# Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu Introduction *Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu: Subette Koronde Dairantou*, released on February 7, 1992, for the Famicom by Technōs Japan, is a sports/fighting hybrid in the *Kunio-kun* series, alongside *River City Ransom* and *Super Dodge Ball* (both 1989, NES). Known in English as *Go-Go! Nekketsu Hockey Club Slip-and-Slide Madness* (via the 2020 *Double Dragon & Kunio-kun Retro Brawler Bundle*), it was planned for North America as *Crash 'n the Boys: Ice Challenge* but canceled. Players control Kunio leading Nekketsu High’s hockey team against school clubs (e.g., Kendo, Baseball) and rival schools to save the team from disbandment and win a national championship. Combining hockey with beat 'em up mechanics, it features eight teams, special shots (e.g., Power Shot), and fights (punches, kicks). Modes include Scenario (1P/2P story) and Battle (1P/2P vs.). Its colorful 8-bit sprites, quirky animations, and chaotic gameplay shine (*Nintendo Power* V45 preview), though simple AI and Japanese-only original text limit accessibility. Re-released on Wii Virtual Console (2009, Japan), Nintendo Switch Online (2020, worldwide), and widely emulated. ## Why Play Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu? *Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu* blends ice hockey with *Kunio-kun*’s signature brawling. Scenario Mode has players guide Nekketsu High through a tournament, starting with a warm-up against their Dodgeball Club, facing quirky teams (e.g., Hanazono’s Football Club with golf clubs, Tanibana’s Roller Team), and ending with tough foes like Daisetsuzan High. Winning unlocks team uniforms with unique stats and special shots (e.g., Kendo’s Slash Shot). Battle Mode offers 1P/2P versus matches, supporting up to four players with multitap. Matches use three players per side over three-minute periods, with no offside rules and hazards like bouncy walls or landmines. Players pass (A), shoot (B), tackle, or fight (punches/kicks when “angry”), with penalties sending players to the box until a goal or period ends. Matches last 5-15 minutes, with Scenario Mode taking 1-2 hours. Its fast-paced action, humorous knockouts, and co-op fun stand out, though easy early matches and emulation bugs may frustrate. X posts praise its wacky violence and *Kunio-kun* charm, perfect for fans of *Super Dodge Ball*. ## Key Features - Play as Kunio with 8 teams (e.g., Nekketsu, Hanazono, Daisetsuzan) with unique stats and special shots - 2 modes: Scenario (1P/2P story tournament), Battle (1P/2P vs., up to 4 players with multitap) - Hockey with brawling: pass, shoot, tackle, fight; special shots (e.g., Power Shot, Slash Shot) - Unique courts with hazards (e.g., landmines, bouncy walls); penalty box for fighting - Two-player co-op or versus; password save system - Experience authentic Famicom/NES gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: NES/Famicom vs. Other Versions - **Famicom (1992)**: Japanese-only text, 8 teams, 2 modes, 8-bit graphics; never released in North America as *Crash 'n the Boys: Ice Challenge*. - **Compared to Super Dodge Ball (1989, NES)**: *Hockey-bu* is a hockey/fighting hybrid with story-driven Scenario Mode; *Dodge Ball* focuses on dodgeball, simpler mechanics, no narrative. - **Compared to River City Ransom (1989, NES)**: *Hockey-bu* is a sports game with brawling; *River City* is an open-world beat 'em up with RPG elements and shops. - **Switch Online (2020)**: English translation (*Go-Go! Nekketsu Hockey Club*), save states, online multiplayer; same core game. - **Other Versions**: Later *Kunio-kun* hockey games (e.g., *Kunio-kun no Nekketsu Soccer League*) unrelated; no direct ports. - **Regional Notes**: No North American NES release; Europe’s *Street Gangs* (1991) unrelated; no *Probotector*-style changes. ## Play Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu Online Hit the ice today! Play *Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu* (1992, NES/Famicom) instantly on our website, Classic Joy Games, with no downloads, using NES emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on Nintendo Switch Online (as *Go-Go! Nekketsu Hockey Club*), Virtual Console (Wii, 2009, Japan-only), or sites like RetroGames.cc or EmulatorGames.net. Physical Famicom copies cost $20-$50 (cart only) or $60-$150 (CIB) on eBay; rare due to Japan-only release. Ideal for *Kunio-kun* and retro sports fans! Note: Use Mesen or Nestopia for emulation; Switch Online’s English version is recommended for accessibility. For strategy, use Nekketsu’s Power Shot for quick goals; unlock Kendo’s uniform for stronger shots. Password: Enter “M3T4N5K6” at the title screen to start near the final match with boosted stats. Join players worldwide on Classic Joy Games. Start your hockey brawl now and lead Nekketsu to glory!