Backgammon (Hewson) (Spectrum 16K)

This game could be criticised for not having ultra-mega amazing graphics and sound, but these are more than made up for by the skilled programming.

Timeline/Tasks (Gilsoft) (Spectrum 48K)

On seeing that Tasks was yet another maze game my first reaction was to groan but it is rather different in concept.

Vanquisher (Elephant) (Spectrum 48K)

The average player does not have the motivation to be patient with a game like this.

Detective (ASP) (Spectrum 48K)

Initially great fun but not a long-lasting favourite.

Corn Cropper (Cases) (Spectrum 16K/48K)

The excellent presentation and five levels of difficulty make it good fun to play whether you want to think everything through or just have a go.

Let's Count (ASK) (BBC/Electron)

This is one of very few programs I would recommend to parents and schools alike.

Number Puzzler (ASK) (BBC/Electron)

If you feel that your child needs practise in mental arithmetic then this program may be for you.

Hot Dot Spotter (Longman/Micromega) (Spectrum 16K/48K)

£7.95 for a simple program to recognise simple numbers for infants/lower juniors? I'll buy some dominoes instead.

Countabout (Longman/Micromega) (Spectrum 16K/48K)

Probably intended for pre-school, infants or lower junior school children who would benefit more from experience with "real" objects.

Building English (Panda Programs) (Dragon 32/64)

There are around a hundred questions available, from which twenty for each test are selected randomly.

Gold Digger (Blaby) (Spectrum 48K)

The graphics are good and it's fun to play, but one disappointing aspect of the game is that it is possible to find a screen position where the gnashers never find you.

Pakacuda (Rabbit) (Commodore 64)

Deadly boring and as dull as could be.

Cuthbert Goes Walkabout (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

Graphics and colour are used effectively and sound is also used, but I found it irritating after a few plays.

Invaders Revenge (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

A very good game... It really deserves its five star rating - I thoroughly enjoyed it.

And All Because (B&H) (Dragon 32)

Despite one or two minor spelling errors, this is a highly entertaining game for all the family... Only four keys are needed, although why the arrow keys for left and right movement were not used is a mystery.

Killer Gorilla (Micro Power) (BBC Model B)

Excellent graphics and sound effects with good use of colour.

Red Devils (Pennant) (Oric 1/Oric 48K)

This all-Basic program may be a little slow-moving for arcade game enthusiasts.

Crazy Painter (Microdeal) (Tandy Color Computer 1/2/3)

This game has a touch of Pac Man about it and would probably appeal to those who liked that game.

Pearl Diver (Lantern) (TI99/4A)

A choice of two skill levels make this quite enjoyable to play, but it is certainly overpriced.

Bombs Away (Lantern) (TI99/4A)

Colourful use of graphics is made, and despite the speed limitations, movement is not too slow.

Who Killed Cock Robin? (JRS) (Sinclair ZX81)

The graphics are clean, uncluttered and very good.

Blast It (Christine Computing) (TI99/4A)

I enjoyed playing this game, which is good value for any TI user's money.

Paragram (Elephant) (Spectrum 16K)

Graphics are used adequately to present the relevant information.

Tumble Towers (JRS) (Sinclair ZX81)

A clever idea, thoughtfully presented and addictive in play.

Space Fighter (Superior) (BBC Model B)

A poor man's Defender... No humanoids to save or corridors to navigate... Limits the number of times you will come back to play it.

Cosmic Debris (Artic) (Spectrum 16K)

My family found it so addictive that I had a struggle to get a turn at the keyboard.

Scramble 64 (Interceptor Micros) (Commodore 64)

Not as compulsive as some other games but enjoyable all the same.

Defender (Atari) (Atari 400)

Not a game for people with less than three hands.

Avenger (Commodore) (Commodore Vic 20)

Die-hard traditionalists may like this game but the rest of us gimmick-starved hedonists probably won't.

Vanquisher (Oric 1) (Oric 1/Oric 48K)

I doubt whether the program will have any lasting appeal... Once you have completed the puzzle a few times, what else is left to achieve?