Summary
Strider II (1990): A Flawed Gem of the 16-Bit Era
Introduction
Strider II (known as Journey from Darkness: Strider Returns in Japan) is a 1990 action-platformer game developed by Tiertex and published by Capcom for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It is a port of the original Strider arcade game, with several changes and additions.
Gameplay
Strider II retains the core gameplay of the original Strider, with players controlling the titular Strider Hiryu as he fights his way through hordes of enemies using his plasma sword, Cypher. Hiryu can also use a variety of sub-weapons, including boomerangs, homing missiles, and a grappling hook.
One of the most significant changes in Strider II is the addition of a new “Chain Attack” system. By rapidly pressing the attack button, Hiryu can perform a series of quick attacks that can quickly overwhelm enemies. This system adds a new level of depth and strategy to the combat, allowing players to chain together different attacks to create powerful combos.
Another change in Strider II is the addition of new levels and bosses. The game features a total of eight stages, each with its own unique set of enemies and challenges. The bosses are also more varied and challenging than in the original game, providing a stern test for even the most skilled players.
Graphics and Sound
Strider II features colorful and detailed graphics that take advantage of the Mega Drive’s hardware. The character sprites are large and well-animated, and the backgrounds are lush and varied. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the fast-paced action.
Story
Strider II’s story is essentially the same as the original Strider. Hiryu is a member of the Striders, an elite group of assassins, who is sent on a mission to assassinate the evil Grandmaster Meio. Meio has kidnapped the president’s daughter and is using her as a hostage to force the government to surrender.
Hiryu must travel across the world, fighting his way through Meio’s forces and rescuing the hostages. Along the way, he will uncover Meio’s sinister plan and learn the truth about his own past.
Legacy
Strider II was a critical and commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide. It is considered one of the best action-platformer games of the 16-bit era, and is still enjoyed by fans today.
The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Sega Saturn, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360. It was also included in the Strider Hiryu Collection, a compilation of Strider games released for the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC in 2020.
Conclusion
Strider II is a flawed but ultimately enjoyable action-platformer that is still worth playing today. The game’s fast-paced combat, challenging levels, and excellent graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Score: 8/10
Review Score
6/10
