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MONSTER

Strider

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Strider
Item: Strider
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2014

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Platformer, Single Player

AvailableFeb 18, 2014

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperDouble Helix Games

Overview

Is a port for Tiger's LCD Handheld devices.

Elsewhere

7.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Strider's narrative is a nostalgic homage with stylish flair but lacks depth, prioritizing arcade action over meaningful storytelling, leaving critics divided between its charming throwback elements and simplistic, underwhelming plot.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

45%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The reviews of Strider’s narrative highlight some nostalgic and stylistic positives, particularly its homage to the original game’s spirit. Critics like Worth Playing noted that the story expands on the original with collectible elements and comic book-style monologues, appealing to both new and returning fans. Joystiq praised it as a “solid, taut storyline” that blends nostalgia with fresh elements, while Slant Magazine acknowledged visual and musical nods to the classic titles, preserving a sense of familiarity. Additionally, some reviewers appreciated the game’s commitment to its arcade roots, with COGconnected emphasizing its minimalistic approach as true to its origins. These points suggest that while the story may not be complex, it successfully channels the essence of the original Strider experience through its aesthetic and thematic choices. However, the majority of critics panned the narrative for its lack of depth and overreliance on action. Game Informer, Giant Bomb, and PC Gamer all criticized the plot as “thin,” “minimalistic,” or “incomprehensible,” with a focus on a straightforward mission to kill Grandmaster Meio rather than meaningful character development or intricate storytelling. Digital Chumps and Playstation Official Magazine UK pointed out that the story felt disconnected from the original, leaning into anime-like tropes and dated Cold War-era stereotypes, while Gamer.no and Post Arcade noted its “simplistic” and “hokey” presentation. The narrative was frequently described as a mere framework for gameplay, with Eurogamer Germany criticizing it for being overshadowed by technical issues like intrusive subtitles. These critiques underscore a widespread perception that the story prioritized style over substance, leaving little emotional or intellectual engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Strider’s narrative is a secondary element, serving more as a backdrop for its fast-paced action than a compelling story in its own right. While some praised its nostalgic touches and stylistic choices—such as Worth Playing’s expansion of the lore or Joystiq’s blend of old and new—the majority found it lacking in depth, complexity, and character-driven moments. Game Informer, Giant Bomb, and PC Gamer consistently highlighted its minimalism, with many noting that the plot’s simplicity felt outdated or unengaging. Despite these shortcomings, a few reviewers acknowledged that the story’s brevity aligned with the game’s arcade-inspired design, making it a trade-off between narrative ambition and gameplay focus. Ultimately, Strider’s story is seen as a functional but unremarkable component of an otherwise action-driven experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Strider shines with fluid, acrobatic combat and Metroidvania depth, praised for its tight controls, unique abilities, and vertical exploration—but stumbles on repetitive enemies, uneven difficulty, and undercooked design, leaving its potential half-fulfilled.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Strider receives widespread praise for its fluidity, dynamic combat, and Metroidvania-inspired exploration. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and The Digital Fix highlight the game’s seamless controls, variety of abilities (such as the Plasma Blade and Cypher system), and engaging progression mechanics. Game Informer and PlayStation Universe commend the tight responsiveness of movement, challenging platforming sequences, and the balance between skill-based combat and strategic upgrades. The integration of acrobatic traversal—like wall-climbing, gliding, and teleportation—creates a sense of verticality and freedom, while Eurogamer Germany notes the lack of traditional leveling systems in favor of skill-based progression. Many reviewers, including GameSpot and Gaming Age, appreciate the blend of fast-paced action with Metroidvania elements, where backtracking and ability acquisition unlock new areas, fostering a sense of discovery. However, several critics point to repetitive design flaws and uneven difficulty as major drawbacks. DarkStation and Digital Chumps criticize the game’s repetitive enemies and boss encounters, which undermine its potential despite strong core mechanics. Giant Bomb and PC Gamer argue that combat often relies on button-mashing, with limited depth beyond basic attacks, while IGN and Game Revolution note inconsistent difficulty spikes, particularly in boss fights that feel unfairly punishing. Gamer.no and Gaming Age also highlight the linear nature of exploration, with some areas feeling underdeveloped or overly simplistic. Additionally, Digital Spy and Push Square mention that while the game introduces tactical elements, its pacing and enemy variety fail to sustain engagement over time, leading to a sense of monotony. Overall, critics generally agree that Strider excels in its technical execution and core gameplay loops but struggles with repetition and design inconsistencies. The consensus leans toward admiration for its fluid controls, Metroidvania structure, and combat variety—endorsed by Game Informer, Eurogamer Italy, and PSX Extreme—but many feel these strengths are offset by issues like bland level design, frustrating boss mechanics, and a lack of innovation in action systems. While PlayStation Universe and Destructoid praise its balance of old-school challenge and modern mechanics, others like Giant Bomb and PC Gamer argue that the game’s flaws prevent it from fully realizing its potential. Despite these critiques, Strider remains a standout example of 2D action-platforming with a dedicated fanbase, though its shortcomings highlight areas where refinement could elevate its experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Strider's neon-drenched, retro-futuristic aesthetic dazzles with stylistic cohesion and environmental flair, but repetitive industrial zones and a monotonous palette undermine its polish, leaving a polarizing mix of nostalgic charm and design fatigue.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

88%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Strider received praise for their stylistic cohesion and technical execution across platforms. Critics like DarkStation highlighted the game’s "neon-drenched Cold War aesthetic" and sharp visuals on PS4, while Game Informer commended its environmental diversity, including futuristic cities, labs, and caves, alongside dynamic effects such as Strider’s plasma scarf. The Digital Fix lauded the artistic detail and lively environments, noting that areas like labs and black market districts felt "alive" with smooth animations. The retro-inspired art style also resonated, with Gamer.no appreciating its 80s flair and Eurogamer Italy acknowledging a "futuristic dystopian art style" as a significant improvement over the original. GameSpot and Destructoid praised the clean, slick aesthetic, including neon effects and retro scanline visuals, while Vandal noted the game’s nostalgic yet consistent color schemes. These positives underscored the game’s ability to blend modern polish with stylistic nods to its arcade roots. However, several critics pointed out recurring issues with repetition and lack of variety. Eurogamer Italy and GameSpot criticized the monochromatic, industrial palette, with Eurogamer Italy noting a "lack of color compared to earlier entries" and GameSpot calling the brown/grey/white tones "drab." DarkZero and PC Gamer highlighted repetitive environments, with the former describing "industrial-themed" areas as "boring" and the latter criticizing excessive lens flares and anime clichés. Giant Bomb and Eurogamer Germany noted that most zones felt like "plain facilities," while Game Informer and Gamer.no pointed to cramped, underdeveloped level architecture. Additionally, Post Arcade and PC Games mentioned technical shortcomings, such as low-resolution visuals on PC and potential slowdowns, though these were often framed as minor issues compared to the game’s broader design choices. Overall, critics agreed that Strider’s visual design was stylistically ambitious but uneven in execution. While its retro-futuristic aesthetic and attention to detail earned praise from outlets like The Digital Fix and Destructoid, the repetitive environments and monotonous color schemes were frequent criticisms, as noted by Eurogamer Italy, GameSpot, and PC Gamer. The game’s reliance on asset reuse and lack of environmental variety sparked debate, with some calling it a "polarizing" choice (PSX Extreme) and others acknowledging its nostalgic charm (Vandal). Despite these flaws, the consensus leaned toward appreciation for the art direction’s consistency and creativity, even if it occasionally sacrificed originality for style. The mixed reception reflected a game that prioritized atmosphere over technical polish, leaving room for both admiration and frustration among reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Strider's sound design blends nostalgic retro flair with mixed technical execution, earning praise for its homage to the series' legacy but plagued by uneven mixing and underwhelming intensity that undermined its impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Strider received mixed but generally positive reactions, with several critics highlighting its nostalgic and retro-inspired elements. Eurogamer Italy noted that the soundtrack includes references to the original theme, while PSX Extreme described it as "sweet" and praised its retro aesthetic, particularly the "cheesy 80s" voice acting that aligns with the game’s vintage style. Slant Magazine and Vandal both emphasized the inclusion of nostalgic musical motifs from the original arcade games, suggesting the sound design successfully evokes a sense of heritage. COGconnected acknowledged that the soundtrack respects the series’ legacy while evolving slightly, and Destructoid described it as "retro-inspired," acknowledging its role in complementing the game’s action-oriented gameplay. These positives underscore a strong connection to Strider’s roots, appealing to fans seeking familiarity. However, several critics pointed out significant technical flaws that detracted from the audio experience. Giant Bomb (PS4 and Xbox One) criticized the poor sound mix, with music and effects unevenly distributed across channels, overshadowing the otherwise decent soundtrack. PSX Extreme also noted sound balancing issues, where effects, music, and voice acting failed to coalesce effectively. Gamereactor Sweden called the music "underwhelming," particularly in high-stakes moments like boss fights, arguing it lacked the impact needed to elevate the game’s intensity. Eurogamer Italy described the soundtrack as "unimpressive," while Destructoid noted it "lacked in some areas." These critiques highlight a recurring issue with technical execution, which diminished the overall audio quality despite efforts to evoke nostalgia. The overall consensus among critics is one of mixed reception, balancing appreciation for nostalgic elements against technical shortcomings. While many praised the retro-inspired sound design and its homage to Strider’s legacy—particularly from outlets like Slant Magazine, Vandal, and COGconnected—the audio’s execution often fell short. Issues with sound mixing, as highlighted by Giant Bomb and PSX Extreme, created a disconnect between the music’s potential and its actual impact. Gamereactor Sweden’s comparison to Killer Instinct further underscores that Strider’s soundtrack, while serviceable, failed to stand out in a competitive landscape. Ultimately, the game’s audio design resonates most with fans of the series who value nostalgia, but its technical flaws and lack of innovation limited its broader appeal.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Mixed reactions to Strider's voice acting—praised for retro charm and energetic delivery but criticized for uneven polish, jarring accents, and lackluster immersion, splitting opinions between nostalgic fans and modern critics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

50%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Strider receives a mix of positive feedback from several reviewers, with particular emphasis on its retro charm and tonal consistency. Eurogamer Italy acknowledges the voice work as "generalmente buono" (generally good), suggesting it meets expectations despite lacking specific details. PSX Extreme highlights the "cheesy 80s-like" quality as a fitting element of the game’s nostalgic aesthetic, while Destructoid praises the actors for embracing the "cheese factor," delivering lines with energy and enthusiasm that align with the game’s over-the-top style. These critiques underscore how the voice acting, though not groundbreaking, effectively supports the game’s retro identity and thematic tone. However, several critics express dissatisfaction with the voice acting, citing its lack of polish or immersion. Giant Bomb repeatedly notes the voice work as "average at best," criticizing specific elements like "annoying boss dialogue" that detract from the experience. PlayStation Universe is particularly harsh, describing the "awful Cold War Russian accents" as a significant flaw, which undermines the game’s narrative credibility. These negative assessments point to technical shortcomings or stylistic choices that clash with the expectations of modern gaming audiences, suggesting the voice acting struggles to balance retro charm with cohesive storytelling. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting divergent perspectives on Strider’s voice acting. While some appreciate its nostalgic appeal and energetic delivery—particularly Destructoid and PSX Extreme—others find it unremarkable or even jarring, as noted by Giant Bomb and PlayStation Universe. The disparity in opinions likely stems from the game’s intentional retro style, which resonates with fans of 80s action aesthetics but may alienate players seeking more polished or realistic performances. Ultimately, the voice acting serves as a polarizing element, enhancing the game’s charm for some while highlighting its technical limitations for others.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Strider’s tech is mostly smooth but plagued by platform-specific quirks: PS4 shines with 60fps but suffers from clunky controls and glitches; Xbox One offers stable frame rates despite minor graphical hiccups; PC runs well but grinds gears with unremappable buttons and punishing checkpoints. Core polish holds, but flaws linger.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Strider across its platforms generally receives praise for stability and polish, though with platform-specific nuances. On PS4, multiple critics highlight smooth gameplay, such as The Digital Fix noting consistent frame rates and responsive controls, while Gaming Age emphasizes 60fps performance. Eurogamer Italy and Push Square also commend the PS4’s overall technical execution, despite minor frame drops during wide camera shots or occasional glitches like Hiryu sticking to walls. For Xbox One, COGconnected praises a “rock-solid frame rate,” and Joystiq acknowledges graphical artifacts but frames them as minor flaws. On PC, PC Gamer notes high frame rates on most systems, though some users reported slowdowns, while Game Informer and others point to platform-specific issues like non-remappable controls and limited save options. Despite these, the game’s core performance is seen as solid across all platforms. However, technical shortcomings are evident in several areas. On PS4, critics like DarkStation criticize imprecise analog controls that frustrate sliding and aiming, while Slant Magazine highlights thumb fatigue from the attack button. The Digital Fix and ZTGD note glitches such as Hiryu sticking to walls or clipping into environments, requiring restarts. Gaming Age also mentions intrusive dialogue overlays and poor map readability. On PC, PC Gamer lambasts non-remappable controls and a punishing checkpoint system that forces repeated boss fights, exacerbating the game’s difficulty. For Xbox One, Joystiq points to graphical glitches like reflection artifacts and cutscene inconsistencies, while Game Informer notes limited save options and platform-specific performance differences. These issues, though varied in severity, collectively suggest technical polish was uneven across platforms. Overall, critics agree that Strider’s technical performance is largely solid but marred by minor flaws that don’t detract from its core appeal. The PS4 and Xbox One versions are praised for smooth frame rates and stability, with Eurogamer Italy and COGconnected highlighting their reliability despite occasional glitches. PC’s port faces more criticism for control limitations and checkpoint mechanics, though most agree it runs smoothly otherwise. While some platforms struggle with specific issues—like PS4’s controls or PC’s UI flaws—the consensus is that these are outweighed by the game’s fast-paced gameplay and overall polish. As The Digital Fix notes, even minor glitches like wall-sticking are “trivial compared to the overall polish,” suggesting that Strider’s technical foundation remains robust despite its imperfections.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Strider offers moderate replayability through challenge modes and Metroidvania-style exploration but is undermined by short playtime, repetitive mechanics, and lack of post-game depth, leaving it as a quick challenge for fans rather than a long-term investment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

88%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally acknowledge that Strider offers several elements that could support replayability, particularly through its challenge modes, collectibles, and Metroidvania-style exploration. GameSpot highlights challenge modes like Survival and Beacon Runs with leaderboards as key incentives for repeated play, while PSX Extreme emphasizes the game’s "Carrera de balizas" (Beacon Race) and Survival Mode as engaging mechanics that encourage multiple attempts. The Digital Fix and Vandal also note the appeal of Metroidvania-style exploration, with hidden upgrades, secret routes, and 100% completion goals driving players to revisit areas. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy mentions multiple difficulty levels as a factor in replayability, and IGN points to checkpoint races and backtracking for exploration as features that extend the experience beyond the main campaign. These positives suggest that Strider has design elements that cater to completionists and fans of precision-based challenges. However, several critics argue that these positives are undermined by significant limitations. Game Informer (multiple mentions) and Giant Bomb criticize the short base playtime (6–8 hours) and lack of substantial post-game content, with the latter calling extra modes like Beacon Run "unexciting." Gamer.no and DarkZero point to linear progression and repetitive level design, while PC Gamer notes that punishing boss fights and environmental monotony reduce long-term appeal. The absence of a New Game Plus mode, highlighted by Worth Playing and Destructoid, further limits incentives for returning. Additionally, critics like Eurogamer Germany and Joystiq acknowledge the game’s challenging difficulty, but many feel it doesn’t fully compensate for the lack of meaningful progression or varied content beyond initial playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among reviewers is that Strider has moderate replayability driven by its challenge modes, collectibles, and Metroidvania-inspired exploration, but these elements are often offset by repetitive mechanics and a short core experience. While GameSpot, PSX Extreme, and The Digital Fix praise the game’s incentives for multiple playthroughs, others like Game Informer and Giant Bomb find the post-game content insufficient to justify repeated engagement. The mixed reception reflects a balance between the game’s accessibility and its shortcomings in depth and variety. For players seeking a quick, challenging experience with some replay value, Strider may suffice, but those looking for long-term investment will likely be disappointed by its lack of substantial progression or innovation.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment toward Strider is largely positive, with many critics praising its nostalgic appeal, polished production, and successful revival of the franchise’s core elements. Reviewers like Game Informer and IGN highlight its balance of classic 1989-era mechanics with modern improvements, calling it a "successful reboot" that appeals to both fans and newcomers. The game’s fast-paced action, dynamic combat, and Metroidvania-inspired exploration are frequently lauded, with Digital Spy noting its "compelling exploration" and Gaming Age appreciating the blend of old-school and new-school elements. PSX Extreme and The Digital Fix commend its tight controls, visual polish, and engaging gameplay, while Post Arcade emphasizes its retro charm and value at $15. The game’s ability to honor its roots while modernizing aspects like platforming and enemy design is a recurring point of praise, with Slant Magazine calling it a "successful evolution" that meets contemporary expectations. However, several critics point out significant flaws that detract from the experience. Issues like repetitive enemies, uneven difficulty curves, and flawed combat mechanics are frequently criticized. DarkStation and IGN note that the game’s combat feels underdeveloped, with control issues and a lack of variety in encounters. GameSpot and Giant Bomb mention technical shortcomings, such as camera problems and inconsistent difficulty, while PC Gamer criticizes frustrating boss battles and outdated design choices. Gamer.no and ZTGD argue that the game lacks depth and innovation, with Gamer.no calling it a "modest entry" and ZTGD pointing to technical flaws and an "inconsistent difficulty curve." Additionally, some reviewers like Eurogamer Italy and Polygon note that while Strider captures the spirit of its 1989 origins, it fails to stand out as a groundbreaking title, with Eurogamer Germany describing it as "competent but not revolutionary." Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Strider is a worthwhile and enjoyable experience, particularly for fans of the original or 2D action-platformers. While Game Informer and IGN acknowledge minor flaws, they deem them insignificant compared to the game’s strengths, with Game Informer calling it "a successful reboot" and IGN noting its ability to "revitalize the franchise." Digital Chumps and Vandal highlight its nostalgic value and gameplay appeal, even if it falls short of perfection. The mixed reception reflects a balance between admiration for its ambition and frustration with its execution, but as Eurogamer Italy concludes, Strider is "a partially successful attempt" that succeeds in honoring its legacy while offering a modernized, engaging experience. Ultimately, the game is seen as a solid entry in the genre, with many critics recommending it to fans of action-adventure and Metroidvania titles.

TL;DR

Strider is a nostalgic, polished reboot that balances 1989 charm with modern polish, praised for fast combat, Metroidvania exploration, and retro flair—but plagued by repetitive enemies, uneven difficulty, and underdeveloped mechanics, making it a solid but flawed entry for fans of the genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

97 reviews found

Destructoid

Xbox One

Feb 18, 2014

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes positively, calling Strider a strong entry in the series and praising Double Helix's work. It compares the game favorably to previous iterations and other titles like Shadow Complex.

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Playstation Official Magazine UK

PlayStation 4

Feb 24, 2014

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Strider as a 'rewarding side-scrolling slash-‘em-up' with strong gameplay, despite some flaws in balance and difficulty. It is seen as a successful revival of the franchise.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Feb 20, 2014

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for making up for its lackluster story with fun gameplay, epic boss battles, and excellent platforming. It’s considered a strong entry in the action genre.

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Game Informer

Xbox One

Feb 18, 2014

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised as a successful reboot that balances classic elements with modern improvements, appealing to both fans and newcomers. Minor criticisms are acknowledged but deemed relatively insignificant compared to the overall experience.

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Vandal

PlayStation 4

Feb 18, 2014

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Strider as a successful revival of the classic franchise, balancing nostalgia with modern mechanics. It is recommended for fans of 2D action-platformers and metroidvania elements, with high praise for its gameplay and design.

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