10th Frame (U. S. Gold) (Commodore 64)

This game has to be the best thing to come out of America since Leaderboard was released.

Nemesis (Konami) (Amstrad CPC464)

Fun with a big F. The game scrolls along smoothly - the computer determines the speed but you can zap backwards and forwards at will shooting, dodging and weaving.

Ranarama (Hewson Consultants) (Spectrum 48K)

Great fun, thoroughly absorbing gameplay and very addictive.

The Acornsoft Hits 1 & 2 (Superior/Acornsoft) (BBC B/B+/Master 128)

Scalextric (Leisure Genius) (Spectrum 48K)

If you are a slot car racing fan you'll have more fun with the real thing. But if you're after a well put together race game for your Spectrum than at least have a look at this offering.

Ninja (Entertainment USA) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2)

A basic martial arts bash... Graphics on the Spectrum version are pretty basic - the Amstrad version looks more detailed as you'd expect. Animation isn't bad. Sound likewise.

Howard The Duck (Activision) (Commodore 64/128)

A game for younger gamesters is the most polite way to describe this offering. If you're older than eight, or even a Howard fan, don't bother with the first turkey of the New Year.

Super Cycle (U. S. Gold) (Spectrum 48K)

An excellent conversion. If you like race games, you won't find better than this on the Spectrum.

Explorer (Electric Dreams) (Amstrad CPC464)

A brave attempt at creating something a little different on computer, but it turns out to be little more than a triangulation exercise with graphics bolted on to obscure the fact that it's a tediously boring exercise at that!

Howzat (Alternative) (Spectrum 48K)

This is more a strategy game than an out and out arcade thrash - but if you're into cricket then you won't want to miss this.

Super Soccer (Imagine) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

If you're looking for an accurate and playable computer soccer game then you won't find better for the Spectrum than Super Soccer.

Silent Service (Microprose) (Atari ST)

The battle stations are the periscope, bridge, instruments and gauges, maps and charts, and damage reports. Each is a separate well designed screen with real-time animation where necessary.

Strike Force Harrier (Mirrorsoft) (Atari ST)

For those who fancy blowing up tanks and picking off MiG fighters while experiencing a state of the art flight simulator, Strike Force Harrier is for you.

Unbelievable Ultimate (U. S. Gold) (Amstrad CPC464/664)

Good value for money if you're an Ultimate fan, especially one who missed any of these first time round.

Sky Runner (Cascade) (Commodore 64)

Inspired by the movies Return Of The Jedi and Dune, this is a hit.

Blood 'N Guts (Action) (Commodore 64)

Blood 'N Guts looks good, is well presented - but the barbarians lack that all-important grip factor to make you want to play.

Palitron (The Edge) (Amstrad CPC464)

The game requires a nice balance of thoughtfulness and dexterity from the player, but I have to say that the concept is a bit tired.

Agent X (Mastertronic) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2)

Old Agent X could just become a bit of a cult like Magic Knight. He definitely should get another starring role in any event!

Dunjunz (Bug Byte) (BBC Model B)

Donkey Kong (Ocean) (Commodore 64/128)

I don't know why Ocean released such a game, but if you are looking for a good Kong game on the C64, try another Ocean release Kong Strikes Back.

Ravenskull (Superior/Acornsoft) (BBC B/B+/Master 128)

The scrolling's smooth, as we have come to expect, and the whole thing is well put together and presented. If you enjoyed Repton, you'll enjoy this.

Highway Encounter (Gremlin Graphics) (Commodore 64/128)

Want to get the new games-playing off to a good start? Then take a trip on the alien highway - you won't regret paying the fare.

They Stole A Million (39 Steps) (Spectrum 48K)

An original and entertaining game for strategists and arcade adventurers alike.

1943: One Year After (Action) (Commodore 64)

With terrible graphics, naff sound and too slow gameplay, this game 'One year after' should be 'thirteen million years before'. Or at least the programming skills were.

Screaming Wings (Red Rat) (Atari XE/XL)

Has got to be a must for any Atari user. Just a shame about the music really.

Elevator Action (Quicksilva) (Amstrad CPC464)

Fun of the mindless variety... but as such succeeds in as much as you keep wanting to go back for just one more try.

Thunderstruck (Audiogenic) (BBC/Electron)

There's enough here to keep you amused indefinitely, and the graphics are smoother than most.

The Last Of The Free (Audiogenic) (BBC/Electron)

Requires reflexes as well as wits... There is an emphasis on arcade action - the pace is frenetic and the screens lively.

Frost-Byte (Mikro-Gen) (Amstrad CPC464)

A winter wonderland of delights. Great fun.

Thai Boxing (Anco) (Amstrad CPC464)

Despite having good atmospheric backdrops, Thai Boxing is let down by poor animation and sound.

Labyrinth (Activision) (Commodore 64)

This is a terrific game, only spoiled by delay whilst loading up each new scenario - a small price to pay for such a brilliant game.

The O Zone (Compass) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

This is a must... An interesting adventure, with plenty of problems, but not too difficult.

Winter Wonderland (Incentive) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Not a bad game overall, but I found it difficult to get on the same wavelength, and reached a personal maximum of 14 per cent.

Apache Gold (Incentive) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

It is certainly the best GAC'd adventure I have yet seen, with a range of problems from basic to head-scratching.

Operation Stallion (Wrightchoice) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

This is actually not too bad, if you can live with its idiosyncrasies.

Super Sunday (Nexus) (Commodore 64)

The best US Football simulation around - go for a touchdown with it on your C64 today!