Light Cycle (PSS) (BBC Model B)

A lot of skill is needed to beat the computer even when the game is set on its lowest level.

Line Up 4/Reversi (Terminal) (Commodore Vic 20)

If the programmer produces a better version of Reversi, then both games on one tape would represent better value for money.

Golf (Lyversoft) (Spectrum 48K)

A mediocre offering from Lyversoft.

Checkout (Virgin) (BBC Model B)

Superb graphics and sound, and originality, combine to make a wonderful game.

Pedro (Imagine) (Dragon 32)

The game is responsive... and has an attractive screen.

Tower (Stainless) (TI99/4A)

The program is continually updating the screen display and aircraft data... Trying to input commands seems very slow and can be inaccurate.

Black Jack/Slot Machine (Computer Games) (Sord M5)

Computer gambling simulations require absolutely no skill and fail to maintain interest for long. This pack is no exception.

Oligopoly (Cases) (Spectrum 48K)

Obsolete stock makes the balance sheet give an increased (and false) total of assets... Questions the standards of the 1983 Cambridge Award won by this program!

Cuthbert In The Mines (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

A good value program with plenty of interest and action.

Timequest (Mikro-Gen) (Spectrum 48K)

I wish I could find something nice to say about this program.

Petite Pascal (Oasis) (Dragon 32)

Everything performed well although I would have liked more detail with the demonstrations.

Turbo Compiler (Salamander) (BBC/Electron)

The machine code version of the first program is no faster than the Basic one, and the second doesn't even run in Basic as it was written in a special way so that the compiler could make sense of it!

Adventure Creator (Fusion) (Spectrum 48K)

This is too pricey for what it is, even with the sample adventure thrown in.

H.U.R.G. (Melbourne House) (Spectrum 48K)

A long time coming but worth the wait... Have a go!

Graphics And Sound Toolkit (Lerm Software Products) (Spectrum 48K)

A useful package with very nice effects.

Chopper X-1 (R&R) (Spectrum 16K)

A mindless "zap aliens" game without originality or complexity... Program design has moved on from this.

Star Commando (Terminal) (Commodore 64)

There are various colourful, noisy, deadly nasties and seven levels, culminating in Star Commando wings.

Altair 4 (Voyager) (Commodore 64)

Highly recommended... Descriptions are detailed, atmospheric and sometimes subtle.

3D Space Wars (Hewson) (Dragon 32)

Anyone wanting this type of game should give it a whirl... Has all the features you would expect.

Up Up Balloon (Computer Games) (Sord M5)

With professional touches like two-player and joypad options, Up Up Balloon is well worth its hefty price.

Patscram Mission (Stainless) (TI99/4A)

Includes an unusual option to practise operating the ship before play starts.

Confrontation (Lothlorien) (BBC Model B)

One of a series of two-player strategy games... The instructions reminded me of the typical rules for a board game.

Pettigrew's Diary (Shards) (BBC Model B)

75/100... I haven't got long to go now, I'll complete the adventure soon.

Wallaby (Stainless) (TI99/4A)

The program runs smoothly unless you attempt to move sideways off screen... then it crashes with a "Bad Value".

Mr. D (SP Software) (TI99/4A)

Some variation in the graphics and a high score table might add more interest to what is otherwise a very repetitive game.

Secret Agent (Stainless) (TI99/4A)

Makes excellent use of the sprites available in Extended Basic, providing graphics that are both amusing and effective.

Fruit Search (Computer Games) (Sord M5)

Graphics are nice and clear, presentation very professional.

Last Day Of The Earth/Mini Star Trek (Computer Games) (Sord M5)

Although both games are very simple, they are well written and surprisingly fun to play.

Wonder Hole (Computer Games) (Sord M5)

Uses sprites and sounds well but sprites don't show up well at all on the light-coloured background.

Starprobe 99 (Stainless) (TI99/4A)

The best game for a long time that exploits the better qualities of this under-rated machine.