Dogfight (Opus) (BBC Model B)

I recommend this program without reservation... Graphics and sound effects are excellent, but the on-screen instructions are beyond compare; I certainly have never seen or heard anything like them.

Shuttle Command (FFF Software) (TI99/4A)

The movement of both stars and satellites in response to keypresses begins to rival machine code on other machines.

Heathrow Air Traffic Control (Hewson) (Spectrum 16K)

The instruction leaflet is necessarily lengthy to go into the many facets of the program but for the most part directions are well explained.

Chopper Rescue (Blaby) (Spectrum 48K)

A true arcade quality game with an original plot (I believe), with excellent sound effects, well-chosen colours and a high degree of skill required.

Krazy Kopter (English) (Atari 400/800)

It is difficult to achieve anything... The game is very fast, even at the lowest level.

ZX Tape Loader (Elinca Products) (Sinclair ZX81)

The battery retaining clip is not very effective, but to be fair, you wouldn't be throwing the thing about (would you?).

Recording Level Meter () (Spectrum 16K/48K)

Very easy to use. The first time I used it I managed to load first time two tapes that had been proving very difficult.

Sound Extension Module (JCB) (Dragon 32/64)

A further two 8-bit input/output ports are available as an added bonus which could be used to control external devices.

Clares Joysticks (Clares) (BBC Model B)

Firm favourites... Even the simple drawing program on the leaflet which accompanies them is good fun.

Joystick Interface (Pasesoft) (Oric 48K)

There are several games around at present using the Pase interface, but not enough to warrant the price.

Junior Education (Calpac) (Spectrum 16K/48K)

A question is asked, an answer given; if correct the picture at the top is built up, if wrong another try is allowed.

English Invaders (Rabbit) (Commodore Vic 20)

Several of the words were suspect and I doubt if the list was based on a standard key word list.

Number Gulper (ASK) (BBC/Electron)

You have three lives and succeeding with at least two advances you to a higher level.

Edutape 1 (JRS) (Sinclair ZX81)

Good, sound educational techniques and practice, the program was simplicity itself to use, well error-trapped and entertaining.

Snail Logo (CP Software) (Spectrum 48K)

Writing an interpreter for one language in another interpreted language which is itself rather slow produces some painfully slow programs.

Frogger (Superior) (BBC Model B)

The graphics are excellent; from the frog which actually hopes to the open-jawed crocodiles and bull- or frog-dozing lorries.

Crazy Kong (Interceptor Micros) (Commodore 64)

At first, Crazy Kong is tedious and difficult to play. But stick with it - it improved with practice.

Delta Tau 1 (Molimerx) (TRS-80 Models I & III/Colour Genie)

The last three aliens in any screen take a very determined approach to destroying you.

Invaders (PSS) (Oric 16K)

Hitting the mothership that crosses the top of the screen from left to right at random brings a mystery bonus.

Mini-Kong (Anirog) (Commodore Vic 20)

This is a well written, nicely presented game which represents good value for money.

Jerico 2/Farmer Horace (Elephant) (Spectrum 48K)

Sound and graphics are almost non-existent in these games.

Park Of Death (MK) (Dragon 32)

Quite enjoyable but I think it would become monotonous after a while.

Torment (Lizard Games) (TI99/4A)

Slow reactions here are not only move-wasting but agonising.

Everest (Salamander) (Dragon 32)

The lack of graphics and slow inputs let down what could have been a novel program.

Time Slip And Treasure Island (Griffin) (Commodore Vic 20)

Handles only the command combinations needed to solve the game... Not so good.

Mace (Windrush Micro Systems) (Dragon 32)

Impossible to detail all the functions of this versatile cartridge... I particularly liked the assembler which has the ability to assemble without a listing to screen, printer, tape or memory.

M Coder (PSS) (Spectrum 16K/48K)

I found the program easy to use and wonder how I got on without it.

Monitor And Disassembler (Pasesoft) (Oric 48K)

There is not much you can say about disassemblers; they either do or they don't. This one definitely does and it does it very nicely.

Toolkit (Logic Systems) (BBC Model B)

An accompanying booklet explains how to use this clearly and simply.

Forth FP50 (Hampson & Lord) (Spectrum 48K)

It's a good introduction, but I needed a book to really get to grips with the language's capabilities.