Strider Hiryu on the prowl.
Overview
As a former member of the Striders, a secret international group dedicated to
smuggling, kidnapping, and other nefarious activi ties, Hiryu has been called
out of retirement for one final mis sion—to assassinate an old friend. In the
course of this mission, he learns that the Striders have a plot to take over
the world via a mind-control device, and pledges to stop them... or something
like that.
Don’t get too wrapped up in trying to follow Strider’s plot—either from the
manual or from the onscreen game intro. Like many of the other secret
agent/ninja games, it doesn’t make much sense. But an understanding of it isn’t
needed to play the game, anyway. Treat Strider as simply another action adventure
game. The object is to make it through each of the areas of the world, defeating
the enemies that you encounter, and recovering the files, keys, and tools that
have been hidden there.
Graphics 10/10
The designers also worked hard on the graphics. The characters and backgrounds
are detailed and striking.
Gameplay/Controls 9/10
As our hero progresses in his world-wide trek, he’ll find his way frequently
blocked by locked doors. Until he finds the right key, he won’t be allowed to
go any further in that area. For this reason, you’ll find it necessary to hop
from one country to another—and then back again once the key is found. Even
after you’ve gone all the way through an area, there’s no telling what hidden
items or secrets you may have missed.
There is a variety of weapons, special abilities, and power-ups that Hiryu can
obtain, but—for the most part—you’ll find yourself using only the Jump and
Medical tricks: Jump because there are areas that can’t be easily reached
without it, and Medical because you’re in constant danger of losing your good
health. The rest are interesting but unnecessary.
Sound/Music 10/10
Good music; great sound effects. The thunder claps and sounds made by the
weapons are exceptional.
Replay Value 9/10
Strider is a fun game, even though it’s frustrating. There’s no way of knowing
if you have the items you need until you’re finally allowed to enter the Red
Dragon. The outstanding sound and visual effects will keep most players hanging
in there until they’ve finally won.
Overall 9/10
Much of Strider’s challenge lies in finding the files and keys needed to move
into new areas. Because they can be hidden almost anywhere, you’ll find yourself
playing some areas over and over—just in case. Once you finally reach the Red
Dragon, you’ll meet up with all of your old enemies again. You’ll have to find
all the power-ups if you expect to have the energy to defeat them all.
- By Tora Kouhi
