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This is the third basketball game to appear on the C64. Andrew Spencer's superb "International Basketball" being the reigning champ.

Two On Two however is a lot more similar to Ariolasoft's One On One - as the title suggests.

Those of you who have had the unfortunate experience of playing the latter game will immediately notice the similarities.

You control one of your team's two players and another player, or the computer controls the other. Each team has alternate attacks on the same basket. Every time they score or fail the roles are switched and it's time to see if your "slam dunks" are as good as your "stealing".

Two On Two, like all good sports sims, contains loads of options. That could even get me the much coveted "Understatement of the Year" award, as the game is almost completely reliant on them.

In the single player mode, for example, you have to choose which zone your computer-controlled ally should go to after every single move.

Exactly how good you and your team mate are is determined by the "scouting report" at the start of the game. Further choices must be made to determine your skill level - a lengthy process involving the allocation of twenty-six points in siz different categories. Sounds complicated, I know, but don't say I didn't warn you.

You are now almost ready to start. Almost, because you still have to enter your team name and decide whether you want to play in an easy-peasy exhibition game or jump straight in to the maelstrom of the GBA Championships. (Competing in a league against five other teams from the North, South, East or West).

If neither of these appeal to you, you can always opt for the practice game - very dull.

The trouble with Two On Two is that when you eventually do get past the dozens of preliminary screens you find that the nitty gritty of it - the basketball itself is not exactly very action-packed.

I was expecting great things from Gamestar but they don't hold a candle to Epyx sport sims.