Strider Games

[SoulBlazer]

This may seem like a dumb question, but hopefully someone here will help me out and forgive me. :)

Back in the NES days, Strider was one of my favorite games. It was a real gem from Capcom, despite the bad translation and the cheesy story. Had some nice music, graphics, and gameplay.

A friend told me that it was based off a arcade version (and I assume it was a direct port to the NES) but I never actually saw it.

Recently, I've started to check out Genesis gaming with the help of a emulator and was surprised to see that there was a Genesis game for that system. When I started to play it, though, I was surprised to see that it was a TOTALLY different game then the one I knew and love.

Now I see a blurb on Kid Fenris's site that there is a Strider port available for the PlayStation, as well as a sequel, something I never heard off or saw.

So, my questions:

How many versions and ports of Strider are there? Are they easy or hard to get? Which port is based off which version? Why are the NES and Genesis games totally different from one another? And if any of the Striders are imports, is there any way that I, someone who does'nt have any modded or imported systems, can play them? I'd like to check all of them out if I can.

Thanks in advance. :D

[kainemaxwell]

The Genesis Strider is a port of the arcade if I remember right.

[gamergary]

There are the playstation games which I believe are orginal but I can't play them anymore because they won't read on my playstation anymore.

[Sotenga]

Strider... aw yeah, something I can actually help you with. :D

The arcade original was faithfully ported to the Genesis, crappily ported to the Sega Master System, and perfectly (except for load times) ported to the Playstation as a bonus with Strider 2. The Genesis version shouldn't be too hard to find... not sure about the rarity of the SMS game, but Strider 2 is only semi-rare. I managed to snag a mint copy for $20. Booyah. 8-)

I can't explain why the NES game is different from the arcade... I guess Capcom might have designated it as a Strider side story, but fudged on the title, so it sounded just like the arcade game. To my knowledge, all Strider games made it to the U.S.A.

Oh, one more thing. Strider Returns: Journey From Darkness on the Genesis is TEH SUCK. Avoid!

[Ed Oscuro]

Strider on the original Capcom Play System (CPS) went to the NES (Famicom too, I think), British micros (including the Sinclair and probably the lot of em right down to the Amstrad), the Mega Drive/Genesis, Master System (I THINK) Sharp x68000 and probably some more I can't think of. I think the PC-Engine CD-ROM version was unreleased. It's also been released for newer systems in various fashions.

[SoulBlazer]

Okay, so you guys are saying that Strider started as a arcade game and then was ported to these systems:

SMS, Genesis, PlayStation, and some computers?

And for some reason Capcom made a totally DIFFERENT Strider game for the NES?

Wow, to think I never knew that after all these years. x_x

I assume the original game was based off some Japanese anime or a story o something?

Strider was ported to the PlayStation and bundled with a sequel? Did this get released in the States? Why have I never heard of it or seen it? :hmm:

[Ed Oscuro]

Yes, the ones I've listed are all straight ports.

Strider wasn't based on any anime.

Strider Returns is a crappy sequel made by some folks who somehow had the rights to use the character and name; I think due to their having completed a regional port.

There was a Sinclair sequel to Strider that I think was called Strider 2, and one of the contemporary gaming mags had a rumor that the game was impressive enough that Capcom wanted to to a "port the other way" to make it a real arcade game. Ha, ha.

Strider 2 was released recently for the PSX; it's 2D like its predecessor, but the graphics weren't as astounding at the time of its release as was the case with the original version.

[Ed Oscuro]

Oh, here we go. (http://lscmainframe.topcities.com/srgame.html) U.S. Gold is responsible for Strider Returns. Gnash.

[rbudrick]

Yes, Strider for the NES is the only game that went the adventure (w/ some semi-metroid and semi-RPG elements) route rather than action. All the others, to my knowledge are ports of the arcade version.

Why they did it? It's sorta like Bionic commando....they knew the graphics would suck (in comparison), so they made it a different game so it wouldn't be compared...something that would equal it in fun, but in a different way (since the NES graphics were inferior to the arcade). Jusy my opinion.

I think they absolutley succeded...

I just wish the Supergrafx proto would show up somewhere...

-Rob

[SoulBlazer]

Okay, thanks, that answers most of my questions.

You mean there was a Bionic Commando arcade game also? :eek 2: I knew they ported it to the C64 and other computer systems.....

Kid Fenris's site makes it sound like that Strider for the PlayStation was part of a two pack -- one CD Strider, one Strider 2. But I can't find any information on a US release for this. :(

[Ed Oscuro]

Okay, edits take forever on my PC. I'm not trying to boost my post count, promise. One last thing, from the first page of Google Results:

Our very own Dire 51 has a review of Strider Returns up. (http://pub40.ezboard.com/fmoralosinterfacefrm13.showMessage?topicID=4.topic ) He says here it's going to be on Classicgaming...maybe he pulled it? Duno.

Anyhow, you can add a Game Gear version to the list along with PC-Engine. Yeah, the unreleased version must be for the SuperGrafx.

Oh, and Bionic Commando started out as an arcade game.

[Dire 51]

Strider.. my favorite Capcom series of all time.

Here's the full story on what was released and what wasn't, and what was ported from what or what wasn't.

First came the original CPS arcade game. This was ported to the Mega Drive/Genesis, SMS, various PCs and the PC Engine. The PCE CD did come out, but it was very late in the system's life, and did not get a wide release. I think it also needed the arcade card to run. It also had an extra stage not available in any other version.

The Supergrafx port never did matierialize. The game later appeared in near arcade-perfect form (without the load times it would have been perfect, plus this version has a bunch of unlockable options) as part of a set for the PS1 that WAS released in the U.S., bundled with it's much flashier, yet easier sequel, Strider 2 (which was a port of the Strider 2 arcade game released in Japan and the rest of Asia). The U.S. release is simply called Strider 2; the Japanese release is called Strider Hiryu 1 & 2. Unfortunately, it didn't sell well when initially released (although I snagged mine the day it came out), and as far as I can tell, the U.S. version is fairly rare these days.

The NES game was not based on the arcade game; rather, it was based on a Strider manga published in Japan. The manga is extremely hard to find these days. You can read a summary of the manga and see the occasional pic here on my friend Sam's Strider site, The Light Sword Cypher Mainframe.

http://lscmainframe.topcities.com/recon_10-27-02.html
http://lscmainframe.topcities.com/recon_11-2-02.html

Journey From Darkness: Strider Returns, by U.S. Gold, programmed by Tiertex, is a total insult to the Strider name. The game is terrible... avoid it at all costs. There were SMS and GG ports of this one, which I hear are actually superior to the Genesis game.

I submitted that review to Kurt right before the CGA went on permanent hiatus... he didn't put it up before then. I doubt he even has it anymore.

Oh, and if you want more Strider-esque action, I highly recommend checking out Run Saber for the SNES. Great game.

[Raccoon Lad]

After playing the arcade original on the PSX, I realised how awesome the Genesis port is. Sega ported Capcom's arcade games (ghouls'n Ghosts, Forgotten Worlds, Strider) almost flawlessly.

Go SEGA!

[Bighab]

I love the Genesis version of Strider(have a spare cart if anyone needs it :D ) I always though the nes Strider was just a graphically inferior version. I never knew it was a totally different game. Can anyone tell me more about it? Is it a common game?

[Dire 51]

After playing the arcade original on the PSX, I realised how awesome the Genesis port is. Sega ported Capcom's arcade games (ghouls'n Ghosts, Forgotten Worlds, Strider) almost flawlessly.

Go SEGA!

I'll second that (don't forget Chiki Chiki Boys) with one exception: Sega botched the hell out of the SMS port of the Strider arcade game. It's downright terrible.

An interesting factoid: the Mega Drive version of Strider (besides having a kickass title screen) had a couple of voice samples that were removed from the Genesis (and presumably the European MD) version: Hiryu's yell when he swings his Cypher and Meio's "All sons of old gods die!" voice clip. For that matter, the Japanese version of Strider 2 for the PSX had voiceovers in the cutscenes that were removed from the U.S. version.

On another note - both the Japanese and American versions of Strider 2 had the anti-mod chip detection routine built in, so if you try to play either version on a modded system, you'll get a message saying "Software terminated, this console may have been modified, please call 1-800-BULLSHIT for more info). Both discs in the Japanese version have this, but only the Strider 2 disc in the U.S. set has this - my guess is that Capcom used the code for the American Strider arcade game on that disc when it came time for the U.S. release, and they neglected to put that routine back in. Since there was no American release of Strider 2, they just translated the disc and left the anti-mod routine in.

[Dire 51]

I love the Genesis version of Strider(have a spare cart if anyone needs it :D ) I always though the nes Strider was just a graphically inferior version. I never knew it was a totally different game. Can anyone tell me more about it? Is it a common game?

It's fairly common - the local Gamestop has at least three copies sitting in their NES bin as we speak. Oddly, it was never released in Japan, so don't bother looking for a Famicom version.

What else would you like to know about it?

[Bighab]

Is it an action game or is it along the lines like metal gear?

[Dire 51]

Action. Think of what Capcom did when porting Bionic Commando to the NES, or when Tecmo ported Rygar to the NES. Of course, you could always just check this review I wrote of the game out too: http://www.classicgaming.com/reviews/nes/strider.htm

Keep in mind, this review is almost five years old and could use a SERIOUS rewrite...

[SoulBlazer]

Okay, there's a GG version also? I'll look for that, thanks.

And thanks again for all the information. Somehow, I just KNEW that NES Strider was based on some Japanese comics....

So, what am I looking for for the PlayStation? Is it just Strider 2? Has anyone seen one up for sale lately? How much should I expect to pay? Any known problems with a PS2?

[Dire 51]

It's just called Strider 2, but it has both Strider 1 & 2 included (it's a two disc set). It was released in the U.S. in 2000. You might be able to score it for $15-$20. It works fine with the PS2 as well... I've had no problems running my copy on the PS2.

Here's a few current ebay auctions for it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3074553734&category=3719
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3075478292&category=3719
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3075692663&category=3719

[ArnoldRimmer83]

Sega's capcom arcade ports for Genesis were great. It's a shame the two player modes of Chiki Chiki Boys and Mercs had to be removed though.

[SoulBlazer]

Okay, thanks again.

So is it worth the $20? I guess I should play it more on MAME or Genesis to see if I really like it -- it feels VERY different from the NES game I've known and loved all these years. The original game is the same just with load times, huh? What's the difference with the sequel?

Rygar was based off a arcade game also? x_x

Christ, I'm showing my ignorance for old arcade games today..... ;)

[GaijinPunch]

This was ported to the Mega Drive/Genesis, SMS, various PCs and the PC Engine. The PCE CD did come out, but it was very late in the system's life,

The Supergrafx port never did matierialize.

Close, but no cigar. There are some conflicting reports on this. On the US side, everyone claims that there was an SGX version in the works. I've never seen this in print, and have only the story backed up by ONE site that lists unreleased games (and I've seen 3-4 of them). On that side, they say there was an SCD, ACD, and SGX version planned, where the ACD (not the SCD) was actually released (and is pretty shitty)

On the Japanese side, the one side that concurs that there was an SGX version in the works, also says there was a Hucard version, as well as the SCD and SGX versions.

I'm not really sure, and it doesn't bother me b/c I've got the PSX version which is arcade perfect, so I don't whine so much.

Oh, and for the record. The Famicom version was slated, but never released. Strider Return wasn't slated for the Mega Drive as far as I know.

I haven't posted these on Japnese Gaming yet, but I'll go ahead and post direct links. Sorry to you 56k suckers.


http://dynamic5.gamespy.com/~japangaming/striderhiryuu.jpg

http://dynamic5.gamespy.com/~japangaming/striderhiryuub.jpg

[hu6800]

I own the SCD , Megadrive, sega genesis and master system versions.
thats all i know of...

Ive heard of a prototype for the supergrafx at one time.

Added,

I do have the playstation version...
btw.. none of the versions are shitty,,, they were good for thier time.
Unless your a graphics whore, you will enjoy all the versions.

[GaijinPunch]

I own the SCD

You of all people should know that it's an ACD, not an SCD. I usually wouldn't nitpick, but it's slightly relevant here (at least in what I said in my previous topic)

"Good for it's time" I"ll buy, but compared to other stuff on the system, it ain't that hot.

[Ed Oscuro]

I could swear I've seen a screenshot of the SGX version on a site somewhere -- looked like a scan from an article. I didn't see any text with it, though.

[Dire 51]

Okay, thanks again.

So is it worth the $20? I guess I should play it more on MAME or Genesis to see if I really like it -- it feels VERY different from the NES game I've known and loved all these years. The original game is the same just with load times, huh? What's the difference with the sequel?

Rygar was based off a arcade game also? x_x

Christ, I'm showing my ignorance for old arcade games today..... ;)

I think it's absolutely worth the $20. But I don't blame you if you want to play around with the arcade or Genny games to see if you really want it. And yeah, the load times are the only thing that really differ from the arcade.

Strider 2 is actually more or less a homage to the original... there are specific sequences lifted directly from the original, as well as quite a few original sequences. The graphics have also been updated, and Hiryu looks like he does in the MvC games. It's very easy, though, due to the unlimited continues, but there are a few things to unlock, like the second playable character, Strider Hien.

Rygar was based on an arcade game as well, but the only home translation that ever got that I saw was on the Lynx. All the other home versions are different. The arcade game was straight action, too, not questlike.


Close, but no cigar. There are some conflicting reports on this. On the US side, everyone claims that there was an SGX version in the works. I've never seen this in print, and have only the story backed up by ONE site that lists unreleased games (and I've seen 3-4 of them). On that side, they say there was an SCD, ACD, and SGX version planned, where the ACD (not the SCD) was actually released (and is pretty shitty)

I did see that in print, once. EGM announced the SGX version and showed screenshots ages ago, but I think that was the only time it was ever in print here. I don't recall what issue of EGM it was, either...


On the Japanese side, the one side that concurs that there was an SGX version in the works, also says there was a Hucard version, as well as the SCD and SGX versions.

I'm not really sure, and it doesn't bother me b/c I've got the PSX version which is arcade perfect, so I don't whine so much.

So it was the ACD version that came out. I knew I remember reading that you needed the arcade card to play it.


Oh, and for the record. The Famicom version was slated, but never released. Strider Return wasn't slated for the Mega Drive as far as I know.

I haven't posted these on Japnese Gaming yet, but I'll go ahead and post direct links. Sorry to you 56k suckers.

I kind of figured the Fami version had been announced from what Hotaka was telling me, but I've NEVER seen these ads until now. SWEET! I think the artwork was taken directly from the manga too.

[NE146]

Okay, so you guys are saying that Strider started as a arcade game and then was ported to these systems:

SMS, Genesis, PlayStation, and some computers?

And for some reason Capcom made a totally DIFFERENT Strider game for the NES?

Wow, to think I never knew that after all these years. x_x

Damn dude how could you NOT have seen arcade Strider back then. It was one of the most impressive games sure to draw a crowd. :)

I was hoping for an arcade port to the NES at the time.. I remember scouring those preview maps in Nintendo Power.. and deducing that it was obviously going to be different. But then again, I thought Ninja Gaiden was going to be like the arcade and was initially dissapointed at first, but then found it to be a great game in it's own right. So I had high hopes for NES Strider. Turns out it was ok... but it took too much away from the arcade game than I had hoped. I would've at least liked to see larger sword "swipes" :P

[ArnoldRimmer83]

Rygar was based on an arcade game as well, but the only home translation that ever got that I saw was on the Lynx. All the other home versions are different. The arcade game was straight action, too, not questlike.

There was a port of the arcade Rygar to the Mark III in Japan.

[suppafly]

Just as a sidenote, the Genesis version of Strider 1 was the first 8 megabit game ever, and it won "Game of the year" on EGM back in 1990.

I read somewhere that some of the arcade levels are missing though....

[SoulBlazer]

If that's true, I'll try to get a copy of the game for MAME, assuming the new version can run it.

There WERE no arcades around me growing up. The time I spent every month at Funspot going to school at Plymouth State was my first time ever spent in one. LOL

Yeah, Amazon sells the game for the same price also, so no problems with getting it. Thanks for all of the help.

I wish they would make a new one -- but make it more like the NES version. Time to write a letter to Capcom.....

[Raccoon Lad]

I read somewhere that some of the arcade levels are missing though....

Nope, every level's in the Genesis version, though there's a couple frames of animation missing, but they're not very noticeable.

[kainemaxwell]

It's just called Strider 2, but it has both Strider 1 & 2 included (it's a two disc set). It was released in the U.S. in 2000. You might be able to score it for $15-$20. It works fine with the PS2 as well... I've had no problems running my copy on the PS2.

Here's a few current ebay auctions for it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3074553734&category=3719
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3075478292&category=3719
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3075692663&category=3719
Worth getting?

[GaijinPunch]

but I've NEVER seen these ads until now. SWEET! I think the artwork was taken directly from the manga too.

Yeah, they're nice. Very good, especially considering the time frame they came from. Most famicom ads are extremely cheesy.

[Sotenga]

It's just called Strider 2, but it has both Strider 1 & 2 included (it's a two disc set). It was released in the U.S. in 2000. You might be able to score it for $15-$20. It works fine with the PS2 as well... I've had no problems running my copy on the PS2.

Here's a few current ebay auctions for it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3074553734&category=3719
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3075478292&category=3719
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3075692663&category=3719
Worth getting?

Oh yeah. Strider 2 is one of the greatest modern action-platformers ever, IMO. It's loaded with difficult bosses, all of which look impressive. Sure, it's easy to beat because of the infinite continues, but if you're trying to one-credit the whole shebang... heh, I wish you luck. The original Strider arcade game is the icing on the cake. I paid about $20 for it, and I never regretted it. Kaine, GO FOR IT! :D

[Bratwurst]

You know, I had thought about getting a copy of Strider 2 back when Capcom had it for sale on its site but never got around to it. Thanks for the heads up.

I believe someone else mentioned here that the discs for Strider 1 and 2 have their labels mixed up?

[Dire 51]

Very true. In the Japanese release, the labels are fine, but for some boneheaded reason the labels are switched in the U.S. version.

[BenT]

I really, really hate Strider's gameplay. The arcade version's, not the NES. It's just slow, random-feeling crap.

*runs from thread*

*doubles back*

Oh yes, I did have something nice to contribute to this thread. The game Osman / Cannon Dancer is said to be very similar in gameplay and style to Strider, I believe because some of the same people worked on it. It's rather rare, and not even in KLOV. There's a page about it here (http://emustatus.rainemu.com/games/osman.htm). Enjoy!

*runs again*

[Dire 51]

huh... never felt random or slow to me...

But yeah, Cannon Dancer. I would LOVE to get my hands on it... who knows when that'll be, if ever...