Alternative World Games (Gremlin Graphics)

Take a look at this... It certainly makes a change from the usual run-of-the-mill examples of the genre.

Arcticfox (Electronic Arts)

I'm usually all for this type of game, but Arctic Fox didn't impress me very much.

The Bard's Tale (Electronic Arts)

What The Bard's Tale lacks in terms of depth, it certainly makes up for in role-playing action and complexity.

Battle Ships (Encore)

Thoroughly addictive... It's a pity that there's no tune and only the odd sound effect when a ship takes a hit, but even without them Battle Ships remains a favourite.

Cricket Master (E&J)

The various strategic options are an improvement on most games of this type, but the lack of a two player mode is disappointing.

The Damned Forest (Cult)

Role-players and adventurers alike are well-advised to steer clear of this exhausting experience.

The Double (Scanitron)

Contains many interesting features not used in other football strategy games, and also presents a reasonable challenge.

Dream Warrior (US Gold)

One big mistake! When a couple of aliens come on to the screen it looks as if the game has crashed rather than progressed - they're just a mass of pixels, the same colour as everything else!

European 5-A-Side (Silverbird)

Graphically the game has some nice touches - especially the bird's eye view of the pitch. But sadly, the whole game is far too easy to play.

Fairly Difficult Mission (Zodiac)

Colourful graphics and one or two special effects turn Charlotte's fairly difficult mission into a very professional game.

First Past The Post (Cult)

The absence of incentive to play First Past The Post for more than an hour leaves it with nothing to recommend itself, even at a budget price.

Football Manager 2 (Addictive Games)

The game really holds your interest and is definitely the best of the sports strategy genre.

The Fury (Martech)

Fun for a while but I don't expect you'll be playing it for long.

The Great Giana Sisters (Rainbow Arts)

An essential purchase... Despite the drawback in terms of speed, the game is immensely playable; I couldn't put the joystick down for ages.

Headcoach (Addictive Games)

With such a lack of realism it is very hard to see how anyone could gain the real pleasure and thrill of American football from playing it.

Hoppin' Mad (Elite)

It's a shame Elite have made it so difficult to get anywhere because the further you get the better the graphics and animation!

Impossible Mission II (Epyx)

An action-packed platform challenge which should keep you on the edge of your seat for hours at a time.

Kemshu (Cult)

Kemshu lacks the variety of a game such as Brainstorm but it is very playable in the short term.

Marauder (Hewson)

With such hazardous and compelling action I couldn't help enjoying Marauder - right from the very start.

Mindfighter (Abstract Concepts)

Hmmm, this isn't an unmitigated disaster. It just doesn't live up to the quality associated with the flashy packaging and a bigger-than-the-average price tag.

Night Raider (Gremlin Graphics)

Night Raider isn't the best flight simulation around, but still very interesting.

Octan (Silverbird)

The budget sector of the market has come up with some great games. But this isn't one of them.

On The Bench (Cult)

The program suffers from slowness and a general lack of control over the team's performance.

Overkill (Atlantis)

A mildly addictive game, but not one of long term interest.

Pogostick Olympics (Silverbird)

Jerky graphics and simplistic backdrops mean that you can't even enjoy the scenery as you're bounding along.

Ready, Steady, Go! (Alternative)

Don't buy this unless you have super hydraulic fingers and a very high level of patience.

The Realm (Cult)

Might work as an introduction to adventuring for a very green beginner. The more experienced won't find it much of a challenge.

Return To Doom (Topologika)

Minor quibbles aside, Return To Doom has enough material to fuel hours and hours of intriguing play.

Road Blasters (US Gold)

Unlike its the arcade counterpart, Road Blasters doesn't quite stand head and shoulders above the crowd - but at least you'll be playing this for longer than OutRun.

Rogue (Mastertronic)

Take a look if you like exploration-type games: Rogue should keep you amused for quite a while.

Stalingrad (Cases)

This is another serious wargamer's wargame which is also accessible to the newcomer, and everyone but the most hardened arcade addict should enjoy playing it.

Stunt Bike Siimulator (Silverbird)

This will keep most purchasers busy for the first couple of hours or so but I can't see it having much long term appeal.

Test Master (E&J)

The game takes absolutely ages to play and, like the real thing, is a lot less exciting than one day cricket.

Time And Magik (Level 9/Mandarin)

A set of classic games which were initially released to rapturous acclaim... They're a must for every serious adventurer's collection.

Virus (Firebird)

There is little if any strategy involved in Virus but even so, it's a well-presented, playable shoot-'em-up.

European Champions (E&J)

The graphical display of the match is extremely simple (only the ball is shown) and time consuming, but at least you can see how the team (or the ball) is doing.