Spider And The Fly (Interceptor Micros) (Commodore 64)

Webs may capture flies, but this game won't capture your interest.

Alice In Videoland (Audiogenic) (Commodore 64)

A brilliant opening sequence... but some wicked fairy put a curse on the programmer after he designed it.

Skramble (Rabbit) (Commodore 64)

A fantastic zap. Some game-players may find the first stage a little slow, but I am assured that it proceeds at the same pace as the original arcade version.

Son Of Blagger (Alligata) (Commodore 64)

This has got to be the best platform-type games around for the C64.

Sheep In Space (Llamasoft) (Commodore 64)

Fans of Jeff Minter's style of games will probably think that this one is the best thing since roast lamb. For the rest of us, it's just a very good mega-zap.

Gyropod (Taskset) (Commodore 64)

Although the graphics are of a high standard and the sound is entertaining, it lacks the variety of tasks that make a great game.

Cybotron (Anirog) (Commodore 64)

Action all the way, and real compulsion to master the necessary technique.

Solo Flight (US Gold) (Commodore 64)

Solo Flight is a very good simulation, allowing you to sit in the comfort of your own home and happily fly around the USA.

Beach Head (US Gold) (Commodore 64)

Beach-Head's spectacular sound and graphics bring amazing realism to your C64. Load up this game, put the sound through your hi-fi and the neighbours will think World War III has started.

Troopa-Truck (Rabbit) (Commodore 64)

A good version of the familiar Moon Buggy game with pleasant graphics. The wagon moves nicely and there are good sound effects when you crash.

Pigs In Space (ACE) (Commodore 64)

Paramount Software have already cornered the Poo-Yan market for the C64 with their game Outback. Pigs In Space falls very much into second place.

Zodiac (Anirog) (Commodore 64)

The sound is good and the graphics adequate. It all adds up to a very playable game with no surprises.

Death Star (Rabbit) (Commodore 64)

Unfortunately for Rabbit, there are now a number of these Buck Rogers-style games for the C64, and theirs is not the best by a long shot.

Cosmic Bounce (Cable) (Commodore 64)

Fast action but not much else.

Burger Chase (Supersoft) (Commodore 64)

When you're being chased by a fried egg and a couple of hot dogs, you don't want to have to worry about a faulty pepper shaker.

Slinky (Audiogenic) (Commodore 64)

A game not to be missed.

Ambush (Virgin Games) (Commodore 64)

Dull graphics and sound, this game's only attraction is endless, and mindless, zapping.

Triad (Livewire) (Commodore 64)

Nine levels, reasonable graphics and good sound.

Aquanaut (Interceptor Micros) (Commodore 64)

What makes the game frustrating is that although there isn't all that much to do, you have to spend ages learning exactly how to do it.

The Pyramid (Fantasy) (Commodore 64)

The nasties are all colourfully and cleverly drawn and their variety is one of The Pyramid's greatest attractions.

Jungle Story (Mastertronic) (Commodore 64)

The cassette inlay instructions describe the game quite incorrectly, implying that eventually you reach a village. You don't. On the other hand, the game only costs two quid.

Computer War (Creative Sparks) (Commodore Vic 20)

Graphics and sound are rather weak, and without anything exciting in the gameplay to hold your attention, boredom rapidly sets in.

Tower Of Evil (Creative Sparks) (Commodore Vic 20)

If you're the heroic type into storming castles and rescuing damsels in distress, then forget the Milk Tray and try Tower Of Evil instead.

Planet Zacron, Planet Plakton (Enigma) (Commodore Vic 20)

Two games for the price of one sounds like a bargain, but in this case it isn't.

Quasimodo (ACE) (Commodore Vic 20)

On the whole, the graphics are rather blurry, but the colours are bright and the sound is loud, if not subtle.

Alpha Blaster (Sumlock) (Commodore Vic 20)

People seem to be squeezing more and more into the unexpanded Vic. Sumlock's game squeezes with the best of 'em.

Dam Busta (Rabbit) (Commodore Vic 20)

A compelling game, mainly because time is tight and the hazards are so tricky.

3D Luna Attack (Hewson) (Spectrum 48K)

Graphics are good, and I suspect that the Currah unit will add a lot to the enjoyment.

Revenge Of The Killer Tomatoes (Visions) (Spectrum 48K)

There are ten skill levels and some good sound effects. But the game is disappointing because there is not enough for you to do.

Disco Dan (Gem) (Spectrum 48K)

Disco Dan has obviously been derived from Q*Bert. However, enough new touches have been added to make it original and fun to play.

Psytron (Beyond) (Spectrum 48K)

Players who like a game which gets straight down to furious mega-zapping are unlikely to have the patience for such a complex program. But for those who want a really meaty, long-term challenge, Psytron is out of this world.

The Ashes (Pulsonic) (Spectrum 48K)

One of the more enjoyable games I've seen for quite a while. Recommended.

Olympimania (Automata) (Spectrum 48K)

A novel enough game, and the simplicity of it means that its appeal is instant - but I doubt if I'll still be playing Olympimania when the real thing's on TV.

Thunderhawk (Lyversoft) (Spectrum 48K)

A rather drab and unexciting game. But hardened Phoenix addicts should get a kick out of it.

Spellbound (Beyond) (Spectrum 48K)

A wonderfully innovative development of the Q*Bert theme with excellent graphics. It boggles the mind to think what Griselda's got cooking in her pot for the higher levels.

Zig-Zag (DK'Tronics) (Spectrum 48K)

Attractively presented and very playable, though how long it will hold your interest depends more on your patience than on the challenge of the game.

Antics (Bug-Byte) (Spectrum 48K)

Once you've solved the game it's unlikely to hold much further interest. But you won't solve it in a hurry.

Airbase Invader (CP Software) (Spectrum 48K)

If you're a fan of the Robotron style of game then this is probably the best around for the Spectrum.

Mugsy (Melbourne House) (Spectrum 48K)

This game had me at gun-point for hours on end. In the end I copped it in the saloon with a score of 48%. But what a way to go!

Space Warp (ACE) (Spectrum 48K)

Flickery graphics as aliens descend, dropping bombs. It amazes me that there are still programs like this trying to survive on the Spectrum market.

Laserwarp (Mikro-Gen) (Spectrum 48K)

Basically, it's Galaxians with the twist that there are also objects to avoid as well as kill.

Chess II (Tansoft) (Oric 48K)

If the game had a sensible level it might have been good value. But unless you're prepared to do battle for several hours you're unlikely to get much satisfaction.

Gravitor (Severn) (Oric 48K/Atmos)

This game has some good ideas, but the quality of graphics and sound does not compensate for the difficulty of play.

Classic Racing (Salamander) (Oric 1/Oric Atmos)

Beautiful to watch, a joy to ride, and strongly tipped to take first place in the Grand Oric National. Go for it.

Alien Attack (ACE) (Spectrum 48K)

Three lives and five levels of play to choose from, but you should save yourself the bother.

Blockbuster (Dream) (Oric 1/Oric 48K)

Especially recommended for 16K machine owners.

Jungle Hunt (Atarisoft) (Atari 400)

A high-quality version of the arcade original and cannot fail to please if you like energetic pastimes and exotic locations. Graphics and colour are excellent, but the sound effects are not so hot.

Zaxxon (Data/Centresoft) (Atari 400/800/XL/XE)

A very classy shoot'-em-up. It provides a real challenge, is beautifully smooth to play and should keep you busy for hours.

Roader (FL Software) (Camputers Lynx)

A rather ordinary game by comparison with the software available on other machines but it should give Camputers Lynx owners a good ride.

Missile Control (Gemini) (Acorn Electron)

Missile Command fans should definitely set their sights on this one.

Staircase Stampede (Comsoft) (BBC Model B)

Like many simple games, Staircase Stampede is a great entertainer. You won't get anything startling but you will get a game to keep you on the hop.

Eagle's Wing (Software Invasion) (BBC Model B)

Eagles Wing is eminently playable but don't expect any surprises.

Screwball (Blue Ribbon) (BBC Model B)

As with Q*Bert key control takes some getting used to - all movement is diagonal. But once this problem is overcome, the game can become hectic and compulsive.

Blagger (Alligata) (BBC Model B)

A great game and definitely a best buy for the Beeb.

Bed Bugs (Optima) (BBC Model B)

Although it's highly original, it doesn't have the compulsive, habit-forming quality that makes a good game.

Answer Back Senior Quiz (Kosmos) (BBC/Electron)

The game comes attractively packaged and with clear instructions. Subjects offered include Know Your Language, Sport, History, Films, TV and Theatre: there's something for just about everybody.

3D Tank Zone (Dynabyte) (BBC Model B)

A game that looks good, but won't have you gripping the edge of your seat.

Stock Car (Micro Power) (BBC Model B)

Six tracks are on offer. Graphics and sound are clear but rudimentary.

Asteroid Miner (Optima) (BBC Model B)

My uncle Billy produces programs like this at parties, boasting that he 'wrote them all himself using Basic'. They're embarrassingly awful, and this one's not much better.

Spooks And Spiders (Software Invasion) (BBC Model B)

There are lots of games like this for the BBC, but this is one of the best.

Intergalactic Trader (Micro Power) (BBC Model B)

Big business has got to be more fun than this.

Jungle Jive (Virgin) (BBC/Electron)

The graphics aren't anything to write home about, and the sound is only average.

Omega Probe (Optima) (BBC Model B)

Completely mindless, compulsive and playable.

Sporting Decathlon (Paramount) (Dragon 32)

The game is ludicrously dull, the graphics are jerky and it's enough to put you off sport for the rest of your life.

Touchstone (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

An excellent arcade-adventure by any standards. It's good to see that this machine has the same games potential as other popular micros.

Crash (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

Crash has a choice of screen backgrounds and if you choose buff you will get some pretty graphics. It won't drive you wild with excitement but may prove enjoyable for graduates of the Donkey Kong school.

Galacticans (Softek) (Dragon 32)

A pretty poor game.

Cosmic Clones (Dragon Data) (Dragon 32)

Lots of things to blast, lots of things to avoid in this really quite reasonable shoot-'em-up.

Cuthbert In Space (Microdeal) (Dragon 32)

Plenty of whirling aliens to blast in this fast but none too varied game.

Star Fighter (Dragon Data) (Dragon 32)

You pilot your ship over the bumpy terrain trying to shoot the enemy craft. Aliens are of only three types.

Loco (Alligata) (Commodore 64)

This one's simple, dazzlingly entertaining, and immediately lovable.

Snapper (Acornsoft) (Acorn Electron)

Watch Pinky in particular... He's a bit of a psychopath: you just can't tell what he's going to do next.

Planet Zeus/Insects (Enigma) (Commodore Vic 20)

Neither game will have you punishing your joystick for long.