Strider is unapologetic in its approach: it’s a Metroidvania that thrives on speed, slashing, and general carnage. It manages all four very well.

I’m happy to report that Double Helix nailed all of the classic elements of the series while launching it into the modern era.

It's not perfect, and the chrome finish is marred by a few pacing and polish quibbles, but successfully taking Hiryu's seemingly anachronistic style into the 21st century has only proven how much he has improved with time.

While its slightly unbalanced design holds it back from being a genuine classic, it nonetheless does enough right to put a swagger back in Strider’s step for the first time in decades.

For now, if you don’t mind a world that’s full of rather bland environments, feeling contradictory to the game’s intense, blistering action, then jumping into the ninja boots of Strider is sure to supply a fun afternoon or two.

Strider is a liberating, free-form action platformer studded with frustrating callbacks to an arcade era better left behind.

Enjoyable, authentic, and oh-so-cool... when it doesn't break.