Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: They Sold a Million 3
Item: They Sold a Million 3
Author: Retro Replay

They Sold a Million 3 delivers a varied gameplay buffet by bundling four distinct titles from the C64 era. In Daley Thompson’s Super-Test, you’ll find a polished sports simulation that tests your reflexes and timing across decathlon events—from the 100-metre dash to the pole vault. Each discipline feels tight and rewarding, with just enough challenge to keep you coming back for that elusive personal best.

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Switching to Fighter Pilot, the pace shifts dramatically as you’re thrust into arcade-style aerial combat. The controls are surprisingly intuitive given the C64’s limited joystick and button layout: you bank, fire, and dodge enemy planes with a satisfying responsiveness. The mission structure may feel basic by modern standards, but the dogfight sequences capture the thrill of high-altitude maneuvers.

Ghostbusters and Kung-Fu Master round out the compilation with two classic action experiences. Ghostbusters mixes exploration and strategy as you manage your Ecto-1, capture sprites, and lift the final boss’s slime thresholds. Kung-Fu Master, on the other hand, is an unrelenting side-scroll beat ’em up—two buttons and a joystick, but hours of fun as you brawl through floor after floor of ninjas and bosses. The diversity keeps boredom at bay and showcases the C64’s versatility.

Graphics

Visually, They Sold a Million 3 is a time capsule of early 8-bit artistry. Daley Thompson’s Super-Test features crisp, color-coded track lanes and character sprites that convey motion convincingly, even on a low-res display. The event animations—especially the javelin throw and pole vault—still hold up thanks to fluid sprite rotation and clever use of scrolling.

Fighter Pilot opts for a simpler palette but delivers clear horizon lines and distinct enemy aircraft silhouettes. The ground textures scroll beneath your plane, giving a real sense of altitude and speed. Ghostbusters shines in its detailed interiors of the library and hotel levels: every bookcase, hallway, and specter is rendered with personality, and the HUD overlays remain sharp and unobtrusive.

Kung-Fu Master embraces bold, saturated colors and larger-than-life boss sprites. Each level has its own visual flair—blue tiles in the dojo, red bricks in the fire hall—while the main protagonist’s kick and punch animations feel fluid. While pixelation is ever-present, the consistent art direction across all four games ensures a coherent visual package that still stirs nostalgia.

Story

As a compilation, narrative threads are necessarily loose, but each game provides enough premise to draw you in. Daley Thompson’s Super-Test doesn’t weave a deep plot, but you’re invested in achieving gold medals and beating your own records. That competitive drive substitutes for a storyline with surprising effectiveness.

Fighter Pilot offers a barebones wartime scenario: you’re the last hope against an enemy air fleet. It’s all about adrenaline rather than dialogue or cutscenes—each successful sortie feels like a victory, even if the context is minimal. The lack of narrative complexity is outweighed by the immediate intensity of aerial engagements.

Ghostbusters stands out as the most story-driven entry. You follow directives from the Ecto-Containment Unit, navigate haunted hotspots, and ultimately confront Gozer. Short text prompts and simple mission briefings create a light narrative framework that motivates your ghost-busting. In Kung-Fu Master, you rescue a kidnapped friend by punching through levels of henchmen—again, a classic arcade trope that doesn’t need much exposition to keep you hooked.

Overall Experience

They Sold a Million 3 is a genuine celebration of C64 gaming heritage. The selection spans genres—sports, flight simulation, action-adventure, and beat ’em up—ensuring that most players will find at least one standout hit. Jumping between games never feels jarring, thanks to quick load times and consistent control schemes.

Replayability is high: Daley Thompson’s time trials, Fighter Pilot’s escalating difficulty, Ghostbusters’ hunt for all 100 specters, and Kung-Fu Master’s relentless boss gauntlet each offer long-term goals and high-score chasing. Moreover, the compilation’s affordable price point makes it easy to justify revisiting these classics when you need a quick retro fix.

Whether you grew up with a Commodore 64 or are simply curious about vintage gaming, They Sold a Million 3 delivers solid value. It captures the spirit of early ’80s design—tight mechanics, colorful visuals, and straightforward premises—while presenting them in one neat package. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this compilation is a worthy trip down memory lane.