< Back

Strife (PC, 1996)

Subgenre: 3D-ish ARPG-lite (Doom engine w/ some updates; NPCs, quests/missions, shops, item inventory - can also drop items anywhere (?) and pick them up later, interactive dialogue (basic dialogue trees), some stat upgrades, some alternate paths), Basic stealth

Perspective: FP view

Movement Mechanics: Platforming

Save anywhere (6 nameable slots)
Map feature (zoomable, can set markers, marks quest relevant points for you in the re-release), rare scanner item (temporarily shows the positions of all players, enemies, items, and obstacles on the map screen)
No new moves gained that let you traverse new areas or new parts of previously visited areas (only ability/tool gating is the environmental suit?)
Some teleporters that let you move back and forth between areas
Some sequence breaking possible (can skip the prison mission by killing the entrance guard at the power station and getting a pass from him, can skip some quest dialogue)
Can't rocket jump to skip some intended paths but can sort of do it horizontally with the grenade launcher (haven't tested it much)
Can't get stuck in the re-release (minor issue in the original)
Three different endings

Playthrough - Video Review - Mini-Review

Influenced by: Probably Ultima Underworld, Hexen, possibly CyberMage, SW: Dark Forces, System Shock, Shadowcaster

Influenced: Possibly Powerslave/Exhumed, Quake 2, Half-Life, System Shock 2, Metroid Prime, Deus Ex, SW: Dark Forces II, Turok