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As the SportTime coach you must train, recruit, and trade players in an attempt to become the best team in the league.

When you're happy with the team it's time to start the SBA league, playing against numerous computer teams. Here, you have the option of coaching, playing, or letting the computer or a second player control either of these activities.

Coaching decisions include both defensive and offensive tactics as well as substitutions (these are unlimited). If you choose to also play, you can have limited control over the ball-carrier choosing when to pass or shoot. Defensively, you can choose when to 'double team' (put two markers on an opposing player.

The game is viewed from the end of the court, only one half of the court being shown at one time. Other optional modules are available which allow you to play Side View games, and compete in College, Pro and Fantasy leagues.

After reading the huge instruction manual and waiting for the incredibly slow multi-load, I was ready to fall asleep. Unfortunately, the simple selection of tactics and very limited player control failed to wake me up.

Graphics or sonics are equally unimpressive and the way the view of the court flips round when you cross the halfway line is totally disconcerting.

There are loads of options and statistics (nine seasons' worth!) in this but what seems at first sight to be a complex sports sim is surprisingly simplistic in actual match play. I'd also have preferred more control over the players than all those coaching options.

Presentation 49%
Nice packaging but painful multi-load.

Graphics 36%
Splodgy sprites.

Sound 20%
Simple effects.

Hookability 33%
Hard to get into...

Lastability 50%
...but there's some depth.

Overall 46%
An irritating, convoluted sports sim which only a basketball fanatic could love.