Toy Bizarre (Activision) (Commodore 64)

This did not hold my attention because it has a simple and repetitive cycle of turning off the values time after time.

Punchlines (Llainlan) (Spectrum 48K)

This is a fun game and will be ideal for a family get together over Christmas.

The Run Your Own League System (Silicon Joy) (Spectrum 48K)

Most impressed... A real use for the Spectrum, which takes the pain out of a real chore.

The Moors Challenge (Activision) (Amstrad CPC464)

A good game but with very few of the touches of quality that I would expect for this price.

Trio (Silicon Joy) (Spectrum 48K)

Well worth the money, and a useful addition to your collection.

PCW Games Collection (Century) (Spectrum 48K)

All of these are the brain children of budding programmers, but none of them are good enough to be published on their own.

New Wheels, John? (Automata) (Spectrum 48K)

Clever use of the sound commands... allied to a new concept in computer graphics all add to the enjoyment of this well-designed game for all the family.

Country Cottage (Sterling) (Amstrad CPC464)

This humours program should find its way into many a Christmas stocking this year.

Kikstart (Mr. Chip) (Commodore 64)

This is a game which will respond to patience, perseverance and time.

BMX Trials (Llainlan) (Spectrum 16K)

If you fancy a new BMX bike you could always play this game on the cold winter evenings.

Bug (No Man's Land) (Oric 1/Oric Atmos)

This is useful, but not essential for machine code programmers, offering a standard range of features.

Adventure Into BBC Basic (John Wiley) (BBC Model B)

Some startling use of sound and light gives a nice atmosphere.

Gener-80 (Seven Stars) (Spectrum 16K/48K)

Full marks for versatility... The manual too is first class, full of hints and examples.

Starfinder (Century) (BBC/Electron)

The graphics aren't exceptional but the features are better than any I've seen.

Categ/Oric (No Man's Land) (Oric 48K/Atmos)

Requires the use of tactics, and fast thinking in tight situations.

Potty Pigeon (Gremlin Graphics) (Spectrum 48K)

This is a great game and bound to be a winner.

Time Zone (Channel 8) (Commodore 64)

Rather a ripping game which is pretty to watch and exhausting to play.

New Cylon Attack (A 'n F) (Spectrum 48K)

If you have not yet had your fill of the shoot-'em-up type games then you might like to try this one.

Borzak (Channel 8) (Commodore 64)

A nice idea with a weak implementation.

Jet Boot Jack (English) (BBC/Electron)

An exciting game with nice features but without the quality to make it a lasting favourite.

Up And Add 'Em (Fisher-Price) (Commodore 64)

Its delightful graphics and music kept my four year old entertained for some time and helped him learn.

Time Trucker (ASK) (Commodore 64)

A good package incorporating time skills training with an entertaining game.

Number Tumblers (Fisher-Price) (Commodore 64)

It is a game of fast and furious fun and quick-thinking... Highly addictive.

Know Your Own Psi-Q (Mirrorsoft) (BBC/Electron)

Whether or not you believe in parapsychology, this program is... well worth buying if you are at all curious about this.

Flashcards And Spelling (Toddlersoft) (Commodore 64)

When the flashcard option is chosen, a word is shown on the screen and to help the young reader the word is illustrated with a cartoon type moving picture and appropriate sound.

Word Games With The Mr. Men (Mirrorsoft) (Spectrum 48K)

Good value for money if you have children, a bit pricey if you don't.

CW - Morse (No Man's Land) (Commodore 64)

I doubt if this would be of much use or interest to anyone but a short wave radio enthusiast.

Snow Queen (Cambrian Computersolve) (Dragon 32)

An interesting idea marred by confused objectives and poor presentation.

Complete Cocktail Maker (Acornsoft) (Acorn Electron)

A good book on the subject is easier, cheaper and probably contains more information.

Paul Daniels Magic Show (Acornsoft) (Acorn Electron)

My family were amazed... Ultimately success depends on the presenter, and not the computer... There's a lot for the imaginative magician to do.