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Like some kind of demented and extremely depressed rhinoceros, the EA series of sport sims trundles on with no sign of stopping. NHLPA '94 takes off where '93 takes off although you have to look hard to spot the differences. The graphics are the same, the playability is almost identical and if you've got one of the previous two games you'll know what to expect. The question is, are we being ripped off?

Well, EA obviously think we're not. A few minor changes here and there and they've got a whole new product. There are several new play modes, more tournaments, two, three and four-player games if you shell out for the four-player adaptor, and little digitised cameos of the players. Well worth the money, eh?

Yet another addition to EA's ever-growing family of not very original games.

Get the puck in the back of the net through a combination of skill and low-down rough and tumble.

The first thing you've got to ask about this game is "What's new?" The sad skulking answer is actually a rather muted "not a lot, really". EA have stuck with the tried-and-tested formula to the extent where they've shied away from making any changes to the core of the game at all. Instead, they've bolted bits on at the edges which will only make a difference if you follow the game in real life.

For instance, the amount of statistics on offer have increased three-fold. Alongside this, each team features digitised pics of its players, along with even more statistics, the words "not at all necessary" instantly spring to mind.

To cater for the new multi-player feature, Hockey '94 features an all-new type of shot. The One-Two takes a fair bit of practice to get right, but if it works it's almost guaranteed to whistle into the net, or leave the goalie picking bits of shattered puck out of his head. Here's how it works:

1. Right, you've got possession, you're in your own half and you're about to leave the opposing defenders stranded. Perfect conditions for the king of hockey plays.
2. Make sure there's one of your players ahead of you. If there isn't, hang back, or pass to a player who's got a bit of space. Now wait for one of the lads to move up the pitch.
3. Following your attacker up the field and get ready to pass. The most accurate way is to head towards them then hit B as you get in close.
4. Now comes the tricky bit. The puck leaves one player and skids towards the one bearing down on goal... Wait for it to get in close and then...
5. Stab the C button! If you get the timing right, the receiver will pull off a devastating signature shot that'll burn a hole right through the net.

The key feature of this version is its compatibility with EA's new four-player adaptor. Plug in this widget and the extra joypads to play with up to four people in a two-a-side game. While this is an obvious plus pont, if you've already got an earlier version of this game, it's a lot of money to lay out on top of the adaptor and extra pads just so you can have a bit of a laff with your mates.

There may be a host of minor improvements in the game, but there are also a couple of glaring omissions. Brace yourselves for this one. Gone are the Street Fighter-on-ice fight scenes; instead the players are all namby-pamby and won't get into a fight no matter how much you provoke them.

Also missing is the blood that accompanies particularly serious injuries. While it was a gratuitous, non-essential part of the game, there was plenty of satisfaction to be had when you left your opponent's star striker shedding bucket loads of blood on the ice! Why has this aspect of the game been left out?

Team selection is all-important in the hack-and-slash world of professional ice hockey. You need to have the best people for the job, and that means getting your team selections right. Before you begin a match, Ron Barr (Who?) gives you a run down on your current squad. Team members go through hot and cold streaks depending on how they've played in the last few matches. This gives you the opportunity to leave out any duffers in the team so you can field your strongest side for the match.

Perhaps the biggest mystery about this game for me is the way it's probably going to sell by the bucket-load. Take it from me, it's a pointless purchase unless you're after the four-player option.

It's not that it's a bad game, it's just that the previous incarnation was far more enjoyable. For one thing, it had the fighting. Call me violent and shallow-minded, but I loved giving any opposing player who scored a ruddy good scudding for being such a smart-ass.

If you feel that is an aspect you can do without, this version is the one to look for. Me, I'm sticking with '93.

I agree entirely with what Mark has said - true enough it's not all that different to '93 but it is faster, just as action-packed, wonderful to control and the whole reason for buying this would be for the four-player option - it's ace.

On its own it's definitely not worth buying if you already have '93 particularly since all the ab violence has been cleansed from this game. But with three mates around, a few shandies in the cooler and the volume whacked right up, this game is a total winner and one no hockey fan should be without.

Presentation 93%
P. Thousands of features help pad the game out.
N. Most of the extras aren't at all necessary or useful.

Graphics 88%
P. Fluid player animation and very smooth scrolling.
N. No variation at all, bar the colours of the kits.

Sound 89%
P. Great thwacks and thumps with copious amounts of crowd noise.
N. More could have been done with the crowd effects.

Playability 87%
P. As good as ever, with fast-paced action and a good mix of teams.
N. The fights have gone, but that's about it.

Lastability 89%
P. The three and four-player modes are excellent fun.
N. Not very addictive if you've mastered the previous game.

Overall 88%
Bar the multi-player game, it's the same old thing really, with no outstanding new features. If you're going to play on your own, stick with NHLPA '93.