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Well, I suppose it had to happen. After the unbeatable International Soccer it was on the cards that ice hockey would be the source of a game. The layout of the game is pretty standard. You are given the view of a section of the playing area. As the action moves, the screen will scroll to follow the action - just like a TV camera.

The game is for two players only, which is a bit of a shame. Only one player from each side is in play at any one time. This player has a different colour to the rest.

If the puck is loose, the nearest players will approach it even if they aren't the current players under control. If another player gets near the puck, control will pass over to that player.

The goal keeper and defender are linked so that both can be controlIed. By varying the handling of the joystick and fire-button you can make the players perform different actions. The goalie, for example, has three save actions. You can even body charge an opponent, but don't overdo it or you'll get penalised.

The graphics are excellent with accurate design of figures and realistic animation. The background is in two colours but looks effective. The crowd is a sea of faces which move during the game. The use of sound is limited but there is accurate soft speech and applause.

Overall this is an excellent and very exciting simulation which is good value at the price.

A.W.