2088 (Zeppelin Games)

About the only item of interest is a Centipede-like snake, travelling diagonally, which can be hard to avoid and difficult to destroy. Otherwise, forget it.

2D Game Maker (CRL)

A cumbersome, highly complicated utility for creating pretty but boring games. Avoid, avoid, a thousand times avoid.

Crimebusters inc. (Players)

The graphics, for a Spectrum cheapie, are excellent, and staying out of jail is a surprisingly addictive challenge.

Alien Syndrome (ACE)

Alien Syndrome represents quite reasonable value: it has a future on the shelf, as opposed to the pile in the box on the floor! Coin op conversion with squishy aliens to shoot and silly scientists to collect.

Barbarian (Melbourne House)

Fairly easy slash-'em-up based on the 16-bit hit, and nowt to do with Maria Whittaker! More addictive than it looks, too.

The Bobby Yazz Show (Destiny)

Chortle-a-minute puzzle game with some neat ideas and a very professional execution. Destiny's best game so far.

Cloud 99 (Marlin Games)

You might think with only 44 locations it could be a bit limited, but that only goes to show that you don't need 200+ locations to make for a good game.

Corruption (Rainbird)

I enjoyed Corruption far more than I thought I would... but not quite as much as the previous Magnetic Scrolls games.

Daley Thompson's Olympic Challenge (Ocean)

A challenging, difficult sports sim with outstanding graphics but one track waggling game-play.

The Domes Of Sha (River)

Well up to the standard of River's other games and, although it won't take a seasoned player too long to see it off, you'll still enjoy playing it. Beginners should get even more value from it.

Fernandez Must Die (Image Works)

A Commando clone with strategic knobs on and cars and tanks and trains and bases and bombs... need I go on?

Gauntlet (Kixx)

Good blasting. Nasties abound, and depending which characters you have chosen (you can take two of four on offer), you can fire at them with variable degrees of effectiveness.

Gold, Silver, Bronze (Epyx)

Fiddly sports package more dependent on good timing than joystick waggling, which works on some events, but not on others.

Gunfighter (Atlantis)

Reminds me a little of those old early Gremlin games like Sam Stoat and Grumpy Gumphrey - lovely graphics, but where's the game? Not here, I'm afraid.

Hotshot (Addictive Games)

If you're looking for a futuristic sports sim, then check this one out!

Laser Squad (Target Games)

A sophisticated strategy wargame with endless possibilities. On a par with Elite for thinking warmongers.

Metaplex (Addictive Games)

It all reminds me a bit of Pulsator, that splendid old Martech game, although it's perhaps not quite as fiendishly addictive.

Metro-Cross (Kixx)

This is one of those excellent pieces of software that's easy to get into and devilishly hard to suss out completely - the ideal balance, to my mind.

Peter Beardsley's International Football (Grandslam)

Grandslam deserve a red card for this load of (foot)balls.

Pink Panther (Gremlin)

I'm sorry to report that this one seems to be a bit of a wasted licence. A shame, really, considering the thought that must have gone in to it.

Plus 3 Adventures (Mastertronic)

Very smartly programmed and very smartly priced, at little more than you'd pay for all three games on tape. More please, Mastertronic.

Professional BMX Simulator (Codemasters Plus)

Excellent value for money simulation from Codemasters, well presented with fabby tunes.

Return To Doom (Topologika)

An enjoyable game all round, and well worth thinking about for +3 adventurers.

Samurai Warrior (Firebird)

A very nice game. Though the control mode is not an instant charmer, you will get the hang of it.

Super Hero (Codemasters)

As it's a cheapie, the same care and attention that distinguished the Ritman games are not present, but it's quite playable all the same and for HOH fans, fairly easy.

Supreme Challenge (Beau-Jolly)

One of the best compilations in recent months, with some of the best games in recent years.

Uridium (Rack-It)

Copied to death by lesser hacks, Uridium is still as playable as ever and a cracking good zap. Recommended.

The Vindicator (Imagine)

It's as original as a single by Kylie Minogue, but I could play it over and over again.

Wizard's Lair (Blue Ribbon)

Dull beyond belief. You just wander about collecting things, making maps, and wondering why you didn't buy a rip-off of Knight Lore instead.