When news of this pack was first revealed, purchasers of US Gold's System 3 Pack were likely to feel a little sick: Vendetta and Myth were both going to be included and specially remixed with the former boasting improved fight logic and the latter's pyramid section made easier. Sadly in the end the remixes weren't possible with programmers reluctant to return to finished programs, indeed Vendetta was dropped from the pack altogether. Nevertheless this is still a formidable compilation.

The Last Ninja was the first of a highly successful series, setting the formula to be developed later: an imaginative mix of stunning isometric 3D, hand-to-hand combat and simplistic adventuring. It won rave reviews upon its release (94%, Issue 28) and still looks pretty good - the Summit budget release got 82% in Issue 74.

The Last Ninja II moved the series from the Orient to contemporary New York City complete with cops, skyscrapers and even a helicopter. A great game which won yet another 94% (Issue 41) it's one of the real gems of this pack, atmospheric and involving.

Myth is the other games-playing giant (94%, Issue 56), boasting some of the finest graphics seen on the C64 with superlative animation, variety and imagination. A mix of platforms-and-ladders, combat and some tough puzzles it's completed with one of the best shoot-'em-ups seen on the C64. A shame level three makes reaching it so tough, but essential for any C64 owner all the same.

Flimbo's Quest isn't in quite the same league (80%, Issue 66). A cutesy mix of arcade action with lots of leaping between platforms it looks good, plays well and has a neat multi-load. It's a little repetitive over the long term, but as part of a compilation it's high quality stuff and good fun.

International Karate (91%, Issue 14) was Archer MacClean's martial arts masterpiece with supersmooth animation, beautiful backdrops, fun bonus rounds and some great tunes by Rob Hubbard. You can either take on a series of increasingly tough opponents, or go head-to-head with a friend. The only drawback is that the remixed IK+ added another opponent, allowing three characters on-screen at the same time, and for martial arts fanatics that's the one to get. (It's on Hit Squad budget though and there's talk of an IK Deluxe.)

Finally there's Dominator, the one System 3 are least pleased with, being pushed out to hit a deadline with Activision (who System 3 subsequently split with). Nevertheless, this tough, vertically scrolling shoot-'em-up has some nice graphics (appealing gory) and plays all right (75%, Issue 53). Nice filler in a sparkling package.

Great value with six games. US Gold's pack is a lot more up-to-date with Myth, Vendetta, Tusker and IK+, but if you're new to the C64 this slice of superlative gameplaying history is definitely recommended.