Spectre Comms Pack (Spectre Communications) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2/+3)

Red Boxes Starter Pack (Red Boxes) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2/+3)

This is an interesting system, and great fun to use, but the £129 for the starter pack has to be seen as the first of many payments if a practical system is to be put together.

Trailblazer (Gremlin) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Trailblazer is certainly not impossible to complete but it is devilishly difficult and is recommended for those who enjoy a challenge.

Uridium (Hewson) (Spectrum 48K)

Proves there is still a lot of life left in the shoot-'em-up format, especially at this level of sophistication... Highly recommended for anyone with an itchy trigger finger.

Now Games 3 (Virgin) (Spectrum 48K/128K/+2/+3)

There is a good selection of games and they should provide something for most gamespersons. Each of the programs is still worth having in its own right.

Dragon's Lair (Software Projects) (Spectrum 48K)

More a matter of trial and error than of skill or reflexes... which doesn't make for a particularly exciting game.

Miami Dice (Bug-Byte) (Spectrum 48K)

If you enjoy board games, card games, dice games or are an avid gambler, then this is a must.

Galivan (Imagine) (Spectrum 48K)

Nice game, good graphics, but not a classic.

Timetrax (Mind Games) (Spectrum 48K)

Not really suitable for those who want a simple shoot-'em-up, but if you found the Wally games a doddle and have a few millenia to spare, try Timetrax.

S.T.O.R.M. (Mastertronic) (Spectrum 48K)

Death seems to come quickly and unexpectedly here, probably due to my not finding and consuming the food and drink provided in some rooms.

Pub Games (Alligata) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

If you enjoy this type of computer games simulation then Pub Games is good value for money.

Strike Force Harrier (Mirrorsoft) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Strike Force Harrier has been designed to be as authentic as possible and will probably exceed your expectations of a package of this kind.

Olli And Lissa (Firebird) (Spectrum 48K)

The animation of your control character is brilliant, the closest I have seen to cartoon quality yet, and the death and success routines are amusing, and pure genius.

Johnny Reb II (Lothlorien) (Spectrum 48K)

For those who are already avid wargamers, this one is a must.

Headcoach (Addictive) (Spectrum 48K)

A great introduction to this type of strategy and simulation game.

Video Poker (Mastertronic) (Spectrum 48K)

One of the better implementations of a card game that I've seen on the Spectrum.

Room Ten (CRL) (Spectrum 48K)

Playing the computer is okay... but this is the sort of game which is best played against a human opponent.

Bombscare (Firebird) (Spectrum 48K/Plus)

Unlikely to offer the same challenge over a period of time that Alien 8 might.

Football Manager (Addictive Games) (Spectrum 48K)

If you are keen on this sort of program then Football Manager is an absolute must, and if you are not sure if this type of game is your forte, then this is the one to try.

The Sacred Armour Of Antiriad (Palace) (Spectrum 48K)

An excellent package that has been presented with an expert eye for detail.

Hardball (Advance) (Spectrum 48K)

Highly recommended... Will undoubtedly convince a lot more people that Baseball is not just a game of rounders played on the other side of the Atlantic.

Strike Force Cobra (Piranha) (Spectrum 48K)

The rooms and corridors of the fortress are heavily defended by electronic traps, automatic rifles, armed soldiers and various other devices of the sort which pad out the middle half hour of adventure films.

Druid (Firebird) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

It's quite good fun, and the exploration of the levels in search of spells and skulls adds a bit of variety to the mystical mayhem.

Lightforce (Faster Than Light) (Spectrum 48K)

The most addictive shoot-'em-up I've played in months.

L' Affaire Vera Cruz (Infogrames) (Spectrum 48K)

This game requires great patience and perseverance: If you have this, then you will be rewarded. But be warned that at times it's infuriatingly difficult, and progress murderously slow.

Aftershock (Interceptor Micros) (Spectrum 48K/128K)

Whilst this is nothing particularly special, Aftershock is a welcome improvement technically on previous Interceptor adventures; whilst being as fun to play as its predecessors.