Play Journey From Darkness: Strider Returns Online

Summary

Journey from Darkness: Strider Returns (known as Strider II in Europe) feels like a hurried copy of the Mega Drive original, yet it carries a few quirks that set the Game Gear version apart. The port was lifted straight from the Master System edition, inheriting the ceiling‑crawling slide and a limited button scheme that forces shuriken throws only while standing still.

You play as Hinjo – the manual even drops the familiar “Hiryu” name – with an endless supply of shuriken, though only two can fly at once. Instead of a robot suit, you gather glowing orbs that form a protective shield for boss fights, and you can switch between the classic cypher and a newer “sweeping” one.

Critics gave it a solid 7 / 10 from Electronic Gaming Monthly, praising smoother animation than the Genesis counterpart, while GamePro liked the large sprites and detailed backdrops but complained about a sluggish pace and a droning soundtrack.

Storyline

Journey From Darkness: Strider Returns follows Strider’s successor Hinjo on a daring rescue mission. The Princess of Planet Magenta has been seized by a terrorist group, and Hinjo must travel through five distinct stages to free her. Along the way he gathers energy icons and orbs while battling a variety of foes with his cypher and shurikens. The main antagonist is the Grandmaster (Meio) from the original Strider, referred to in the manual as the “Evil Master.” After confronting several bosses, Hinjo finally defeats the Grandmaster and rescues the Princess.