Welcome to a brand new episode of Defunct Games Decides, the show that isn't afraid to get to the bottom of classic video game arguments. Today we're talking about the sequel to one of my favorite games of all time, Strider. Not including the recent reboot, there are two completely different Strider sequels. One was released on the Sega Genesis and Game Gear, designed by Tiertex and released under the name Strider Returns: Journey from Darkness. The other was made by Capcom and released into arcades in 1999, later ported to the PlayStation. Which sequel is best?

Strider II: PlayStation vs. Genesis

STRIDER 2: Released exactly ten years after the arcade original, Strider 2 sees the continuing adventures of Strider Hiryu, one of the greatest heroes in video game history. First in the arcades and then later on PlayStation, this sequel looks great, is packed with explosive action and, unfortunately, is over far too quickly. In fact, most people will bust through it in a single sitting. And with limited replay, both critics and fans of the series found themselves disappointed by the shallow follow-up.

STRIDER II: Known as Strider Returns: Journey from Darkness here in the United States (but Strider II in Europe), this game was maligned by critics for lacking the polish and creativity of the original. Tiertex does an admirable job recreating locations similar to the first game (including using some of the same sprites), but the speed is too slow and it lacks any kind of urgency. Worst of all, this sequel changes the look of Strider's sword, one of the best video game weapons of all time. Blaspheme!

VERDICT: Sadly, neither game is the sequel we deserved. Strider 2 was too short and didn't expand the fiction, while Strider Returns was too slow and didn't feel right. Hell, even the new new Strider can't live up to the 1989 original. But when it comes down to it, there is a clear winner here. The PlayStation version of Strider 2 may be short and unoriginal, but at least it doesn't feel broken. Strider 2 is the winner. Of course, this should come as no surprise to anybody who has read my review of Strider Returns: Journey from Darkness.

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