Karnov (Activision) (Commodore 64/128)

This is, in every conceivable way, awful. Its backdrops are limited to four colour jobs and consequently look like a blocky unfinished demo in places. For a game based on a circus is pretty ironic. Send in the clowns.

Bionic Commandos (Capcom) (Commodore 64/128)

Great fun... although I'm not too sure about its lasting interest as there are only five sections and it may not take too long to crack.

Gothik (Firebird) (Commodore 64/128)

Gothik has a lot more to offer than can be gleaned from a first impression. Well worth a look.

Pandora (Firebird) (Commodore 64/128)

This more adventure-orientated style of Gauntlet game has enormous potential, but sadly the programmers of Pandora have totally missed the point.

Gee Bee Air Rally (Activision) (Commodore 64/128)

Despite all the 'humorous' parachute interludes, Activision has failed to disguise the fact that Gee Bee Air Rally is still just another scrolling racing game dressed up in new clothes.

Corporation (Activision) (Commodore 64/128)

To say it's tedious wouldn't be doing it justice, so let's just say that, given the choice of playing Corporation or watching a full episode of Bob Says Opportunity Knocks, Bob only just loses out.

Cybernoid (Hewson Consultants) (Commodore 64/128)

It has been said by many before me, but take it from me this will definitely keep you up an' playin' for many months to come.

Samurai Warrior (Firebird) (Commodore 64)

Samurai Warrior is a leap forward from last year's bunch of Oriental beat-'em-ups. Combat animation is the best I've seen, with Oriental music as well as sound effects to match.

Chernobyl (U. S. Gold) (Commodore 64/128)

Quite possibly, an authentic simulation of what it is like to operate a nuclear power reactor, though it's unlikely that any of us will ever know for sure. What is certain, however, is that it is one of the most unfriendly and impenetrable programs you'll encounter.

Shirley Muldowner's Top Fuel Challenge (U. S. Gold) (Commodore 64/128)

With a lack of useful instructions, any demo mode and any kind of professional polish at all, Top Fuel Challenge does succeed in being authentic in one respect. It's a real drag.

Impossible Mission 2 (Epyx) (Commodore 64/128)

A multi-load game, and you can only play one tower at a time, which is usually only six rooms... At least in the original you could explore the rest of the complex if you got pissed off with a particular room. Not a patch on the original. I'm afraid.

Microleague Wrestling (Microprose) (Commodore 64/128)

Once you've seen all the sequences of moves and read all the mind-numbing commentaries, interest soon fades.

Vampire's Empire (Magic Bytes) (Commodore 64/128)

The graphics are cute and serviceable, sound effects limited but adequate, and once you've got use to the exasperating joystick icon access, the game is sufficiently playable.

Gutz (Ocean) (Commodore 64/128)

Gutz seems to be a meld of Alien Syndrome and Gryzor, and only just above par as well. The character graphics are nothing special; the type that appear on most shoot-'em-ups.

Alien Syndrome (ACE) (Commodore 64)

Alien Syndrome is a competent conversion, and it's gratifying to see that it has come over so well on the C64.

International Soccer (CRL) (Commodore 64/128)

Almost exactly the same now as it was all those years ago, the only exception being the ad-boards now read 'CRL 88', yet it has lasted very well, and it's still just as much fun.

Venom Strikes Back (Gremlin) (Commodore 64/128)

In total contrast to the previous releases, MASK III boasts some really good graphics. Large, colourful and well animated. Sound is utilitarian but effective. The game plays surprisingly well too.

The Sentinel (Firebird) (Amiga 500)

The Sentinel is simply a classic concept, and this version is the best yet. I can't praise it highly enough.

Jinks (Rainbow Arts) (Amiga 500)

The graphics are really good in places. But the game is let down by the lack of levels and by the fact that all the levels are basically the same (graphics apart).

Slaygon (Microdeal) (Amiga 500)

Difficult to get into, unimpressive to play and exceptionally easy to get bored with.

The Flintstones (Grandslam) (Amiga 500)

There's not much to this. Part One's arcade adventurish poser is just too short, whilst the bowling sim that is Part Two is totally incongruous. Someone must have run out of ideas.

Crack! (Linel) (Amiga 500)

It's not exactly rip-roaring entertainment, but it's kind of cute.

Obliterator (Psygnosis) (Amiga 500)

If you have Barbarian and like it, you should like Obliterator, but you might not find it as puzzling.

Rolling Thunder (U. S. Gold) (Amiga 500)

A poor investment indeed.

Mach 3 (Loriciel) (Amiga 500)

Mach 3 is an average game and not one to go hunting for. Wait until someone sticks it on a compilation.

Pink Panther (Magic Bytes) (Amiga 500)

Fans of the cartoon will love the game, but it's hard, and I recommend the cartoon as a less strenuous form of entertainment.

The Three Stooges (Mirrorsoft) (Amiga 500)

This is probably the only game on any computer that has intentionally set out to make people laugh... and worked.

Eco (Ocean) (Amiga 500)

Will appeal to a huge variety of Amiga enthusiasts. Not only does it have elements of arcade games, but the whole concept is totally original, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Road Warrior (CRL) (Commodore 64/128)

Why you have to get out of the car at all defeats me. Despite that, it was the only bit of the game I really enjoyed.

Gunsmoke (Go!) (Commodore 64)

Avoid this like you would avoid a rotting herring's underwear in a heatwave.

Unitrax (Streetwise) (Commodore 64/128)

On the whole it's unremarkable, but I like to be positive about these things, so I'll say that the sound is nice and the pack picture is really great.

Subterranea (Rack-It) (Commodore 64/128)

Some pretty graphics and fun to play... but it gets too dull too quickly.

Trailblazer (Ricochet) (Commodore 64/128)

Stacks of playability in this crucial re-release. Don't miss it.

Fight Night (The Power House) (Commodore 64/128)

The majority of bash 'em up games feature a dazzling array of moves, but Fight Night earns top marks for simplicity with only a few punches and feints.

Dambusters (The Power House) (Commodore 64/128)

If you are into simulators this deserves a look. Otherwise, steer well clear.

Starquake (Ricochet) (Commodore 64/128)

This ace arcade adventure has to contend for cheapo of the month. It's totally spondiscous, know what I mean?

5th Quadrant (Ricochet) (Commodore 64/128)

Avoid this like you would avoid... well, something bad.

Sherlock (Infocom) (Commodore 64/128)

A mystery that conveys just about the right atmosphere for the place, time, and subject, with a good helping of general historical interest thrown in as well.

Beyond Zork (Infocom) (Amiga 500)

A clever combination of an Infocom text adventure with a D&D type role playing game.