Zoids: The Battle Begins (Martech) (Commodore 64)

With a bit of practice you'll soon be dashing around causing all sorts of havoc and enjoying what must be one of the best games ever for the C64.

Who Dares Wins II (Alligata) (Amstrad CPC464)

Satisfying, addictive and fun to play.

Fighter Pilot (Digital Integration) (Atari 400/800/600XL/800XL/130XE)

I'm not a great fan of flight simulations. I find them frustratingly slow to get anywhere. Even when the enemy aircraft were in my sights I found them difficult to hit, such was the sensitivity of the joystick controls.

Spitfire 40 (Mirrorsoft) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

A nice flight simulation, not too complicated to prevent instant enjoyment or too easy to make the game boring after just a few plays.

The Eidolon (Activision) (Commodore 64)

With seven caves to explore, a host of nasties to bash and the most terrifying many-headed dragon you are ever likely to see, The Eidolon is a winner.

Gerry The Germ (Firebird) (Spectrum 48K)

Gerry could be a nice character given the right outlet for his obvious comic talents - but this game doesn't make the most of them.

Bounder (Gremlin) (Commodore 64/128)

A different and difficult game. Good fun, fairly addictive but it lacks something which would make it a great game.

Forbidden Planet/2112 AD (Design Design) (Spectrum 48K)

The graphics are all one-colour, prime colour changes from room to room. The sound is pretty basic but animation is good.

Enigma Force (Beyond) (Spectrum 48K)

The problem with Enigma Force is that the deeper you delve into it the more shallow it reveals itself to be.

Technician Ted: The Megamix (Hewson) (Spectrum 128K)

No doubt platform freaks will be sent into ecstasy by this huge sprawling game. Map-makers will also find it a challenge.

Costa Capers (Firebird) (Spectrum 48K)

If you're one of the few remaining people who still like playing antique games - or wish Jet Set Willy was still the best game on the Spectrum - then you'll probably enjoy Costa Capers.

Contraption (Audiogenic) (Amstrad CPC464)

Its graphics are nice, bright and smooth but such superficial gloss cannot cover up the rather tired and old concept of the game.

The Adventures Of Basildon Bond (Probe) (Commodore 64/128)

I had expected a game based on one of Britain's top comedians to be funny. But the game didn't make me laugh or even smile.

Nightshade (Ultimate) (BBC Model B)

The program is undoubtedly huge, but the author should have ensured that the early stages of the game were interesting enough to hold the player's attention.

Deathville (Bubble Bus) (Amstrad CPC464)

The graphics are nice - slightly rougher than Pyjamarama but still effectively conveying that comic-horror feel.

Hardball (US Gold/Accolade) (Commodore 64)

Terrific stuff. Multi-load games like these - which are essentially disk-based - is usually a problem for tape owners. But Hardball is an exception. When you need to reload a section you get a prompt to start the tape and the loading takes no time at all.

International Karate (System 3) (Atari 400/800/600XL/800XL/130XE)

Looks very impressive. But whether it will sell well consider the massive headstart Fist has had, time will only tell.

Colourspace (Llamasoft) (BBC Model B)

Turn up the music...! Curves and lines, explosions, shape changes, symmetry changes, colour changes, oozing, the mind-blowing stroboscopix... the sky is well and truly the limit.

Spindizzy (Electric Dreams) (Amstrad CPC464)

Graphically stunning, the sheer scope of Spindizzy is breathtaking. Add to this absorbing gameplay, intriguing puzzles, a beat-the-clock element, and you have a brilliant game.

Twister (System 3) (Spectrum 48K)

What makes this game most memorable are the excellent screen designs, a wide variety of creepy monsters and glowing ghouls.

Dragonskulle (Ultimate) (Commodore 64)

Ultimate's last couple of games, Imhotep and Outlaws, were a little bit disappointing to say the least. But with Dragonskulle the quality is back to normal form.

Robin Of Sherlock (Silversoft/Delta 4) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

A very entertaining set of programs, with reasonable graphics and good descriptions.

Rogue Comet (Walrus Computing) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

This is an adventure with problems ranging from fairly easy to currently pending, with a surprise ending promised. I can't wait to get there!

Coma (Kalisti Enterprises) (Commodore 64)

I wish Kalisti luck - it is nice to see new adventure specialists appearing - but I fear they will have to take a hard look at their scenarios if they are to make a success of the venture.

Spellbreaker (Infocom) (Commodore 64/128)

It follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, and if you like to exercise your grey matter, it is a must!

Time Of The End (Mandarin) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

There are certainly some inventive touches in the program... The idea is also fairly original. And there is also humour too.

Robin Hood (Artic) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2/+3)

The number of games on the tape make it certainly worth thinking about... It's good to see some companies producing worthwhile compilations.

Psychedelic Warp (Silversoft) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

A fairly original plot, some inventive touches and some very exciting graphics make this a completely enjoyable game.

The Causes Of Chaos (CRI) (Commodore 64)

An enjoyable adventure, and quite hard. People new to adventures shouldn't go near this game... they'll risk being put off forever!

The Pawn (Rainbird) (Commodore 64)

100% all round. The Pawn is so good that to compare it in the same category as many of the adventures currently on the market is to do it a gross injustice.

Tau Ceti (CRL) (Amstrad CPC464)

If you only buy one game this year, make it Tau Ceti. It'll keep you busy for the next twelve months.

The Young Ones (Orpheus) (Spectrum 48K)

What starts off to look like an arcade adventure with a difference is just that. The main difference is that there's no adventure - more precisely, there's no game!