Blasteroids (Image Works) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

You're all in for a treat...! The gameplay is adrenalin pumping, and Blasteroids is easily the best shoot-'em-up to date.

Wec Le Mans (Imagine) (Spectrum 48K)

On the Spectrum and Amstrad, this has to be one of the best arcade conversions going. Test drive it today.

Techno Cop (Gremlin Graphics) (Amstrad CPC464)

This is actually two games - one a road-racing shoot-'em-up, the other a Rolling Thunder-style scroller. Neither game is particularly stunning in its own right, but coupled together they just about add up to an enjoyable package.

Battlehawks (Lucasfilm) (Amiga 500)

I didn't find this quite as compelling as Strike Fleet, but it kept me engrossed for many an hour.

Dragon Ninja (Imagine) (Amstrad CPC464/664/6128)

I wasn't too keen on this. It's competent in the graphics, sound and gameplay departments, but not destined to be a classic example of the genre.

Pro Soccer (CRL) (Spectrum 48K)

Brilliant...! Visually it's sharp and addictive. I've had it for a couple of weeks now, and I play it at any opportunity I get.

Purple Saturn Day (Infogrames) (Atari ST)

Purple Saturn Day is an excellent package... Not only is each game beautifully presented, they are all very playable, and there is such a variety that once you're hooked you'll be playing for weeks to come.

Night Hunter (Ubisoft) (Atari ST)

Platform fanatics are recommended to try this out, although those with less enthusiasm for this type of game might find it gets a little tedious after prolonged play.

T.K.O. (Accolade) (Commodore 64)

A new twist on an old theme, and granted, it plays quite nicely. The problem is, the novelty wears off too quickly and you are left with an essentially boring game.

Phantom Fighter (Martech) (Amiga 500)

Phantom Fighter isn't original, but it tries to be a nice shoot-'em-up - the graphics are nice, the sound is tolerable and it plays reasonably well - but I'm afraid it just hasn't got anything really special going for it.

Andes Attack (Llamasoft) (Atari ST)

A raw and uncompromising shoot-'em-up that'll have you on the edge of your seat - an essential purchase for the maniacal blasting fan.

Dragon's Lair (Readysoft) (Amiga 500)

Looks and sounds absolutely incredible... It's just a shame that there isn't much of a game to play.

Wanted (Infogrames) (Atari ST)

Although Wanted is a bit short of original ideas, and lacks a little polish on the presentation side, I found myself infuriated, exasperated, intimidated - but mostly entertained by it.

Zany Golf (Electronic Arts) (Amiga 500)

Play is such an enjoyable combination of luck and skill (with a bit of frustration thrown in for good measure) that you'll be coming back to it for ages.

Willow (Mindscape International Inc) (Amiga 500)

The programmers have tried to recreate the key scenes from the film... with little success. There is such a dependence on luck in every part of the game that it just isn't enjoyable to play.

Manhunter (Sierra) (Amiga 500)

This is one of those games that really grows on you. I started off distinctly cool, if not bored and frustrated by it. However, by now, I am so taken with it that I am determined to see it through to the end.

Majik (Mastertronic) (Commodore 64/128)

Worthy of a recommendation for C64 adventurers.

Black Orchid (Mundane) (Atari ST)

An enjoyable game of fantasy and strategy.

War In Middle Earth (Melbourne House) (Spectrum 48K)

The game has all the hallmarks of a game which has been crafted slowly and painstakingly. I can thoroughly recommend this game to Tolkien fans and anyone who enjoys a strategic challenge.

Rampage (Sega) (Sega Master System (EU Version))

The graphics are marvellous, with detailed sprites and neat touches, like the monster's expressions changing as they eat, jump and get shot.

Rastan (Sega) (Sega Master System (EU Version))

An entertaining hybrid of beat-'em-up, platform, and arcade adventure. A welcome addition to the Sega library.

Bomber Raid (Sega) (Sega Master System (EU Version))

Bomber Raid is fun, but is marred by the fact that it's too easy. It takes little practice to go all the way through to level five, and once you've done that the appeal wanes.

Ys (Sega) (Sega Master System (EU Version))

Ys offers depth and playability and will keep you engrossed for weeks... It's a must.

Phantasy Star (Sega) (Sega Master System (EU Version))

Real RPG fans should definitely check Phantasy Star out, but anyone with just a passing interest in this type of game might not feel they're getting their money's worth.

R-Type (Sega) (Sega Master System (JP Version))

By far the best blast available on the Sega!