Starglider (Rainbird) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

The gameplay would benefit from greater depth but its level is probably inhibited by the magnificent graphics and is, therefore, quite satisfactory as it stands.

Destroyer (US Gold/Epyx) (Commodore 64)

Will test you, your nerve and your joystick to the limits.

Werner Mach Hin! (Ariolasoft) (Amstrad CPC464)

Werner isn't known in Britain at all, so I think that the number of people who will find the game funny enough for the asking price is limited.

Kayleth (US Gold) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

If you're a lover of both SF and good adventures, then Kayleth is for you.

Phantomas (Codemasters) (Spectrum 48K)

Although platform games have been done to death, Phantomas has enough original touches to make you sit up and take notice.

The Great Escape (Ocean) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

An excellent game that features superb graphics and animation that really captures the atmosphere of the Great Escape.

Cobra (Ocean) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

A variation on the "Green Beret" theme, and if you shoot-'em-ups involving humans rather than spacecraft then fine. But I found few addictive qualities in the game.

Swords Of Bane (CCS) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

A bit of thought could have improved the presentation considerably.

The Colour Of Magic (Piranha/Delta 4) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

The Colour Of Magic is an unusual story and shows yet again that it is possible to come up with something that is both different and enjoyable in the adventure field.

King's Keep (Firebird) (Spectrum 48K/Plus)

Firebird claim to be catching Mastertronic in the budget race but games like this lag far behind the Mastertronic titles they're trying to mimic.

Crystal Castles (US Gold) (Spectrum 48K)

The world will never be free of overpriced, dreadfully boring and hyped games, but whoever wrote those quotes on the advertising have been blind drunk!

Breakthru (US Gold) (Spectrum 48K)

Too long and difficult to be particularly addictive and the relatively small graphics do little to add to its appeal.

The Bard's Tale (Ariolasoft) (Commodore 64)

An excellent role-playing game... Will keep you quiet for months.

Kane (Mastertronic) (Commodore 16/Plus 4)

A great little game and one that is very addictive.

5 Star Games (Beau-Jolly) (Commodore 64/128)

Like all compilations, you can't really fault them for value. There is a good mix, though the emphasis is definitely on the problem-solving aspect, with the exception of Who Dares Wins II.

Crystal Castles (US Gold) (Commodore 64/128)

The world will never be free of overpriced, dreadfully boring and hyped games, but whoever they quoted on the inlay must have been blind drunk when he came out with all that waffle!

The Movie Monster Game (US Gold) (Commodore 64/128)

A great idea has been spoilt by slow gameplay and poor graphics. The result is dull.

Heart Of Africa (Ariolasoft) (Commodore 64)

Well worth considering if you're a thinker rather than a blaster.

Gogo The Ghost (Firebird) (Commodore 64)

The graphics are crude, sound non-existent and the gameplay is unoriginal... so why is it so addictive?

Alien (Bug Byte) (Commodore 64/128)

Even with six crew to command (the game always begins with one corpse) the action seems slow as it takes so long for your orders to be followed by the crew.

Yie Ar Kung Fu II (Imagine) (Commodore 64/128)

A totally unoriginal game with nothing in the gameplay to recommend it whatsoever. Give it the chop.

Chicken Chase (Bug Byte) (Atari 400/800/XL/XE)

A very enjoyable game that is thoroughly original.

Smash Hits Volume 6 (US Gold) (Atari 400/800/600XL/800XL/130XE)

Elektra Glide makes this package really good value for money, and the format of one game per side of tape (two tapes) is very handy.

Ravenskull (Superior/Acornsoft) (Acorn Electron)

If software as exciting as this continues to appear then Beeb gamers will continue to be very happy indeed.

Killapede (Players) (BBC/Electron)

The Electron version is more impressive than the BBC one - faster for once!

Goal! (Tynesoft) (BBC/Electron)

This game doesn't promise the earth and it certainly doesn't deliver the earth but it is fun, loyal and will repay your interest.

Colossus Bridge 4 (CDS) (Spectrum 48K)

Recommended for beginners but not so much for experienced players.

Dracula (CRL) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

The atmosphere and terror created is superbly done and really does justice to the book.

Vampire (Codemasters) (Spectrum 48K)

While nothing spectacularly original, Vampire is well put together and will give you a good run for your money.

Nosferatu The Vampire (Piranha) (Spectrum 48K)

Not one of Piranha's better efforts... Certainly the graphics are impressive but that is not enough.

Marble Madness Construction Set (Melbourne House) (Spectrum 48K)

An excellent variation on an excellent game.

World Games (US Gold) (Commodore 64/128)

A collection of fun games... An ideal game to play with a group of friends.

Zub (Mastertronic) (Amstrad CPC464/664/6128)

The graphics are very good in some ways with a picture of you slowly turning into a skeleton as your energy levels reduce, but otherwise they are rather disappointing with little in the way of interesting backgrounds or dramatic graphics.

Gauntlet (US Gold) (Amstrad CPC464)

Simply amazing... There is no comparison to this original in any of the clones available!

Bugsy (CRL/St. Brides) (Amstrad CPC464)

As far as I can see, dis is a pretty good game, wiv dis good twist of havin' me as a rabbit. An' de pichures are pretty good an' all.

Terra Cognita (Codemasters) (Amstrad CPC464)

If this game was faster and had more aliens it would be excellent; as it stands, it is just good value for money.

Cylu (Mastertronic) (Amstrad CPC464)

There seems to be no end to the number of 3D maze games that are hitting the market... Nevertheless, this isn't a bad one.

5 Star Games (Beau-Jolly) (Amstrad CPC464)

A good mix, though the emphasis is definitely on the problem-solving aspect, with the exception of Who Dares Wins II.

City Slicker (Hewson) (Amstrad CPC464)

A fairly average game... The graphics somehow remind me of Jet Set Willy.

Pitstop II (Epyx) (Commodore 64)

A game with a great reputation, but overrated, so think seriously about spending £10 on it.

Revs (Acornsoft) (BBC Model B)

This game will reap rewards if it can be played for a long time, but for the impatient (like myself) the game will hold nothing.

The Last V8 (Mastertronic) (Amstrad CPC464)

Buy this, you won't regret it.

Racing Destruction Set (Electronic Arts) (Commodore 64)

This is easily the best racing game ever so far.

Judge Dredd (Melbourne House) (Spectrum 48K)

Sorry Melbourne House, this game could have been good, but the fine detail that makes a game like this into a classic is just not there.

Dunjunz (Bug-Byte) (BBC Model B)

What this game proves is that even without pure accuracy or dazzling graphics, it is possible to produce a very playable game that will provide a lot of pleasure.