10th Frame (US Gold)

It's a shame really that the packaging looks so dull and dated 'cos there's a really good game in there trying to get out!

Acro Jet (Microprose)

The graphics are quite natty too, though I did have problems keeping my eyes on the controls and the plane.

Bazooka Bill (Melbourne House)

There's a limit to just how much bloodshed is entertaining, especially when background graphics are plain, manoeuvrability limited, tactics zero and resourcefulness required minimal.

Book Of The Dead (The Essential Myth)

A decent parser plus text/graphics formats, it/them, etc... but the redesigned old-fashioned character set is very hard on the eyes. And the response time is rather slow.

Brainache (Codemasters)

I don't think Brainache will start the platforms and ladders revival.

Brian Clough's Football Fortunes (CDS)

You don't need to know anything about footie to enjoy this - you just have to be good at wheeling, dealing, bargaining and backstabbing!

Butch - Hard Guy (Advance)

This is another platforms and massacres game, but lacking the Green Beret graphics or the Cobra complexities.

Colony (Mastertronic)

At heart, this is a clever arcade-cum-strategy game. But strangulation of the roots has stopped it blooming.

Dizzy Dice (Players)

I doubt it's got real staying power, but it's a really fruity number at the price.

Enduro Racer (Activision)

A racing game that's streets ahead of the opposition. Give it a road test and see! Brrrrmmmmm.

Feud (Bulldog)

A clever piece of arcade strategy, at a budget price, and that's 'feud' for thought!

Greyfell (Starlight)

It's true the icons are a bit scrunched up but otherwise it's a bundle of fun and well above the norm!

Jail Break (Konami)

Konami has lots of great games to draw on, and is sure to get it right in the future, but this gets shot-down by the opposition.

Judge Dredd (Melbourne House)

The graphics are particularly zarjaz, especially the little figure of Dredd who has a range of macho poses to suit even the most demanding 2000AD snobster.

Leader Board (US Gold)

About as brilliant a golf sim as you could ever wish for on the Spectrum.

Little Computer People (Activision)

His name's Neal and though he's rather short, he's got everything I've ever wanted. There's also something so cute about him that I'm content to sit and marvel for the time being...

Loco (Alligata)

The enemy is so slow that simple manic thrashing of the joystick will allow you to zap everything in sight, maintain all your lives and get you through the five levels of difficulty.

Nether Earth (Argus Press)

Blends the relentless drive of American Football with a management game, great graphics and some useful sound effects to warn you of battles. There's literally nothing quite like it.

Operation Stallion (Wrightchoice)

A great deal of effort has been put into the text and graphics and it's a shame the thoroughness doesn't extend throughout the program itself.

Ranarama (Hewson)

There's just so much to do and think about, and it's a treat for the peepers. In fact, it's 'toadally' brilliant!

The Serf's Tale (Players)

The text has been redesigned and looks a treat, and I reckon it'll sell thousands.

Shadow Skimmer (The Edge)

A good thoughtful game which needs a bit of brainwork along with the usual lightning reactions.

Shockway Rider (Faster Than Light)

Another fine game from the FTL studio, and more than likely a future classic!

Sigma 7 (Durell)

A real arcade challenge. This is one game I recommend you play immediately.

Transmuter (Codemasters)

Transmuter is a reasonably addictive budget blaster with a smidgin of strategy. At this price you shouldn't be disappointed.

Trap (Alligata)

There are a few problems with colour definition, and it can be difficult to get used to the changing colours of the alien vessels. But get used to it you will, and from then on in it's a thoroughly rewarding zapper.

Vulcan (Cases)

Probably not a program for wargame novices, but anybody who enjoys tough tactical problems should find it something to get their teeth into.

Winter Wonderland (Incentive)

The game itself doesn't quite live up to the expectations created by the scenario, but I'd be happy to go back to it and I reckon it's just got the edge on Apache Gold. Shame about the price.

The Zacaron Mystery (Players)

I found it fairly easy to get quite a way into the game, as I suspect will most people.