Krakout (Gremlin) (Commodore 64/128)

There is a comprehensive range of playing options at the start of the game. Particularly useful is the ability to rotate the screen so that you can have your bat on the left or right of the screen.

Roadwar 2000 (US Gold) (Commodore 64)

Traditionalists might not like the futuristic scenario but my impression is that this simulation has been created for the type of person who is progressing from the shoot-'em-up action games in search of something more intellectually demanding.

Portal (Activision) (Commodore 64)

A huge program spread over five sides of disk... The sense of discovery engendered in the participant player is a big part of the appeal of this complex computer novel. Sci-fi freaks should raid the piggy bank now!

Gunship (MicroProse) (Commodore 64)

Congratulations to Microprose for turning a much maligned format into an incredibly addictive game.

Ranarama (Hewson) (Spectrum 48K)

This is a great game and there is no reason why it shouldn't go straight to the top of the charts.

Hollywood Hijinx (Infocom/Activision) (Commodore 64/128)

Hollywood Hijinx takes an excellent swipe at the movie industry and will be loved by film buffs everywhere, plus, of course, anyone else who enjoys state of the art adventuring.

Magic Madness (Anco) (Commodore 64)

A cross between Ghosts And Goblins and Cobra. Although the graphics are a bit blocky, on-screen presentation is generally good.

Indoor Sports (Advance) (Commodore 64)

An excellent package, well presented and superb value for money.

Dodgy Geezers (Melbourne House) (BBC/Electron)

A game in the same humorous vein as Hampstead and Terrormolinos with lots of "can't do that, John" cockney phrases (which don't quite work) thrown in.

They Stole A Million (Ariolasoft) (Commodore 64/128)

Will appeal to all budding Mr. Bigs who've always dreamed of funding their retirement through criminal enterprise rather than hard graft.

Leviathan (English) (Commodore 64/128)

This game isn't going to get too many points for originality but it does illustrate how a classic game can be successfully reworked to produce a second excellent game.

Star Trek: The Rebel Universe (Beyond) (Commodore 64)

Not many machines could match the quality of the Atari ST version but the C64 comes close.

Feud (Bulldog) (Amstrad CPC464)

Compared to Mastertronic's other games, Feud is an old one with a new twist. The twist may be good, but it's not good enough.

Hyper Bowl (Mastertronic) (Commodore 64/128)

There are ten different ships you can choose to pilot, each offering a different combination of speed, acceleration, friction rating.

Imagination (Firebird) (Spectrum 48K/Plus)

A space game, a fantasy story, a modern set in an airfield and a text version of a platform game! You can also get out of any game and return to your computer terminal simply by typing the command 'pinch arm' - a lovely touch.

Kobayashi Naru (Mastertronic) (Commodore 64/128)

This game should appeal to those people who loathe spending hours searching for exactly the right combination of words necessary to solve a particular problem.

Molecule Man (Mastertronic) (Commodore 16/Plus 4)

This game doesn't have sufficient appeal to sustain interest for long.

Olli And Lissa (Firebird) (Commodore 64/128)

If you want a cheap challenge you will find it difficult to find something better... Solve the problem of when and where to jump and you should have no problems.

The Equalizer (The Powerhouse) (Commodore 64/128)

A mean game, but hardly likely to stun the world.

Riding The Rapids (Players) (Amstrad CPC464/664/6128)

There's no real lasting value here... The four rivers can easily be navigated in a couple of evenings.

Storm (Mastertronic) (Commodore 16/Plus 4)

The graphics are rather bulky and the use of colour is not particularly good but otherwise this is a fast moving action game with plenty of appeal.

The Professional Adventure Writing System (Gilsoft) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

A well thought out, polished utility written by people who genuinely care as much about the amateur writer as they do about the professional... What you get is just the start, what you achieve with it will depend entirely upon your own imagination and dedication.

Ace (Cascade) (Amstrad CPC464)

Fast action... and plenty of mission options and weapons payloads.

The Vikings (Status) (Commodore 64)

Apart from interesting loading screens, which include a gigantic Viking picture which uses the border as well as the screen, the game itself is fairly run-of-the-mill.

Short Circuit (Ocean) (Amstrad CPC464)

The first game is low quality... The second one is dreadful. This would struggle even as a budget title. At full price, Ocean, it's the pits.

10th Frame (US Gold) (Spectrum 48K)

This is a highly addictive game for a group of friends who can compete on equal terms - the computer keeping track of the score.

Jail Break (Konami) (Commodore 64)

This one just doesn't make the grade... Graphics are at best blocky and the action limited - you and the convicts can only move and fire in four directions.

10th Frame (US Gold) (Amstrad CPC464)

A disappointing game that looks more like a single event from a multiple sports game than a standalone project.

Grange Hill (Argus Press) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2)

A curious hybrid of arcade hybrid of arcade and traditional adventure, yet I didn't find the game inspiring either in gameplay or presentation.

Murder Off Miami (CRL) (Commodore 64/128)

A reasonable attempt at a whodunnit adventure, but I found the atmosphere lacking, although I couldn't put my finger on what I thought was wrong.

Into The Eagle's Nest (Pandora/Interceptor) (Commodore 64)

A thoroughly enjoyable game. Perhaps not quite top notch but Pandora shows definite signs of promise.

Masters Of The Universe (US Gold) (Commodore 64/128)

Masters fans will be keen on the game, but I don't think it will appeal to general adventure players.

The Fifth Axis (Activision/Loriciels) (Commodore 64)

A challenging game... Graphics are good and fast, with the little man being superbly animated.

Academy (CRL) (Amstrad CPC464)

A great sequel to a good game.

The Challenge Of The Gobots (Ariolasoft) (Commodore 64/128)

This must rate as one of the best shoot-'em-ups of all time. Defender deluxe!

Aliens (Activision) (Commodore 64)

A typical American multi-screen game in which fast action takes priority... As there is a completely different UK version, it does seem, unbelievably, a film has managed to inspire two good spin-off games!

Return Of The Space Warrior (The Powerhouse) (Commodore 64/128)

Very poor... Screen after screen of bumper car action gets very boring and dull graphics don't help.

Tomb Of Syrinx (The Power House) (Spectrum 48K)

This game is dreadful. Every time you move, you have to wait for the screen to catch up with you.