The graphics in Strider Hiryu 2 are impressive and definitely help set the mood for this tale of a future rogue. For those of you who are familiar with the game Spider, the graphics will look incredibly similar; 3-D rotatable backgrounds with 2-D and 3-D characters. I have to admit that the 3-D really works for the game during certain scenes, and looks horrible in others. For example, on the first level you fight the main boss on a flowing sea of hovering traffic. Jumping from 3-D car to 3-D car while taking out the baddies does look mighty nice. Yet, I still could not help but notice the fact that the fight takes place at a slightly askew camera angle while the characters remain at the same angle they will always be seen at throughout the game. Basic lesson: 2-D, hand drawn characters don't do perspectives! That flaw aside, Capcom still crammed in plenty of eye candy to keep gamers happy. The most notable effect being your boost technique where transparent, multi-colored blades of light fly from your cypher, homing in on the closest enemies. Overall, the game is a graphic marvel but can look incredibly clashing at times since you will end up taking down plenty of 2-D and 3-D enemies before the game is through.

Gameplay wise, Strider Hiryu 2 plays incredibly similar to the original with a few tweaks and extras. Unlike the first game, you now have the ability to double jump allowing Strider to save himself quite easily from a misjudged jump. We also get the previously mentioned boost technique, which is a collected bonus item that lasts for a limited amount of time. Another fun item of note is that the player will find oodles of references to the original game, such as the floating gravity core and plenty of mechanized animals to slash apart. In many sections of the game it feels a lot like you are playing the original with updated graphics and cool new moves, which is not always a bad thing in my book.

While the new abilities add to the fun of the game, they also shorten it. This has to be one of the biggest complaints I have with games today: Too short! While it is only supposed to be a port of an arcade game, I still look for that extra bit of effort by programmers. I have to admit that Capcom did try by adding in two unlockable stages and the ability to play as Strider Hien. The problem is that Hien is an even more powerful character, shortening the game that much more. Of course, that is where Strider Hiryu 1 in all of its nostalgic glory comes in to save the day. Yes, there are load times on the first game but I'm sure you won't mind since most of us burned out our Sega Genesis a long time ago. I'd rather pop in a Playstation disc than try giving my Genesis mouth to mouth one more time. You won't find any extras in the first game but you don't need to fix a formula that works.

So, how does the Strider collection stand up against the likes of other current imports? In all fairness, I have to admit that it doesn't put up a good fight. Since Capcom has announced a May domestic release of Strider Hiryu 1 & 2, I would suggest waiting for the localization. Domestic prices will surely make this one a winner in the states. I'm know all of you die-hard Strider fans have your copies by now. But for those of you were not sure about waiting, save your money, it will be well worth it come May.