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Ice hocket is one of the only sports to rival rugby for more on-pitch than off-pitch violence. Face Off aims to cover this sport with a management section, enabling you to plan strategies and buy and sell players, and an arcade game.

The arcade section plays pretty much to the formula of any bog-standard footie sim, only on ice. The rules are, of course, different, but the idea is pretty much the same. The player nearest the ball - sorry, puch - is under your direct control and your team-mates hover around, waiting expectantly for you to pass.

The pitch is a little small and the puck moves at a fair old whack, so the action is real end-to-end stuff. The pick is also very small and blast, and it's often difficult to see exactly who has possession of it, hence the tendency to run away from your opposing number who's about to score.

The addition of a strategy section is interesting, and may add an extra dimension when you've got tired of the arcade game. And you do get tired of it. Hockey may be fast, exciting and violent in real life, but this portrays it as an irritating game where you never know where the puck is.

1. Manchester United-like mix of strategy and arcade gives added depth.
2. Two player option makes for heated gameplay. Kick Off II fans will know the score.
3. Plays like any footie sim - only on ice!