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Coming into the arena, you are treated to an overview of the ice rink in glorious technicolour, just so that you know what you're up against.

On the first level, don't expect to be too daunted, all you get is the rink and the two goalmouths. Moving back into the centre, it's just you against the computer or a friend. The ball is waiting in the middle, the whistle goes and you're off.

There are nine rounds for you to compete in, each of them becoming progressively harder. In the first round, you've got the whole skating arena between your character and the opposition, as well as the goalies, so pick up some steam, use your sliding tackles and barges to put off your opponent, and slam the ball into the back of the net.

Each game finishes when either team scores five goals, and then it's up to the next level.

Coming into the second round, your first sight of the arena will tell you that something strange is happening. "I didn't see those strange bollard-looking things last time," I hear you cry. Well, you're right, you didn't, but bump into them and you'll certainly know about it.

As you reach the higher levels, you'll discover pits in the ground, some lethal looking mines and, on the last level, some weird vacuum cleaner shaped objects that obliterate everything that touches them. Yes, that means you too.

Luckily enough, you do have some substitutes sitting on the bench to replace your fallen hero and before the game begins, you get the chance to sift through each character to see which ones you want on your side.

There's also a handy practice option for you to get to grips with the playing surface and flick through the levels to see just what horrors await you.

Normal skating is fairly easy, but take extra care when the pits start appearing; they're awfully hard to avoid at full speed unless you've mastered the jump.

With the two player option, Skate Wars will bring out the worst in you. Be warned, the competition is fierce, especially as you don't just stop at the end of each game. Teach play is made up of all nine levels, with the aggregate score added up at the end to determine which of you has walked away with the honours, so be prepared to make some enemies here as you shoulder barge your way to success.

The sound may not be up to much, but for pure excitement and competivity, go out and get this one as soon as possible.