Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Strider 2 picks up the fast-paced, acrobatic action of its predecessor and amps it up with a handful of fresh tricks. You guide Hiryu—famously known as Strider—through varied environments using a blend of running, jumping and precise swordplay. His signature Gyro laser and matter converter remain at your disposal, allowing both ranged and melee engagements. Diving into the fray feels immediate: you can fire the laser while standing still for careful shots or unleash dynamic moving sword combos when you’re on the move.

What sets Strider 2 apart is the seamless integration of the two weapons. Much like the classic Switchblade titles, you can chain ranged blasts into sweeping slashes, creating fluid attack strings that reward timing and creativity. Enemies don’t simply march toward you—they react, dodge and retaliate, forcing you to mix up your tactics. The controls are tight, responsive and intuitive, so landing a mid-air slash or laser-slicing a wall-mounted turret never feels cumbersome.

Scattered throughout each stage are collectible tokens that unlock a temporary transformation: if you gather enough, you’ll pilot a powerful battle robot to face end-of-level bosses. This mech sequence provides a satisfying change of pace, turning platforming sections into giant-robot firefights. From dense forests to ruined cities and underground colonies, each environment is designed to keep the combat fresh and the adrenaline high.

Graphics

Strider 2’s visuals embrace a richly detailed, late-90s aesthetic—crisp 2D sprites over pre-rendered 3D backdrops. Hiryu’s movements are smooth and expressive, with his flowing scarf and spinning saber adding a sense of motion even on the screen. Backgrounds bristle with detail: rusted metal beams in the prison ship, sprawling flora in the forest, and flickering neon signs in the ruined city all contribute to an immersive atmosphere.

The color palette shifts dramatically between levels to match the setting’s mood. The verdant greens and browns of the forest stage give way to cold, industrial grays in the underground colonies, while the rooftop battle features a twilight sky that contrasts beautifully with the city lights below. Special effects—from laser blasts to explosive demolitions—are punchy and colorful, delivering satisfying feedback on every hit.

Character and enemy designs remain faithful to the Strider legacy but introduce new threats with inventive silhouettes and animations. Watch for the biomechanical “spider walkers” in the ruined city or the hulking guardians aboard the prison ship—each foe is distinct and memorable, helping to heighten tension as you slice and dodge your way through the levels.

Story

Strider 2’s narrative is simple but effective: the nation of Meganta has captured its own people and locked away the planet’s leader on a massive prison ship. As the elite Strider operative, Hiryu is dispatched to infiltrate hostile territory, free the captive leader and restore peace to Magenta. The storyline unfolds through brief but stylish cutscenes, keeping the focus on action without skimping on context.

While dialogue is minimal, the game makes good use of environmental storytelling. Crumbling buildings, overgrown foliage and makeshift barricades all hint at Magenta’s descent into chaos. Each stage feels like a chapter in Hiryu’s mission, from racing through sun-dappled forest floors to storming fortified underground outposts. This progression strengthens the player’s connection to the world and drive to see the rescue through to the end.

Fans of the original Strider will appreciate the nods to classic lore—the swift combat, the sleek cybernetic villains and the overarching theme of liberation. Yet newcomers won’t feel lost: Strider 2 eases you into its mechanics and world-building, ensuring that everyone understands Hiryu’s purpose and the stakes at hand.

Overall Experience

Strider 2 delivers a satisfying blend of platforming and action that holds up remarkably well decades after its release. The balance of speed, precision and combat variety never grows stale, while the token-powered mech battles add an extra layer of excitement. Difficulty ramps steadily, offering a solid challenge for both veterans and newcomers.

Replayability comes from uncovering hidden tokens, mastering advanced movement techniques and exploring alternative routes through each level. The tight controls and swift movement keep frustration at bay, making repeated attempts to perfect your run feel rewarding rather than taxing. Plus, the game’s varied environments and boss encounters ensure no two stages feel the same.

Whether you’re a longtime Strider fan or a newcomer seeking an action-packed platformer, Strider 2 delivers an engaging adventure from start to finish. Its fluid gameplay, striking visuals and concise storytelling combine into an experience that’s as entertaining today as it was upon release. For those looking to test their reflexes and dive into a pulse-pounding rescue mission, Strider 2 is a must-play title.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10