Strider

Strider is an action-adventure game where the player controls Strider Hiryu, an elite ninja assassin. Gameplay features side-scrolling platforming and combat with a plasma sword (Cypher) across seven stages: Kazakhstan, Egypt, Japan, China, Africa, Los Angeles, and Australia. Hiryu must eliminate hordes of enemies while collecting data files and clues to progress. Story involves a mission to rescue friend Kain, who was captured by enemies; Hiryu had previously killed his sister Mariya after she went mad and lives peacefully in Mongolia until the Striders' Vice-Director Matic forces him back into action. Characters include Hiryu, Kain, and various Strider agents and antagonists. It stands out for its developed narrative with backtracking and proto-Metroidvania exploration, unlike typical arcade action games.