Gutz (Ocean) (Commodore 64/128)

Actually this is good, clean fun! Despite my initial reservations, I found myself reluctantly liking the game, and eventually getting hooked on the thing.

Micro League Wrestling (Microprose) (Commodore 64/128)

A turkey for several reasons, not least of which that the digitised pictures are so bad that half the time you can't make out what's supposed to be going on!

Lazer Tag (Go!) (Commodore 64/128)

This is game design that was only half thought-out and an implementation only partially carried through. The result is atrocious. I could list all the the faults of this game but it wouldn't serve much purpose really. Avoid it like the plague.

Quadralien (Logotron) (Amiga 500)

A fine marriage between arcade and puzzle game, rounded off by some nice David Whittaker music, worthy of a place in any thinking person's software collection.

Revenge II (Mastertronic) (Atari ST)

Out Run (U. S. Gold) (Atari ST)

US Gold can breathe a hefty sigh of relief with this version of the brilliant Sega coin-op.

Arkanoid: Revenge Of Doh (Imagine) (Amstrad CPC464)

With a product such as Arkanoid: Revenge Of Doh, you do know what you're getting before you buy it. The only question is how well it has been done. The answer with this game is very well.

Buggy Boy (Elite) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Fun, fun, fun!

Garrison II (Rainbow Arts) (Amiga 500)

Problems and puzzles, oodles of hacking and slaying and magic... Excellent music too!

Droids: Escape From Auren (Mastertronic) (Commodore 64/128)

Dreary Droids should be avoided.

Crosswize (Firebird) (Spectrum 48K)

Lots of weapons and energy pods to collect, waves of aliens to beat, and, of course, the big mummy alien at the end of each level.

Jinks (Rainbow Arts) (Commodore 64)

There isn't a single aspect of Jinks which isn't brilliant.

Firepower (Activision) (Amiga 500)

Target: Renegade (Imagine) (Commodore 64/128)

The best C64 arcade game for ages.

Super Trolley (Mastertronic) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2)

A nice-looking game, if a bit of an oddity. I think Jim could certainly have fixed up something better than this if he'd made more effort.

Lee Enfield (Infogrames) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Hmmm. Lee Enfield isn't a bad game, but it's still just a copy of Prohibition with frills. Animation is a bit creaky and the sounds are basic Spectrum bleeps and burps.

Rolling Thunder (U. S. Gold) (Atari ST)

Although the C64 version has come in for a bit of stick, the other 8-bit and 16-bit versions seem to have that all-too-rare element of catchiness which makes you want to play just until you've finished the next level.... and the next... and the next.

Overlord (Cases Computer Simulations) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

An average game, neither particularly accurate nor inaccurate, interesting nor boring.

Pegasus Bridge (PSS) (Commodore 64/128)

This is an excellent game of an exciting and unusual battle, and very good value indeed.

Karnov (Electric Dreams) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Exciting action, colourful graphics and addictive gameplay.

Carrier Command (MCM) (Spectrum 48K)

It's hours of sophisticated pleasure, but, as a game, it will not be everyone's cup of tea. A high degree of application and strategical planning will be needed before you even sniff victory.

Obliterator (Psygnosis) (Amiga 500)

Technically excellent, while managing to be brilliantly unplayable... Will appeal only to map-makers.

Mask 3: Venom Strikes Back (Gremlin Graphics) (Commodore 64/128)

For most formats, this is one to be avoided, although the Commodore remains superior to many much hyped shoot-'em-ups.

Return To Genesis (Firebird) (Amiga 500)

Technically, this is superb but, on the other hand, it doesn't really improve on any of the myriad of shoot-'em-ups already out there for the Atari ST.

International Soccer (Microdeal) (Atari ST)

Well worth getting, even if you're an Arsenal fan. However, the program seems pretty indifferent to subtleties like offside, so it's a fun arcade game, but not a detailed simulation.

Legend Of The Sword (Rainbird) (Atari ST)

The problems may not prove too easy to solve, but the game is easy and enjoyable to play.

STAC: The ST Adventure Creator (Incentive) (Atari ST)

A utility that means Incentive's Graphic Adventure Creator has come of age.

Village Of Lost Souls (Robico) (Acorn Electron)

Competently put together, and holds hope of opening up into quite a long, interesting, and difficult game.

Super Wonder Boy In Monster Land (Sega) (Sega Master System (JP Version))

A world of play in this game... If you enjoyed the original, this is for you.

Space Harrier 3D (Sega) (Sega Master System (EU Version))

What a great game! It's not one for wimps, or those with weak wrists, but the game itself justifies buying the official Sega Master System 3D specs!

Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars (Sega) (Sega Master System (EU Version))

A worthy follow up to the original Alex Kidd with far better graphics, tunes, playability and depth.