Last Ninja III (System 3) (Commodore 64/128)

Something very special indeed. It's no exaggeration to say that Last Ninja 3 marks a new high for C64 gaming.

Welltris (Infogrames) (Commodore 64/128)

Thoroughly compulsive... But it's a no-frills mathematical puzzle and you have to take it or leave it such. Raw challenge, well done, but it won't be everybody's cup of tea.

Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge (Gremlin) (Commodore 64/128)

A stunning game, both visually and aurally... It's especially impressive when you consider the large numbers of vehicles on screen, and even then the 3D update stays dead smooth.

Vindicators (Domark) (Commodore 64)

Domark have been been vindicated... but only just. The graphics are adequate, but given that this is a cartridge game, a lot more could have be done with it. The screens you get between levels aren't exciting enough to have you chomping at the bit. Sound effects are also competent.

Fire And Forget II (Titus) (Commodore 64)

As dull as its predecessor, and just as poorly designed and tedious to play. You may as well forget this one too.

Dick Tracy (Titus) (Commodore 64/128)

A waste of a licence with no redeeming qualities. It's also bugged beyond belief.

Line Of Fire (U. S. Gold) (Commodore 64/128)

Oozes disappointment, from the pathetic death screen (it says 'Game Over' in character blocks), to the multiload (die on level one and you have to load it in again!) to the bugs and occasional crashes (don't pause it too often - it can't cope).

Total Recall (Ocean) (Commodore 64/128)

It may not be a classic, but it does the business.

European Soccer (Players) (Commodore 64)

Awful. The graphics are average, the sound negligible and the less said about the gameplay the better.

Vigilante (Kixx) (Commodore 64/128)

I always say why use several words when one will do... crap!

Beverly Hills Cats (Hi-Tec) (Commodore 64/128)

If you're a Top Cat fan, you'll probably like this, if not it may prove a little too dull.

Hunters Moon (Kixx) (Commodore 64/128)

There's challenging original gameplay, intriguing graphics, excellent sound, bonus levels... the works.

Gemini Wing (Mastertronic Plus) (Commodore 64/128)

An average scrolly, shoot aliens, collect bonusy things, meat 'n potatoes shoot-'em-up.

Chip's Challenge (U. S. Gold) (Commodore 64)

If you like puzzle games, Chip's Challenge is one of the best available. But be warned: once you start playing, you won't want to stop - and with 140 very playable levels it could be a long night!

SWIV (Storm) (Commodore 64/128)

Star Control (Accolade) (Commodore 64/128)

Makes for a challenging strategy bash for those who fancy a long lonely slog... but it's not the final frontier.

Gazza II (Empire) (Commodore 64)

A tragic waste of an opportunity really. All the features of what could have been a corker of a footie sim are there, but they've all been thrown together in such an unworkable fashion that it becomes a chore to play.

St. Dragon (Storm) (Commodore 64)

Where Saint Dragon really comes into its own is as a first-time buy for aspiring shoot-'em-up fans... If you got your C64 for Christmas and you want to tentatively try some serious fire button fever, go for it.

Judge Dredd (Virgin Games) (Commodore 64)

Guilty of gross unplayability.

Creatures (Thalamus) (Commodore 64/128)

One hell of a good time! The graphics are superb, the backgrounds are varied, colourful and imaginative... but it's the range of creatures and what happens to them which make the game so much fun. You'd be daft to miss it.

Dragonstrike (Strategic Simulations Inc) (Commodore 64/128)

In the end, all you really get here is some nice packaging, neat presentation, elementary flying, a few droning noises and a lot of pot shots at badly drawn blobs. For action, excitement and adventure, watch Highway instead.

Turrican 2 (Rainbow Arts) (Commodore 64/128)

Truly a triumph of programming, everything a sequel should be and more... Proof positive that you can teach an old C64 new tricks. It's a corker!