Griddlebug/Bogeyman (Softstuff) (TI99/4A)

Griddlebug is fast-moving, calling for quick responses... I cannot say the same for Bogeyman - it is difficult to control with very poor key response.

Countdown (Paramount) (Commodore Vic 20)

The programmer has gone to town on the graphics and colours.

Picture Puzzles (Lyversoft) (Dragon 32)

A sliding block puzzle program.... It certainly does all its claims - but it bores me silly.

3D Race (Stainless) (TI99/4A)

There are some pretty sophisticated car racing games on the market and, to be fair, 3-D Race does not come up to their standard.

Cruiser/Character Generator (Solway) (TI99/4A)

An amusing game with plenty of variety... Skill levels run from 1 to 30, well crash-proofed and even an option for users with black and white TVs.

Earth Defence (Artic) (Spectrum 16K)

An adequate version of what is, in my opinion, a poor arcade game.

Rapedes (Visions) (Spectrum 16K)

While by no means a bad game, I found interest began to wane quite quickly.

Mr. Wimpy (Ocean) (Spectrum 48K)

A good example of the tremendous improvement in Spectrum game graphics on recent offerings.

Pat The Postman (Mikro-Gen) (Spectrum 48K)

A lively little game with attractive graphics and an amusing story-line, but not very demanding or varied.

Jumbly (DK'Tronics) (Spectrum 48K)

Difficult, challenging - but very enjoyable.

Musicmaster (Sinclair Research) (Spectrum 48K)

Excellent... but the program may be priced out of the reach of the younger budding musician.

Record Keeper (BBC Soft) (BBC Model B)

The only real and difficult problem I found is the small number of records it can keep in a file.

Cartoon Animation (Fowler) (Spectrum 48K)

Avoid this one. The ability to understand the instructions means you probably have enough knowledge to program a similar but better effect yourself! Describing this as "animation" insults the intelligence and there are many good utilities on the market offering far more for far less.

Beyond Basic (Sinclair Research) (Spectrum 48K)

But, if you have already ploughed through the books and are now searching for the 'missing link' between understanding assembler code and its application, then this program will add nothing to your knowledge.

Cassfile (Christine Computing) (TI99/4A)

A comprehensive set of instructions and an example set of data files would transform Cassfile from being just adequate to very good.

Clever Clogs - Party Time (Computer Tutor) (Spectrum 48K)

Recommended. Six different "games" are available, so there's no shortage of fun.

A, B, C ... Lift Off! (Spectrum 16K/48K)

Superb graphics, nicely laid out screen, and sound used to good effect.

Sheepdog (Longman) (BBC Model B)

Price is still a reflection of the packaging rather than program quality and graphics are very poor - sheep heads are ampersands!

Fractions 1 (Kemsoft) (Spectrum 48K)

The end shows individual scores, average score and time taken if two or more children are playing.

Speech Marks (Sinclair Research) (Spectrum 48K)

This program should be withdrawn and reconsidered.

Widow's Revenge (Bubble Bus) (Commodore 64)

I enjoyed this game, the graphics were good and the game original without being trite.

Jumpin Jack (Livewire) (Commodore 64)

The game allows you to control nearly all aspects of play by a selection of keypresses and screen displays.

Face Ache (Commodore) (Commodore 64)

Not a very inspiring game but it might amuse those who watch Play School.

Kick-Off (Bubble Bus) (Commodore 64)

I would rather put the money towards an original table top football game.

Gridtrap (Livewire) (Commodore 64)

The game offers you plenty of control over the playing options, via control screens and selection keys.

Atic Atac (Ultimate) (Spectrum 48K)

Great fun to play. Each game is different enough to maintain interest.

Freez 'Bees (Silversoft) (Spectrum 48K)

Graphics and sound effects are excellent and the game is absorbing enough for one to while away a few hours.

Android Two (Vortex) (Spectrum 48K)

Although there is only the one difficulty level, this seems to have been pitched just right - difficult enough to frustrate but not so that you want to quit.

De-Fusion (Lyndenhurst) (Spectrum 48K)

A most professional product. If I can stop playing this, I shall be looking out for other Lyndenhurst programs.

Star Trek (Mikro-Gen) (Spectrum 48K)

Graphics and sound effects are first class, although I disliked unreadable red on dark blue reports and incomprehensible "Status 0.0.0.4" messages.

Land Of Sagan (Mikro-Gen) (Spectrum 48K)

Dull and uninteresting... The graphics movement has obviously been produced by a Basic program, so slow and jerky they reminded me very much of very early ZX81 games.

Ghost Town (Virgin Games) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Hitherto I haven't been an avid adventurer, but this game had me enthralled.

Pitfall (Infinite) (Spectrum 48K)

I don't think adventure addicts will find anything new here, but if you find them too hard, or boring, or if you're new to adventuring, you may well enjoy this.

Space Island (Terminal) (Spectrum 48K)

Space Island is easier than most other Spectrum adventure, so if you only want a single adventure it represents a fair buy - if the bug is sorted out.

Urban Upstart (Richard Shepherd) (Spectrum 48K)

You have the usual "fun" trying to work out the vocabulary, but don't input any naughty words or the police will swoop, even if you happen to be in hospital.