Do you remember the late 1970s (ah crap here we go again...), the sheepskin jackets and all the films about how we prognosticated the future? Well there was this really cool flick called Rollerball, staring James Caan, permed toupee and all. The film was about this futuristic sport called 'Rollerball' which involved balls, blood and guts, preferably lot's and spewed all-over the place. Well I can't remember the rules or anything off-hand, except that clothes-lining and beating the crap out of opponents were part and parcel. So what of Rage Software's Savage Arena then? Think of Rollerball and you'll be on the right tack. Savage Arena is basically a frenetically paced, extremely violent sports action game. Those of you not fortunate enough to have lived through the 70s will perhaps remember a classic game on the Amiga by the name of Speedball by the BitMap Brothers- well think Speedball, but gone 3D. And if you weren't at least born in the 1970s and neither did you own a Commodore Amiga then there's just no hope for you. Go grow some lamb chop side-burns and head on down to some sleazy video rental (I'm not talking some high-class Blockbuster Video here) joint and rent Rollerball. Parental Guidance is of course a must.

Now that I've tried to get you in tune with Savage Arena let me pinpoint the scenario for you a little. Set in the 21st Century (no don't worry Buck Rodgers won't appear), Savage Arena is set across some 16 diverse geosphere arenas. What the heck that means I don't know, but it sounds good no? Two teams play the 'blood' sport, each harboring some eight mean ass-kicking players. The main objective is to get the ball in the back of the net. Oh yeah, if you maim, clothes-line and/or chainsaw massacre the opposition in any shape or form then all the better. Chunky bits get more points. Sounds like a game of Cricket eh? Scoring a goal won't be easy though and the harder the shot scored, the higher the points given as a reward. There are various ranges and types of shots in Savage Arena so don't expect it to be easy. Set plays also allow for some tactical elements. Just think of the possibilities? Here's an example, "Alright number 7, on 10 you decapitate the opposing number 6 and then finish off that tough number 3 with a chainsaw. Leave number 9 to me, I'll clothes-line the bastard! And don't forget to score. Hut! Hut!" Other than that the only thing you'll need to take into account is that each game will be split up into four quarters similar in fashion to America's most beloved Football.

But how well will Savage Arena translates in terms of sheer playability? Well at this stage it bodes well with its seriously fast-paced action stance. Simply picking the game up and playing it also promises to be a cinch but mastering it will prove that little bit more tricky. There will be several modes of play including a league system for longevity. You'll also be able to trade players and have an evenly balanced team that even Mike Ditka would be proud of. Then there's the violence too.