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The latest release in the Mind Games series is an excellent golf simulation based on Nick Faldo's appearance in the Open.

The object of the game is to play the eighteen holes of the Royal St George's golf course (where this year's Open is stages) in as few shots as possible. However, as anyone who has swung a club in anger will know, this isn't an easy task.

To help you avoid the rough and bunkers, you have the assistance of your trusty caddy who like most of his trade, seems to know more about the game than you do. He won't actually tell you which club to use, he'll just comment on your selection.

So if he just says "OK" and hands it to you then you're on the right track. Unfortunately, you will also have to hit the ball in the right direction and with the correct amount of welly.

All of these vital parameters are set using a series of joystick controlled icons which surround the action screen. Here are the game's main protagonists, the golfer and his caddy. If all is well, then the caddy will hand you the club and you will then hit a perfect shot.

When you hole out under par, he will congratulate you and then you both move onto the next hole. Unfortunately you will probably take eight or nine shots over par to which your loyal and devoted caddy will reply with a curt "At Last". "Shut it" you will naturally reply but, after a while, this doesn't seem enough. This is a shame since there isn't a "hit caddy with club" option included in the game.

Above the icons is a scrolling plan view of the hole on which you can plot your progress. You can also select a wider overview which shows you how far from the hole you actually are.

The scrolling screen apparently consists of 9,000 screens which I can believe since I saw most of them in my attempt to finish the first hole.

My only criticism of the game is that it is very difficult to see exactly where you are on the Spectrum version when you are near the flag. This can cost you a lot of extra shots and aggro from your caddy.

The game is accompanied by an informative booklet which not only contains a map of the course but also a hole by hole guide by Nick Faldo. However, I've never been one for reading guides or instructions and found the "hit it and hope" approach enjoyable to play.