Ultima IV: Quest Of The Avatar (Origin) (Commodore 64/128)

The best role-playing game I have seen for any computer. In terms of sheer size and playability, it is tremendous value for money.

ZX Spectrum 128 (Sinclair Research) (European Machines)

The 128 offers existing 48K owners some added luxuries and since I've had it on trial I've tended to use it instead of my 48K Spectrum.

Spindizzy (Electric Dreams) (Spectrum 48K)

This kind of game will appeal to all games buffs of all types: action, strategy, platform, mapmaking - it's all there!

Borrowed Time (Activision) (Commodore 64)

A fascinating game where just staying alive will challenge players enough to make them return to the game time after time.

The Star Of The Void (Black Knight) (BBC Model B)

There are better adventures around... As this stands, it feels and plays somewhat disjointedly.

ID (CRL) (Spectrum 48K)

It's basically you, talking to the computer and trying to find out about yourself before you, the computer or both of you goes mad!

Knight Tyme (Mastertronic Added Dimension) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Continues the incredible quality that has become a trademark of the Mastertronic Added Dimension range and is a worthy follow-up to the exceptional Spellbound.

Tau Ceti (CRL) (Amstrad CPC464)

The original Spectrum game is extremely complex; you really have to play it to appreciate it, and play it for a long time. This Amstrad version of the game has been widely updated and expanded.

Comic Bakery (Imagine) (Commodore 64)

The graphics are bright and colourful but they are the only redeeming feature of the game. It is far too easy and you get bored very quickly.

FA Cup Football (Virgin) (Spectrum 48K)

Despite the lack of graphics, sound effects or even joystick-controlled players, the game is ridiculously addictive. Somehow it manages to capture the excitement of the cup.

Deathsville (Bubble Bus) (Amstrad CPC464)

A thoroughly enjoyable game that you'll be dying to play again and again.

Bomb Jack (Elite) (Spectrum 48K)

If you like your action fast and furious then you'll like Bomb Jack, but don't expect too much to think about.

The Force (Argus Press) (Commodore 64)

If you enjoy a strategic challenge then this one's for you.

Kaiser (Ariolasoft) (Commodore 64/128)

Overall, it's quite an interesting game but not up to the excellent standard of Electronic Arts' other games.

Rasputin (Firebird) (Commodore 64)

A very difficult game to get into... A few simple screens to start with would have been appreciated.

Iwo Jima (PSS) (Commodore 64)

The battle of Iwo Jima was described as the US marines' toughest fight - it isn't going to be easy, even for avid wargamers.

Ace (Cascade Games) (Commodore 16/Plus 4)

This Plus/4 version of ACE is the best version yet.

Battle Of The Planets (Mikro-Gen) (Amstrad CPC464)

An extremely good game, highly underpromoted, especially considering the current vogue for 3D games.

Yabba Dabba Doo (Quicksilva) (Spectrum 48K)

More a case of Yabba Dabba Don't. This Spectrum version is nowhere near as colourful as its C64 rival. Against that, the creatures are less hostile, and so you survive that much longer.

Strike Force Harrier (Mirrorsoft) (Amstrad CPC464)

A very enjoyable game to play, with more in it than your standard run-of-the-mill flight simulator games.

Spitfire '40 (Mirrorsoft) (Amstrad CPC464)

One of the best flight simulators that I have seen on the Amstrad - and probably the best WWII/combat type game that I have seen on it.

Friday The 13th (Domark) (Spectrum 48K)

A bigger horror story than the film ever was... Avoid.

Devil's Crown (Mastertronic) (Spectrum 48K)

A very enjoyable game. All the rooms are named to make finding your way about that much easier, although some rooms are pitch black - apart from the ubiquitous killer fish!

Cluedo (Leisure Genius) (Amstrad CPC464)

A game best played with other (live) players, as the computer does not play a particularly strong game.

Ollo (Bug-Byte) (Commodore 64)

A ridiculously addictive game, at an even more ridiculous price. Go buy it immediately.

Falklands '82 (PSS) (Spectrum 48K)

A simple game to play, but nevertheless one that will keep you thinking for some considerable time to come.

Sodov The Sorceror (Bug-Byte) (Spectrum 48K)

I found the gameplay to have no addictive qualities whatsoever and, even at budget level, there are many better games about.

Ark Pandora (Rino Marketing) (Commodore 64/128)

Ark Pandora includes some interesting ideas but the game mechanics and the curious mixture of arcade-style zapping and adventure puzzle solving is definitely an acquired taste.

Elektra Glide (English) (Commodore 64/Atari 800/Atari 800XL)

No corny story or scenario. Just a game to get down and play - a real gamer's game.

Skyfox (Ariolasoft/Electronic Arts) (Spectrum 48K)

A good conversion of an excellent game. Despite it all being in black and white, Spectrum owners will not be disappointed.

Zoids (Martech) (Commodore 64)

This C64 version is as good if not even better than the original... Will even challenge players who have completed the Spectrum version.

Time Tunnel (US Gold) (Commodore 64)

The gnomes at the bottom of your garden may enjoy this one, but that's about all.

Elite (Firebird) (Amstrad CPC464)

Wow, this Amstrad conversion is certainly the most visually attractive Elite... And as good as the Commodore or BBC versions of the game.

Steve Davis Snooker (CDS Microsystems) (BBC Model B)

A bit of a curate's egg, certainly the graphics are good and it offers a very good game, and even gives an accurate rendering of balls rebounding all over the place.

Show Jumping (Alligata) (Spectrum 48K)

The graphics are excellent as the horse bounds around the course knocking bricks out of walls and fences flying and there's a passable rendition of the BBC showjumping theme before the game begins.

Writing Adventure Games On The Amstrad (Melbourne House) (Amstrad CPC464/664)

If you are looking for something to help you get more from your Amstrad then this might be just the ticket.

Adventure Games For The BBC Micro (Collins) (BBC Model B)

I like the tone of this book; there is plenty to get your teeth into and, at £6.95, it's not a bad buy.

Simple Words And Word Games For The Commodore 64 (Granada) (Commodore 64)

I can't really think of much that's positive to say about this book.