Ristar

"One of the best 16-bit games ever made!"

In my opinion, Gunstar Heroes is one of the best Genesis games ever made, and certainly a 16-bit classic. Hey, we've all heard of it, and we've all sung its praises at one time or another.
However, there is one more Genesis game that I also hold in tremendously high regard -- a game that you may have never heard of. It's called Ristar.

Yes, controlling a star with limbs and a huge smile plastered across his face does seem extremely corny...but, once you've given the game a try, you'll quickly develope a love for Ristar and his endless pursuit to save his friends from evil. It's that simple -- this game has no need for a huge and complex plot, although if you really do care to know what's going on, then there's a little bit of info before you get to the title screen.

If you loved the level design for Gunstar Heroes, as well as the look of the enemies and bosses, then you'll surely love the look that Ristar has to offer -- big, colorful bosses, beautiful backgrounds, interesting places. If you've never played Gunstar Heroes, then you have absolutely no reason not to track down this game, because it will quickly become your favorite Genesis title.

Ristar has many surprises in store for retro-gamers out there, ranging from levels chock-full-o'-secrets, to cool puzzles and enemies. This isn't your average platformer, although the box/cartridge art would certainly lead you to believe so. You must use your arms as your weapons, grabbing onto whatever you can -- to destroy things, to advance to new places, to get cool secrets. You can grab onto flying enemies, who will bring you to previously unreachable places. You can nimbly swing from poles and branches, among other things, without your feet ever touching the ground for moments at a time.

Simply put -- this game is amazing, and you can't go without playing it! Lay your doubts aside, and track down this gem...it's full of replay value, and it's amazing graphics, music and challenge still make me swoon today in 2004.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/05/04