Macadam Bumper |
ERE Informatique |
87% (Issue 21, p48) |
Overall this is an excellent package. |
Madballs |
Ocean Software Ltd |
65% (Issue 50, p94) |
A good bounce 'n' bodge game, but rather unvaried. |
Madcap Manor |
Gilsoft International |
60% (Issue 22, p123) |
Better than average Quilled game. |
Madhatter |
Gamma Software |
51% (Issue 11, p15) |
An old fashioned looking game with nothing much to hold the interest. |
Mad Mix Game |
Topo Soft |
85% (Issue 58, p86) |
It may be an unoriginal variation on the Pac Man theme, but Mad Mix Game has many extras which make it very playable, and well worth buying. |
Mad Nurse |
Firebird Software Ltd |
31% (Issue 39, p18) |
A game with little to offer, relying on its 'sick' overtones to succeed. |
Mafia Contract, The |
Atlantis Software Ltd |
70% (Issue 12, p120) |
Good value. |
Mafia Contract 2, The |
Atlantis Software Ltd |
85% (Issue 31, p73) |
Good value. |
Magic |
Macmillan Software Ltd |
(Issue 22, p30) |
The graphics for each of the tricks are only hovering around the reasonable standard mark, the same can be said for the overall presentation of the program. |
Magic Castle |
Gilsoft International |
76% (Issue 4, p52) |
Good. |
Magic Meanies |
CDS Microsystems |
58% (Issue 2, p90) |
Above average. |
Magic Roundabout, The |
CRL Group PLC |
51% (Issue 12, p188) |
May prove popular with young children, lacks content for older people. |
Mag Max - Robo Centurion |
Imagine Software Ltd |
67% (Issue 42, p20) |
Somewhat mixed feelings, with Mark finding it more fun than the others did, but everyone agreed that it's an above average shoot-'em-up. |
Magnetron |
Firebird Software Ltd |
57% (Issue 51, p24) |
Playable, but certainly not as good as Quazatron. |
Magnets |
Macmillan Software Ltd/
Sinclair Research Ltd |
(Issue 5, p68) |
Of probably dubious educational value but certainly a game worth playing. |
Magpie |
Flexibase Software |
(Issue 56, p108) |
Although laudable in its aim, I felt that this program needs to provide much more of an incentive for the user. |
Mailstrom |
Ocean Software Ltd |
59% (Issue 35, p132) |
A bit of a laugh. |
Malice in Wonderland |
Lumpsoft |
50% (Issue 20, p94) |
Original plot. |
Manage |
CCS |
(Issue 40, p105) |
Interesting and realistic simulations of different business situations. useful for encouraging the users to handle a wealth of different information. |
Manager, The |
GTI Software |
59% (Issue 83, p46) |
This could have been brightened up with some graphics: endless text menus are not the best at keeping a player's attention. |
Manchester United Europe |
Krisalis Software Ltd |
50% (Issue 92, p62) |
The unplayable match lets down the great management element. |
Mandragore |
Infogrames |
79% (Issue 32, p63) |
Good attempt at true D&D type game. |
Manic Miner |
Bug-Byte Software Ltd |
92% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 64, p30) |
The graphics are sharp and attractive, the ingame tune attractive and playability as addictive as it's frustrating. |
Mantronix |
Probe Software Ltd |
73% (Issue 29, p115) |
A competent variant on a well tried 3D arcade/adventure format. |
Marauder |
Hewson Consultants Ltd |
90% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 55, p22) |
An immensely playable shoot-em-up with plenty of variety. Up to Hewson's characteristically high standards. |
Marble Madness Construction Set |
Melbourne House |
61% (Issue 36, p186) |
A good idea poorly executed. |
Maria's Christmas Box |
Anco Software Ltd |
23% (Issue 62, p18) |
Appalling piece of exploitation - not of Miss Whittaker, but of anybody gullible enough to buy such trash. |
Mario Bros |
Ocean Software Ltd |
45% (Issue 41, p26) |
Lifeless conversion of a simple coin-op, the appeal of which lay in its cute characters. |
Marsport |
Gargoyle Games |
95% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 22, p12) |
Marsport is another excellent contribution to the arcade adventure genre. It's similar to other Gargoyle games, but easily different enough to deserve a place in an arcade adventurer's collection. |
Marsport |
Gargoyle Games |
78% (Issue 56, p88) |
Presents a complex and compelling challenge. |
Martianoids |
Ultimate Play The Game |
58% (Issue 40, p24) |
Not up to Ultimate's usual standard. |
Mask |
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd |
81% (Issue 45, p130) |
A worthwhile licence with lots of depth and playability. |
Mask 2 |
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd |
81% (Issue 48, p12) |
A playable and attractive tie-in, much more lively and fun than MASK 1 (which wasn't too bad itself). |
Mask 3: Venom Strikes Back |
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd |
91% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 53, p90) |
The superb presentation enhances a very playable and addictive game. VENOM Strikes Back will appeal to adventure and shoot 'em up fans alike. |
Master, The |
Artic Computing Ltd |
30% (Issue 30, p24) |
The low price doesn't make up for the poor game. |
Master Mariner |
Atlantis Software Ltd |
71% (Issue 9, p19) |
A simple finance/strategy game, no great shakes but excellent value for money. |
Master of Magic, The |
Mastertronic Added Dimension |
86% (Issue 31, p72) |
Good value. |
Masters of the Universe - The Arcade Game |
US Gold Ltd |
28% (Issue 38, p17) |
Poor programming skills, and non-existent gameplay makes for a missed opportunity. |
Masters of the Universe - The Movie |
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd |
70% (Issue 49, p99) |
The best all three attempts at the cartoon tie-in. |
Masters of the Universe - The Movie |
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd |
53% (Issue 67, p44) |
The tasks and plot being exactly the same each load, does not help the lastability factor. |
Masters of the Universe - The Super Adventure |
US Gold Ltd |
84% (Issue 44, p68) |
Quite entertaining. |
Master Word |
Hill MacGibbon |
(Issue 29, p60) |
An enjoyable game for encouraging thinking about letters and words. |
Match Day |
Ocean Software Ltd |
86% (Issue 13, p50) |
A first rate sports simulation that requires several skills and offers plenty of playing options. Excellent value for money. |
Match Day 2 |
Ocean Software Ltd |
91% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 48, p18) |
Match Day is even better second time around - there's more to do, and a skilled computer to beat. |
Match Day 2 |
Ocean Software Ltd |
79% (Issue 80, p44) |
One of the best football games around for the Spectrum. |
Matching Pairs |
CCS |
47% (Issue 9, p12) |
Very limited appeal guessing-memory game, may suit young children well. |
Matchpoint |
Sinclair Research Ltd |
89% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 8, p7) |
Excellent and addictive to play, so much so that its rather high price seems well justified. |
Mathematics |
Charles Letts & Co |
(Issue 26, p75) |
Revision programs like these are, generally speaking, only as good as the student using them. Used sensibly in conjunction with other study methods, they do have a useful role to play, but it has to be understood that, on their own, these packages will not miraculously ensure A grade passes! |
Maths |
Hill MacGibbon |
(Issue 29, p58) |
A powerful interactive revision aid. |
Matrix: Gridrunner 2 |
Salamander Software |
60% (Issue 6, p61) |
Good if you like very fast grid games. |
Matt Lucas |
Players Software |
84% (Issue 40, p52) |
Good. |
Maverick |
CCS |
(Issue 17, p120) |
A good draw poker program that can prove quite addictive. |
Max Headroom |
Quicksilva Ltd |
85% (Issue 28, p17) |
An original and entertaining arcade/adventure with plenty to do. |
Mayhem |
The Power House |
42% (Issue 44, p17) |
A well-presented but uninteresting game. |
Maze Craze |
Partyline Ltd |
29% (Issue 22, p34) |
Three years too late. |
Maze Mania |
Hewson Consultants Ltd |
77% (Issue 68, p41) |
A fun and enjoyable arcade romp, with smart graphics. |
Maziacs |
DK'Tronics Ltd |
82% (Issue 1, p95) |
Highly recommended. |
MCoder 3 |
ERE Informatique |
(Issue 20, p89) |
If you're a hardened hacker, this may come as some relief! |
Mean Streak |
Mirrorsoft Ltd |
64% (Issue 45, p28) |
An above-average game that could have achieved much more with improved playability. |
Mega-Apocalypse |
Martech Games Ltd |
58% (Issue 52, p24) |
A poor, but futuristic, Asteroids clone. |
Mega Bucks |
Firebird Software Ltd |
66% (Issue 38, p112) |
Should appeal to fans of David Jones' type of games. |
Meganova - The Weapon |
Dinamic Software |
57% (Issue 72, p56) |
A decidedly average game. |
Mercenary: Escape from Targ |
Novagen Software Ltd |
96% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 44, p16) |
An excellent and innovative flight/exploration/action game. |
Mercenary: Escape from Targ |
Novagen Software Ltd |
93% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 89, p47) |
A Smash and no mistake. |
Mercs |
US Gold Ltd |
86% (Issue 89, p39) |
The best shoot-'em-up for ages. Packed with colour and mega-enemies to blast! |
Merlin |
Firebird Software Ltd |
40% (Issue 50, p99) |
A simple collecting game with too many graphical problems to be really playable. |
Mermaid Madness |
Electric Dreams Software |
66% (Issue 32, p26) |
A colourful game with a jolly story but not very polished. |
Message from Andromeda |
Interceptor Micros Software |
70% (Issue 7, p69) |
Has some very good graphics but there aren't many. |
Metabolis |
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd |
87% (Issue 20, p112) |
An excellent all round game, great fun to explore. |
Meta-Galactic Llamas
Battle at the Edge of Time |
Salamander Software |
54% (Issue 5, p125) |
A fast game, but lacking enough content to be more than average. |
Metrocross |
US Gold Ltd |
77% (Issue 42, p24) |
A good coin-op conversion which maintains the original's simple addictivity. |
Metrocross |
US Gold Ltd |
80% (Issue 58, p109) |
The actual programming is admirable, with attractively shaded graphics which cleverly avoid colour clash. |
Miami Chase |
Code Masters Ltd |
42% (Issue 92, p59) |
Could have been good but has too many aggravating elements. |
Miami Cobra GT |
Players Software |
78% (Issue 85, p62) |
Play is excellent, speeding past all the buildings and zipping around the corners is great fun. |
Miami Dice |
Bug-Byte Software Ltd |
37% (Issue 34, p133) |
Doesn't quite come off, somehow... |
Miami Vice |
Ocean Software Ltd |
27% (Issue 35, p28) |
Steer clear, take my advice. |
Mickey Mouse |
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd |
90% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 54, p80) |
Mickey Mouse, star and stage and screen, proves that there can be more behind a cartoon licence than cutesy graphics... |
Microball |
Alternative Software Ltd |
41% (Issue 50, p96) |
Little content, little interest (not unlike the real thing - Man Ed). |
Microbot |
Softek Software International Ltd |
73% (Issue 2, p16) |
Very good. |
Microfair Madness |
Delbert the Hamster Software |
80% (Issue 95, p43) |
The problems are fair but the skill curve could be gentler. |
Micro Mouse Goes Debugging |
MC Lothlorien Ltd |
58% (Issue 3, p124) |
Average, fun to play but not very addictive. |
Micronaut One |
Nexus Productions Ltd |
92% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 43, p92) |
Original, visually stunning, very playable and addictive. |
Micro Olympics |
Database Publications Ltd |
77% (Issue 8, p46) |
Very good, amusing, rather more than a completely addictive and certainly playable. |
Microprose Soccer |
MicroProse Software Ltd |
90% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 65, p17) |
Great graphics and tremendous new features make this a winner. |
Midnight Resistance |
Ocean Software Ltd |
93% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 78, p40) |
An average coin-op transformed into a brilliant computer shoot-'em-up. |
Mig-29 Soviet Fighter |
Code Masters Ltd |
64% (Issue 65, p21) |
Instant appeal, fast action and decent graphics - but don't expect your interest to be sustained for long. |
Mighty Magus, The |
Quicksilva Ltd |
82% (Issue 16, p14) |
Quite an original idea and entertaining. |
Mike Read's Pop Quiz |
Elite Systems Ltd |
52% (Issue 65, p15) |
The lack of questions catches up and makes the game repetitive. |
Mike Read's Pop Quiz |
Elite Systems Ltd |
45% (Issue 79, p49) |
If you know whats good for you, you'll stick to the board game. |
Mikie |
Imagine Software Ltd |
93% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 25, p10) |
Yet another first-rate Konami conversion. |
Milk Race |
Mastertronic Ltd |
41% (Issue 42, p20) |
Insufficient game challenge, content and graphic variety make Milk Race an indifferent choice for the average games player. |
Millionaire |
Incentive Software Ltd |
80% (Issue 4, p90) |
A relaxing game, and a compelling strategy. |
Millypede |
Add-On Electronics Ltd |
45% (Issue 3, p22) |
Old but fairly serviceable. |
Mindbender, The |
Gilsoft International |
86% (Issue 4, p53) |
Entertaining, complex and excellent value. |
Minder |
DK'Tronics Ltd |
75% (Issue 17, p13) |
An interesting and absorbing game. |
Mindfighter |
Abstract Concepts |
69% (Issue 55, p55) |
Something of a disappointment. |
Mindshadow |
Activision Inc |
90% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 25, p79) |
Excellent. |
Mindstone |
The Edge Software |
89% (Issue 33, p93.94) |
Slow start but really engaging once you get into it. |
Mindtrap |
Mastertronic Ltd |
84% (Issue 64, p29) |
It's very addictive and well worth buying. |
Mini Office |
Database Software |
(A CRASH SMASH, Issue 13, p82) |
This offers an excellent introductory business package for the uninitiated. |
Mini Putt |
Accolade Inc |
73% (Issue 59, p186) |
Not in the same class as Leaderboard, but an amusingly goofy golf game. |
Missile Ground Zero |
Software Creations |
56% (Issue 67, p13) |
Graphically okay, but generally disappointing. |
Mission 1 - Project Volcano |
Mission Software |
58% (Issue 4, p11) |
An excellent idea spoiled to some extent by the actual program. |
Mission Impossible |
Silversoft Ltd |
80% (Issue 1, p14) |
Good and addictive, recommended. |
Mission Jupiter |
Code Masters Ltd |
56% (Issue 44, p27) |
A pleasant little shoot-'em-up. |
Mission Omega |
Mind Games |
75% (Issue 32, p82) |
This game really is worth taking a closer look at. |
Mission Omega |
Pulsonic |
54% (Issue 5, p36) |
Felt to be one of the best of a rather poor offering. |
Molecule Man |
Mastertronic Ltd |
85% (Issue 30, p33) |
An excellent piece of budget software. |
Monkey Bizness |
Artic Computing Ltd |
65% (Issue 3, p88) |
Above average to good. |
Monopoly |
Leisure Genius |
88% (Issue 19, p120) |
An excellent transfer, pass GO and get it! |
Monster |
Haggisoft |
84% (Issue 52, p39) |
Has more depth than the average full priced offering. |
Monte Carlo Casino |
Code Masters Ltd |
84% (Issue 67, p43) |
If you are addicted to gambling, but can't afford this expensive hobby, get this! |
Monty is Innocent |
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd |
78% (Issue 14, p122) |
Nice graphics, shame about the game. |
Monty on the Run |
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd |
94% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 20, p12) |
A great improvement over last year's Best Platform Game. |
Monty on the Run |
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd |
74% (Issue 70, p49) |
Slightly aged, but still busting with playability. |
Monty Python's Flying Circus |
Virgin Games Ltd |
75% (Issue 80, p46) |
An admirable job on a difficult theme: comedy on computer. |
Moon Alert |
Ocean Software Ltd |
89% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 6, p48) |
Very addictive, playable and generally very good. |
Moonbuggy |
Anirog Software |
73% (Issue 5, p86) |
Good value and reasonably addictive, very playable. |
Moon Buggy |
Visions Software Factory |
58% (Issue 4, p124) |
Average to good, medium addictive. |
Moon Cresta |
Incentive Software Ltd |
90% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 14, p20) |
Excellent, playable, addictive and good value for shoot em up freaks. |
Moonlighter |
Software Super Savers Ltd |
48% (Issue 12, p135) |
Average game, which represents reasonable value for money. |
Moonlight Madness |
Bubble Bus Software |
56% (Issue 33, p37) |
A sequel to Booty which doesn't seem to have progressed from the first game by John Cain. |
Moon Strike |
Mirrorsoft Ltd |
77% (Issue 45, p17) |
A super shoot-'em-up with a humourous edge. |
Moontorc |
Atlantis Software Ltd |
85% (Issue 96, p64) |
A rather spiffy game, especially the small but colourful, nicely detailed backgrounds. |
Moon Walker - The Computer Game |
US Gold Ltd |
70% (Issue 72, p48) |
Neatly packaged and tuneful average to good games, not bad. |
Mordon's Quest |
Melbourne House |
80% (Issue 19, p92) |
Very good; a long, atmospheric game. |
Moron Spaceship |
Atlantis Software Ltd |
80% (Issue 34, p97) |
Fun. |
Morris Meets the Bikers |
Automata UK Ltd |
74% (Issue 1, p43) |
Good. |
Motorbike Madness |
Mastertronic Ltd |
20% (Issue 61, p67) |
Control is extraordinarily fiddly and every time you die you have to reload the course. |
Motor Massacre |
Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd |
29% (Issue 63, p76) |
A good idea let down by awful programming. |
Motos |
Mastertronic Added Dimension |
74% (Issue 45, p15) |
Motos is a strange licence - but it's addictive and fun. |
Mountain Bike Racer |
Zeppelin Games Ltd |
62% (Issue 75, p46) |
Fun for a while but with the annoying game play and lack of sound you'll soon get fed up with it. |
Mountain Bike Simulator |
Code Masters Ltd |
59% (Issue 91, p60) |
Frustratingly crap or simply quite jolly? Depends how easily you're entertained, really. |
Mountains of Ket |
Incentive Software Ltd |
73% (Issue 2, p100) |
This is certainly one to ponder over and come back to. |
Mount Challenge |
Aasvoguelle Productions |
76% (Issue 18, p120) |
A highly unusual, addictive, difficult game demanding a sense of rhythm and fast reflexes, a bit let down by the standard looking graphics. |
Mountie Mick's Death Ride |
Reaktor |
47% (Issue 43, p30) |
Mark and Paul could see nothing good here, but Nick enjoyed the game within its limits, which brought the averages up quite a bit. |
Movie |
Imagine Software Ltd |
93% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 26, p20) |
A neat development on the 3D theme with a very different scenario. |
Movie Premiere |
Elite Systems Ltd |
63% (Issue 96, p65) |
A mixture of excellence and old tosh. |
Moving Target |
Players Premier Software |
78% (Issue 69, p47) |
A great blast and should give you hours of play. |
Mr. Heli |
Firebird Software Ltd |
76% (Issue 69, p44) |
An initially playable shoot-'em-up that may lack long term interest. |
Mrs. Mopp |
Computasolve |
69% (Issue 1, p79) |
Good. |
Mrs. Mopp |
Computasolve |
70% (Issue 10, p51) |
Good. |
Mr. T's Alphabet Games |
Ebury Software |
(Issue 14, p112) |
An excellent package which has been very carefully structured and is clearly explained. |
Mr. Weems and the She Vampires |
Piranha |
64% (Issue 41, p104) |
Effective enter and destroy game of reasonable addictivity, slightly spoiled by over-busy graphics. |
Mr. Wimpy |
Ocean Software Ltd |
77% (Issue 2, p76) |
Very good. |
Mr. Wong's Loopy Laundry |
Artic Computing Ltd |
62% (Issue 7, p12) |
Above average, but not over addictive. |
Mugsy |
Melbourne House |
73% (Issue 6, p50) |
An unusual, original presentation for a somewhat simple strategy game - a game that points the way forward, without, perhaps, doing itself enough justice. |
Mugsy's Revenge |
Melbourne House |
67% (Issue 29, p118) |
A rather disappointing follow up to a great game. |
Multimixx 3 |
Kixx |
55% (Issue 90, p48) |
1943, Street Fighter and the excellent Bionic Commando. |
Multimixx 4 |
Kixx |
80% (Issue 98, p81) |
Gauntlet, The Deeper Dungeons and Gauntlet II. |
Multi Player Soccer Manager |
D&H Games |
45% (Issue 82, p56) |
A competent, if lacklustre addition to the soccer manager genre. |
Mummy! Mummy! |
MC Lothlorien Ltd |
55% (Issue 5, p35) |
Average if you can understand it. |
Munsters, The |
Again Again |
71% (Issue 61, p62) |
A scary good time but very tough. |
Murder Most Foul |
Teachers Pet Software |
(Issue 56, p109) |
For upper primary children this adventure is an enjoyable and motivational resource. |
Music |
Computer Tutor |
(Issue 17, p85) |
This is a value-for-money package which would provide a novice piano student with much enjoyment. |
Music Box 128 |
Melbourne House |
(Issue 32, p57) |
If you were only going to buy one music program, then buy this. |
Music Machine |
Ram Electronics Ltd |
(Issue 34, p118) |
This is one of the best all round music add-ons for the Spectrum that I've seen. |
Music Maker |
Bellflower Software |
(Issue 16, p56) |
The program is a bit limiting. |
Musicmaster |
Sinclair Research Ltd |
67% (Issue 5, p63) |
Within its BASIC limitations and that of the Spectrum itself, this turns out to be an interesting program that should provide fun and entertainment - but it has got its limitations. |
Musicmaster |
Sinclair Research Ltd |
(Issue 16, p55) |
It's a realistic way of converting a Spectrum into a misic processor. |
Music Teacher 1 & 2 |
Childsplay Software |
(Issue 29, p76) |
The games could be more imaginative and make more use of colour and graphics. |
Music Typewriter |
Music Soft |
(Issue 11, p79) |
An ideal passtime for any lingering musicist. |
Music Typewriter 1 |
Music Soft |
(Issue 16, p60) |
Not for the cokplete beginner, it is not intended as an educational program. |
Mutant Ant Attack |
Calisto |
71% (Issue 5, p37) |
A good, original games and very addictive. |
Mutant Fortress |
Players Premier Software |
81% (Issue 72, p58) |
This will provide a challenge to even the best player out there. |
Mutant Monty and the Temple of Doom |
Artic Computing Ltd |
77% (Issue 14, p14) |
A very good game, perhaps a bit too tough. |
Mutants |
Ocean Software Ltd |
58% (Issue 43, p16) |
Initially interesting but offers little long-term challenge. |
Myla Di'Kaich |
Global Software |
44% (Issue 26, p36) |
Aged format provides nothing new and the low price doesn't make up for the fact. |
My Name is Uncle Groucho,
You Win a Fat Cigar |
Automata UK Ltd |
66.5% (Issue 1, p41) |
Hard to define, everyone seemed unsure of an exact definition beyond 'if you liked Pimania, you'll like this.' |
Myself and Us |
Keysoft |
(Issue 44, p94) |
Excellent and enjoyable. |
Mystery Manor |
Bamby Software |
10% (Issue 5, p75) |
This game is unlikely to offer more than 15 minutes' entertainment even to the most undemanding. |
Mystery of Arkham Manor |
Apocalypse Software |
63% (Issue 43, p73) |
Flawed, but an original idea. |
Mystery of the Nile |
Zigurat Software |
74% (Issue 46, p27) |
A simple arcade adventure with humourous touches. |
Mystical |
Infogrames |
68% (Issue 90, p42) |
Good, entertaining action but lacks sufficient originality and variation. |
Myth |
Rainbird Software Ltd |
91% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 68, p45) |
A brilliant, occasionally tricky trip into mythology with plenty of amusement. |
Myth: History in the Making |
System 3 Software Ltd |
96% (A CRASH SMASH, Issue 70, p41) |
Great on brawn, great on brain, great on graphics. A winner! |