Virtual Console Reviews

I never even heard about this game when it came out all those years ago, so I can understand when people go on about it being underrated. And I agree, its a brilliant game that can easliy stand up against soinic and co. Well worth a look!

This game is quality. I was one of those fortunate enough to pick this one up when it was released back in the day. It's a bright, colourful, solid platformer. Think Sonic style enviroments with varied Sonic gameplay. This isnt your typical Sonic gameplay though where every level is just a different background and you jump and spin through different obstacles. Ristar has stretchy arms to climb, grab switches, hang on to flying owls, and much more including snowball fights with an eskimo. If you missed this one first time round and you owned at least one sonic, you owe it to yourself to give his intergerlactic cousin a go aswell.

i'm sorry everyone but i think this game is terrible, it's good fun for about half an hour but then it gets boring.
i terms of controlls it doesn't run smooth and feels blockly and like you can't move
it's no fun and to kill an enemy you just stretch your arms into him.
the nice and colourful graphics don't hide this games awful gameplay.
dnt waste 800 points, you could be spening it on something so much better.
e.g. super mario world, f-zero and so on.

I remember loving this game a lot more when I was a kid...

In New Zealand, everybody owned a Megadrive (Genesis), not a SNES, so I missed out on many classic games. Now that I've got access to many SNES games through the Virtual Console, this games mediocrity is pretty apparent.

Not an awful game, but four stars might be a bit generous in my opinion...

I'm quite surprised that there has never been at least a sequel to this game. However the only reason why I wouldn't download it is because you can get on the Sonic Mega Collection for Gamecube.

I just wish Ristar's walking speed was a tad faster. Perhaps they'll update it if we all ask them real nicely?

i'm sorry everyone but i think this game is terrible, it's good fun for about half an hour but then it gets boring.
i terms of controlls it doesn't run smooth and feels blockly and like you can't move
it's no fun and to kill an enemy you just stretch your arms into him.
the nice and colourful graphics don't hide this games awful gameplay.
dnt waste 800 points, you could be spening it on something so much better.
e.g. super mario world, f-zero and so on.

^you need to finish it. Maybe the emulation is choppy, I dunno. Last time I played it it was super smooth but it's not fast paced like Sonic. It has very varied gameplay with lots of small puzzles and secrets to find.

You don't just stretch your arms to kill enemies, you knock them out with your head.

It's a good game, though I don't really remember it. I played it a couple of times when I hacked Sonic Mega Collection to unlock it XD
I watched the video and it doesn't look as good as I remember though.
It just scrapes a 4* in my books.

I finally made myself unlock this on mega collection and it's awesome. I can't belive they made no sequals

It bears repeating because I own Sonic Mega Collection: Ristar is an unlockable game within the collection. The character designer was Yuji Uekawa, who has since went to create new characters (and updating designs of Sonic and friends) in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Everyone should play and appreciate this underrated gem: unique platformimg mechanics and colorful visuals. Download Ristar if you have missed it the first time...

The art style is gorgeous and the gameplay is pretty fun. Solid platforming action.

I love this game. I recently unlocked it on Mega Collection, and frankly, I think it is amazing. It deserves nothing less than 5 stars because it is a unique platformer that, for its time, broke the barriers of what a platformer could be. The bosses are also fantastic, and they all offer a unique challenge. Great spritework too.

I'd say 4 stars is more than fair. This game has some nice bright graphics and interesting gameplay mechanics but it still falls short of classic status due to some odd level design choices which really choke up the gameplay. It's really nothing spectacular. Worth checking out as it is a solid platformer but it's no Sonic CD.

I bought the Sega Genesis Collection for my PSP(has many of the games found on the VC), and Ristar is one of them. I was pleasantly surprised at how addicted I am to this game. I know this may be a bit drastic to say, but I enjoy it more than Sonic. Its got nicer artwork, a cool, cartoon-like visual style, and the gameplay is very fun.

You kill enemies by grabbing onto them (your arms extend rather far), and "bonking" them with your head. As the Mad Bomber stated, the level design is a bit odd, but still enjoyable seeing as how nice every level looks. If you do not have access to the Sega Genesis Collection(PSP or PS2), then definitely invest the Wii points in this game, you will not be disappointed with this solid platformer.

How do you unlock this on mega collection?

"It's really nothing spectacular. Worth checking out as it is a solid platformer but it's no Sonic CD."

Funny you should mention Sonic CD, which is the worst offender when it comes to choking up the gameplay with odd level design (Im looking at you, crappy timetraveling system).

A visual tour-de-force that showcased the power of the Mega Drive and wowed everybody (who played it) with its stunning looks. Ristar requires the disciplines of skill, concentration and good reflexes - qualities any decent gamer needs! Master it, and you'll be safe in the knowledge that you've spent your 800 points on one of the finest 2D platformer there is on any console. A hugely playable game, far superior than the folks above have portrayed it to be. 5 stars, without question.

Played this on Mega Collection and it was quite a good game