Strider Hiryu making a comeback in new game scheduled for 2014

Capcom is bringing back one of its oldest characters—Strider Hiryu—in a new 2D sidecroller. The game, simply dubbed Strider, is set to be an open-world Metroidvania game where the whole world is open from the start, but needs the player to get certain abilities to be able to progress. It is being developed by Double Helix and is being overseen by the original creators of the game.

Strider will retain his signature sword, dubbed the Cypher, but his iconic scarf has been redesigned. Instead of cloth, it will be a scarf made of plasma, which will change colour depending on what abilities Strider has equipped. This essentially turns the scarf into a UI element. You can see it in action in the gameplay trailer:

Strider will have new abilities, such as the ability to set enemies on fire when they are struck with his sword. Strider will also have access to other weapons, namely, sickles for climbing walls and kunai for long-ranged combat.

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The last time Strider had his own game was Strider 2 on the PlayStation in 1999. The character has since made an appearance in other games, the first of these being in 1998’s Marvel vs Capcom: Clash of the Superheroes. He was a popular character in the 2D fighting game thanks to his speed, zone control and easily-chained combos. His last appearance so far has been in 2012’s Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3.

Strider will be released in early 2014 on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC.

The developer, Double Helix, is currently working on a major title for the Xbox One—Killer Instinct.