NHL Blades of Steel '99 vs NHL Breakaway 99
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
NHL Blades of Steel '99 brings the excitement of the 1998-99 NHL season to your screen, featuring motion-captured animation, fully detailed stadiums, and up-to-date rosters called out by announcer Randy Hahn. Manage your team with player trades, free-agent signings, and adjustable strategies for a deep, immersive hockey experience. Play solo or challenge a friend in split‑screen mode, track season stats, and compete for league leader honors. This Konami Sports Series title delivers realistic ice physics and authentic gameplay for fans of all ages.
NHL Breakaway 99 brings the full 1998-99 NHL lineup to your screen, featuring all 27 teams, over 600 players, and the newly added Nashville Predators. The game delivers realistic player sizes, weights, and updated jerseys for an authentic hockey experience. The title includes deep management tools such as player creation, trades, and team style customization, plus split‑screen multiplayer for head‑to‑head action on the same console.
- Authentic 1998‑99 rosters
- Motion-captured player animation
- Split‑screen multiplayer
- Comprehensive season stats
- Comprehensive 1998‑99 rosters
- Deep team management options
- Authentic arena and jersey details
- Split‑screen multiplayer support
- Limited to older platforms
- Graphics dated by modern standards
- No online multiplayer
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited platform availability
- Control scheme can feel clunky for newcomers
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to NHL Blades of Steel '99
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Experience the 1998-99 NHL season with all teams, real rosters, and authentic arena action.
Alternatives to NHL Breakaway 99
View all →Experience authentic NHL action with motion-captured players and real ice conditions
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth games offer authentic 1998‑99 NHL rosters and split‑screen multiplayer for $49.99, but NHL Breakaway 99 adds broader multiplayer modes and more detailed arena features, while NHL Blades of Steel ’99 is simpler and from Konami.
Key differences
- •Multiplayer: Breakaway 99 lists generic multiplayer in addition to split‑screen; Blades of Steel ’99 only split‑screen.
- •Developer/Publisher: Blades of Steel ’99 is by Konami; Breakaway 99 is by Iguana Entertainment/Acclaim.
- •Release timing: Breakaway 99 launched Nov 1998, Blades of Steel ’99 launched Apr 1999, giving Breakaway a head‑start on season updates.
- •Feature detail: Breakaway 99 mentions arena names, jersey updates, and player size/weight physics; Blades of Steel ’99 emphasizes motion‑capture animation and adjustable team strategies.
- •Critic score: Only Breakaway 99 provides a critic score (70/100); Blades of Steel ’99 has none listed.
Gameplay & fun factor
Breakaway 99 adds player size/weight physics and arena name details, offering deeper simulation.
Platform availability
Neither product lists specific platforms; both note limited platform availability.
Price & value
Both are priced at $49.99 one‑time.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Breakaway 99 lists generic multiplayer plus split‑screen; Blades of Steel ’99 only split‑screen.
Content & replayability
Blades of Steel ’99 includes full season stats, league leaders, and adjustable team strategies.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both have ESRB E rating and no specific difficulty info.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as dated by modern standards; no quantitative graphics data.
Choose NHL Blades of Steel '99 if…
Fans who prioritize season stats, team strategy tweaks, and Konami’s motion‑capture feel.
Choose NHL Breakaway 99 if…
Players wanting extra multiplayer options and more detailed simulation physics.
Common questions
Do either games support online multiplayer?
No. Blades of Steel ’99 only split‑screen; Breakaway 99 lists multiplayer but does not specify online play.
Which game has a higher critical reception?
Breakaway 99 includes a critic score of 70/100; Blades of Steel ’99 has no score listed.
Are the rosters and jerseys up‑to‑date for the 1998‑99 season?
Both games feature the complete 1998‑99 NHL rosters; Breakaway 99 also mentions updated jerseys and arena names.