Strider represents a significant modern reimagining of the classic arcade hero, developed by Double Helix Games. Released in 2012, this title serves as a reboot of the iconic 1989 arcade original, though the developers approached the project with the specific intention of creating a distinct experience rather than a direct retread of the past. This action-adventure game delivers high-octane gameplay for fans of intense side-scrolling combat, blending fast-paced arcade mechanics with modern platforming elements.

Gameplay Mechanics and Genre

Strider is firmly rooted in the platforming hack and slash genre. The core gameplay is defined by fast combat sequences that heavily incorporate the element of acrobatics, allowing for fluid movement and stylish execution. The game functions as an intense side-scrolling action title where the player controls the protagonist through various challenges.

Unlike many linear action games, Strider encourages players to freely explore the central hub of Kazakh City. This exploration is vital for progression, as players must search for new abilities and equipment to enhance their combat capabilities. A notable mechanical feature is the pickup system; items are scattered across the levels and are designed by the developers to be found and collected as permanent assets, rather than serving as temporary bonuses that disappear after use.

Story and Setting

The title retells the original game's narrative within a dystopian future setting. The world is currently under the oppressive thumb of a dictatorship led by Grandmaster Melo, who has taken control of Earth. The story follows the best assassin of the organization known as Strider. This protagonist is dispatched on a critical mission to infiltrate Kazakh City, the location of Melo's base, with the primary objective of eliminating the dictator and dismantling the regime.

Notable Features and Game Modes

Strider features a robust feature set designed to test player skill across different types of gameplay challenges. The game includes three distinct modes that cater to different playstyles:

  • Story Mode: The primary campaign that follows the narrative of the Strider assassin.
  • Beacon Run: A speed-based challenge mode where players must reach multiple checkpoints as fast as possible.
  • Survival: A mode that puts players up against waves of enemies to test their endurance and combat skills.

To support competitive play, the game features a comprehensive ranking system and public leaderboards, allowing players to compare their performance against others globally.

Platform Availability

Strider was originally released on 2012-02-16. The game is available on the following platforms:

  • PC
  • Xbox One
  • PlayStation 4
  • Xbox 360
  • PlayStation 3

The title currently holds a Metacritic score of 78.00.