Sega's ESPN NHL Hockey is the perfect comedown pill for those still shaking after playing too much Hitz. Rather than overdosing on wincing, cranium-cracking checks (although ESPN does boast its fair share of these), this more sober outing offers options galore, right down to puck friction and referee collisions.

There are more menus on offer here than in a global chain of McDonald's restaurants. Get off on your line changes, strategies and player trades, do you sir? Then this title will send you to statistic heaven, with premature greying the only possible downside to managing a full-scale franchise operation.

As is the norm with hockey sims these days, the Season and Franchise modes provide the biggest tests. Endless pages of rosters and free agents litter the screens, as you toy aimlessly with your tactics. Adding to the pressure is a wealth of player attributes. Each budding star is graded in everything from defence awareness down to pass bias, making this as numerically sound as Championship Manager. Fortunately, if the stress proves troublesome, you can always retreat to a comforting TV room, where not only is a guitar-favouring jukebox available to sooth away the troubles from your sorry soul, but a tranquil game of air hockey is on offer too. Pure bliss...

In terms of fluidity, ESPN's matchplay is pristine. Like EA's NHL 2004, there are two types of pass to exploit - the flat pass and the daring lifted pass which, when used correctly, can turn a defence into an offence at the push of a puck. The only real concern we found was the all-too-predictable scoring. Eighty per cent of goals come from hitting 'one-timers' (release a pass and hit 'shoot" before the puck reaches your destination player) and zigzagging towards the goal on one-on-one breakaways. Of course, nailing these becomes far more awkward on higher difficulty settings (or if you're playing with a wimpy side like Edmonton, in which case your players dawdle around the rink like they've been coached by Emilio Estevez).

Sega has certainly pushed the ESPN licensing to its fullest capacity too. It seems that any half-noteworthy check, foul or shot cannot pass by without some form of multi-angled replay swinging into action. While this certainly adds drama, it becomes mind-numbingly irritating for anyone not warmed to po-faced American TV. The commentary also veers dangerously towards the naff, with comments repetitive and not always 100 per cent appropriate to the on-screen action.

ESPN NHL Hockey is polished sports frivolity with a near-endless pit of options, and it's easily the best-looking ice hockey game around. It's highly recommended, especially to the purist player who knows the game inside out. With competitive Xbox Live play also in the offing (we'll bring you an online update soon), it's well worth a shot if you've got plenty of time to invest.

1. Looks fantastic
2. Huge depth and longevity
3. It's got Xbox Live!

1. Scoring methods too predictable
2. Poor punch-ups
3. Repetitive commentary

Power
ESPN is the best-looking ice hockey game around with six impressive playing views.

Style
Pure ESPN glamour, with more cutscenes and replays than a real broadcast.

Immersion
Less violent and chaotic than Hitz, for example, but still fast and fun from the off.

Lifespan
There are tons of game modes and plenty of depth for anyone in love with the sport.

Summary
Ice hockey fans are spoilt with three great titles. This is the best choice for enthusiasts, and is the only one with Live play.