1942 (Elite)

Even though there are quite a few good shoot-'em-ups around nowadays, this rates up there in the air. It's a classic case of the just-one-more-go game.

Bombscare (Firebird)

A well put together and challenging arcade adventure.

Dan Dare: Pilot Of The Future (Virgin Games)

With the weight of tradition behind it, this game should be a chart topper anyway, but the main reason will be that it's a thumping good game.

Deactivators (Reaktor)

Providing you don't mind putting in some hard brainwork in order to play, it's a must!

Deathball (Alpha-Omega)

Deathball makes three day cricket with Boycott at the crease look positively exciting...!

Desert Hawk (Players)

This is so bad that you'll soon be chasing after the enemy tanks, begging them to shoot you and put you out of your misery.

Formula One Simulator (Mastertronic)

A cheap and cheerful alternative to some of the more expensive driving games.

Glider Rider (Quicksilva)

Glider Rider is a bit like the island it's set on. It looks good from a distance but lacks real depth.

Headcoach (Addictive Games)

As American football continues to strengthen its grip, there'll no doubt be more impressive and probably flashier Speccy simulations. But in the meantime, Headcoach does the job.

Johnny Reb II (Lothlorien)

Very good, I would imagine, if you're into wargaming and you can't find anyone to pit your lead soldiers against!

Kai Temple (Firebird)

If you want five or six fancy kicks then look around for another game, but if you want to become a master of just one classic move - The K'i'ck I'n The Gro'i'n - then this is the game for you.

Kane (Mastertronic)

Anyone with any games playing experience will find this no challenge at all.

Knight Rider (Ocean)

This would have been a fair effort for a budget game, but for a full price, licensed game from a major software house, it hasn't got a hope!

Konami's Tennis (Imagine)

Game, set and match. And if your heart is set on a spot of on-court action, this one may offer you that little something that I couldn't get out of it.

Miami Dice (Bug-Byte)

If you fancy yourself as the Cincinatti Kid and want to experience some real Craps then this is the one for you.

Moonlight Madness (Bubble Bus)

I think maybe Bubble Bus had a touch of Moonlight Madness itself when it picked this one for its new release.

N.E.X.O.R. (Design Design)

I found the bulk of this game about as exciting as watching my washing going round.

Nightmare Rally (Ocean)

A brilliant driving game. It requires snappy reflexes and not a small amount of planning; as in real rally driving, foreknowledge of your route is invaluable.

Ole Toro (Americana)

Budget games have come on leaps and bounds recently, so there's no longer any excuse for this sort of unplayable nonsense.

Olli And Lissa (Firebird)

The game is exceptional value for money and a worthy challenge to boot.

Olympiad '86 (Atlantis)

Arsenal fans alone might spy some excitement in this farce. I certainly didn't.

Paperboy (Elite)

It's another classic conversion, true to the original. In terms of playability, Paperboy really delivers.

Return To Oz (US Gold)

There's fun to be had from the program for fans of the magical land of Lions and tin men, but I think 'kids' deserve better than this.

Revolution (Vortex)

Yet another cracker from Costa Panayi, the programmer, that'll appeal to the more intellectual games player.

Scooby-Doo (Elite)

Unlike a lot of other licensed games which are hastily assembled and poorly conceived, Scooby is a sound and playable game in its own right.

Strike Force Cobra (Piranha)

If you want a game that you can get your teeth into, get Strike Force Cobra.

Strike Force Harrier (Mirrorsoft)

As with all simulators, it'll take you a while to get handy with the controls but once you have you really will be flying high!

Thingy And The Doodahs (Americana)

Okay graphics, okay sound, okay with a joystick (better with a rubber keyboard) and about as original as sliced bread but utterly addictive.

Trivial Pursuit: A New Beginning (Domark)

The board in this game is something of a psychedelic nightmare.

TT Racer (Digital Integration)

Swinging from side to side to take the S-bends on the Salzburgring can almost make you feel sea-sick.

Universal Hero (Mastertronic)

For the most part the problems are of the standard 'find the use for the object' type. Nothing terribly exciting there!

Vera Cruz (Infogrames)

For those of you who fancy yourselves as Maigret rather than Inspector Clousseau, you should enjoy investigating the seedier side of French life.

Video Olimpic (Mastertronic)

If you've never had a good joystick waggle before, then it might be worthwhile putting this through its paces.

Virgin Atlantic Challenge (Virgin Games)

The crew on the real voyage they had the constant drone of the engines to keep them awake - anyone playing this game will have to find their own methods!