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Living up to a reputation as the best in the world can be tough [Oh, I don't know - TMB]. Just ask Mr Souness. After a cataclysmic season he's desperately trying to rebuild the Liverpool legend. Grandslam's new game could help or hinder him in this endeavour. A brilliant footie free-for-all would help restore Liverpudlian pride, at least amongst the computer literate, but a real dog would only seem to typify the Scousers' season.

Well, Graeme, John and (now) Nigel can breath a sigh of relief because the C64 Anfield crowd looks to have hit form. If their real-life counterparts can match this level of skill next September, then once again the 'Pool will be championship contenders.

With MicroProse Soccer, Emlyn Hughes and Kick Off 2 already on the park, it's hard to actually better the 'game'. What your aspiring [Doesn't that mean breathing? - Clur] Ian Rush needs is a combination of good 'pitch' action, options and solid programming. Luckily, Liverpool plays an attractive game, has a team bus-full of options and is as robust as Vinny Jones after a week on a health farm.

Liverpool's got style. And the game's not bad either. Icons abound on the intro, outro and options screens, with all your possible choices just a joystick click away. There's a single match, two-player game, full season and a knockout FA Cup tournament.

Then there's the team, something I think all football managers - even Graham Taylor - will agree, is essential for a successful days football. The squad's picked by clicking on the faces of Liverpool lads from recent seasons - Dean Saunders is still at the club. Each player is graded in terms of power and ability, their history backed up with a comprehensive list of what they've achieved at the club. There are even neat little pics of each of your 20-man team, so you can see exactly who you're picking.

All the options in the world couldn't help a footie game that doesn't play, so it's down to Liverpool's silky skills to earn a place in the C64 first team. It has to be able to tackle Kick Off 2, dribble circles around Emlyn and put a shot past MicroProse Soccer. Luckily, Liverpool really has a go for goal.

The play window is small (one nil to the opposition). The players are fast (it's one-one!). Occasionally, it's a little hard to tell which of your team's doing what (two-one to them) but the control's precise (two-two). Then, just when you thought it was all over, you get the feel of the way this game plays.

Football is more than a game of two halves, it's a game of many disparate parts. There's positional play, player intelligence, pace, the power and the punishing effect of tackles, the gulf between the average and the excellent players, aftertouch and much more besides. Somehow Liverpool ties it all together in one taut little package. It's hard to specify why or how, but the whole bundle pulls together [just the way the England side don't - Ollie]. The result is a convincing win for Liverpool.

Now for the bit of the review where I say that, as with most sports games, it's much better played against a human competitor than it is against the computer. But then you knew that would be the case so I'm not going to bother saying it. Even though it's true. Particularly true, in the case of Liverpool, in fact. But we'll just pretend that I didn't say it, okay? Good.

Liverpool hammers home Grandslam's recent sporting advantage. Nick Faldo really made the grade and now Liverpool's right up there (well, nearly) beside it. The game's fluid, it plays well and there are enough options to keep you adjusting your formation for an entire season. With slick icon presentation and exceptionally good on-the-grass action it's one of the best kickers seen for years on the C64. Come on, you reds!

Don't cheat! Whatever the score, Whatever the other team's position, never foul them. Due to tightening up procedures among computer refs, late tackles will now automatically earn you a red card and an early bath. It's easier to get a goal back than a player, so play the game by the rules.

Graphics 79%
Decent icons. Small, but nippy, players and recognisable player portraits.

Sound 65%
Not at all bad, but where's all the chanting from the terraces.

Playability 88%
Instant footie action helped out by easy-to-get-to-grips-with controls.

Lastability 85%
Tactical options by the score. Score, geddit? [Yes, unfortunately - Ed]

Overall 90%