Rock 'N Wrestle (Melbourne House) (Commodore 64)

The first of a whole new era of C64 arcade games.

Moebius (Infinite Games) (Commodore 64/128)

I lost all interest in this after a few moments. In fact, I began to wonder if maybe the headcleaner tape it came with might look more interesting if I loaded that up instead.

The Transformers (Ocean) (Commodore 64)

The idea is nothing novel, and I'm left feeling a good part of the game's difficulty is in coming to grips with the controls.

Koronis Rift (Activision) (Commodore 64)

Impressive... Exciting... Varied and challenging. There's zapping strategy, and simulation here, and with twenty progressive tough rifts to explore this game's got staying power.

Mercenary (Novagen) (Commodore 64/Plus 4)

A unique combination of flight simulation, combat and adventure action using stunning three dimensional vector graphics. I'm convinced it's set to rival such arcade classics as Elite and Summer Games.

Deus Ex Machina (Electric Dreams) (Commodore 64)

The program is as much a curious piece of philosophy as anything else. It's an interesting experience, but only as a one-off.

Space Pilot 2 (Anirog) (Commodore 64)

Although competently done there isn't enough variety to make it more than just an average shoot-'em-up. I found it frustrating rather than addictive.

Scalextric (Leisure Genius) (Commodore 64)

The fun of these kind of games is in the overtaking so you're better off playing a friend, but as far as the quality of the simulation and the gameplay goes I'd stick with a copy of one of the above games and the kit itself.

Ballblazer (Activision) (Commodore 64)

Playing a human opponent improved this slightly, but I couldn't help feeling inhibited by the constraints of the game, which is otherwise very cleverly programmed.

Enigma Force (Beyond) (Commodore 64)

This is superb. Enigma Force is far more than just a follow-up to Shadowfire. It breaks significant new ground in computer gaming.

Now Games 2 (Virgin Games) (Commodore 64/128)

Now Games 2 offers five games originally released in the spring of 1985. Three are winners, two also-rans.

Doctor Who And The Mines Of Terror (Micro Power) (Commodore 64)

You'd have thought with all the mileage Dr. Who has had, it wouldn't be too hard to produce a good game, but clearly inspiration was lacking.

The Evil Crown (Mind Games) (Commodore 64)

We never knew that a single bear could account for upwards of a third of the population of a village in a single year, but you've got to learn something from a game.

Formula 1 Simulator (Mastertronic) (Commodore 16/Plus 4)

Although Formula 1 Simulator is an easy game to master it has a continuity about it, you don't crash every five seconds. This makes it good fun, but it could have limited appeal.

Steve Davis Snooker (CDS) (Commodore 16/Plus 4)

CRL have been too ambitious this time. In the transition to the smaller machine all the best bits of the game have had to be dropped.

Blade Runner (CRL) (Commodore 64)

It's another of those games that wouldn't be much cop at all without the title.

Basildon Bond (Probe) (Commodore 64/128)

This is a clone of the Impossible Mission. You won't get the class and style of the Epyx original but you will get a well executed game of the same type.

Ulysses And The Golden Fleece (US Gold/Sierra) (Commodore 64)

Graphics are bright and brassy - not too much detail but at least they're colourful and jumbo size, and you can toggle between graphics and the last screenful of text - or jump plump for text alone. All this and the chance to be the most cultured adventurer on the street.

Masquerade (US Gold/American Eagle) (Commodore 64/128)

Slip on that trench coat, grab your snap-brim hat, and practise your Bogart lip in readiness for your first shakedown of this highly enjoyable and, for a change, contemporary adventure. You'll want to play it again and again.

Odyssey (Duckworth) (Commodore 64)

Fat enough, and tricky enough, to give many, many hours of arcane entertainment.

Snow Queen (St. Brides) (Commodore 64)

Looks well and plays well.