You aren't going to get the most out of this without a passable working knowledge of ice hockey. Those who don't know their Stanley Cup from their Stanley Matthews and think icing is limited to the tops of cakes will flounder at first. "Why's the referee blown his whistle? Why is he calling me back? Whaddya mean, I can't belt the ball (it's a puck!) indiscriminately forwards? What's this 'roster'...?

But like all sports worth playing, much of ice hockey is instinct, and a couple of games is all everyone but the most lobster-handed window-lickers will need to become workably au fait with what's happening. It's simulation rather than arcade blast, but tuneable difficulty makes for greater accessibility. As in Pro Evo, passes won't just find a man; they need directing - and as in Pro Evo, it's tricky to score but all the more rewarding for it. Deeper down, controllable one-twos and swanky backward skating defence manoeuvres add finesse to the frantic gameplay. And it's needed, because intelligent opponent AI makes for challenging match-ups, even on the punier skill settings.

It's hugely tinkerable, with a deep management side stretching into the minor leagues, which is where some NHL knowledge is needed. With it this can stretch to eternity; without it this is 'merely' a brilliant ice hockey game that, while not quite surpassing EA's effort, is certainly its equal.

Graphics 70%
Slightly disappointing in-game.

Sound 90%
Superb flowing commentary.

Gameplay 80%
Wasn't broke; didn't fix it.

Lifespan 90%
Will easily last until 2K6.

Overall 80%
A deep, fairly tricky but rewarding experience that can be enjoyed almost as much by Joe Casual as by, um... Herbert Hockeyfan