Blades of Steel
NES-VS-USAHow to play Blades of Steel(tm)Konami(r)---Welcome to the bid timeAfter a hard nosed season in the teeth smashing NHL farm system, you've finally slap shot your way into the pros. Now you're just another no name rookie up against the finest fore-checkers ever to grace the rink.You've got confidence, and with stick in hand you're looking to bring home thecup, win MVP, make the covers of major sports magazines, and date a beautifulNew York model (not necessarily in that order).But you'll soon learn that in this league nothing's ever given to you, andbefore you can reach your goals - you gotts score 'em! You've gotta possessboth the artful skill of a finesse player and the bone crushing brutality ofan enforcer. You've gotta defend the goal against unrelenting power plays. And, finally, defend yourself when anger flares, gloves come off, and fistsstart flying.So strap on Blades of Steel, and prepare to make a name for yourself. Or beput on ice by the hottest hit men in hockey!---How to beginBlades of Steel consists of three grueling periods with non-stop action. Usethe SELECT Button to choose either (1) or (2) player mode, then hit the STARTButton.One Player Mode: If only one player takes the ice, you'll face off againsttough computer competition. Begin by pressing the SELECT Button for "Exhibition" or "Tournament" play. Press A Button to lock on your selection.Next, use the SELECT Button to decide on one of three challenging levels -Junior (for beginners), College (for intermediate) or Pro (for advanced). Lockon your choice with the A Button.Finally, press the SELECT Button to choose the team you wish to captain, andagain lock on with A Button. Then select the team name for your computeropponent by repeating this step.Note: If you've chosen the Tournament mode, the computer will automaticallyselect the opposing team. At the conclusion of the Tournament selectionprocess, hit the START Button to display the standings.Two Player Mode: If you're challenging a friend, you both pick a team usingthe SELECT Button, locking on with the A Button. In two player mode you cannotselect Tournament play or Level.If for any reason you want to change your selections in either mode before thegame begins, hit the B Button to repeat the process.When all decisions are final, press the A Button to bring the teams onto theice for a stick slashing good time!The Konami ArenaThis 70,000 seat mega arena is sold-out until the year 2010. Luckily, you'vegot the best seat in the house: Center Ice.---Offensive controlControl PadPress to maneuver player with puck in eight different directions.B ButtonAim the player controlling the puck toward a teammate, then press B Button tomake a precision pass.A ButtonPress to shoot. Note: Shots are automatically aimed at the moving arrow infront of the defender's goal.Defensive controlControl PadPress to maneuver flashing defender in eight different directions. Also press to control your goalie who should be kept in line with the moving arrow at alltimes. Note: Press UP and DOWN to move goalie left and right. Press LEFT andRIGHT to move him in and out.B ButtonPress to switch control of your flashing man to the defender nearest the puck.A ButtonNot used when you're on defense.---Rules of engagementFace-offsAt the beginning of each period, and after icing calls, the ref will line upthe teams for a traditional, quick wristed face-off. The first player to hitthe B Button when the puck is dropped will get the first shot to strikeoffensively.Icing callsIcing occurs when a player shoots from his own territory and the puck slidesthe length of the rink, past the opposing team's goal, without being touched.When the opponent takes control of the puck from behind his net, icing willbe whistled and a face-off will occur.Slashing & checkingIf a player gets too rough (if that's really possible in this sport) a fightwill break out or a penalty will be called. This usually happens if you repeatedly check the opponent.If there's a fight, the screen will switch to a battle mode, and the loser ofthe fight will be sent to the penalty box for a set time (see page 8 fordetails).If there's a penalty called, a penalty shot will be awarded to the player whowas victimized by the slasher (see page 9 for details).---You gotta fight (for your right to victory)Hockey greats are generally known to have short fuses, and in Blades of Steel,that stereotype explodes into full blown fight scenes when the fore-checkinggets outta control!How to duke it outGet in your best shots by punching B Button. To cover up and protect your goodlooks, press A Button for the classic rope-a-dope stance.Also use the CONTROL PAD, pressing UP or DOWN together with the B Button tothrow blows to either the chin or stomach. And press together with the AButton to raise or lower your guard.By the way, if you lose the fight and get knocked on your tail, you'll be sentto the penalty box, giving your opponent a Power Play. Your team won't returnto full strength until a referee blows the whistle.---The penalty and the overtime sceneIf a fight breaks out and the ref intervenes before fists are bruised, apenalty shot will be awarded. If a game ends tied, 5 overtime bonus shots aretaken by each team, with the victor ultimately decided by the guy with the most extra goals. If the game remains evenly knotted after the 5 shots, it'son to a one shot Sudden Death finale!How to take control during penalties and overtimeIf you're the slap shooter, use the CONTROL PAD to aim your shot, then pressB Button. If you're defending the net, use the CONTROL PAD together with theB Button to try and block the shot. NOTE: By using the CONTROL PAD, there areeight different points you can shoot at or defend.