Dave: "Oh no! I've lost contact with that 737 heading for Heathrow, and the outward bound DC 10 has lost pressurisation so I'll have to re-route all the aircraft down W17 and put Concorde in a holding pattern, then I can..." This is an example of the thoughts that go through your head as you play (!!) Mikro-Gen's ATC.

The program simulates the job of controlling the air traffic over a section of southern England, including the main London and south coast airports. All you have to do is make sure the planes don't get too close together and that aircraft leaving your section are at the correct height for the air channels they're entering. You take over for a fixed period of one hour and, at the end (or earlier if you quit), you're given a percentage rating relating to your performance. Different ability levels are catered for by varying the number of planes entering the area within the hour.

Communication with the planes is handled via the keyboard and the main screen display depicts your radar screen; you can also have on-screen lists of aircraft or all flights scheduled to come through the area. ATCwon't be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like simulations or turning your brain to jelly then it's worth a look. 4/5 MISS

Ross: Because this game's such an accurate simulation of air traffic control, it's rather slow and dull. No doubt some of you out there are dying to be master of the skyways, but it's certainly not my idea of fun! 1/5 MISS

Roger: Such a staggeringly boring and witless simulation that it'll probably go nova in Guildford and be even bigger in Woking... 0/5 MISS

ZX Spectrum
£10.00
Arcade Strategy
Mikrogen

Heavy stuff. A credibly realistic simulation of area control - as opposed to approach control - over a modern airport. Black and white.