Violence in team sports is always a video game winner, which is probably why ice hockey games have carved out a cult following in a country less inclined towards the cry baby tactics of football. Pad yourself up, skate across agoraphobia-friendly arenas and ram your opponents through the surrounding glass. Much more fun than feigning injury on a waterlogged pitch in Stamford Bridge, right?

If you're a veteran of EA's super-glamorised ice hockey series, the question you'll want answering is whether this latest outing's enhancements merit a purchase. Well, it certainly looks a tad nicer, has up-to-date statistics, but it doesn't play especially different. It all depends on how hardcore you are, really...

The breakaway one-on-one cam used for honing in on goal has been removed in favour of more sim-like adjustments. Now you can pull off advanced tricks like faking shots with ease, or guide the direction and strength of a pass with greater sophistication. There are two types of pass - the standard 'flat' pass, effective for dominating possession, and the elaborate 'saucer' pass which, when mastered, can be used to dunk the puck into specific areas of the rink. The bone-crunching 'dekeing' system has also received a slight overhaul with three motion-captured players reportedly injured during a rigorous filming process. As for coaching intervention, the D-pad invites you to tamper with the playing style of your team during matches, be it protecting the net, or softening your offence to defend a lead. Stir into the broth grappling-oriented player punch-ups and you've got a game with considerable scope for learning.

It's a shame that the easy difficulty levels mean that many of the advanced features are redundant since you can win without them. As for gameplay options, there's more meat here than on a butcher's counter. International tournaments, NHL seasons, four-player multiplayer games and player customisations combine with the gruelling Dynasty mode, where finances, legal matters, travel arrangements, scouting and team facilities play as big a role as actually battling on the ice.

Did you know that constructing a tasty locker room improves team morale? You do now. Without doubt, this is a game so deep you could drown in it. What you've got is a polished, super-fluid affair with realistic animation, sweet graphics and a decent managerial aspect. Unfortunately, despite the modifications, it's still firmly rooted in a familiar template. If you love sports games, this is more recommended than boycotting a West Ham season ticket - but only if you don't own the previous instalment, that is.

1. Looks as gorgeous as ever
2. Incredible depth with tons of options
3. A joy to play

1. Gameplay's the same
2. No Xbox Live
3. Too easy!

Power
Gliding over the ice is poetry in motion. Excellent cutscenes and commentary heighten the drama.

Style
Polished EA sports fare with OTT presentation. Modify menu screens in your fave team's colours.

Immersion
Fast-paced, fun and just about violent enough - if you like the sport you'll be hooked right away.

Lifespan
Tons of game modes including an expanded managerial section. It's all a bit too easy, though.

Summary
A smart and frantic sports sim, but if you have NHL 2003 it's hard to recommend this - even with the impressive tinkering.