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Here we go with yet another CPC games compilation. The number of games compilations entering the software scene is getting greater and greater. Over the last few months, we have had the good, (The Biz), the bad (Coin-op Hits) and now Hewson have entered the fold with the ugly in releasing 4th Dimension. Hewson seem to be rather proud of this compilation, billing it as "three previously unreleased Amstrad titles plus one of Hewson's most acclaimed titles combine to form one of the best compilations of 1990".

Who do Hewson think they are kidding? Only one of the four games is in any way worthy of a general release. The four titles consist of Battle Valley, Supercup, Herobotix and Anarchy.

In Battle Valley, you are a tank scrolling across the screen with the aim of trying to shoot everything in your way, both near you and also flying above you. The graphics are quite crude, the gameplay not very entertaining and the sound is very basic. In fact the game reminds me of another game called Loco which came out about five years ago. Battle Valley wasn't even fun to play as there was not really much to do apart from watch the screen and get bored.

Next up was Supercup. Well, if you are looking for a footie game to play, this certainly is not the one you should look for. Once again the graphics were crude, the gameplay was boring and overall it wasn't very much of a challenge. The way it played was an overhead view and you are given a full eight ways in which to move your character. Super Cup does have some redeeming sound effects, though, sound effects do not make a great footie game.

Herobotix has you as a droid which you must guide in retrieving the Z Ray Particle Accelerator from the dreadful alliance of space pilots. Yawn, yawn, yawn. The graphics are surprise, surprise, bad to say the least and the gameplay makes you want to spend maybe two minutes maximum playing it. So for two minutes of fun (and I use the word fun in a very loose sense), it is worthwhile looking at.

The final game in this package is actually quite a respectable release. Anarchy is an arcade strategy style game. Graphics are simple but effective though at times there are some unfortunate colour choices which make it a bit difficult to see the screen. Gameplay is excellent and had me playing the game for quite a few times as I went about my task of trapping baddies and exploding weapons located all around the screen. Sound and music thankfully existed and were both good. Overall, Anarchy was a good fun way of spending some spare time.

Well, if it wasn't for Anarchy I wouldn't recommend this package at all. So save yourself a small fortune and wait until Anarchy is re-released as a single budget game and then you will have a real bargain, buy it with the other games, and you've been badly ripped off.