Take the rules and the referees out of sports and you've got... a brilliant situation, frankly. Doing just that has worked wonders for Midway with NHL Hitz 20-02 (nothing to do with February 20).

The game is four-on-four, with computer-controlled goalies. All you do is pass, shoot and get the puck back. It's not really right to call the act of regaining possession "tackling" as it mostly involves braying the opposition.

Get a hefty shoulder barge in near the Plexiglas and the barged bloke will smash through into the front row. Now and again, a really late hit results in a stand-up fight between two players. Deck the other guy and he's permanently out of the game.

Like a good music video, NHL Hitz provides a few minutes of great-looking, polished and ultimately simple entertainment. After seeing it 10-15 times, however, you have to love it to want more. But pass, shoot, pummel and then pummel harder - you've got to admire fundamentals like that.

Power
Fast, slick and nets bulge properly. Welcome to sports on Xbox

Style
Lots of detail, a great crowd and skilful arcade action. Top job.

Immersion
Not a lot to learn, but that means you can work on your skills.

Lifespan
Won't keep you up late, but ideal for short bursts of high-fun action.