DESCRIPTION

NHL Blades of Steel 99 is the follow-up to the original NES classic that helped shape the ice hockey genre for years to come. Yet while the original was at heart an arcade-style game, Konami has approached the sequel as a simulation.

NHL Blades of Steel 99 is split up into three modes: Exhibition, Season and Playoffs. All twenty-seven NHL teams are officially presented in this hockey title with authentic 98-99 player rosters and an endorsement by Jaromir Jagr. Players can adjust a total of 27 options, including seven camera views, five game speeds, five game levels, period length from five to twenty minutes, customize rules and changes — line, goalie and cursor.

Two All-Star teams are also included with each team being rated in six categories according to real-life data. Seasonal options include selection of playoff games from one to seven games per series, season length, team stats, player stats, roster, league standings and schedule. Management features include the ability to edit lines, strategies, trade players, roster and free agents. NHL Blades of Steel 99 also allows players to pick from six pre-set default button layouts.

Randy Hahn handles the commentary as the 3D modeled players skate with motion-captured animation. Each game also features TV-style introductions complete with anthems and light shows for the home team.

NHL Blades of Steel 99 also supports the Rumble Pak for vibration feedback and the Controller Pak to save game data. Up to four-players can take to the ice simultaneously. ~ Brad Penniment, All Game Guide