The Planets (Martech) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

A true challenge... It will reward anyone who takes the time to really play it.

Shadowfire (Beyond) (Amstrad CPC464/664/6128)

One for strategy fans, as well as adventure freaks. A good buy.

Mermaid (Electric Dreams) (Commodore 64)

The extremely colourful cartoon style graphics are fun to look at and well animated.

Biggles (Mirrorsoft) (Commodore 64)

A reasonable game but the graphics, at least in the first part, are disappointing. They're a bit chunky and basic.

Popeye (Macmillian) (Commodore 64)

Although the idea of the game is pretty simple, it's fun to play, and there are lots of different items, such as the witch and a fire-breathing dragon.

International Karate (System 3) (Commodore 64/128)

In looks and concept, this is similar to Way Of The Exploding Fist. But it's better, and much more humorous.

Red Hawk (Melbourne House) (Amstrad CPC464)

It's an enjoyable game, and presents scope for exploration.

Pentagram (Ultimate) (Spectrum 48K)

Bearing in mind the amount of time Ultimate spend producing their games, and the money spent on packaging, I am disappointed by this offering.

Hyperforce (Ariolasoft) (Commodore 16)

The graphics are bright and colourful - and, despite initial reservations, I would recommend the game to most people.

Touchdown Football (Electronic Arts) (Commodore 64)

The game is very playable despite the graphics and sound which let it down badly... Electronic Arts can do better.

Samantha Fox Strip Poker (Martech) (Amstrad CPC464)

Sam will play strip poker with you, and if you beat her, well I bet you can guess what happens...!

Bombo (Rino Marketing) (Commodore 64)

One of the amazing things about this game is the superb little tunes which play through the screens.

Bounty Bob Strikes Back (U. S. Gold) (BBC Model B)

It's a familiar arcade action, but the graphics are only average.

Thing On A Spring (Gremlin Graphics) (Amstrad CPC464)

Excellent graphics and good sound combined to make this an immensely playable game.

The 5th Axis (Loriciels) (Amstrad CPC464)

Gameplay is slick and fast. You can get the hang of the program quite quickly, and it's possible to save the game after a particularly successful mission.

Monty On The Run (Gremlin Graphics) (Amstrad CPC464)

Monty's success keeps on running for Gremlin, although the Commodore version of this game does have a slight edge over this Amstrad one.

Kickstart (Mastertronic) (Commodore 64)

A good game... It's instantly enjoyable, as there's no need to learn obscure joystick or keyboard instructions.

Classic Invaders (Bubble Bus) (Amstrad CPC464)

Much more fun than the original arcade game. It may well prove more fun than some of the more expensive releases.

Ballblazer (Activision) (Amstrad CPC464)

A few glitches are evident... Unless you really loved the original, steer clear of it.

Shogun (Virgin Games) (Amstrad CPC464)

Although the game is entertaining, it didn't hold my interest for long. The Commodore version is by far superior to the Amstrad with better sound, steady graphics, and far nicer text.

Winter Games (Epyx) (Amstrad CPC464)

If you've seen the C64 version and are going to buy the Amstrad one because you think it's the same, don't. It's nowhere near as good.

Tomahawk (Digital Integration) (Amstrad CPC464)

If you like simulations, then you'll probably like this too. However, be aware that Digital Integration are yet another company to invest in the Lenslok anti-piracy system. It's horrible, and we don't like it.

Tantalus (Quicksilva) (Spectrum 48K)

Great graphics, nice hero - but nothing that makes you want to come back for just one more go.

Mantronix (Probe Software Ltd) (Spectrum 48K)

If you yearn for the days when Ultimate created good games then this will provide a good substitute. Very playable, good value.

Their Finest Hour (Century) (Spectrum 48K)

Undoubtedly one of the best wargames I have ever played.

Falklands '82 (PSS) (Spectrum 48K)

I have nothing good to say about this. Five years ago it would have been a remarkable programming achievement. Now it's an insult, not only to anyone who buys it but to those who fought in the Falklands War.

Decision In The Desert (Microprose) (Commodore 64/128)

Desert war encouraged the unorthodox, the enterprising, and even the foolhardy. It is war in its purest form, and the graphics, the briefing booklet and the range of interlinked scenarios offered are all excellent.

Desert Rats (Cases Computer Simulations) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

What makes this game outstanding is an extremely realistic command and control system, which does not prevent stupid actions but simply serves the player up with their result.

Crusade In Europe (Microprose) (Commodore 64)

A game for the military purist, backed by a good historical account in the booklet and suggestions for further reading.

Silent Service (Microprose) (Commodore 64)

An excellent wargame for those who place realism and tactics above thrills and firepower.

Tigers In The Snow/Knights Of The Desert (Strategic Simulations Inc.) (Commodore 64)

An interesting type of game. It looks like a wargame but actually it's a computer reproduction of a board game about the event. Not to say that it's bad, just different.

Garry Kitchen's GameMaker (Activision) (Commodore 64)

I had a lot of fun using Gamemaker and was quite surprised at how quickly I could get something quite professional looking up and running on the screen.

Laser Basic (Ocean) (Amstrad CPC464)

If you have any doubts about buying the package ask the shop to load the Demo program for you then stand back and enjoy the show. I'm sure you will be as impressed as I was.

Ballyhoo (Infocom) (Amstrad CPC464)

The wealth of information provided, and the almost human quality possessed by the computer when one of Infocom's games is loaded, never ceases to amaze me.

Fourmost Adventures (Global) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

According to the author, Tony Bridge these are all fine examples of the Adventure Writer's 'art'. Personally, I don't know how he dated to put his name to them!

The Price Of Magik (Level 9 Computing) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

The Price Of Magik has the usual special Austin brand of humour, and the unique Austin association of ideas in the puzzles. It is big, full of atmosphere, and entertaining.

The Very Big Cave Adventure (CRL) (Commodore 64)

Get this... you'll love it!

Castle Thade (Spectrum Adventure Exchange Club) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

The descriptions are quite long and well written (the punctuation is a little questionable) and there's a fast response, too. Unfortunately, the game goes downhill rather rapidly after that.

Master Class (Trinity) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Despite the adventure's somewhat strange vocabulary, it has in its favour some very good features.

Murder Hunt (Bodkin) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

This is an interesting game, rather like exploring a detective story for yourself, and more adventures of the Rev. Murphy are promised.

The Extricator (Precision Games) (Spectrum 48K/128K)