Everyone likes to do it their own way when it comes to beach volleyball. On one side of the court is Dead Or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball, the blue-eyed babe who plays fair and enjoys caring and sharing. At the opposite end is Outlaw Volleyball, a sexy vixen who plays, and talks, dirty.

Both games are a perving paradise but that's where the similarities end. Outlaw's gameplay is more sophisticated, with a power bar and crosshair system for aiming your spikes. You can play a variety of shots including spikes, dinks and volleys to whack the ball out of reach. It's also possible to execute turbo spikes if you've got enough power in reserve. That's all down to how well your players are performing and how much momentum they have.

Gameplay-wise, everything is fast and fluid. Most importantly for a multiplayer game, it's also extremely easy to pick up and play. Four players can compete on one console or over Xbox Live in a number of different match types. Our favourite speciality match is Hot Potato, where the ball is set to explode after a time limit expires. Get caught in the explosion and you lose the point - it's a devilishly fun little game.

The opponents' AI and a lengthy tournament mode will satisfy lone players. If anything, the single-player game is a bit too long and it takes ages to unlock new characters. There should at least have been more than four players unlocked at the start. But ultimately, whether you like Outlaw Volleyball will depend on whether you're into the raunchy humour and kinky characters. The in-game commentary is genuinely funny at times, but it does become slightly repetitious. Although it's a bit of a freak show, the players also have bags of charisma and plenty of cheesy one-liners to boot.

The players and stadiums are all extremely detailed, but they lack the graphical splendour that made Dead Or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball such a mouth-watering experience. But who are they kidding? That title was never really about the volleyball. Outlaw, on the other hand, is an excellent representation of the sport with first-rate playability. Plug in a couple of extra controllers or log in to Xbox Live and prepare for big laughs and big

flapping boobies. Just remember to shake the sand out of your shoes afterwards.

1. Likeable characters
2. Bouncy lady lumps
3. Variety of modes
4. Funny commentary...

1. ...but it can become a bit repetitive
2. Raunchy humour
3. Won't appeal to all

Power
Gorgeous characters and comical stadiums with loads of detail. The sand seems a bit flat, though.

Style
It's funny at first, but the commentary starts to irritate after multiple airings.

Immersion
Superb learing curve and player AI are two of the most important feelgood factors.

Lifespan
Potentially months of play if you're on Xbox Live, and there's plenty to get through in single-player mode.

Summary
Puts fun back into volleyball. A really enjoyable take on a potentially dull sport that just keeps on giving in multiplayer.