Reviewed
12.14.1999
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
8
Megabit
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
1990
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2D
View
Side
Genre
Action
Players
1
Options
6
Button
Arcade
Stick
Requires
n/a
Importable
100% |
INTRO:
> Strider has become a classic 2D action title which originated with Capcom's
arcade release in 1989. Sega reprogrammed the game for the Genesis
and Master System after acquiring the exclusive rights to convert the arcade
version for home consoles. As you would guess, Strider
for Master System isn't as faithful to the arcade game as its Genesis cousin.
Anyway, Strider puts you in control of the ninja master Strider Hiryu in
a battle to defeat the Grand Master Meio and his diabolical creations.
GRAPHICS:
> I've played the arcade version many times and beat it as well, so I can
surely tell you the Genesis accurately simulates the original. Thanks
to the 8 Megabit memory, all the locales, backgrounds, layers, characters,
bosses, and levels are here. My favorite bosses are the mechanical
gorilla and the mechanical dinosaur (both pictured below). For the
most part, the animation is smooth. There's some occasional slow
down when you encounter certain bosses, but the arcade version had some
too. Lastly, the explosion effect when you kill enemies looks really
cool.
CONTROL:
> Absolutely mint. Rock solid response for your directional, jump,
and sword buttons. Of course, you can combine certain buttons to achieve
special moves like the sliding attack, and cartwheel jump. Some power-ups
are available along the way to make life easier. The simple gameplay
allows just about anyone to play.
SOUND:
> Again, nearly arcade perfect. All the original music is included
from the jungle rhythm to the alarming beat. Same for the sound effects
-- there all here and sound great. I especially like the metal swiping
sound of Hiryu's sword.
FUN:
> Hey, if you like ninja/action then look no further. Strider's five
levels are challenging enough without being impossible. I remember
when I got this game (the day it was released) and played it all night
because I had to win! This version of Strider will never get old...
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