Fighting Warrior (Melbourne House)

The animation and graphics are on the whole superb and the game's a good 'un. Unfortunately it lacks a few finishing touches which spoils its playability.

Astroclone (Hewson)

Hewson has made an excellent attempt at mixing two completely different styles of game in Astroclone but I can't help wondering whether this will appeal to the buying public.

Rupert And The Toymaker's Party (Quicksilva)

Quicksilva hasn't aimed so much at the mega-tots but their spinster aunts who feel that if Toby or Fenella have to have one of those awful computer games then this safe, competent platform game is the one to get.

The Custard Kid (New Generation)

Non-sexist, non-racist and very very violent (and extremely messy) this is one for jelly and ice cream and good games freaks everywhere.

Grumpy Gumphrey Supersleuth (Gremlin Graphics)

Overall, this game's not bad but it feels as if there's something missing - not fun but perhaps addictiveness.

Big Ben Strikes Again (Artic)

Worth taking a look at this one if only for the cracking caricatures of our illustrious (ho hum) leaders. Whether it's worth playing is another matter.

International Rugby (Artic)

You control these little people three pixels high, bearing no resemblance whatsoever to rugby players - and I loved it!

Riddlers' Den (Electric Dreams)

Both absorbing and frustrating at the same time - it's just a riddle why other games can't reach this sort of standard!

Starquake (Bubble Bus)

If you're into arcade adventures, Starquake's one of the best around at the moment. And you don't even have to take your brain out of neutral to play it.

World Series Basketball (Imagine)

A worthy follow-up to World Series Baseball.

Maze Craze (Partyline)

Little 'uns who like pulling the legs off spiders or zapping flies in the microwave might get a kick out of this.

The Great Fire Of London (Rabbit)

Hacker (Activision)

A great game that lets you avert an astronomic catastrophe without incurring phone bills of astronomic proportions.

Orm And Cheep: The Birthday Party (Macmillan)

Good, clear and colourful graphics, excellent sound effects and unpatronising instructions and attitude toward the younger user all go to make this a solid starter and, dare I say, educational game.

Marsport (Gargoyle Games)