Dave: Tommy fans have been quite well catered for on the Spectrum with at least two pinball games already available, including one marketed by Sinclair Research itself. This is probably why Software Projects chose to put Flip Flap in its Software Supersavers range of cheap software.

In fact, Flip Flap is just about the best all-round version that I've seen; if it had been released earlier, I reckon it would have sold quite well... even at full price! The game includes all the features of the real thing, such as bumpers, traps, bonus scores and tilts and there's also moving targets to hit and a gamble option to give you extra points and balls. Add to this the fact that there are no less than 20 tables to play, each new table being offered after you've beaten the target score on the previous one, and you've quite a good game.

The only real minus in the game is that the ball does tend to behave a bit like a snooker ball with spin on it. It's only £2.99, so who's complaining anyway? 4/5 HIT

Ross: Despite an appalling lack of instructions, a good game of pinball with different tables to give it interest. 3/5 MISS

Roger: Being a bit of a pinball wizard, this one seemed right up my street... and I wasn't disappointed either! 3/5 HIT

MACHINE: Spectrum 48K
FROM: Software Projects, £1.99

Fine simulation of pin ball with plenty of different machines to try out. But is pinball any fun on a micro?

Verdict: No

Value For Money: 3/10

PRICE: £2.99

Software Projects have launched a new, cheap range of software known as the Software Super Savers. Both adventure and arcade games are included, although the arcade games predominate.

Fred's Fan is an ingenious game in which the balloon men float upwards. By rushing along the bottom passage you can switch fans on and off to blow them safely past dangerous spikes and whirling enemies, through the safe passages, and up to freedom. The gentle pace at which the balloons move is no guide to the speed of the game, for you will have to sprint from one switch to the next in order to save all your balloons.

Moonlighter is an unimpressive version of the block-pushing game genre. Defend yourself against the rogue, radioactive tennis balls by blasting them before they move, or pushing boxes over them as they move around the screen.

The key response is slightly too slow to give the feeling of playing at your best, and the difficulty of distinguishing between fire and push when using a joystick makes this a very tricky game.

Flip Flap is a computerised version of pinball. The graphics are smooth and clear and the score combinations are inventive. Pinball enthusiasts will certainly enjoy this. The keys, though, are very confusing. Moving the left hand flipper of each pair with you left hand, and the right hand flippers with your right hand looks good on paper, but feels very nasty in practice.

Software Super Savers are produced by Software Projects, Bear Brand Complex, Allerton Road, Wootton, Liverpool L25 7SF.