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Plug in the cartridge, switch on, and you're instantly rewarded with a sign-on logo and copyright message.

You must now look at the instruction page, because the screen gives no indication of what to do next.

In fact, it is very simple indeed. You use the function keys to scroll through all the possible colours for the players to appear in. There is a large-scale picture of the player on the screen, and you use f1 to choose for one side and f3 to choose for the other.

If you want to play against the computer, you use f5 to scroll through the nine levels of difficulty; otherwise you play against the opponent operating the other joystick.

A press on the joystick fire button, and off you go.

It is immediately obvious that this game will set new standards. The view of the football pitch is three-dimensional, as if you are in the best seat in the stand, and the players run on to the pitch and take up their positions.

A realistic blow of the RA'S whistle, and you kick off.

You control the movements of your player nearest the ball, by moving the joystick. He will take the ball with him, either dribbling or heading the ball continuously! The fire button makes the player kick the ball.

It makes a very satisfying bouncing sound, and you'll be surprised to see the shadow which appears under the ball whenever it's in the air!

The player(s) being controlled by the joystick(s) obligingly change colour, so that you can tell when you're controlling a different player. This is very valuable, because one of the attractive features of the game is the way the other players run around the field.

The goalkeepers are made to jump or dive by using the fire button. But you must choose your moment well: a fraction out, and the goalkeeper is left lying on the ground while the ball bounces in the net, and the crowd roar and clamour (no violence, though!).

Indeed, the one lack of realism is that there are no fouls! If you bring your player into contact with the one who has the ball, you will take possession.

The score is shown on the board, along with the time ticking away. At half-time, the players and officials leave the field and return, changing ends of course!

At the end of the match, unless it is drawn, the Queen presents the cup, and the crowd goes wild.

The quality of the game is best summed up by saying that it gets even the cynics who have 'seen it all', playing, and I think it will prove highly addictive.

Commodore obviously think so too, as they are pricing it higher than any other cartridge in their range.

Watch out for Basketball!