Winter Games (US Gold) (Commodore 64)

Excellent value for money. The graphics are superb, showing masterly control of the C64's facilities... Bound to top the software charts.

The Atari Collection (Atari 400)

The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole (Mosaic/Level 9) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Amusing it may be but enduring it isn't.

Dunzhin & Kaiv (US Gold) (Commodore 64)

I have still some of Dunzhin left to explore and am sure that I will enjoy the challenge that awaits in Kaiv.

Terrormolinos (Melbourne House) (BBC/Electron)

A gloriously awful and superbly awful adventure.

The Wizard And The Princess (US Gold) (Commodore 64)

Although the problems are tough and you cannot progress very far until you solve them, there are many better games on the market.

Bored Of The Rings (Silversoft) (BBC Model B)

Will appeal to The Hobbit's lovers and haters alike.

Geoff Capes Strongman (Martech) (BBC/Electron)

A new challenge of six rather different events which are presented in an unusual way.

Super Zaxxon (US Gold) (Commodore 64)

As a game in its own right, this isn't bad, but as a sequel to a game as radically new as Zaxxon was a few years ago, this is a bit disappointing.

Cyrus Chess II (Intelligent Chess) (Amstrad CPC464)

The longer levels provide a very strong game, and the three special modes should give even the best player some practice.

Doppleganger (Alligata) (Amstrad CPC464)

The game is easy to control, once you have got used to the diagonal movement and the odd collision detection for the walls and the objects, all is well.

The Castles Of Doctor Creep (Ariolasoft/Broderbund) (Commodore 64)

A highly original game... It requires strategy rather than reactions in order to succeed.

Axis Assassin (Ariolasoft) (Commodore 64)

Fast and furious, the blast-'em-up game of blast-'em-up games.

Schizofrenia (Quicksilva) (Commodore 64)

The instructions for this game are wrong, so I initially found it unplayable. But, after working out what to do, I now find it challenging and well worthy of consideration.

Astroclone (Hewson) (Spectrum 48K)

The mixture of strategy, arcade and adventure elements adds greatly to the depth and appeal of the game which will take most people months to solve.

Karateka (Ariolasoft/Broderbund) (Commodore 64)

A well crafted and professional product which would grace anyone's collection.

Stealth (Ariolasoft/Broderbund) (Commodore 64)

Although a basic shoot-'em-up, this gets the adrenalin flowing, especially the higher levels.

Starion (Melbourne House) (Amstrad CPC464)

Quite an impressive game that will take a lot of playing.

Daley Thompson's Super Test (Ocean) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

It would help considerably to be able to practise one event at a time instead of having to go through the whole thing. That said, it plays quite well enough.

Match Day (Ocean) (BBC Model B)

Definitely one for the collection.

Paradroid (Hewson) (Commodore 64/128)

The screen scrolling is exceptionally smooth and the implementation of a rule that droids remain invisible unless within direct view of the paradroid adds an element of surprise to the game.

Fairlight (The Edge) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

A true 3D arcade adventure, in which you can actually use the objects you find rather than merely collecting them.

Spy Hunter (US Gold) (Atari 400/800/XL/XE)

Very fast and exciting to play.

Topper The Copper (English) (Commodore 64)

Topper did not wildly excite me, but neither did it disappoint. A run of the mill game overall.

Blackwyche (Ultimate) (Commodore 64)

Another disappointing C64 game from Ultimate.

Wizardry (The Edge) (Commodore 64)

Wizardry obviously misses out on the player interaction that adds to the magic of a D&D game but as a computer game it's really quite wonderful.

Fighting Warrior (Melbourne House) (Spectrum 48K)

A game lacking that certain something which turns an ordinary game into an outstanding one.

Trivia UK (Anirog) (Commodore 64)

My feeling is that trivia games of this type do not work very well on a computer at all... Regular boardgames play a lot better.

World Cup Football (Macmillan) (Commodore 64)

This falls a long way short of the excellence which the Commodore 64 market demands.

Decision In The Desert/Crusade In Europe (Microprose) (Commodore 64/128)

Although the real life war was much more involved than these games can show, it does give some idea of the problems faced by the two armies trying to keep supply lines open whilst advancing on the enemy.

Spot The Ball (Creative Sparks) (Atari 400/800/XL/XE)

On the whole, the exceptionalness of the second game on this tape makes up for the blandness of the first. Hence, the whole tape is very worthwhile.

Sorcery Plus (Virgin) (Amstrad CPC464)

Sorcery was the best Amstrad game ever. Sorcery Plus is better.

Orm And Cheep: The Birthday Party (Macmillan) (Commodore 64)

The graphics and sound are really cute in this game which gets to be surprisingly difficult at times... not one for the very young, despite its appearance.

Devil's Crown (Probe) (Amstrad CPC464)

One of those games that you can really get into... The graphics are quite exceptional and are as good as the amazing Sorcery.

Donald Duck's Playground (US Gold) (Commodore 64/128)

A great game, put together with a lot of care, giving education the spoonful of sugar treatment.

Ace (Cascade) (Commodore 64)

If technical accuracy is not your main requirement from a flight simulator but realistic action is, then this is probably the best you can get.

The BBC Micro Adventurer (Duckworth) (BBC Model B)

The book strikes a fine balance between helping you out a bit and giving it all away.

Amstrad Games Book (Melbourne House) (Amstrad CPC464/664)

Well laid out, easy to follow and very helpful - absolutely ideal for Amstrad beginners.