In the past two years, Ninja games seem to have made a comeback. ININ, Sega, Dotemu, and others have all thrown their names into the arena. Thus far, the quality of each company’s aforementioned games has been high from what we’ve been shown. And in the case of ININ and Dotemu, we can literally play their offering as of the writing of this article. Right now, no matter which retro revival ninja franchise you favor, you’re guaranteed a quality game.

On August 29, 2024, developers Natsume Atari and Tenjo Project, along with publisher ININ Games revived a Nintendo Entertainment System classic. That classic was Shadow of the Ninja. Back in the day, this was one of the more enjoyable 2-player co-op games. And it still holds true now in the modern era. This game blends both action and puzzle elements. What results in a rare couch coop in this day and age. Currently, this one is available for all major platforms. I know on PlayStation you can download the demo. But to be honest, just do yourselves a favor and buy this. Yeah, it’s that good.

In late August 2025, Sega will be bringing back their classic ninja franchise in the form of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance for all major platforms. The game has a cel-shaded look, and the action is speedy without seeming unbearably fast (if that makes sense). The developer, Lizardcube, has certainly done the franchise justice. It’s been a long time coming since we haven’t seen a new Shinobi game since the 3DS days. Lizardcube did Streets of Rage 4 justice, so I expect nothing less with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance.

In July 2025, the next game in the Ninja Gaiden franchise was released. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings the series back to the 2d roots that started with the original trilogy. The game has a retro-style look combined with fast gameplay. Developer The Game Kitchen and publisher Dotemu, with Koei Tecmo’s license, are treating a new, modern audience to the 2d style of Ninja Gaiden gameplay that those of us ancient people (NES era gamers) grew up on and enjoyed.

Now, that’s 3 Ninja games. 3 old classic franchises made new again in some way or form. But there’s one ninja franchise that comes from the old school that is due for a new game. And with the ninja trend going on, now is the perfect time to bring this franchise back. Capcom can, and in my opinion, should occupy a seat at the ninja revival table with Strider. Yes, we’re well aware of the 2014 Strider Metroidvania-style game (a game I highly recommend by the way). But we’re talking about in the traditional 2D style of the original game. To me, this is one of those “strike while the iron is hot” moments. So why not show the competing companies how it’s done right?

Reasons Strider should return

Reason 1

It would be a good idea for Capcom to bring Strider back is simply due to the timing. So far, every classic ninja franchise that’s been made new again from 2024 onward has been met with positive receptions. And when you consider Capcom’s particular care about quality in recent years, it’s almost a sure-fire bet that Strider will get universal praise. Shadow of the Ninja Reborn has good reviews, with the constant complaint of difficulty being the general consensus of what weighs it down. Ninja Gaiden Ragebound has also been highly praised. And you can expect the same with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. So just based on buzz alone, bringing Strider back now makes all the sense in the world. To be honest, most gamers who bought any of the aforementioned games would potentially be Strider customers too. Strider can surely take part in the ninja resurgence, should Capcom care to do so.

Reason 2-

The second reason is that there are more stories to tell. If the story of Strider 2014 and/ or Strider 2 for the PS1 are to be seen as canon, then there should be many stories to tell in Strider’s universe. Hiryu is the most well-known Strider, but remember, Striders are a clan. There are other Striders still alive, storyline-wise. Hien, Kain, and Sheena are all still alive and kicking. So right off the bat, you have three separate stories you can possibly tell. Not to mention, there are a few enemies from the original game that didn’t actually perish. So who can say how many new storylines can stem from that. Then there’s the fact that there are at least 11 deceased striders in the lore. I see 11 different prequel stories that can be told there. Another story route they can go is Strider vs Strider crime. After all, in the lore, Strider Hien is a traitor who sold out the rest of the Strider clan to Grand Master Meio. The fact of the matter is there are plenty of stories to be had in the Strider universe if Capcom is willing to put the work in.

Reason 3 –

Prominence. Capcom has really been throwing their weight around in a bunch of gaming genres. Strider would be a good IP to use to make a statement in the 2D hack-and-slash genre. They have prominence in the fighting genre with Street Fighter. They have prominence in the Horror genre with Resident Evil. And when it comes to the hunter games, Monster Hunter has pretty much had that locked down since the franchise came about. The Strider IP could give them a mainstay foothold in the 2D hack & slash genre.

Reason 4-

Capcom can go 4-player coop with it. One thing about the Strider franchise is that it can utilize all the past Striders from the lore in a multiplayer way. And we’ve seen the template for this before. Ever hear of a game called Moon Diver? Keep in mind, the same man who developed Moon Diver is the same man who developed the original Strider we all know and cherish. Granted, Moondivers was an average game. But trying again now, with modern refinements, would be a good idea. And it would help it stand out against the other Ninja games in the field.

Now, who can say whether or not Capcom will jump on the trend of 2d ninja games making a comeback. But as of late, Capcom’s been on a roll with their legacy franchises. Capcom has a staple in most of the genres of gaming except one, 2D hack and Slash. Strider can fill that void. And with all these other Ninja franchises once old being made new again, it’s time for Capcom and Strider to show them how it’s done.