Making the stroke SHORTER will make it rev harder generally, but will result in less torque too, so it depends on what you are trying to do.

Often shorter strokes only exist in order to allow more valve area (bigger bore) for the same capacity, like a 970cc mini for example which is MUCH bigger bore than a 998cc mini despite them both being nominally 1 litre, as the 970 is based on a 1275cc engine stroked right down so is a much bigger bore.

Personally, i would soon have more CC in general though, not less.