19 Part 1: Boot Camp (Cascade)

Well-hyped package that has its moments but lacks sparkle. At least you can switch off the music!

Airwolf (Encore)

The whole game isn't particularly large but, boy, is it tough.

Alternative World Games (Gremlin)

Offers nothing but heartache, hassles, a few neat tunes and a chance to sully the sacrificial altar. A poorly-implemented sports sim that's about as alternative as Ben Elton!

The Bard's Tale (Electronic Arts)

A huge arcade adventure which might convert many a purist.

Battle Ships (Encore)

Aren't pencils and paper a lot cheaper?

Chubby Gristle (Grandslam)

An arid game: dried-up gameplay, desiccated graphics, not one to quench your addictive thirsts.

Diamond (Destiny)

The game is marginally less boring than the two songs that come on the second cassette in the box, but if you don't buy the game then you won't have to listen to those either.

Dream Warrior (Goliath Games)

The pros more than make up for the cons, and it's even vaguely original. Good stuff.

The Empire Strikes Back (Domark)

An accurate coin-op conversion that comes agonisingly close to being brilliant.

European 5-a-Side (Silverbird)

So easy that, after about three goes, you'll become completely bored with the game and may have to resort to Neighbours instead. You have been warned.

Football Manager 2 (Addictive Games)

Fine sequel to the hoary old classic with a relatively simple structure, but no less playable for that. Addictive? You betcha.

The Fury (Martech)

A nice blend of arcade and strategy, shaken not stirred.

Hopping Mad (Elite)

Inflatable 'tear your hair out just one more go' frolics. Almost as addictive as banana Nesquik.

Impossible Mission II (Epyx)

A triumphant return with many new whizzy puzzles!

Kemshu (Cult Games)

Kemshu would be a very addictive game but unfortunately it's too easy; I managed to beat it on about my tenth game and on a black and white TV too!

Last Ninja 2 (System 3)

If you like quick, flashy beat-'em-ups, then it'll suit you fine, but if you really want something big and fleshy to get your teeth into then Ninja II is the only game that will do.

Marauder (Hewson)

Well implemented and visually attractive vertically scrolling shoot-'em-up, but nothing new.

Metal Army (Players)

This will keep you occupied for quite some time.

Octan (Silverbird)

Great fun. The scrolling, graphics, sound, kiddy FX, playability and addictiveness are all top notch and the game is very difficult and tantalisingly frustrating at the same time.

On The Bench (Cult Games)

On The Bench is a good game of this type at budget price so why not give it a go?

Overkill (Atlantis)

There just isn't enough action to make the game in any way gripping, and interest wanes after about five minutes play.

Overlord (Cases)

An excellent game. It offers hours of challenging entertainment, and could even teach some history at the same time.

Stunt Bike Simulator (Silverbird)

Nope, sorry, I can't recommend this. It isn't helped by incorrect instructions and dodgy collision detection either.

Sword Slayer (Players)

It's presented very nicely, but the difficulty is virtually non-existent for a good part of the game until suddenly you keep dying, and must work your way through the first five or so opponents until you can try again - most annoying.

Tanium (Players)

My verdict? Not very playable or addictive and not particularly good value, even at this low price.

Track Suit Manager (US Gold)

One of the best football strategy games yet. Fast action, tough decisions and huge databases of info on the world's footballers.

Ultimate Play The Game: The Collected Works (Ultimate)

Wizzy compilation of some of the best games written for the Speccy. If you've never seen the Ultimate games, then get this!

Virus (Firebird)

Virus on the Spectrum is the state of the art. A brilliantly programmed conversion of a 16-bit smash hit.