the puck or some old Joe did. This kinda makes aspects of the game be based on luck. Liked: Lots O' Color, players are usually easy to tell from the other team. Hated: Can't always tell who;s on the other team or not, since the game runs so fast. Don't know which one of your players has the puck. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: Not good. There is only one track during the game, which is annoying. Plus, there is no sound during gameplay. WHAT??? That's right! All you hear during gameplay is that damn looping track!!! That's it!! Liked: The crowd cheers when someone makes a goal... Hated: EVERYTHING! LOOPING TRACKS AND NO SFX! **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: Bad... Controlling the players is impossible! Passing is unpredictible! And once again... THE GAME RUNS SO FAST THAT IT RUINS THIS ASPECT (and other aspects) OF THE GAME!!! And when the puck is close to the goal you have to control the goalies AND a player! It's too confusing! Liked: Sometimes you can even make a goal! Hated: You almost always lose by at least 5 points. why? read my review to find out. **************************************************************************** Improve: Make a whole new game (NHL Blades of Steel 2000 is a fact) RIYL: Nothing. There is no good sports game on the GB other than some of the baseball titles. **************************************************************************** Final Words: Someday by some miricle there will be a good hocky game on the GB. But as of now... one does not exist. **************************************************************************** Score: Gameplay: *** Graphics: **** Sound/Music: * Play Control/Game Design: * Personal Opinion: ** Total: 11 Final Score: 44% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: If you don't buy this game, you won't waste your $$$.