Strider Returns: Journey from Darkness

Description

Two years after the release of the computer versions, U.S. Gold and Tiertex ported Strider II to Mega Drive. In addition to its European release, Strider II was also released for the American Sega Genesis under the title of Journey from Darkness: Strider Returns. The Mega Drive version of Strider Returns differs from the previous computer version in several ways. While the plot is the same, the antagonist is now the Grandmaster (Meio) from the original Strider (who is referred in the game's manual as the "Evil Master"). Although the main character uses the same sprite as in the Mega Drive version of the original Strider, he is addressed in the manual as "Strider Hinjo" (instead of "Strider Hiryu", the actual name of the original protagonist).

The player controls Strider similarly to the first Mega Drive game (with the ability to slide and move under ceilings retained). Instead of a gun like in the home computer versions, Strider throws shurikens but only if he collects them first. Instead of transforming into a robot when he confronts a boss, Strider collects orbs throughout each stage instead. These orbs will surround Strider and protect him when he faces the stage's boss. The player can choose between Strider's original sword from the first Mega Drive game or a new "sweeping" sword.

The Mega Drive version of Strider Returns was poorly received among critics and fans of the original game, and is regarded as a vastly inferior game.

"Strider Returns was a pale shadow of the arcade game, with poor control, unimaginative design and none of the brilliance that made its inspiration so compelling. Even the biggest Strider nut won't touch this one." (Jeremy Parish, 1UP.com)