“Blades of Steel,” known in Japan as “Konamic Ice Hockey,” is a celebrated ice hockey video game developed by Konami, launched in North America before making its way to the Japanese market. As a pioneering hockey simulation from the late 1980s, this game captures the essence of the sport with an engaging mix of action and strategy, appealing to both casual players and sports enthusiasts. Game Modes and Gameplay: “Blades of Steel” offers players two primary modes of play: “Exhibition” and “Tournament.” In Exhibition mode, players engage in a standalone match against either the computer or a second player, perfect for quick sessions and practice. The Tournament mode emulates the NHL playoffs atmosphere, where players select a team and compete in a knockout format aiming to secure the championship cup by defeating all rivals. One of the game’s most distinctive features is its fighting mechanics. Altercations are triggered when players bump into each other three times consecutively. This leads to a pre-fight confrontation where players can throw punches to gain an advantage. Winning a fight results in the opponent getting penalized without any penalty to the victor, creating a power play situation. The game allows up to four simultaneous penalties, offering a strategic element of 5-on-1 gameplay if multiple fights are won. Intermissions and Additional Features: A unique aspect of “Blades of Steel” is its interactive intermissions. During the second intermission, players are treated to a mini-game that serves as both an entertaining break and an advertisement for other Konami titles like Contra and Gradius. This mini-game involves a small spaceship battling a larger one, adding a delightful arcade touch to the hockey gameplay. If a game ends in a tie, “Blades of Steel” utilizes a shootout to determine the winner, echoing the tension and excitement of real-life hockey shootouts. Each team takes turns attempting to score, with the game continuing until one team outshoots the other. Teams and Customization: The game features eight teams—four from Canada and four from the United States—each representing cities with NHL teams during the game’s development. These include Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Edmonton, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Minnesota. Teams wear varied colored jerseys, adding a visual distinction and a layer of customization for players.