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Despite the fact that this is the seventh Epyx "Games" package, the company has still come up with another eight challenges for ardent sports fans.

This time around, the athletes compete in the Oriental lands of South Korea. The eight events are staged in six sports halls located in an Olympic village; the usual track and field stadiums are complemented by a swimming pool and a gymnasium.

1. Archery
   This, the first event, tests your ability to control the pull of the bow and shoot six arrows into a target 90 metres away. Beware! There's a gusting wind to faulter your aim!
2. Hurdles
   Race against one other competitor along a 110 metre track interspersed by hurdles. This even demands a three-talent blend of speed, spring and timing, where it's best to maintain a steady rhythm and keep the jumps short.
3. Velodrome Cycling
   This sprint takes place against another competitor (rather than a clock), over a distance of 1,000 metres. The split-screen shows an aerial view of the track and your view as the cyclist. It's best to conserve your energy for the final 200 metres of the race.
4. Parallel Bars
   In a similar fashion to the rings, it's difficult to achieve a good score. There are seven 'hold and connection' positions, thirteen possible sequences and two dismount and falls - exhausting. The best way to plan a routine is to use the "help play" mode and practice - just like real athletes do!
5. Diving
   Either backward or forward dives can be attempted - the choice is yours. Five judges award marks from 0 to 5 for the type, combination and variation of dives, as well as for a gracious entry into the water.
6. Hammer Throw
   Standing in a small circle, you have three attempts to throw the hammer as far as you can. Increase the swing of the solid ball once you get the rhythm, then enter a spin. After about five body turns you release the hammer - and try not to hit one of the judges.
7. Pole Vault
   Probably the easiest sport to master - on the computer, that is! - this event sees your sportsman use a flexible pole to help him over the crossbar, which can be raised to a height of your choice. Higher jumps demand a faster approach speed.

Despite the fact that the PC lacks good graphics and sound effects, especially compared to those for the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST, The Games: Summer Edition is a winner.

For a start, Epyx has vastly improved the graphics - and despite the fact that this latest Games edition supports the all graphics standards (including VGA) - it still manages to retain all the playability that the series is famous for.

The options are clearly displayed and mostly useful - for example, world records are retained in memory and the awards ceremony comes complete with national anthems!

The practice mode is also extremely useful for the events that are particularly difficult to master. Unfortunately, the sound effects are a bit limited, but this hardly detracts from the enjoyment and the toggle option is there if you want it.

This is one game that won't be left on the top shelf for too long.

Work has only just begun on this version, but Epyx is confident of meeting the proposed July release date. Apart from the price tag of £19.99, not a great deal is known at this stage but we can only hope that better use is made of the Amiga's graphics than in the last Epyx release, California Games.

Once again due out in May at £19.99, this version is at the same stage of development as its Amiga counterpart. Look out for updates on both versions in a future issue.