NWOBHM outfit 'Jaguar' had already gained a certain amount of interest prior to this their debut, with the semi successful single releases 'Back Street Woman' and 'Axe Crazy', but this is the release that put them briefly but firmly on the NWOBHM map. Original vocalist 'Rob Reiss' left prior to this release and was replace by the accomplished 'Paul Merrell', who comes across like a more melodic, better ranged 'Paul Di'anno'. Musically 'Jaguar' draw upon the Intensity and energy of 'Raven' and the early sound of the first couple of 'Maiden' albums, a mix which works splendidly and makes 'Power Games' one of the most noted albums of it's genre.

The hard rocking 'Dutch Connection' is chosen to open and this it does in splendid fashion, brisk, slashing and uncompromising- everything a song of this genre should be, 'Chris Lovell's' drumming keeps the song moving throughout while 'Garry Pepperd' gets in a fine solo. The tempo is maintained with the pulsating 'Out of Luck' and whilst this doesn't quite have the impact of the opener, still a decent track but perhaps needed a tad more work. Better still is the harder hitting 'The Fox' which takes a stab at Hunting in the UK, musically this is further into 'Raven' territory, which is no bad thing and this comes off excellently. The momentum drops for the thoughtfully crafted 'Master Games', a more poignant song which balances the heavy with more melody, not particularly indicative of the genre but another fine cut- checkout the heavy instrumental break. The punchy rocker 'No Lie' ensues in energetic fashion and includes another rugged instrumental break, but all told the lyrics are too repetitive for this cut to really make an impact. Reminiscent of 'Iron Maiden' is 'Run for Your Life', which sees 'Paul Merrell' sounding more like 'Paul Di'anno' than ever, not quite up with their early best but still a good solid cut. Even better is the fast and furious 'Prisoner', lyrically it's pretty simple but all said effective, 'Chris Lovell' and 'Jeff Cox' blaze away throughout while 'Garry Pepperd' notches it up a gear for the solo- great stuff. Less frenetic is the mid tempo of 'Ain't No Fantasy' and what it lacks in energy it makes up for with instrumental skill, while 'Rawdeal' is lyrically of similar handwriting to 'Saxon's' 'And the Bands Played On' and fails to disappoint despite being slightly drawn-out. Last up is the intense pulsating rocker 'Coldheart', 'Paul Merrell' really gives it a 100% here and is well supported by the rhythm machine of 'Chris Lovell' and 'Jeff Cox', while 'Garry Pepperd' gets in his usual choice solo.

The bonus tracks included with the '98 reissue are well worth getting your hands on, as all are as good if not better than those reviewed above. The first is 'Axe Crazy' the second single released from the band and it's a cracker, typically NWOBHM fast, good catchy chorus but this features a mid-track slow down before building back into a frenzied rocker- great stuff. Next up is the 'B' side from 'Axe Crazy' 'War Machine' which sees us back into 'Maiden' territory, balancing slower sections with up-tempo blazing Metal, it's all to good effect and could have easily been included on 'Power Games'. The album bows out with 'Dirty Tricks' a splendid little rocker, good solid vocals on catchy lyrics and the customary blazing guitar solo.

Although 'Power Games' lacks the variation of 'Maiden's' first two and 'Raven's' 'Rock Until You Drop' this is still a superb slab of NWOBHM and anyone who likes the genre should be adding this to their collection.