I, Of The Mask (Electric Dreams)

The power of the graphics save this from becoming totally boring, but I would have preferred to see rather more variety all the same.

Robot Messiah (Alphabatim)

Arcade adventure experts will probably have the game whipped within a fairly short period, but if you are new to this type of maze mania it is challenging material.

Saboteur (Durell)

The game is very realistic, the graphics are outstandingly smooth and there is no colour clash or flicker to speak of.

Soul Of A Robot (Mastertronic)

Soul Of A Robot is the sequel to Nonterraqueous which is easier and more enjoyable to play.

International Karate (System 3)

We found International Karate about as tough to beat as Fist, but then again, we've had you lot writing in to complain that Fist was too easy.

Thunderbirds (Firebird)

The game is not particularly fast; the graphics are quite basic but more than adequate. But figuring out those puzzles has me hooked.

Gladiator (Domark)

The play is not as fluid as those kung-fu contests, but you'll find it a hard slog to win your freedom and lay down the sword in peaceful retirement.

Wham! The Music Box (Melbourne House)

Anybody - absolutely anybody - who writes games or likes mucking about with sound should boogie on down to the stores and buy it.

Geoff Capes Strongman (Martech)

You couldn't call this exciting, but it will test your staying power.

Tau Ceti (CRL)

Viewed as a shoot-'em-up with a purpose to the carnage, Tau Ceti has to be one of the all-time greats.

Brainstorm (Bubble Bus)

If by chance you have not yet grown sick of games with huge areas of alien-filled rooms then it is not a bad deal.

Endurance (CRL)

If you enjoy motorbike racing - and it is becoming more popular by the season - you can now have the satisfaction of running your own team.

Zoot (Bug-Byte)

Great fun and criminally underpriced.

Star Firebirds (Firebird)

If you are not of an artistic bent, you may as well ignore this game.

ICE (Eidersoft)

ICE operates best with at least half a megabyte of RAM and disc drives. Its multi-tasking features are its major attraction, although the Operating System is so easy to use that it can be recommended to anyone with a QL.

Keydefine (Scientific)

The usefulness of this program really depends on the user - if you do write a lot of letters on Quill, or have pet routines you're always using in programs, then you'll get your money's worth from Keydefine.

The Pawn (Magnetic Scrolls/Rainbird)

Although it is not particularly innovative, The Pawn has the feel and depth of those infamous Infocom adventures.

Q Draw (Psion)

With a bit more attention to detail, Q Draw could have been on its way to Classicdom.

Microcomputer Game Design (Sigma Press)

Rigg may not turn you into a programming genius but his book will show you where the first signpost is.

Screenshot Series (Dorling-Kindersley)

I would recommend both packs either for the beginner or the more advanced programmer as the routines can be used easily in other programs.

Sinclair Reference Diary (Pitman)

The back of the diary contains a London tube map and the principal rail services. There's also a forward planner for 1987. I've made a note not to buy this diary next year.

The Never-Ending Story (Ocean)

A big, attractive adventure with plenty of polish and professionalism in its production.

Robin Of Sherlock (CRL)

Robin Of Sherlock seems much more detailed than Bored Of The Rings and really benefits from the recent improvements to the Quill system.

Seas Of Blood (Adventure International)

The variables make for an action- packed adventure which keeps you on your toes and the programming quality is just as good as the company's other games.

Quest For The Holy Grail (Mastertronic)

Despite rather dated programming, this still a humorous game with a cheeky interpreter and some silly messages mixed into the bizarre problems.

Merlock The Mede (Terminal)

I'm afraid the only stunning thing about this game was its appalling grammar and almost total lack of punctuation.

QL Payroll (TR Computer System)

The excellent detail in the manual should mean this utility causers few problems when in use.

QL Entrepreneur (Sinclair Research)

Compared to the Spectrum version, the only major differences seem to lie in the displays for the applications program, while the teaching program is virtually identical.

V-notch (Transform)

This is a quick to learn, easy-to-use program with a fast search routine.

Surfchamp (New Concepts)

Surfchamp won't do much for your style if you're a real surfer, but it gives the feel of the sport.

Waterloo (Lothlorien)

While wargame fanatics may find it too simple for purist tastes, it's nevertheless lots of fun, fairly realistic in its results, and ideal for inexperienced wargamers.

Spellbound (Mastertronic Added Dimension)

This game blows many an expensive package out of the window and some big name software houses had better watch their backs.

Panzadrome (Ariolasoft)

Well worth buying if you want a long-term challenge with plenty of violent action.

Spectrum Forth Converter (Zero-Plus)

The utility is a powerful addition to Artic Forth for a minority interest group.

BC's Quest For Tires (Software Projects)

Although the title has little relevance to the game and the graphics are nothing to write home about, BC has me hooked. I find his on-screen antics very addictive.

Assemblage (Artic)

The arcade games are not much cop and it would have been a crime to release them individually but, together with the adventures on the other side of the tape, they make a varied diet.

One Man And His Droid (Mastertronic)

Challenging, fun, and cleanly presented - budget software seems to be growing up.

Computer Christmas Card (Virgin)

I am not given to using four letter words but this is a load of hype.

Rothman's Football Quiz (Cassell)

Spin-offs are justified in some instances, but is it laudable to link a cigarette manufacturer's name to a product which many 11 year olds may pick up?