The Joy Of Computers (Hutchinsons) (Spectrum 48K)

The Joy Of Computers may be aimed at those who already have or are about to buy a home computer but to my mind it is a book for anyone who has an interest in today's world.

20 Programs For The ZX Spectrum And 16K ZX81 (Babani) (Sinclair ZX81/Spectrum 16K/48K)

To all those new users who should have recently joined us, the twenty programs included should prove to be worthwhile and act as useful guides to developing and improving their programming abilities.

Self-Instruct Basic: A Practical Guide (Pitman) (BBC/Spectrum)

To gain all the book has to offer the reader should be prepared to be a good student following that course and investigating the projects suggested.

3D Monster Chase (Romik) (Spectrum 16K)

A good game, but not particularly original.

Star Warriors (Visions) (Spectrum 16K)

The graphics themselves are quite good but nothing particularly exciting by today's standards.

Starclash (Micromega) (Spectrum 16K)

Action is reasonably smooth, the graphics are quite good, and the sound is about as good as can be expected from the Spectrum.

Shark Attack (Romik) (Spectrum 16K/48K)

Simple though it is, the game is fun and exciting and the uncluttered concept is ideal for any age.

Jumbly (DK'Tronics) (Spectrum 48K)

The graphics are smooth and a pleasure to watch and the game is a delight from a player's point of view as well as the programmer's.

Computaword Vol 1 (Work Force) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2/+3)

Computaword has been reasonably well put together, utilising a number of ways in which a computer can improve upon the basic crossword puzzle.

Rapedes (Visions) (Spectrum 16K)

Look to Artic's version of Centipede, a version which is fast, furious and very exciting. It's a shame that this version is not.

Wild West Hero (Timescape) (Spectrum 48K)

Fast and furious... at times rather too fast... and not a game for the faint hearted!

Dimension Destructors (Artic) (Spectrum 48K)

Dimension Destructors is highly addictive - a game which must be played "just one more time" and very good value.

Ground Force Zero (Titan Programs) (Spectrum 16K)

In today's market, where to stay afloat in the software industry demands high standards, I am surprised that Titan Programs have not been renamed Titanic.

Slippery Sid (Silversoft) (Spectrum 16K)

I highly recommend it but would warn those of you who are married that it can cause marital stress. I am still trying to pry my wife away from the keyboard so that I can have another go.

3D Tunnel (New Generation) (Spectrum 16K/48K)

I suppose that 3D Tunnel is good value to anyone who is prepared to sit at the computer for hours just to reach the other end of the tunnel!

Apocalypse (Red Shift) (Spectrum 48K)

An excellent program which will give you many hours of enjoyment, especially as the game is constantly expanding and looking for ways in which to be improved.

The Golden Apple (Artic) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

A high quality adventure game which more than fulfils its aim. It is for the experienced adventurer only.

Go To Jail (Automata) (Spectrum 48K)

It is possible in a couple of places to cheat but the computer does not use these and all that is needed to overcome them is a little self-discipline on the part of the player.

Avenger (Abacus) (Sinclair ZX81)

This is really the best "Scramble" I have seen available for the 16K ZX81.

Manic Miner (Bug-Byte) (Spectrum 48K)

Well done to Matthew Smith for writing an ingenious program with such super graphics, and thanks to Bug-Byte for issuing it.

Super C Compiler/Mcoder 2 Compiler (PSS) (Spectrum 48K)

If I had to choose between Super C and MCoder 2, I would prefer to use MCoder 2 from PSS, mainly because it can handle strings and can use more than 26 variables.

3D Grand Prix (DK Tronics) (Sinclair ZX81)

Weather effects, mechanical failures and pit stops all feature in this game with each race lasting five laps.

Cosmic Guerilla (Quicksilva) (Sinclair ZX81)

Another good buy from Quicksilva.

Games V: Family Games (JRS) (Sinclair ZX81)

Absorbing, if frustrating, family games.

Classic 3 (Axis) (Sinclair ZX81)

The three cerebal games from Axis Software on this one cassette make Classic 3 a good buy.

Tempest (Mikro-Gen) (Sinclair ZX81)

The action in Tempest is fast and smooth and the game performs well.

Community Chest (Artic) (Sinclair ZX81)

If you cannot find a willing human opponent and wish to play Monopoly against your ZX81 then this is a good version and well worth considering.