Ristar is a platforming video game released by Sega in February 1995 for the Sega Game Gear. Though there was a Ristar game for the Sega Genesis as well, this review is about the Game Gear version. It was released towards the end of the Game Gear’s lifecycle so it was given quite low exposure. However, compared to all of the other game options for the Game Gear this one is quite good in a cute, juvenile way.

Ultimately I have some pretty low expectation for these early era handhelds, but when I picked up this little guy, I was pleasantly surprised. Ristar is pretty much a 2D side-scrolling platformer with many visual echoes from the Sonic Green Hill Zone levels. You even collect tons of stars (instead of coins). What makes this game fun though is that your character has this pretty awesome stretching-arm trick that lets you swing from location to location, climb, etc. This tiny little feature lets your rock through the level, which is a must since the regular walking pace of your character is painfully slow.

Pros:

Also, here is a “secret song” I found out about while doing some research for this game.

Cons: