Pinball Wizard (Terminal) (Commodore Vic 20)

Three flippers, bumpers, rollers, a jackpot, and a slingshot... The facility for a two player game, and a 'nudge' adds to its attractions.

Q*Bert (Superior) (BBC Model B)

A simple, elegant mind game that's made exciting by its speed.

Pontoon, Hi-Low, Mini-Roulette (Mr. Chip) (Commodore Vic 20)

This is, by definition, a very straightforward package, but very amusing for the would-be gambler.

Choplifter (Audiogenic) (Commodore Vic 20)

Once the controls are mastered, this is a compulsive game, with both good graphics and a satisfying 'chop-chop' sound from the helicopter blades.

3D Bomb Alley (Software Invasion) (BBC Model B)

The game has been written very competently, but there's no variety in what happens, no change of scene.

3 Deep Space (Postern) (BBC Model B)

I've never found the system satisfactory, but the glasses are fun. Some people can fool their eyes with them, and they'll enjoy it.

Escape From Moonbase Alpha (Micro Power) (BBC Model B)

Witty, frustrating, and intelligent... One of the best I've ever played.

Galakzions (Mikro-Gen) (Spectrum 16K)

'Competent but uninspired' would seem to be the fairest verdict.

Android Attack (Computer Concepts) (BBC Model B)

Apart from the rather awkward choice of keyboard keys to play it with, Android Attack is recommended.

Hell's Temple (Kenema) (Oric 48K)

Some nice graphics and, all in all, this is one of the better pieces of Oric software to appear so far.

Darts (Thorn EMI) (Atari 400/800)

The graphics in this game are a delight. The screen displays a marvellous old English pub, with a clean-cut youth poised to throw.

Plunder (Cases) (Spectrum 48K)

It's sufficiently difficult to hold one's interest for a long time, and the concept behind it is novel, and well thought out.

Cuthbert Goes Walkabout (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

I had a little difficulty in controlling Cuthbert when it came to the fiddly bits, such as getting him to stop climbing up a vertical and to switch instead of going horizontal.

Gamespack (Sector 7) (Oric 1/Oric 48K)

I suppose this selection would be suitable for giving to a very young child at the same time as he or she gets their first computer.

Harrier Attack (Durell) (Spectrum 16K)

A disappointment. Taking off could have been made considerably harder, and after bombing the inhabitants of the enemy base back to the Stone Age a few times, it all became too predictable.

Nightrider (Cirosoft) (Oric 48K)

Use of graphics and sound is minimal... Seems more the type of game that a keen user would type in from a magazine listing rather than a commercial piece of software.

Orc Attack (Creative Sparks) (Atari 400/800)

I soon got tired of having my head cut off while waving my sword about to no avail, but for the skilled, this game might well have something.

Morocco Grand Prix (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

This game looks like a beginning rather than a finished product. You're restricted to no more than a block graphics outline of a track, which scrolls vertically down the screen.

River Rescue (Thorn-EMI) (Atari 400)

An exciting game. The pace of the boat can be slowed marginally, using the joystick, but it tends to shoot off once you signal normal speed.

Xenon 1 (IJK) (Oric 48K)

An exciting arcade style game, with fast and colourful graphics.

Golf (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

As far as golf games go, this is one of the better ones.

Jungle Trouble (Durell) (Spectrum 16K)

Jungle Trouble is an amusing game. The monkeys are truly mischievous; they scratch their heads and tap you on the shoulder before they rob you.

Terror-Daktil (Melbourne House) (Spectrum 48K)

An unusual variation of the vertical shoot-up theme, and it will take longer than average to tire of.

Pass Go (Kaydee) (BBC Model B)

The trouble with the original board game is that if you have a few assets early on, the system is true to life, and you gain more and more. In Pass Go, this is accentuated, because your choices are narrowed.

Splat (Incentive) (Spectrum 48K)

If Horace hooked you, Zippy will amaze you with his moving maze... Splat could well become another classic.

3D Painter (CDS) (Spectrum 16K)

3D Painter is an uncomplicated game, and sometimes the simple pleasures of life are the best.

The Black Planet (Phipps) (Spectrum 48K)

If you're one of those people who have been playing Time Gate for months and months, then The Black Planet is for you.

Invaders (IJK) (Oric 16K)

Certainly, if you own an Oric, and you're an Invaders fan, then you'll enjoy playing this.

Dinky Kong (Severn) (Oric 48K)

Try this game out before buying and leave it alone if you find that jumping the obstacles is impossible!

Airstrike (English) (Atari 400/800)

If you enjoyed the arcade game you will have to look at a great many games programs to find a better home computer version than this one.

Super Dogfight (Terminal) (Commodore 64)

Unlike most popular games, the fire button does not allow for mindless fast fire, and requires careful aim before each shot.

Gridrunner (Llamasoft) (Commodore Vic 20)

A most enjoyable game.

Falcon Patrol (Virgin Games) (Commodore 64)

For the really excellent use of graphics, I would award this game full marks, and it is by far the best Virgin has produced yet.

Sooper Fruit (Commodore) (Commodore 64)

Graphics are adequate, but even I missed the satisfying clunk of the wheels, not to mention the rewarding spitting noise the pub machines produce when forced to cough up.

Manic Miner (Software Projects) (Spectrum 48K)

We've come a long way from Pong and Space Invaders, and Manic Miner is an indication of just how far. Superb.

Acorn Electron (Acorn Computers) (European Machines)

The Electron is what a home computer should be, and with the facilities it has to offer, the price is just right.

Danger UXB (Micro Power) (BBC Model B)

A mixture of tactics, timing, and reflexes... Had me glued to the screen for hours on end.

Submarine Commander (Thorn EMI) (Commodore Vic 20)

Tactics are very important if you are to avoid becoming a 'bilge pumper' on the final ratings.