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Electronic Arts' Powerplay Hockey USA Vs. USSR was really quite a mouthful - and so is Jordan Vs. Bird: One On One, a basketball simulation seen yonks ago on the Amiga. Thankfully this one has fewer syllables than its predecessor, and thankfully it is a better game - but only just.

The title page has an impressive list of options which cater for almost anything you want. You can watch a demo, set the skill level and even turn off fouls. "Three games in one" is emblazoned on the package, and it's true! Unfortunately none of them are up to much. All three games are shown on the options screen and include a training mode.

The three-point shoot out lets you step into the sweaty trainers of Larry Bird (who he?) to try and score baskets from a distance. The slam-dunk contest means that you play Michael Jordan (never heard of 'im either) and score baskets in the flashiest ways possible to win the judges' votes. In a one-on-one situation you can take the part of either player. You can play against a friend or the computer, and the idea (surprisingly enough) is to score baskets.

The graphics are quite good (if a little blocky) and some of the animation is particularly impressive, especially in the slam-dunk contest. Although what's there is good, the graphics are quite limited.

The sound is poor, the one effect being for the ball. But there are some reasonable pieces of music at various points. The control system is awkward and slow to use. This gives you very little opportunity to do what you want. Progress is made at the pace of a slug. Zippy the action was not.

Overall, there is only one basket and a little bit of court which scrolls about as necessary. Apparently, the game was written with advice from pro-basketball players, Jordan and Bird. So if you shoot from where you think these two fine gents would, you really ought to score.

However, unless you happen to coach either player you're probably going to end up like me and rely on luck. That's the downfall of One On One. There is no skill involved. Take a shot and it might or it might not go in. This, combined with the awkward control system, will probably mean that it won't hold interest for very long.

In America the names Jordan and Bird may generate a boost in sales but in Blighty all they'll generate is a 'Who the hell are they?'

If you're an all-weather basketball fan you just might be netted; but otherwise, dear readers, I'd give this one the slip.