Goodness Gracious (Beyond) (Commodore 64)

Graphics were not outstanding and animation slowed whenever the space bar was down.

Gold Rush (Thorn EMI) (Spectrum 48K)

Surprisingly, no sound is used... Recommended if you are able to take advantage of the Kempston or Sinclair joystick option.

Diver (Warwick) (TI99/4A)

There are five skill levels. On each the ship moves faster and the predators become more aggressive.

Cosmic Combat (Micro Power) (BBC Model B)

The twinkling stars do not twinkle in space, and having to go through the instructions to start each game is annoying.

Bouncer (Extended) (TI99/4A)

The movement of the Bouncer relies heavily on diagonal positioning of the joysticks; with the TI joysticks this difficult, to say the least... and slow.

Cattel IQ Test (Sinclair Research) (Spectrum 48K)

This test will not prove conclusively that you are a genius... or otherwise.

Synther 7 (Dragon Data) (Dragon 32)

A very capable program which shows how good programming can overcome even severe hardware restrictions.

Composer (Sector 7) (Oric 48K)

Tunes can be saved and loaded separately from the main program which is written in completely self-contained Forth... showing the versatility of that language for this type of program.

Dancing Feats (Artic) (Commodore 64)

One for the budding musician, although it takes some practice to obtain a recognisable tune.

Print Utilities (Sinclair Research) (Spectrum 16K/48K)

Not a very useful utility... Not worth the price... I have seen very similar routines printed in computer magazines.

Jump Jet (Dragon Data) (Dragon 32)

Exciting and quite addictive, though I would have expected the scroll routine to move faster.

Naanas (Mikro-Gen) (Spectrum 16K)

This game is for younger players who would appreciate the simplicity of operation and the hilarious cartoon characters, together with the wacky sound effects.

Beetle (Stainless) (TI99/4A)

Although this game is enjoyable to play at first, it loses its lasting appeal quite quickly due to the slow speed of TI Basic.

Spude (Christine Computing) (TI99/4A)

Seems to be little purpose to this game and players will soon tire of it.

Creepy Crawler (Mikro-Gen) (Spectrum 16K/48K)

Graphics, colour and movement are pleasingly simple and the response to the keys very good.

Bloc Head (Dragon Data) (Dragon 32)

The screen is fairly attractive, though I found the figures shapes indistinct on TV... The spring was almost invisible.

Ultrapede (Softek) (Dragon 32/64 or Tandy Color 32/64)

A good basic game but with few surprises.

Android Invaders (Lyversoft) (Dragon 32)

Will appeal to those who want a Space Invader game but won't attract those who have another version already.

Shaft (Dragon Data) (Dragon 32)

Movement gets more difficult the higher you climb due to the lessening room and time for manoeuvre.

Shuttlezap (Dragon Data) (Dragon 32)

This is not a game that appeals to me.

Lost City (Superior) (BBC Model B)

Easy for experienced adventurers, but novices will find it a challenging and absorbing game which will take days to solve.

Cimeeon Moon (Dragon Data) (Dragon 32)

Very frustrating... I must confess that I abandoned hope after begin trapped in a locked room for the umpteenth time. It will be a long time before I try again.

Castle Frankenstein (Epic) (BBC Model B)

There are no bugs, but there are inconsistencies in the logic.

Star Trek Adventure (Superior) (BBC Model B)

This would probably suit more experienced adventures as it is slightly removed from the usual style.

Crystals Of Zong (PSS) (Commodore 64)

Does not have the addictive appeal of some that will draw you back time and time again.

Cranky (Dragon Data) (Dragon 32)

Very disappointing from such a forward-thinking software house.

Let's Count (Dragon Data) (Dragon 32)

Very well thought-out and programmed, both educationally viable and progressive.

Time (Stell) (Acorn Electron)

Adults should read the documentation and try the program themselves before attempting it with their child.

Cassette 10 (Schoolsoft) (BBC Model B)

These programs will appeal to parents, and form a good first purchase for most parents; they cover a wide range of skill and abilities.

Magnets (Sinclair Research) (Spectrum 48K)

Compared with games of a similar calibre this one is overpriced, but it's unique.

Devil Assault (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

If you enjoy the shoot-'em-up kind of game then I can thoroughly recommend this one.

Fairground (Superior) (BBC Model B)

Anyone looking for an amusing and slightly different arcade style game need go no further.

Cruise Attack (Mikro-Gen) (Spectrum 48K)

A very flat game... Much fuller instructions and better use of the Spectrum's potential could be expected at the price.

TNT (SP Software) (TI99/4A)

Overall 84%... Your man zooms rapidly across and down a grid, on the bottom line of which are skulls, except for one square where there's a flag.

Mothership (Artic) (Commodore 64)

Good use is made of sound, graphics and movement but essentially this is an amalgam of all the old favourites.