Ghouls (Micro Power) (BBC Model B)

Addictive and exciting.

Jet Power Jack (Micro Power) (BBC Model B)

This game takes a lot of getting used to, but it's worth the trouble.

Jogging/Sidewinder (Computer Games) (Sord M5)

Although both these are written in Basic, they feature good graphics and sound.

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

A two-player game where both are trapped in a symmetrical maze, from which only one of you may escape... Not the sort of game I find particularly addictive.

Raging River/Super Jackpot (Stainless) (TI99/4A)

Raging River's graphics are very good, and good use has been made of colour... The second game is yet another in the fruit machine mould and just as boring as all the others on the market.

Active Computer Learning (ACL Division) (Spectrum 48K)

I liked the basic idea and use of the space bar to move to the next screen.

Lasermaths (LVL) (BBC Model B)

For kids who have to suffer computer maths there should at least be some enjoyment in this approach.

Geography (Cable) (Dragon 32)

To call this package "Geography" is like calling Genesis "The Bible"... It's by no means worthy of the name.

Money (Stell) (Spectrum 48K)

Buy this program if you have no idea how to teach your child and need some help - but do the teaching with the real thing, and lots of discussion.

Wordgame (Scientific) (BBC Model B)

It has a 1,000-word vocabulary. However, sometimes the choice throws up stupid questions.

The Crypt (Carnell) (Spectrum 48K)

Uninspiring... Poses a limited challenge as an adventure and is too slow for an arcade game.

Pacific War (Cases) (Spectrum 48K)

An absorbing game, but I would have preferred more information on strategy and tactics.

Classic Adventure (Melbourne House) (Spectrum 48K)

Excellent... Every Spectrum owner should have this... Be warned, it's very addictive.

War 70 (Cases) (Spectrum 48K)

An interesting game that takes too long - and you must find an opponent.

Pirate Adventure (Adventure International) (BBC Model B)

Anyone could spend ages playing this game... Presentation is of a good standard and the words are different colours to distinguish commands from answers.

Glug-Glug (CRL) (Spectrum 48K)

There's something here for everyone, young or old, expert or beginner. Recommended.

Dr. Franky And The Monster (Virgin) (Spectrum 48K)

Fiendishly difficult to play... There are nine different dungeons and a magic hammer will help you on some.

Ed On (CCI) (Spectrum 16K/48K)

It does my ego good to beat the computer at something... and this game ensures this doesn't happen very often.

Doomsday Castle (Fantasy) (Spectrum 48K)

Graphics are excellent... The game is compulsive, varied, entertaining, well-balanced, well designed and has a pause feature for when things become too much.

Bimbo (Joe The Lion) (Spectrum 16K)

Although professionally produced, with good presentation, the concept just isn't original or addictive enough.

ASW Tactics (Stainless) (TI99/4A)

You may request a three-second periscope view of the task force, as seen from the enemy submarine. When I only had two ships left in the fleet, the periscope still showed three!

Pelmanism (MarKat) (TI99/4A)

Two players only... An option to have four or five competing would be nice, as would an option to compete against the computer.

Pilot (Apex) (TI99/4A)

Fun and very addictive at the start... Later on, however, the program did become a bit boring.

Hangmog (SofTI) (TI99/4A)

Well-thought and enjoyable.

Go For The Gold (Stainless) (TI99/4A)

In the keyboard version, by pressing any key other than the arrow keys used in the game your man travels around and off the screen at top speed!

My Secret File (Mosaic) (Spectrum 48K)

You type one-word answers to "People gasp with shock when they see my ...." The mind reels!

Crystal (Scientific) (BBC Model B)

The predictions, which to the unaccustomed eye might seem fairly useless, may in fact hold a great and deep philosophical meaning to those of us who can understand the complex forms of Nostradamus.

Optimon (Optima) (BBC Model B)

Beginners will find this ideal for a few months but experienced machine code writers will be frustrated by its location and lack of certain facilities.

Broadway Boogie And Classics (Broadway Electronics) (BBC Model B)

At £4.95, the cassette is fairly expensive but I feel it is worth it for the change from space games.

First Aid (Eastmead Computer Systems) (Spectrum 48K)

As a program, it's poor. Frankly I wouldn't recommend you to buy this.

The Night Sky (Bridge) (BBC Model B)

Pretend you're in a different location and then sample its stellar offerings.

Maths Orbiter (Elm Computers) (BBC/Electron)

The levels are difficult to control; you cannot specify maximum numbers, simply an arbitrary level number, and there is no facility for negative or decimal numbers.

Animated Alphabet (Dungeon) (Dragon 32)

The program certainly needs some additional stimulus to make it more worthwhile in the long term.

Address Manager - Plus 80 (OCP) (Spectrum 48K)

An additional feature, is that each name can have up to three identifying codes attached and the address list sorted by these attributes.

Keydefine (Scientific) (Spectrum 48K)

A block delete routine is missing, but a key can be redefined and added to the menu.