Basketball video games tend to be only moderately popular in the UK, a reflection perhaps of the limited interest in the sport as a whole in the country.

But in the United States, where the game is huge, computer game versions are all keenly anticipated.

It is a simple game to pick up and play and within minutes you will be defying gravity as Shaquille O'Neal and slam-dunking baskets with relish and venom.

To basketball novices the tactical complexity of the sport, often hidden beneath the you-score, they-score rhythm, may be bewildering but is essential to get to grips with if you want to master the game.

Computer-controlled teams will ruthlessly expose deficiencies at the higher settings and run away with victory if you are not careful.

There are the usual options to play friendlies, a full season, or even take the superstars out on to an outdoor practice court for three-on-three play.

Hard toil

Unfortunately in the latter option, the players still wear their competitive uniforms which looks a little incongruous and really the designers should have put a bit more effort in.

Of course the final test of such a game, like actual sport itself, is whether hours of practice and hard toil does indeed reap benefits on the virtual court.

But standing with the ball in hand as the clock ticks down and with one basket needed to win the game the question is - does it matter how proficient you have become?

Sadly not. You press the button and the ball flies through the air and it is almost completely random whether or not you score.

Sport, virtual or otherwise, should never be like this.

It is the ultimate failing of an otherwise polished game.