Compilation packages abound these days, and that is generally good news for both software houses (who get extra mileage from ageing games), and Joe Public (who gets the benefit of buying games at very much reduced prices).

Cynics might say that they are an excuse for jobbing out otherwise unsaleable games on the back of one big seller.

While that may well be true in some instances, it is definitely not so with this latest offering from US Gold.

The four games in the package are Super Zaxxon, Blue Max 2001, Fort Apocalypse and Dropzone. Instructions in compilations are sometimes a little skimpy, but US Gold has provided a comprehensive and well detailed set for all four.

Super Zaxxon is a fair representation of an old arcade favourite. You fly over enemy fortresses and through tunnels in glorious 3D, dodging force fields, shooting, bombing and battling with fire-breathing dragons along the way. Graphics and sound are both satisfactory and although the pace is a little slow it remains very playable.

Blue Max 2001 owes much to Zaxxon for its style; there being many similarities in the gameplay and appearance.

Again, you must bomb or shoot anything that does or doesn't move, progressing to the next level after a precision bomb run on a special target.

While Fort Apocalypse is let down to a certain extent by blocky graphics, the game itself is excellent and thoroughly addictive.

Your task is to rescue stranded prisoners in your helicopter, dodging and shooting floating mines, tanks and robocopters, ultimately blasting the very heart of the fortress.

Dropzone is, to my mind, the best of the collection, and perhaps the best all-out blaster I have seen for the Atari.

The graphics are superb, the sound excellent and the action smooth, fast and furious.

Your moon base is attacked by aliens and you must gather in your comrades to the relative safety of the base.

Apart from the aliens you'll have to watch out for molecular acid clouds, proton lightning bolts and erupting volcanoes. The game is sheer chaos and destruction from start to finish.

All in all, Shoot-'Em-Ups lives up its name.