Strider 1989 By: Capcom

Overview:

Gamers familiar with the arcade hit by the same name might be wondering what this game has to do with that one. Is this a sequel? An alternate reality? Or just another totally different game that happens to have the same name and a few other things in common? Well, the answer is that Strider Hiryu was originally a character in an obscure Japanese comic book, and this game is based on his story-line from the comic, while the arcade version, which was later ported to Sega Genesis, features a very different plot about Communist dictators and alien invasion.

If you let the main screen go away you're shown 3 characters (Sheena, Kain, and Strider Hiryu) after the definitions of Striders. It then shows the main base and has very impressive 8-bit music, possibly the best I ever heard in an 8-bit game. Once you start the game you're automatically thrown into a compelling, but very confusing storyline. The game is set up very nicely, especially for the day and age of the system and game. It is very unique on what your destination is and how power ups are found. All the little clues kept me wanting to find more and more, all the while I was advancing through the levels without taking notice and learning more about what was going on. (I'm sorry I don't want to spoil it) I may have understood the game a bit more if I hadn't played Strider on GEN as a kid. The game play is fairly simple, don't let your health deplete to 0, kill everything you see, and collect everything you're given! The wide range of people you meet and places you go also added interest to the game. This is definitely one solid NES game that I suggest to all if you like Ninja Gaiden or Shinobi!



9.5 out of 10!

Directions:

Start out on an available level of your choice, eliminating enemies one by one, sometimes giving you health to help you throughout the level. Some levels have many different path choices to take, some smart and some you may want to think twice about. Almost each level has some sort of power up or hidden item for you. For extra help on finding these items you can acquire data disks and analyze them at the base. A message on the floppy will tell you places to look or certain missions to accomplish. Raise your level and power up to make it through the 13 levels of the game!