3D Starstrike (Realtime Games)

The enemy are totally incompetent and probably blind if the accuracy of their lazer bolts is anything to go by... They happily shoot on and off the screen until they are shot down in a collection of little 3D pieces.

Monty Is Innocent (Gremlin Graphics)

Recommended to all would-be gaol-breakers as a pleasant way of spending a harrowing few hours.

Falklands Crisis/BMX Trials (Llainlan)

Nothing to say about this. Other than it's awful.

Alien 8 (Ultimate)

Fans of the earlier game will need no urging to rush out and buy it. Those who have neither game should buy Alien 8 now, and find out what the fuss is all about.

Witch's Cauldron (Mikro-Gen)

Entertaining enough for the whole family. Splendid fun!

Astronut (Software Projects)

The game is difficult enough, and high scores are a luxury, but when first loaded there are no instructions for travelling to the various levels or for getting into the game.

Alien (Mind Games)

Although the graphics are symbolic, and the representation of the alien less than frightening, there is a tremendous tension in playing the game, and scope for extremely complex tactical decisions.

Lazy Jones (Terminal)

The graphics are adequate and, to be fair, the game has a certain novelty going for it, albeit short-lived.

Drive In (Fantasy)

A game to tax your ingenuity and patience and one which might tempt you to throw your joystick away in frustration.

Jewels Of Babylon (Interceptor Micros)

There are a few objects littered about but it is possible to wander around like a total wally for endless stretches. Endless perseverance may well get you somewhere but personally I play games to be entertained.

The Illustrator (Gilsoft)

All the processes demand no knowledge of programming - you will only need to be logical in your approach.

Brian Bloodaxe (The Edge)

A pleasant surprise in a market which has become a little turgid of late.

Weathermaster (Sinclair/Macmillan)/Weather Station (Arnold Wheaton)

A dedicated database which allows you to enter data on a daily basis for up to a year.

Mutant Monty (Artic)

Completely unoriginal in concept, the game is at least intriguing and frustrating to play - exactly the attributes its programmers planned.

Bazam (Alan Firminger)

If you are into nostalgia, wear your best mindless arcade zombie grin and have yourself a ball.

Ziggurat (Software Super Savers)

Not a highly verbal adventure and cannot possibly compare with more expensive productions. Despite that it becomes gripping purely because you want to get out of the maze and back into the light.

Software Star (Addictive Games)

If Software Star is believed to be an accurate portrayal of life in the cut-throat games industry then Addictive Games might as well shut up shop now.

Hellfire (Melbourne House)

If the early levels had been more difficult to complete, its graphics and plot would have made it a candidate for a number one spot in the charts.

Xaviour (PSS)

For those that like bashing their heads against a brick wall, this is the game for you.

Therbo (Arcade)

'A cross between American Football and World War III'... Hmmm, sounds like something worth avoiding. And it is.

Wizard's Warriors (Mastertronic)

You won't need a great deal of strategic skill as the easiest thing to do is hang around with your back to a wall and wait for the rather unintelligent guards to stumble your way.

Blue Max (US Gold)

Compared to Tornado Low Level, for instance, Blue Max is clearly second rate.

Bristles (Statesoft)

There are eight buildings with six skill levels for each, making a total of 48 permutations.

Hunchback 2 (Ocean)

The game falls down on its graphics especially when compared to classics such as Knight Lore which shows exactly what can be squeezed out of the Spectrum.

Curse Of The Seven Faces (Imperial)

Curse Of The Seven Faces is disappointing but attractively produced. It could well be regarded as a beginner's adventure.

GST Assembler (Sinclair Research)/Adder Assembler (Adder Publishing)

Typing Tutor (Computer One)