Aaargh! (Melbourne House)

A very primitive multi-level, multi-load, beat 'em, blowtorch-'em-up which'll have you screaming its title each time you die and have to reload!

BMX Simulator 2 (Codemasters)

A timely sequel. It's good fun, and it's also no doubt securely locked to the top of the charts by the time you read this.

Bomb Jack II (Encore)

Not a disaster - just not on the button. With disturbingly samey gameplay, the result here is not what it might have been.

The Bounty Hunter (River)

This is definitely the best adventure I've seen since... oh, since the last best adventure I saw.

Captain Fizz (Psyclapse)

A fun Gauntlet clone, with some original extra elements which make it really playable. A good start from Psyclapse.

Heartbroken (Atlantis)

As the inlay notes say, "Will you overcome the warlock's evil creations? Will you survive long enough to create the golden key that is needed to free Princess Mertha? Probably not." Seems fair enough to me.

Heatwave (Hewson)

Six of the best from Hewson. Fun-packed variety and unbeatable value.

Jaws (Screen 7)

Yes, I like it! Chomp! A tasty, mazey shoot-'em-up game with lots of other elements besides. A biting good game.

Kenny Dalglish Soccer Manager (Cognito)

The name says it all really. Generally pretty nifty, with nice graphics.

Mr. Heli (Firebird)

A very playable four-way scrolling shoot-'em-up and buy-extra-weapons-as-you-go type game with a cutesy Japanese feel. Shame about the lack of colour though!

Pyracurse (Rack-It)

Pyracurse is altogether too fiddly to be much fun - an hour spent trying to get to grips with it proved a frustrating experience.

Shanghai Warriors (Players)

Efficiently programmed, for sure, but utterly, utterly lacking in inspiration. Not a memorable game by any means.

The Soccer Squad (Gremlin)

For fans only. Quite a fun soccer simulation, but no real standout games.

Starglider 2 (Rainbird)

Fast 'n' furious wire-frame arcade adventure with less zapping and more exploring that its much loved predecessor.

The Story So Far Volume 2 (Elite)

A good compilation and great value. This final bow from Elite spells a sad day for Spec-chums.

Super Nudge 2000 (Mastertronic)

Personally I'm a sucker for these games, but this is a particularly good one.

Task Force (Players Premier)

It's not as sophisticated as the original - or indeed as original as the original - but it's a jolly little shoot-'em-up with some entertainingly wacky palm trees and a couple of weapon systems you won't find in many air force bases.

Time Scanner (Activision)

One of those games that you could quite happily keep coming back to. A splendid, realistic pinball simulation, a trifle limited in game size, but eminently playable.

Twin Turbo V8 (Codemasters)

Yes, I liked it. But "just like performance car driving"? Leave it out, Dave.

Xybots (Domark)

As good a conversion as anyone could hope for. A good laugh in two player mode too.