This is the second of the two Adrian Mole games and it's extremely similar to the first. It's so similar, in fact, that you might as well go and read the review for The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole! The garish graphics are still here, as are the well written entries and the lack of interaction, where all you do is make the occasional decision from three possible options, which affects your score (again starting at 40%). Er... is there anything else I can say?

See also: The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole.

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5

Gryzor
(Ocean, 1987)
Reviewed by Chris Lennard

Lance and Bill have to rid the Earth of the very H. R. Giger aliens that have invaded it in this excellent conversion of the arcade coin-op Contra. This game boasts superb graphics and really shows off the graphic capabilities of the CPC. Along with some great sound effects the gameplay is also just right and it's a really enjoyable challenge. The 3D sections are quite impressive and it's well worth completing as the ending is hilarious.

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10

A blatant rip-off of Vigilante, The Guardian Angel (or Freddy Hardest in South Manhattan to Spanish readers) puts you in the shoes of a red-bereted Guardian Angel (surprise!) as you walk the streets taking out the bad guys, who attack from the front and behind, until you reach the end of the level. The graphics are very detailed – perhaps too much so, as the sprites often become hard to distinguish from the background – a problem made worse by the game's immense lack of colour. Also, the sound effects are bad. And on top of that, the game's far too hard; you just can't get past Ricky 'Death Star' Chan in his forklift truck on the second level!

See also: Freddy Hardest.

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2

Anyone who doesn't like puzzle games should steer clear of this game. The aim here is to place coloured tiles next to each other so that they form squares or rectangles. On each level, you must achieve a certain number of points to complete it, and you only get one chance. However, there are some areas of the screen that you cannot use, and on higher levels, you must think carefully about how best to fill the available space. Don't spend too long thinking, though, as there are one or more balls bouncing around the screen and draining your time limit at the same time! There are fifteen difficulty levels, each represented by a guardian which you select on the menu. The graphics are very pretty, but the gameplay is a bit repetitive.

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6

The Raiders have come to take the Earthlings away and turn them into Mutants, and only you can stop them. Zooming over the surface, look out for the Raiders as they attempt to snatch the Earthlings and take them away, or preferably, shoot them before they can do this. You can, however, rescue the Earthlings and return them to the surface. Each wave brings on new types of enemy, and there are plenty of them; if you get past the third wave, you're doing rather well! The game is based on the classic Defender and the graphics and sound effects are suitably retro, and though it's difficult, it's quite addictive and great if you're after a quick blast.

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7

Guerrilla War is a conversion of a coin-op by SNK. The name of this arcade machine in Japan was Guevara, which is self-explanatory with regard to the plot of the game. You have to choose between being either Che Guevara or Fidel Castro and must make your way from the coast on the first level to the headquarters of your enemy on the last one. Guerrilla War is a faithful version of the original game. The graphics are big and colourful, the sound and the music are also quite good and so is the scrolling. As a matter of fact, almost any fault and virtue in the CPC version can be found in the arcade machine. Fortunately, the game is easier on the CPC, which makes playing Guerrilla War much more appealing.

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7

The Guild of Thieves
(Rainbird/Magnetic Scrolls, 1987)

The Guild of Thieves is legendary throughout the land of Kerovnia, and you want to join their ranks. But the Guildmaster has set a test for you, to see if you are worthy enough. You have to search an island and steal and collect every treasure that you can find! There are lots of places to explore, and many objects to be found, and some of the treasures aren't obvious. There are also a lot of ingenious puzzles, and thankfully an inexperienced adventurer will be able to progress fairly quickly in the game. The plot and the landscape are more believable than the game's predecessor, The Pawn, and the graphics are just as brilliant, if not better. Add some nice humour (spend some time reading all the books in the library and you'll see what I mean), and you've got arguably the best text adventure for the CPC.

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10

Guillermo Tell (or William Tell in English) was a Swiss hero from the 14th century, who famously shot an apple perched on top of his son's head using his crossbow. In this game, Guillermo Tell must traverse the Swiss mountains to rescue the beautiful lady Brunegilda, who has been captured by the evil Sir Rudolph. However, his many henchmen are ready and waiting to ambush Guillermo throughout his journey. This game requires MHT's Gunstick; unfortunately, it cannot be played using the keyboard or joystick. The graphics are beautiful and full of colour, but the game is let down by being frustratingly difficult. Your ammunition is very limited, and there are so many enemies and missiles on the screen that you are overwhelmed.

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6

This colourful-looking game involves shooting ducks as they fly by. The hunters take it in turns to aim at the ducks; a direct hit allows you another shot at them. If your shooting skills are spot on, you control your loyal pet dog and collect the bird and take it to the basket. Sometimes the bird may fall on the other side of the river which means your poor mutt must brave the water and obstacles. The game ends when the timer runs out and the hunter with the most kills wins. An old game, with basic sound and graphics, that is fun for a while.

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5

You're the Sheriff, and your town has fallen under attack from outlaws who have gained the deeds to several buildings. You must take out these criminals in the only way they respect – gun fights. There's reward money, too, which can be gambled with or used to gain an extra life. Be careful with your gun, though, as you only have six bullets – your office has fresh supplies. I found this a simple yet acceptable game with simple graphics and sound. It can get a little repetitive, though, and there isn't a horse in sight!

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6