Blades of Steel on NES is that classic hockey game where you can either jump into a quick exhibition match or go all-in with a full Konami Cup tournament—basically the NHL playoffs, but with pixelated glory. Pick your team, slap the puck around, and try not to get into too many fights... though let’s be real, the fights are half the fun.

Here’s how brawls work: if two players bump into each other three times, the screen suddenly turns into a one-on-one fistfight. You mash buttons to throw punches, and the loser gets tossed in the penalty box. Sometimes, if you start throwing hands near a net, the ref steps in and calls a penalty shot instead. It’s chaotic, a little janky, and honestly kind of amazing.

It’s not the deepest hockey sim, but the controls are tight, the action’s fast, and the fights make every game unpredictable. Still holds up if you’re into old-school sports games with attitude.