Ristar (Sega Genesis, 1995)

Simple yet crushing. This is a simple left to right platformer that is like no other. It can be crushing when you fail to complete the task at hand and there is always a task at hand - even if it is just to make it to the end of the level.

You are a star with a long grasp to grab enemies then head-butt them out of your way and your long reach can grab ladders or walls to climb or swing from. This is a cute character with a unique long arm reach thing going on.

The game is very colorful, bright and detailed for a 16-bit game. The music is upbeat. The story line is better than a great many other games and has cut scenes.

I have not yet beaten this game but I have just recently found new moves and a bonus level I had not known about. After a year of occasional use, I can still find surprises.

It is a fun game for me, (thirty something) and my four year-old likes it too. I strongly recommend adding this to your collection.
In my top 5 Genesis games right now (Sonic 2, Buster's Hidden Treasure, Ristar, Rocket Knight Adventures & Sol-Deace).

UPDATE: I believe this character is included on the Sega Superstars Tennis game released March 18, 2008, (multi-platform release).

Another update: On 9/2/2008 someone gave me an unhelpful vote for this review. I believe the review is at the very least somewhat helpful for someone curious about this title. Why the negative? I've put a lot of work into many of these reviews and, as someone who has played many, many Genesis games, I feel I can judge the good games from the bad games. Give a guy a break.

An evil tyrant with a silly name (Greedy) has arisen to control a solar system full of sentient beings. He Corrupts the leaders of each world and thereby enslaves the populace. He has sent his minions in the disguise of planet natives into the worlds to enforce his rule...

A lush forest planet, the last planet in the tyrants agenda manages to send a call of help to the solar systems ancient hero before being over run. However Greedy even has managed to remove the great hero. Yet he did not count on the interference of the hero's sun... Ristar!

You control Ristar in his attempt to liberate the solar system. You will stretch his arms to grab enemies and summarily head-but them. Your long limbs will be used to climb various surfaces. Being a star adds even more to the unique gameplay, already chock-full of action and puzzles.

Was made at the end of the Genesis run. Should be found when they stated making the cardboad box cases. Solid little 2D right to left platform game. A must have since its a Sega game.

Colorful levels, a nifty outer space story, fun characters, and *awesome* music make this a great game all around for the Sega Genesis.

My all-time favorite game on the Genesis system. Very addictive and creative. A great alternate to Sonic and other sideways-action games that promise much but turn out to be repetitive and unsatisfying.