Strider for Genesis

Image: MobyGames

Strider

Aragorn visits 2048 Russia

Genre: action - hack n slash

Publisher: Sega

Year: 1990

System: Genesis

Gameplay Score: 3

Gameplay Notes:

Slow movement. I think this is how all arcade action games from the late 80s operate. Stiff movement, esepcially on jumps where you can't correct midair. Best to stay grounded as much as possible. Main attack has the most massive hitbox in video game history. So satisfying. Hard to tell when I'm hitting bosses.

Level Design Score: 4

Level Design Notes:

Slopes. Slopes everywhere. The grab-anything mechanic is equal parts awesome and horribly annoying as you constantly grab stuff you don't intend. Still, this game has a variety of obstacles and set pieces, like the rotating platforms and run down the snowy slope in level 2. Everything here has been done better in later games, but it's still pretty good.

Theme Score: 5

Theme Notes:

Serious X factor going on. Such a cool world you inhabit. There's some style over function going on but still very cool.

Art Style Score: 4

Art Style Notes:

Ok this game looked amazing in 1988. The sprites are huge and detailed and the background is equally interesting to look at. But the animation is terrible. Actually, whatever, this is a good looking game. Have a 4.

Audio Score: 1

Audio Notes:

Easily the worst part of this game. The music is an absolutely train wreck. There may be fans out there who would hate me for this, but I can't stand this soundtrack. Every song uses the same pipe organ sounds so common in early Genesis games and uses them in runs that play over and over and over. Granted, a few tracks have some evocative compostion but for the most part every song sounds like someone banging on a Casio keyboard. Sounds aren't much better. The "snikt" of your sword is awesome until it's not since you'll be hearing it A LOT. I started rationing its use just to give my ears a break.

Overall Score: 65

Review ID: 1276