Strider (USA)

In Strider (NES), players step into the shoes of Hiryu, an elite ninja from the Strider organization, tasked with thwarting Grandmaster Meio's plans for world domination. The core gameplay is side-scrolling action with strong platforming elements. Hiryu's primary weapon is the Cypher, a plasma sword capable of swift and powerful slashes. Players will navigate through diverse stages, ranging from lush Amazonian jungles to high-tech Siberian bases, confronting a myriad of enemies from soldiers and robots to mutated creatures.

To survive, Hiryu can collect various power-ups. These include upgrades for his Cypher, enhancing its range or power, and notably, "Options" – robotic companions that assist Hiryu in combat. There are different types of Options, such as a flying eagle robot, a ground-based panther robot, or a shooting drone. These Options automatically attack enemies or protect Hiryu, providing an extra edge to the player. Additionally, Hiryu possesses special abilities like sliding, clinging to ceilings or walls for traversal, helping him overcome obstacles and approach enemies from multiple directions. At the end of each stage, players will face a challenging boss, requiring skill and strategy to defeat. Strider (NES) is renowned for its high difficulty and fast-paced, decisive gameplay.