Arkanoid: Revenge Of Doh (Imagine)

Just another run of the mill bat 'n' ball game. There are so many similar games on the market that nobody really takes any notice of them any more.

Basket Master (Imagine)

If you're looking for an unusual sports simulation and you're not put off by stiff computer opposition, go for a slam-dunk with Basket Master.

Bedlam (Go!)

If all you want is basic blasting fun then Bedlam could be the one for you.

Black Lamp (Firebird)

Even the dragon which jealously guards the black lamp on each level doesn't offer much opposition; it takes only a few shots to make the dastardly demon disappear in a disappointing flash.

Blood Valley (Gremlin Graphics)

Admittedly there is a game of sorts lurking around in there, but Gremlin will have to get a bigger shovel to try and dig it out.

Championship Sprint (Electric Dreams)

The construction set is a nice Idea, but even with the facility to design a track, I feel Championship Sprint won't hold your attention for very long.

Cybernoid (Hewson)

Cybernoid defies all adjectives; it just has to be played to be believed - and once you do play it, you'll never leave it.

Demon's Revenge (Firebird)

A total waste of time... None of the monsters look menacing and they only kill if you stay in one place for about five minutes!

Dreadnoughts At Jutland (Specsim)

As a simulation it lacks atmosphere and excitement, and as a game it is not interesting.

Federation (CRL)

CRL's version of the sci-fi adventure doesn't break any especially original ground but within the limits it sets itself it is a compelling and highly polished game.

Frightmare (Cascade)

Although the game is initially playable, I soon discovered that it was little more than a 'run around collecting enough objects to continue through to the next, even more bizarre part of the nightmare' type of game.

Guild Of Thieves (Rainbird)

The Guild of Thieves easily lives up to its reputation: a well-crafted scenario, immediately accessible puzzles, and a flexible parser make this a must for the compulsive adventurer.

Ikari Warriors (Elite)

Being zapped in the back by what looks like a harmless piece of vegetation can be infuriating at moments of strategic tension. Still, who cares when you've got the crucial elements of an arcade game in the comfort of your own home?

Impact (Audiogenic)

If you're addicted to the Breakout type of game, then the construction set makes it a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Jinxter (Rainbird/Magnetic Scrolls)

Its quality is apparent from packaging to plot and can only leave you wondering what weird and wonderful developments the future holds.

Grand Prix Tennis (Mastertronic Added Dimension)

The very awkward control method is unresponsive as well as illogical.

Loads Of Midnight (CRL)

All the elements of a competent game are there; unfortunately they don't quite gel into a good one.

Magnetron (Firebird)

Neither the reactor problem nor the grappling sequence are complex enough to sustain anyone's interest for very long.

Overlord (Cases)

I would have no hesitation in recommending this.

P.O.D. (Mastertronic)

No atmosphere, an uninspiring grid and some very repetitive gameplay. One to avoid.

Predator (Activision)

The graphics hold Predator together for a few games, but when their appeal has worn off you're left with a very boring, repetitive and infuriating piece of software.

Rastan (Imagine)

Rastan is disappointing. Another drawback is the terrible multi-load that destroys any excitement that the game may have had.

Rockford (MAD X)

Not really "the ultimate version of Boulder Dash" (as it claims on the inlay) but a pretty decent imitation.

Shackled (US Gold)

Shackled is well presented and has adequate sound effects but there are simply too many similar games on the market.

Side Arms (Go!)

A game that left me only with a vague "Why bother?" sort of feeling.

Spore (Bulldog)

The graphics are colourful and distinctive, too, and there aren't many budget games with so much to offer.

Star Paws (Software Projects)

Defeating the dastardly birds with the appropriate weapons becomes an interesting test of dextral skill - there's no way you can simply outrun them.

Teladon (Destiny)

Even the pretty graphics can't save Teladon from mediocrity and I advise against buying it.

Thing (Players)

Whether you like this sort of thing depends entirely on the depths to which your sense of humour is prepared to sink.

Xarax (Firebird)

Colour is used well on the borders but is a bit lacking in the game itself, which eventually becomes just a matter of remembering the attack waves.

Yeti (Destiny)

Collision detection is tight, and often clearly ducking a fireball is not enough to save your life.

Zolyx (Firebird)

Firebird have messed the game up something rotten. Whatever you do, don't buy this.