If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization. - From "Murphy's Laws of Technology"


What's a Strider?

The name "Strider" is from a Japanese Manga Series "Strider Hiryu", that also spawned a popular video game for the NES by the same name. In the USA, the name of the game was shortened to just "Strider". The name Strider itself is actually a title and Hiryu is the name, Hiryu means "Flying Dragon". So in essence, the title and name together  mean "Strider the Flying Dragon". 

In the Manga series, Strider's were part of a fictional group of "ninja style" agents who specialized in assassination, among other things. Hiryu was the main character in this series.

The arcade game was originally released in 1989. It also spawned a sequel, "Strider 2", 10 years later. The original game was ported to several different systems:  
In the early 90's, "Strider Returns" was released and was available on many systems as well.
In 1998, Capcom decided to include Strider Hiryu in its popular "Marvel vs. Capcom" fighting game as a top tier character. The success of this gave way to "Strider 2".

Strider 2 hit the arcades in 1999, and in 2000, was released on the Playstation. The PSX version came with an exact arcade port of the original Strider game.

More recently the original NES Strider game was released on the "Capcom Classics Mini Mix" for the Gameboy Advance.

The name "Strider" itself, has also been seen in Half Life 2 and The Lord of the Rings. However I chose it as my internet gaming name, or variations of it, based on the Manga series I liked back then and the fact the Strider video games were some of my all time favorites. I just always liked the characters.

You can play the NES version of Strider 
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 Strider on the Nintendo Entertainment System:

 If your familiar with the arcade version of the game, you might be wondering what this game has to do with that one.  Well, the NES version is based on the Japanese comic book storyline, while the arcade version, which was later ported to Sega Genesis, features a very different plot about Communist dictators and alien invasion. That being said, this version is quite fun and well translated from the comics. No matter if you have ever read any of the comics or not, you will have no problem following the games story-line. So if you were a fan of the game series, this one is well worth the play time. 
Strider on the Sega Master System:
The game is set in the year is 2048. Armed with his Cypher,  Hiryu travels around the globe to places such as the Soviet Union and the Amazon Rain Forest to find and destroy the evil being, Grand Master Meio. This games story is based on the arcade version of the game, just like the Genesis version by the same name. Its also one of the best games on the console in my opinion. This system never really got the attention it deserved. In many ways, it was superior to the NES. If you liked Strider on the Genesis, you should give this one a try.
 
Strider on the Sega Genesis: 
Sega's release of Strider for the Genesis was an almost perfect port of the original arcade version. Graphics, animation, sound, game-play, and storyline, all there. This game was one of the most popular game for the console. Not to mention was of the overall best selling incarnations of the game. If you had to pick just one version to play, I would recommend this one. The action in the game rarely slows down and it will present a challenge to even the most experienced gamer. If you like good arcade style fun, you will like this game. 
Strider 2 on the Sega Genesis: 
Strider Returns is commonly regarded as the worst game in the Strider series. It's not a bad game, but it just don't compare well with the first. In a nut shell, it's the same game with a different colored outfit on the hero, simpler level designs, easier enemies, and less detailed graphics. Also the name 'Strider Returns' is a bit ridiculous considering that it's not even the same character, US Gold wasn't allowed to use the name Hiryu. The game's main character is "Strider Hinjo". The basic storyline is that Grand Master Meio was not killed in the first game. He has kidnapped your girlfriend, and you have to save her.
Strider on the Sony Playstation and Arcade: 
The PSX version of the game is a port of Strider 2 for the arcade. In 1999, Capcom decided to ignore the flop of the Genesis version of the game by the same name released by US Gold. The 2 games have nothing in common. This version returns us to "Strider Hiryu". Strider 2 for the PSX was released as a 2 disk set, one being a direct port of the original arcade version of the game. Strider 2's gameplay very closely matched that of the original. You also have the ability to unlock "Strider Hien" who wields 2 ranged Cypher's. A character not playable in any other version. This is a great game and well worth the play time! 
Strider on the Gameboy Advance: 
The most recent version of the game I purchased was as a part of the "Capcom Classic Mini Mix" for the Gameboy Advance. This cart contains 3 NES classics, Bionic Commando, Mighty Final Fight, and of course Strider. This is a great collection for any retro gamer.
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