Pi-Balled (Automata) (Spectrum 48K)

The program is compatible with the Kempston joystick and introduces the characters on the two loading screens.

The Snowman (Quicksilva) (Spectrum 48K)

Anyone under 110 will enjoy this delightful game.

Zaxxan (Starzone) (Spectrum 48K)

An original angle on an old favourite.

3D Star Wars (CCI) (Spectrum 48K)

Instructions are in the program but appear on screen rather ponderously due to a rather involved teleprint-style format.

Laser Zone (Quicksilva) (Spectrum 48K)

Altogether a disappointing experience.

Missile Control (Gemini) (BBC Model B)

It would be nice, however, if someone could improve upon Missile Control rather than produce yet another version.

Rat Splat (Tansoft) (Oric 48K)

If you think you can face up to the revolting rodents and like a good up-and-down ladder chase, Rat Splat is the game for you.

See-Saw Scramble (Romik) (Atari 400/800)

Can be fun for two to play... but only just.

Chuckie Egg (A 'n F) (Dragon 32)

A most enjoyable game... Despite the lack of variety, the game features quality graphics, multi-player options and you can re-define the keys.

Eagle Empire (Alligata) (BBC Model B)

The game has plenty of action and good graphics, but there are no real surprises.

Liberator (Lyversoft) (Spectrum 16K)

Not a game to stretch the imagination, though if you want to develop manual dexterity you may like the game. Personally, it's one I shall quickly forget.

Space Raiders (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

Graphics are very good... I enjoyed playing at all levels.

Demon Raider (Harmansoft) (TI99/4A)

A pretty poor game, relying too heavily on luck as opposed to skill.

3D Space Ranger (Microbyte) (BBC Model B)

An excellent game with very clear on-screen instructions.

Glaxxons (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

Quite difficult to play... Fast-moving... Pressing the fire button gives you a fresh missile but wipes the first one out.

Bear Bovver (Artic) (Spectrum 48K)

Bear Bovver should become a classic, like Arcadia, Jet-Pac, Manic Miner and The Hobbit. It is a credit to the Spectrum.

Loony Zoo (Phipps Associates) (Spectrum 48K)

The game lacks the wit of Manic Miner, the extra lives don't dance, there are no silly names and objects like "mutant Telephones", and nothing to touch the Monty Python boot and pedestal of the original.

Dinky Digger (Postern) (Spectrum 48K)

Not an original game... You might like to add it to your program collection, but to me it's run of the mill.

Monkey Bizness (Artic) (Spectrum 48K)

This reasonably addictive game has not used the sound potential beyond "beeps" and "boops" and the graphics are only at a basic level.

Fred (Quicksilva) (Spectrum 48K/Plus)

A fascinating, and addictive game and well worth adding to your collection.

How Long Have You Got? (Eastmead Computer Services) (Spectrum 48K)

If you are a believer in probabilities based on statistics, and you want to examine your lifestyle in terms of your longevity, then this could be for you.

The Complete Guide To Medicine (Eastmead Computer Services) (Spectrum 48K)

A book with this amount of info would cost a lot, but a complete guide to medicine? No!

Paintbox (Print 'n Plotter) (Spectrum 48K)

A motor cycle, car and electric guitar are just three of the pictures shown... It's really a question of paying your money and making your choice.

Chess Tutor 1 (Sinclair Research) (Spectrum 48K)

Very well thought out and well presented. Highly recommended.

Draw 15 (Fowler) (Spectrum 48K)

Although you get a lot for your money, the results aren't very impressive... The POKE to the screen routine is slow and jerky.

Dragonsbane (Quicksilva) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Closer attention to the finer details of dialogue and careful program structure, to achieve faster responses, would lift this program from the ordinary to the gripping.

Castle Blackstar (SCR Adventures) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Castle Blackstar uses almost all available memory to provide maximum play potential and should offer long-term interest.

Lords Of Time (Level 9 Computing) (BBC B/B+/Master 128)

If you enjoy text adventures then this is not to be missed.

Transylvanian Tower (Richard Shepherd) (Commodore 64)

If you have the time and patience to find your way through four different mazes, then you are rewarded on level five with a chance to kill Count Kreepe and find his treasure.

Valley Of The Pharoahs (First Byte) (BBC Model B)

The language understood comprises less than 50 words, which means some frustration in getting your message across.

Dambusters (Alligata) (BBC Model B)

The moving graphics are very good indeed... Bomb aiming is fairly easy using the convergent light principle the actual bombers used.

Stockmarket (Cases) (Spectrum 48K)

Prints a critical analysis of your tactics, for example: 'On two occasions you held onto shares at high prices when they were falling.'... Perhaps I should have asked the program to review itself!

Sub (Romik) (Spectrum 16K)

Selecting Russians as enemies seems somehow improper compared with fictitious planets.

Bull Run (Phipps Associates) (Spectrum 16K)

Keeps you "wanting just one more go" until you have mastered it... but this is quite quickly done and then there is little more on offer.

Manage (Cases) (Spectrum 48K)

This is a little tedious to play, because of all the data players have to enter.