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Australia, a land where men are men and sport is war. Where they only play the roughest, toughest games and even Rugby's considered a game for Sheilas. Indeed, they've invented a more violent version called Australian Rules Football.

Played with a rugby ball on a cricket pitch, it involves a lot of running about and hitting people on the pretense of scoring points. The aim's to kick or punch the ball (or an opponent) between the goalposts.

Aussie Rules the computer game follows these principles to produce the world's first ever 'sim' of the sport. Seen from above, at first it looks like 'ordinary' football. As usual the player with the ball is highlighted and equipped with a kick'o'meter.

The most annoying thing about the whole exercise is the colour of the ball, which happens to be the same as your players. So telling who has actually got it can be difficult. Especially annoying as the pitch is moved in flick-screen sections, with an arrow indicating the direction of the ball.

Commentary is provided by a Ritchie Benaud lookalike, the whole game being presented as a TV report. There are two leagues to play in - 'Outback' for beginners and 'Victoria Football League' for those professionals amongst us.

Despite the camouflaged ball, Aussie Rules is great fun to play once you get to grips with the way the game works. The small pitch injects frantic overtones, while the novelty element is refreshing and lasting.

Not a mould-breaking sports sim by any stretch of the imagination, Aussie Rules nevertheless makes a great change from traditionally deadly serious and overly complex soccer games.

Win a match.

Good looking, with nice touches like the frantic pop-up TV commentator and whistle. Tiny pitch though, and occasionally indecisive control.

Ripper!

Graphics 64%
P. Everything's clear...
N. ...except the ball!

Sonics 40%
P. Just a few whistles and roars.

Grab Factor 72%
P. A strong novelty licence.

Staying Power 65%
P. Two leagues.

Overall 69%
P. Interesting and enjoyable sports sim.