The Young Ones (Orpheus) (Spectrum 48K)

This game is heading straight for number one.

Robin Of Sherwood (Adventure International) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

One of the year's best-selling adventures. Highly recommended.

The Secret Of St. Brides (St. Bride's) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

This is a very silly adventure, written by some very silly people - and all the better it is for that too. It is witty, absorbing, and above all, fun.

Rats (Hodder & Stoughton) (Spectrum 48K)

I feel that this is the sort of game that looks great the first time you see it - the scary atmosphere is really very good! - but that it will soon lose its appeal.

Adventure Construction Set (Ariolasoft) (Commodore 64)

Contains a range of facilities and options that should match the imagination of any adventure author that will allow him to produce his masterpiece in a fraction of the time.

8th Day Software (Spectrum 48K)

Barry McGuigan's World Championship Boxing (Activision) (Amstrad CPC464/664/6128)

A realistic and gripping boxing simulation requiring a neatly balanced helping of brain and brawn... Should provide devotees of this type of simulation with months of bruising fun.

The Amstrad Program Book (Phoenix) (Amstrad CPC464/664)

A good, well put together book that you can't go far wrong with.

Creating Arcade Games On The Commodore 64 (Interface) (Commodore 64)

A book that covers all the essential elements of designing and creating arcade games... It should be a useful springboard to get you going on your own.

Creating Political And Military Simulation Games On Your Micro (Interface) (Commodore 64/128/Spectrum 48K)

For strategy game freaks, I'm sure this will be a winner.

The BBC Collection (BBC Model B)

William Wobbler (Wizard Development) (Commodore 64/128)

A most enjoyable game despite the lack of sound effects.

Who Dares Wins (Alligata) (Commodore 64)

A smash hit Commando-clone... All the extra bits are there such as the staff car on the bridge and the opening doors to the fort. They just increase the overall feel of what a great game that this is.

Journey (CRL) (Commodore 64)

The market is becoming saturated with this type of game and I don't see anything in this one to make it stand out from the pack.

Speed King (Digital Integration) (Commodore 64)

A very enjoyable game. The graphics glide very nicely across the screen though I think the crashes could have been more effectively portrayed.

Video's Revenge (Budgie) (BBC Model B)

Altogether a reasonable game for the price, this is a lot better than some of the rubbish that has been turned out in the 'budget' category.

Super Sam (Budgie) (Spectrum 48K)

The movement of the main character is quite jerky and I experienced considerable problems in picking up objects (done automatically by moving over them).

Red Arrows (Database) (Spectrum 48K)

Maybe I'm getting cynical in my old age, but as the line of mediocre programs that try to gain publicity through licensing deals grows longer, my patience with them grows shorter.

Bounty Bob Strikes Back (US Gold) (Spectrum 48K)

An excellent conversion of a superb game.

Pinball Construction Set (Ariolasoft) (Commodore 64)

I found the designing of the game to be more enjoyable than the game itself. If the table ran to two or three screens it could have been challenging.

Ghost Chaser (US Gold) (Commodore 64)

I can't help thinking that a player will "solve" this quite quickly and then never go back to it again.

Nightshade (Ultimate) (Spectrum 48K)

It's very good, but it doesn't depose Knight Lore from my personal No. 1 spot.

Wizard's Lair (Bubble Bus) (Amstrad/Commodore 64)

This game is certainly challenging but the relentless pursuit does get tiring.

Mail Order Monsters (Ariolasoft/Electronic Arts) (Commodore 64)

This game brings out the darker side of your nature... Against a human opponent I faired much better and the game started to come alive.

Macadam Bumper (PSS) (Amstrad/Spectrum)

One of the better pinball construction sets around.

The Goonies (US Gold) (Spectrum 48K)

It's one of the best platform games I've played, and better than the Cyndi Lauper song too.

Seven Cities Of Gold (Ariolasoft) (Commodore 64/128)

Although I'm a self confessed Electronic Arts fan, I was quite disappointed with this one.

Beach Head (US Gold) (BBC/Electron)

Some people swear by this game. Other people hate it. I think that it is reasonable, but nothing to shout about.

The Epic (Turtle) (Spectrum 48K)

I suppose this might have been a good buy in early 84, but there's so much high quality software around these days that you can afford to look around for better.

Monty On The Run (Gremlin) (Commodore 64)

As a seasoned reviewer of platform games which only raise a yawn from me in response, I have to say that this little masterpiece made me sit up and take notice.

Spy Vs. Spy 2: The Island Caper (Beyond) (Commodore 64)

Just as good as the original and a challenging and fun game against both computer and human opponents.

Ballblazer (Activision/Lucasfilm) (Atari 800XL)

The second Lucasfilm game licensed by Activision and, in my opinion, the best yet.

Deathstar (Superior) (Acorn Electron)

A very fast and involved game. Keeps you playing it for hours.

Way Of The Exploding Fist (Melbourne House) (Amstrad CPC464)

An excellent game and one I can highly recommend.

Raskel And Vortron (Budgie) (Commodore 64)

A cheap and cheerful game which you'll find yourself going back to in order to while away the odd half hour.

The Dam Busters (US Gold) (Commodore 64)

The complexity of the different sets of controls ensure that the game will be challenging for a long time.