A Day In The Life (Micromega)

A whiff of the Manic Miner is definitely in the air here.

Toy Bizarre (Activision)

Toy Bizarre is addictive and will attract those who find Jet Set Willy too difficult to master.

Dragontorc (Hewson)

Avalon fans will love Dragontorc, which is more user friendly. The puzzles are well hidden and tricky.

The Biz (Virgin)

Skyranger (Microsphere)

The music consists of annoying and inappropriate jingles, totally unsuited to this type of game.

Gyron (Firebird)

A brilliant game combining strategy and arcade skills.

Wizard's Lair (Bubble Bus)

The extra features, including a river which meanders through many screens, effectively dividing them, make the game more challenging.

Everyone's A Wally (Mikro-Gen)

An enjoyable game and frustratingly difficult to complete.

Herbert's Dummy Run (Mikro-Gen)

Although representing no great advance on the programming techniques and style of Everyone's A Wally, the game will nevertheless delight fans of the series and provides plenty of humour and excitement for the arcade-adventure brigade.

Astrocalc (Astrocalc)

Although it's unattractively presented, it does provide an easy introduction to the arcane secrets of the stars.

Formula One (CRL)

Easy enough at novice level, very tough at expert level, Formula One is a rare example of a simulation which combines attractive displays, good game structure and an exciting theme.

Fantastic Voyage (Quicksilva)

Addictive and original entertainment.

Overlords (Lothlorien)

You can save the game to microdrive, use joystick/keyboard combinations, and even play the game across a network of two Spectrums. Would that more companies were so thoughtful.

Paddington's Garden Game (Collins)

Reinforces hand/eye co-ordination and most of all is entertaining and fun.

Moon Cresta (Incentive)

If you are an arcade addict your furtive fingers will waltz to the prize.

Chaos (Games Workshop)

The game is sufficiently complex to appeal to dungeons and dragons fans and to strategy game players. So, if you've ever fancied the role of a wizard, give it a go.

Mr. T Meets His Match (Good)

The problem with this type of game is that they are so structured that they allow a child little feeling of control.

Ski Star 2000 (Shepherd)

The game is incredibly slow with jerky movement.

Bruce Lee (US Gold)

Dinosaurs (Piper)

747 Flight Simulator (DACC)

You'll have more fun on a cold morning at Gatwick waiting for the fog to lift.

Mini Office (Database)

If you are looking for an inexpensive way of learning how a word processor, database and spreadsheet work then it is to be wholeheartedly recommended.

Personal Banking System (Hilton Computer Services)

Well worth considering if you are looking for a program to manage your home finances.

Unistat (University)

If you are going to use the Spectrum for statistical work then Unistat offers the most complete package available.

Confidential (Radar Games)

Some of the puzzles are relatively easy but they get tougher as you go along.

Emerald Isle (Level 9 Computing)

If you're already a committed Level 9 fan you're unlikely to be disappointed, even if it is easier than usual. I'm still trying to read those damned foreign inscriptions.

Heroes Of Karn (Interceptor Micros)

As far as action and events are concerned, Heroes Of Karn is an improvement on Interceptor's earlier offerings.

The Talisman (Games Workshop)

Even with four players it is unlikely that anyone will be bored as the action can be quite entertaining, even to watch. This gives The Talisman an edge over text-based multiple player games.

Underworld: The Village (Orpheus)

It is not a bad game but neither is it desperately addictive or compelling.