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I don't know if I'm right when I say this, and I'm probably not, but from my understanding, this new Accolade series of sports simulations is supposed to bring in some revolutionary styles of games and gameplay. This can't be right, because if it is, then how come this Fast Break thing is no different to all other basketball games that have been released, i.e. not very good.

It's a three-on-three basketball game in a two flip-screen court, each of the screen sbeing a mirror image of the other. You control one of the players at a time, normally, in the style of most multi-player games, the one nearest the ball being the one under control. This is indicated by the player flashing.

Where the other two players stand is decided between matches and at half time. You are presented with a playbook of moves, and it's from this that you have to choose four or, make up four of your own. The playbook contains fifteen moves which govern where the other two players will be standing when you aren't controlling them.

Player Control couldn't be easier. Normal joystick directions apply, and passing is simply a matter of pointing in the appropriate direction and pressing Fire. Note, the game won't let you pass unless you're facing a player you can pass to. Shooting is even easier. Shooting consists of standing anywhere on the screen where your opponent's goal is visible, and holding down fire. Your man will jump into the air and take aim. Release Fire at the apex of his flight, and he'll release the ball and it'll sail into the hoop with the greatest of ease. Release the button too soon, and it'll bounce off the rim or miss completely.

The computer proves a more than worthy opponent, the problem being that it is perfect. It controls all of its three players at once, which means that it has them all standing in the right position, passes perfectly, intercepts all your shots and never misses a shot.

Two player is a bit more fun, but the fun is still short-lived due to the limitations of play and the complete lack of any facilities to improve your skills (i.e. an advanced play mode or just skill levels).

The graphics aren't bad. They serve their purpose and the backgrounds are rather pleasing. They do border on being overly blocky though, and the characters have a tendency to glide rather than walk.

Not a terrible game, but hardly an advancement in the world of sports sims.