Body Works (Genesis Productions) (Spectrum 48K)

Well produced and programmed, and an indication of what educational software can - and should - be.

Lode Runner (Ariolasoft) (Commodore 64)

Only when you've had a go for yourself do you appreciate the hard work which must have gone into producing all the original screens.

Heroes Of Karn (Interceptor Micros) (Amstrad CPC464)

Lots of entertainment here, especially for timeworn, weather-beaten speculators looking for another foray into the unknown.

Buck Rogers (US Gold) (Commodore 64)

An extremely tedious game which really didn't seem to get anywhere... After three screens, the play was hardly any tougher than at the start.

Jammin' (Taskset) (Amstrad CPC464)

Full use has been made of the Amstrad graphic and sound facilities, which are terrific in stereo. However, the game appears to be badly bugged.

Cricket Captain (Allanson Computing) (Amstrad CPC464)

Most disconcerting... The idea is good, the implementation is obsolete.

Help (Beebugsoft) (BBC Model B)

The package comes attractively boxed and includes an operating manual with full fitting instructions.

Arrow Plus (Stack Computer Services) (Commodore 64)

A highly useful and powerful package which will be a life saver to those who cannot afford a 1541.

Pavlov (Foolproof Software)

The program uses the Spectrum's beeper to generate piercing tones, barks and squeaks audible only to animals.

Go (Acornsoft) (Acorn Electron)

This is a fascinating and difficult game with many more intricacies than I have been able to mention but it occasionally "hung up" when I was losing.

Front Line (Interceptor Micros) (Commodore 64)

Great value and great fun... This really is a case of - just one more go.

Starwatcher (Amsoft) (Amstrad CPC464)

Pricey, but pounds cheaper than a telescope.

The Snowman (Quicksilva) (MSX)

This is a game that will melt your heart and endear itself to you.

Pastfinder (Activision) (Commodore 64)

Fun to play but not enthralling... At the price, rather too expensive and only a little better than average.

Booga-Boo The Flea (MSX) (MSX)

Marvellous graphics and, if you're willing to persevere through the scrolling screens, good value for money.

Angelique: A Grief Encounter (Nemesis) (Amstrad CPC464)

The very descriptive dialogue intensifies the imaginative scenario.

Snout Of Spout (Intrigue) (TI99/4A)

This is actually quite an interesting game, if you like this kind of thing.

Poker (Duckworth) (Commodore 64)

Great fun and more enjoyable than space invaders.

Kissin' Kousins (English) (BBC/Electron)

Quite a difficult game to master... Split second timing is required.