Strider (2014)

Amongst all the remakes and adaptations in high definition that have been released over the last few years, occasionally there’s a reworking of a classic that turns out rather well.

When we recall them, Tomb Raider (2013) is what comes to mind, but from now on it’ll be Strider – or Strider (2014), to differentiate it from the 1989 version – as it's a perfect example of what a good reboot is.

This instalment is at the hands of Double Helix Games, who have brought back the figure of Strider in his own videogame after many years of being out of action.

You could say that the new Strider combines the best of the Amiga 500 and Mega Drive releases – even though it’s just a reinterpretation of the 1989 original – with the incorporation of more modern elements, both graphically and in terms of control, and the change of its arcade look to a metroidvania style.

In this instalment you can upgrade Strider and it features a map with areas to be unlocked, in which you get to explore the city of Kazahk and its surroundings, such as the military part of it and the suburbs. If you like Metroid, you’re going to love this game.

What’s more, Strider Hiryu is much faster paced – it kind of follows the pattern we saw in Marvel vs. Capcom, and there’s a more futuristic, darker feel to the characters and stages, making it stand out from games full of light and colour.

Despite the aesthetic changes in this reinterpretation, there are a lot of references to the original Strider: iconic locations, villains and even the soundtrack.

Whether you've always been a fan of Strider or are playing for the first time, you'll love the game for its fast-paced, action-packed combat.