Die Hard (Activision) (PC (MS-DOS))

Featuring superb graphics as well as a challenging quest to beat the terrorists, Die Hard ranks as one of the better games on the PC.

Pipe Mania (Empire) (Amiga 500)

A fantastic piece of computer software it's got that timeless quality that'll keep it fresh long after the latest big-name licences have gone off. It's a must.

P-47 (Microprose) (Atari ST)

A faithful conversion of an unoriginal but fun coin-op with very garish graphics.

Battle Squadron (Innerprise) (Amiga 500)

A well presented, pretty playable shoot-'em-up.

Their Finest Hour: The Battle Of Britain (Lucasfilm) (PC (MS-DOS))

Superbly packaged and presented combat simulation with immense depth.

X-Out (Rainbow Arts) (Amiga 500)

A very difficult shoot-'em-up which holds no real surprises, X-Out still manages to be one of the best of its kind on the Amiga.

Drakkhen (Infogrames) (Amiga 500)

A well-presented, addictive piece of adventuring, which comes complete with an enjoyable novella containing lots of clues.

Super Tank Simulator (Codemasters) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

A horrible, nasty piece of software which could put Spectrum owners off games-playing for life. Don't even think about buying it.

Renegade (The Hit Squad) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2/+3)

Keeps you on your toes from beginning to end with a mixture of fine graphics and absorbing gameplay.

Predator (The Hit Squad) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2/+3)

A brilliant game which captures the spirit of the film and, indeed, the star himself.

Combat School (The Hit Squad) (Commodore 64/128)

This is just so good, you'll want to go and get your head shaved before loading it. First rate arcade action.

Ping Pong (The Hit Squad) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2)

A cheap and cheerful little number which will warm the cockles of every sports sim addict's heart.

Psycho City (Players) (Amstrad CPC464)

Even for a budget game, this is a pretty poor arcade adventure, spoilt by slow and annoying gameplay.

Aladdin's Magic Lamp (New Line) (Amiga 500)

A cheap but very basic shoot-'em-up. It's fun for a while, but can only be recommended to blasting fans on a tight budget.

War Machine (Players Premier) (Amstrad CPC464)

Superb arcade adventuring action. One of the few budget arcade adventures really worth playing.

Shark (Players Premier) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Similiar, but not as good, as Hewson's Cybernoid. Made ridiculously difficult by the heavily armoured enemy ships which are so tough that they have to be shot at least eight times before they explode!

Jonah Barrington's Squash (Mastertronic Plus) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2)

As a squash game, this is no more enjoyable than playing on my old Binatone TV game.

Sailing (Mastertronic) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2)

Not as complicated as it may initially appears... The horizon dips and rolls convincingly - any more realistic and you'd be throwing up over the side.

Aquanaut (Addictive Games) (Atari ST)

An enjoyable combination of exploring and blasting games, made a bit over-difficult by one or two flaws.

Space Ace (Readysoft) (Amiga 500)

Cartoon-quality graphics and amazing sound make this a stunner to look at and listen to. But the gameplay is unbelievably poor, and it's possible to complete the game within an hour of purchase.

Mega Man (Capcom) (Nintendo (US Version))

A tough and uncompromising, yet highly addictive platform game which requires very good gaming skills and lightning reflexes.

Wizards & Warriors (Acclaim) (Nintendo (US Version))

An enjoyable platform game with a very large playing area.

Life Force (Konami) (Nintendo (US Version))

Classic action and great graphics put Life Force up there with the best of 'em.

Track And Field II (Konami)

Great to look at and even better to play. Combining twelve great events and brilliant visuals, this sports simulation is a winner all the way.

Mr. Heli (Irem) (PC Engine (JP Version))

Absorbing shoot and collect-'em-up action as you guide the cute Mr. Heli through a brilliantly converted version of his coin-op exploits.

Cobra Triangle (Nintendo) (Nintendo (US Version))

A highly original and utterly superb arcade game which is simple to play, yet fiendishly addictive. Don't miss it.

Forgotten Worlds (Sega) (Sega Master System (EU Version))

A very polished shoot-'em-up that offers plenty of action and some great graphics and sounds.

Kujaku II (Sega) (Sega Genesis)

Super Shinobi (Sega) (Sega Genesis)

Brill graphics, exceptional sound and uncomplicated, addictive gameplay make for excellent ninja-fighting thrills 'n spills.