Rather variable on the old quality front, this US Gold compilation even includes one game which isn't a coin-op! However, Vivid Image's Hammerfist is also one of the best games here, so that's not too serious a complaint. Set in the 23rd century, Hammerfist features a transvestite hologram, well a hologram which switches between the brawny Hammerfist and the lovely Metalisis at the push of a button.

Hammerfist is predictably good at bashing things when Metalisis is better at athletic leaps. Also, they each have their own energy supply so working out how best to use them is vital. The game is pretty imaginative throughout, with each flickscreen being virtually a puzzle in itself and the graphics are top-notch. A 90% Sizzler in Issue 61 this adds plenty of credibility to this compilation.

An even more impressive program is US Gold's Ghouls 'N Ghosts, a Software Creations conversion of a spectacular Capcom coin-op. The graphics don't look like much initially, but there's lots of nice detail and they get better later on with all manner of weird happenings. And of course the music is absolutely gorgeous. A Gold Medal winner with 95% in Issue 57, Ghouls may be one of the toughest games around but the sheer variety is stunning. The only drawback is many people might already have it, either upon its release or with the Platinum compilation.

Another game with small but perfectly formed graphics is Ninja Spirit, programmed by Chris Butler for Activision. It's the story of an evil Warlock and your battle as Tsukikage, the white wolf, to destroy him. Many adversaries stand between you and the Warlock, so you have taken on the guise of a human who is armed with four weapons, a sword, throwing stars, dynamite and a length of chain with a blade on the end. Picking the right weapon for the right level is crucial, especially with the various power-ups to increase their effect. In my humble opinion, while this can't match the graphical variety of Ghouls, the quality of animation on the sprites and subtly shaded backdrops give it a good run for its money. It's also extremely tough, but despite Phil's reservations it made a Sizzler (90%, Issue 61) and still poses a first-class challenge.

Sadly the final two games in this compilation are very much filler. Vigilante is set in 1994 and the streets have been overrun by vicious gangs of thugs. The police and army are powerless to stop them, so it's up to you as a tough vigilante to clean up the streets and also rescue the lovely Madonna! A fun but simplistic coin-op it should've made a good C64 hit. Unfortunately poor programming crippled it with poor graphics and repetitive gameplay (54%, Issue 55).

Dynasty Wars is only marginally better. A Capcom coin-op, it featured some nice, imaginative graphics with horse-mounted warriors, but gameplay was weak (62%, Issue 63).

Three top-notch games out of five isn't bad, and they certainly offer enough challenge to compensate for the weaker titles.