Issue 53 opens 1994 with a very action-heavy focus, led by a major Beat ’Em Up Special that pits Mortal Kombat, Elfmania, and Body Blows Galactic against each other in a round-by-round showdown comparing fighters, arenas, special moves, and presentation, ultimately crowning Mortal Kombat as the overall winner. The reviews section is anchored by an enthusiastic, near-classic verdict for Cannon Fodder, praised for its deceptively simple controls, dark humour, and strategic depth despite (and partly because of) its controversy. Elsewhere, the magazine covers a broad spread of arcade, strategy, and CD32 titles, while the charts confirm Frontier: Elite II as the dominant force of the moment, sitting firmly at number one ahead of Premier Manager 2 and Alien Breed 2. Two substantial player guides round out the issue, offering practical help for popular, notoriously tricky games, reinforcing the magazine’s hands-on, play-focused tone.

Highlights:

• Beat ’Em Up Special: Mortal Kombat vs Elfmania vs Body Blows Galactic (deep comparative feature)
• Major Review: Cannon Fodder (Sensible Software) – standout score and “game of the year” contender
• Coverdisk Demos: Alien Breed 2, Disposable Hero, Dinosaur Detective Agency
• Charts Top 3: Frontier: Elite II, Premier Manager 2, Alien Breed 2
• Other Reviewed Titles: Bubba ’n’ Stix, Liberation (CD32), On the Ropes
• Extras: Player guides and extensive news on upcoming Amiga and CD32 releases