At its core,
Strider is really nothing more than a side-scrolling hack-n-slash platformer. Rather than attacking zombies or mutants though,
Strider unleashes against robots, mechs, humans, and other baddies from the future. Climb sickle and cypher in hand,
Strider does what any classic game hero sets out to do… rid the world of evil. Like any old school game, one of the best parts of
Strider is the inclusion of mini-bosses and eventually full blown bosses that stand in his way. The pace of this game also is stepped up in a very good way, adding extra challenge at certain points that give a sense of accomplishment that gets lost in so many titles nowadays (man, that makes me sound old!)
As you progress throughout the levels, you’ll often encounter these mini-boss battles that cut away and give you a quick rundown of the character you face, some impeccable trash talking, and then the battle begins. Entering these truly feels like you hopped into a time machine and went back to some of the glory years of videogame history, also adding a lot of Japanese flair. Just like the hordes of enemies you’ll encounter as you progress, boss characters have very distinct moves that can be figured out and used against them in victory. For those that may be familiar with another of Capcom’s franchises, Mega Man, but not so much with Strider, you’ll feel right at home in all its old school gameplay.
Levels within Strider are brilliant as well, allowing for multiple paths to be taken in many cases and can even allow for the hero to use his upgraded abilities to access areas that he otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Strider’s main feature is the ability to climb and hang with his sickle, as well as then jump from wall to wall or to the next platform, wall, or overhang. Along the way, you’ll also be able to learn new tricks that help grant access to areas that may be needed to complete a level or just act as secret areas where unlockables are found (gotta love the "POW" icon references!), including those to unlock Challenge Modes that are actually a challenge! What would a game like this be without some old school power-ups too? Oh yeah, they’re there if you find them.
