Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: Android, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Wii
- Developers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publishers: Sega, Sega Corporation, Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Sega Games, Tec Toy
Ristar: A Unique and Charming Platformer
Released in 1995 for the Sega Genesis, Ristar is a platformer that stands out from the crowd with its unique mechanics and charming protagonist. Players control Ristar, an anthropomorphic cartoon star who uses his stretchy arms to swing, grapple, and attack enemies.
Ristar’s arms are his defining feature. He can stretch them to great lengths, allowing him to reach distant platforms, swing across gaps, and grab enemies from afar. This gives Ristar a great deal of mobility and versatility, and it makes for some very creative and challenging level design.
The game’s levels are full of puzzles and obstacles that require Ristar to use his arms in clever ways. For example, he might need to swing across a chasm, grapple onto a high ledge, or pull an object towards him to create a new path. The puzzles are never too difficult, but they’re always clever and engaging.
In addition to his stretchy arms, Ristar can also use his hands to attack enemies. He can punch, kick, and grapple enemies, and he can even use his arms to spin around and create a powerful tornado attack. Ristar’s combat is simple but effective, and it’s a lot of fun to use his stretchy arms to defeat enemies in creative ways.
One of the things that makes Ristar so charming is its protagonist. Ristar is a cheerful and optimistic character, and he’s always ready to help others. He’s also very brave and determined, and he never gives up, no matter how difficult the challenge.
Ristar’s world is full of colorful and quirky characters, from the friendly villagers of Planet Flora to the evil pirates who are trying to conquer it. The game’s story is simple but engaging, and it’s full of humor and heart.
Ristar was released at the end of the Sega Genesis’s lifecycle, and it was overshadowed by the launch of the Sega Saturn and other fifth-generation video game consoles. As a result, the game never received a sequel, and it’s largely been forgotten by gamers today. However, Ristar is a truly unique and charming platformer that deserves to be rediscovered.
Gameplay
Ristar is a 2D platformer in which the player controls Ristar, an anthropomorphic cartoon star who uses his stretchy arms to swing, grapple, and attack enemies. The game’s levels are full of puzzles and obstacles that require Ristar to use his arms in clever ways.
Ristar’s arms can be stretched to great lengths, allowing him to reach distant platforms, swing across gaps, and grab enemies from afar. He can also use his arms to attack enemies, punching, kicking, and grappling them. Ristar can also use his arms to spin around and create a powerful tornado attack.
The game’s levels are full of variety, from lush forests to underwater caverns to outer space. Each level is filled with puzzles and obstacles that require Ristar to use his arms in different ways. For example, he might need to swing across a chasm, grapple onto a high ledge, or pull an object towards him to create a new path.
Ristar also has a number of power-ups that he can collect throughout the game. These power-ups can give him new abilities, such as the ability to shoot stars or to become invincible.
Story
The story of Ristar takes place on Planet Flora, a peaceful world inhabited by friendly creatures. However, Planet Flora is under attack by the evil pirates led by Greedy. Greedy is seeking to conquer Planet Flora and enslave its inhabitants.
Ristar, a brave and determined star, arrives on Planet Flora to help the villagers fight back against Greedy and his pirates. Ristar must travel across Planet Flora, defeating Greedy’s minions and collecting the seven Rainbow Drops. The Rainbow Drops are powerful artifacts that can be used to defeat Greedy and restore peace to Planet Flora.
Reception
Ristar was released to generally positive reviews from critics. The game’s unique mechanics and charming protagonist were praised, but some critics found the game to be too easy and short. Despite the positive reviews, Ristar’s initial release was overshadowed by the launch of the Sega Saturn and other fifth-generation video game consoles. As a result, the game never received a sequel, and it’s largely been forgotten by gamers today.
However, Ristar has been re-released a number of times digitally and on Sega-themed compilations. The game has also been given cameos in other Sega properties, such as the Sonic the Hedgehog series.
Legacy
Ristar is a unique and charming platformer that deserves to be rediscovered. The game’s unique mechanics and charming protagonist make it a standout title in the Sega Genesis library. Despite its initial lack of success, Ristar has gone on to become a cult classic among Sega fans.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
