System 3 in 'jolly good compilation with only one dull game' shock horror revelation!

The first thing to note about this compilation is that it contains not The Last Ninja, as the box states (which never came out on 16-bit anyway!), but Ninja Remix, the later, updated and improved version. Having got that out of the way, let's take a look, in time-honoured fashion, at each of the games in the pack individually.

Starting at the top, IK+ has already been well covered in Amiga Power No. 60 in the All-Time Top 100, 85 percent as a budget re-release, there can't be anything left to say about this utterly wonderful beat-'em-up, except that previously we may not have mentioned quite how fab the music is. So, to put that right, IK+ has completely brilliant music to go with all its other completely brilliant features, and if you don't own it by now there must be something wrong with you, pal. (And by the way, did you spill my pint?)

Next best is Flimbo's Quest, which is a cute platform arcade thing with gorgeous graphics and colour, but which is prone to become a little repetitive after a couple of hours play. Even so, it's the kind of thing that would be a real snip at budget price, so as part of a compilation it certainly doesn't let the side down any. A lovable game for those idle days when you can't be bothered to think too much.

Thirdly, the aforementioned Ninja Remix. We've got something of a love/hate relationship with this (as with the other games in the series) - some people love them for the undeniably lovely graphics and mammoth game task (which ensures lots of lastability), other people hate them for the horrible control system which makes the arcade fighting sequences a real pain in the neck, and causes frustration levels to reach unheard-of levels when trying to pull off a particularly tricky jump that needs pixel-perfect precision.

Personally, I tend more towards the latter camp, but if you're prepared to invest some time in learning the moves, this one will keep you off the streets for quite a while.

The pack's closest thing to a real duffer is the ageing arcade adventure Tusker, which has nothing actually wrong with it, but nothing very much right with it either. A bit dull, but again there's lots to keep you busy and the graphics are good.

System 3 have put this out at the respectable price of £24.99, and at £6 a throw none of these games are a bad deal. There's a fair mix of styles, and the four games will entertain you for at least as long as an above average full-pricer, so it you're not too desperate for high-octane thrills (if you are, buy IK+ on its own) you chould do a lot worse.

A bit of a bargain at the price, and diverse enough to keep you going for ages. If you don't already have any of the games in this pack, then snap it up.