Here's an explanation of each of the sections of the ratings and labels, taken from the mighty pages of Zzap itself.

The Zzap Ratings

• PRESENTATION:
  Packaging, printed instructions, on-screen Instructions, loading, play options, program facilities (including things like ease of joystick or keyboard control), on-screen impression -- everything except the game itself.
• GRAPHICS:
  Variety, detail and effectiveness of screen pictures, quality of animation, smoothness of movement.
• SOUND:
  Variety and effectiveness of sound effects, quality both technically and aesthetically of music. Also: does sound annoy?
• HOOKABILITY:
  How strongly does the game make you want to play it and keep playing it?
• LASTABILITY:
  How long will it keep its hold on you?
• VALUE FOR MONEY:
  Takes into account the price plus all the above ratings.
• OVERALL:
  With all the above ratings in, this is IT! -- what the reviewers think in general.

The Zzap Labels

GOLD MEDAL AWARD

Definitely a game above all others in the month of review. There may not be a Gold Medal game every issue, but if there is, get it! Just occasionally there may be two ...

SIZZLER

Hot games of the month -- must normally score around 90%. We reckon any ZZAP! Sizzler is a great buy, unless you really hate that particular type of game.

TACKY

In our view, a second rate piece of software. Steer well clear.

Note : This page was originally on Alex's "Brigadoon - Zzap!64 Online" site, which has closed down while he's gone on a world trip and eventually planning to live and work in Dublin, Ireland. According to his farewell message on his site he gives premission to grab and download any pages of use. I contacted him directly to request permission to actually use those pages on this site and he agreed. His site will be offline (for at least a while) and these articles shouldn't be lost. Should he request it or his site comes back at a later stage, I'll delete these related files.

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