Ocean's new compilation label kicks off Ocean's new compilation in fine style. The Rainbow Collection features three Taito coin-op conversions: Gold Medals Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands, plus the Sizzling New Zealand Story.

Bubble Bobble is the oldest of the trio and has recently been 're-rereleased' by Ocean's budget label, The Hit Squad. This timeless classic stars Bub and Bob, two cute dinosaurs who blow bubbles to trap the monsters which walk or fly around each of 100 single-screen levels. You need to jump on trapped baddies to kill them, but take too long and they get red with anger, burst out of the bubble and chase after you!

There's bonus fruit and special items to collect, plus special water and lightning bubbles to burst on some levels. The game is great fun to play on your own, but two-player games are even better with cooperation required to kill the monsters but also plenty of mad scrambles for the bonus items.

The game's sequel, Rainbow Islands, lacks a simultaneous two-player option but is just as playable. After defeating the evil Von Blubba in Bubble Bobble, Bub and Bob broke his spell to return to human form and subsequently built the beautiful Rainbow Islands. But Von Blubba has returned with a vengeance to wreck their paradise and capture all seven islands.

Each island consists of four vertically scrolling stages, filled with platforms and plenty of walking and flying nasties. These can be killed by hurling magic rainbows at them, or by jumping on a rainbow above them. Bub can also use multiple rainbows as stairways to climb up the screen - he must reach the top before a rising water level catches up with him. Every island has a different theme, ranging from the cutesy Toy Island to spooky Vampire Island, and a huge end-baddy to defeat. There's also plenty of items to collect, including seven different-coloured gems for a special bonus.

A stunning conversion by Graftgold captured all the cuteness of the coin-op with super-colourful cartoon graphics and a jolly soundtrack. And it plays as good as it looks - it's incredibly addictive,

The New Zealand Story is another cutesy coin-op conversion, probably the cutest on the compilation. Tiki the fluffy little kiwi must rescue his kidnapped friends, one on each of 20 multi-directional scrolling levels. Tiki can use his bow and arrow against hostile cutesy creatures including teddies on flying platforms which Tiki can steal. He can even dive underwater, but needs to resurface before he runs out of air and drowns! Of course, there's plenty of points and power-up items to collect, some hidden warp gates, and huge end-level baddies to defeat. Such variety in the gameplay and characterful graphics makes this a joy to play.

Rainbow Islands is the only title not to have already appeared on budget, but with two Gold Medals and a Sizzler, this is a compilation of real quality.