Xbox Game Pass: 12 Massively Underrated Games You Must Play

12. Strider

Back in the late 80s, Strider - a relentless platforming slash fest - was one of Capcom’s stalwart franchises. Launching first in arcades, then on the Sega Genesis followed by a sequel. It quite clearly stood next to Mega Man and Street Fighter 2 as a landmark title coming out of the company at the time, and then - nothing.

It took over twenty years, but after the character popped back up in Marvel vs Capcom 3, Double Helix was tasked with bringing back our favourite cyborg ninja back in 2014, but at that point, not many gamers cared. The reception was mild and the title quickly forgotten.

Pity then, since the game is a great ode to the flashy, breakneck action of the originals, evolving it into a lean variation on the ‘Metroidvania’ formula. The rush of blasting through a level like a ninjutsu Sonic the Hedgehog while leaving diced opponents in the dust never grows old. But adding the element of exploration, secret upgrades and imaginative boss fights, are all welcome additions to the retro formula.

It hardly breaks new ground in terms of storytelling or fresh gaming mechanics, but it's plenty enjoyable and brings enough challenge in its brief run-time - making it an ideal weekend playthrough.