Xarq (Electric Dreams) (Spectrum 48K)

If you are willing to spend a few hours getting used to the controls, and working out what to do, you will be well rewarded.

Stainless Steel (Mikro-Gen) (Spectrum 48K)

A graphically sophisticated shoot-'em-up with enough sequences to maintain your interest.

Konami's Tennis (Imagine) (Spectrum 48K)

Fiddly bits aside, this still proves the first tennis game on the Spectrum that I've enjoyed playing and is certainly the only one that I'm ever likely to go back to.

Captain Slog (Alpha-Omega) (Spectrum 48K)

Worth adding to your collection, as long as you do not expect a state of the art program.

Star Firebirds (Firebird) (Spectrum 48K)

A nice unpretentious mindless killing game.

Full Throttle (Elite Classics) (Spectrum 48K)

This hasn't lost any of its magic and I'd still recommend it to you.

Cagara (Players) (Spectrum 48K)

Cagara is so bad, it is almost worth buying for that very reason.

I.C.U.P.S. (Thor) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

This is a very poor product for a full price game which seems to have been thrown together with the thought that if one tired formula idea won't work maybe two will.

Virgin Atlantic Challenge Game (Virgin) (Spectrum 48K)

I must admit to enjoying playing it and if this kind of mental gymnastics is your cup or tea then you'll like it too.

Sbugetti Junction (Bug-Byte) (Spectrum 48K)

A pleasant enough game to play but doesn't really have any lasting appeal.

Ghostbusters (Activision) (Spectrum 128K)

Despite being one of the best selling computer titles ever, Ghostbusters is not a particularly good game and is certainly beginning to show its age now.

Octagon Squad (Mastertronic) (Spectrum 48K)

One of those games where patience and persistence is required to get the most from it.

1942 (Elite) (Spectrum 48K)

As an out and out shoot-'em-up 1942 certainly succeeds, but if you are looking for something more than a musclebound joystick hand and zillions of ponds give this one the flypast.

Trivial Pursuit (Domark) (Spectrum 48K)

Bound to sell well on the strength of the board game and, if you enjoyed that, you won't be disappointed with its computer game counterpart.

Universal Hero (Mastertronic) (Spectrum 48K)

Universal Hero isn't a flawless game, but it does have its good points, and, as always, Mastertronic are still giving more expensive games a run for their money.

Buccaneer (Firebird Super Silver) (Spectrum 48K/Plus)

A no-nonsense, out and out warmongering program to appeal to all our more basic instincts.

Kane (Mastertronic) (Spectrum 48K)

Enough fun to while away the odd rainy afternoon with and will probably appeal to younger computer owners who don't require state-of-the-art megagames.

Lap Of The Gods (Mastertronic) (Spectrum 48K)

Not a game for fast reaction arcade freaks, but if you've got a bit of patience and determination you might want to give it a go.

Olympiad (Atlantis) (Spectrum 48K)

I'm at a loss as to how I can review this game constructively, other than to say that it simply isn't very good.

Dynamite Dan II (Mirrorsoft) (Spectrum 48K)

A programming masterpiece, and on top of that it is real fun to play!

Psi Chess (The Edge) (Spectrum 48K)

As exasperating as any good chess program should be, Psi Chess also allows you to savour the view as you slide towards ignominious defeat.

Colossus Chess 4.0 (CDS) (Spectrum 48K)

If you want a chess program to stretch you to the limit, there is nothing to touch Colossus and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in Chess.

Mission Omega (Mind Games/Argus Press) (Spectrum 48K)

Combines neat graphics with some excellent basic ideas... A game that should appeal to everyone willing to spend more than ten minutes trying to save the world from imminent destruction.

Qualitas (Seven Stars) (Spectrum 48K)

A useful program, making professional quality printouts available to those of us who like the versatility of the dot matrix, but regret its substandard appearance.

Mindstone (The Edge) (Spectrum 48K)

Well worth having a look at.

Journey To The Centre Of Eddie Smith's Head (Players) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Not a stunning debut for a new label... The whole thing feels so tired; a waste of energy for all concerned.

An Everyday Tale Of A Seeker Of Gold (John Wilson) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Not a classic but virtually a must for all but novice adventurers.

Claws Of Despair (Players) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

The game is generally unfriendly... EXAMINE is rarely responsive, and there's an unnecessary pause each time you use it.

The Incredible Hulk (Americana) (Spectrum 48K)

This is pretty naff. A few of the puzzles are fun, if you can tolerate all the faults which make them harder.

The Hobbit (Melbourne House) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Character interaction is a vital part of the game, and well handled, though not so mind-boggling these days.

The Boggit (CRL) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

There are a few bugs and the game is no masterpiece but, despite its faults, The Boggit is an extremely enjoyable and professional adventure.