System: Game Gear
Release date: February 1995

Stretch into a starry adventure with Ristar on the Game Gear, the February 1995 platformer from Sega that lets you take control of a stretchy-armed cosmic hero saving a troubled galaxy. This handheld spin on the Mega Drive classic swaps Sonic’s breakneck speed for grabbing, swinging, and headbutting action, but does it still shine in 2025? Let’s find out if this stellar quest is a cosmic classic or a handheld black hole.

Gameplay: Grab, Swing, and Smash

Ristar casts you as a star-headed hero who uses extendable arms to grab enemies, latch onto poles, and swing across chasms. The controls are sharp for a Game Gear title, offering responsive jumps, satisfying grabs, and headbutts that land with punchy precision. Each of the six themed planets mixes platforming with light puzzles, such as yanking levers or bashing crystal barriers, and bosses range from greedy birds to icy giants, each demanding clever timing rather than brute force. Power-ups like health stars and extra lives add a sprinkling of arcade flavour.

The meteor? Hazards can be tricky to spot on the small screen, and difficulty spikes in later levels may frustrate. Still, the inventive mechanics and breezy pacing keep you hooked like Ristar gripping a meteor.

Graphics: A Galaxy of Pixelated Charm

Ristar looks remarkably vibrant on the Game Gear. Each planet bursts with charm, from lush alien forests to fiery volcanic caverns, all rendered in bold colours that pop on the handheld’s display. Ristar himself boasts fluid animations for grabbing, spinning, and performing victory dances, while enemies such as musical ghosts and robotic squids ooze personality. Subtle parallax and lively backgrounds create a cosmic, cheerful atmosphere that still dazzles in its miniature scale.

Sound: Starry Tunes That Twinkle

The soundtrack delivers upbeat chiptunes tailored to each world, from jaunty grooves to spooky cave ambience. Sound effects such as grab whooshes, enemy pops, and boss growls are crisp and suit the energetic gameplay nicely. Music loops can grate a bit during repeated attempts, but their cheerful energy keeps the vibe light and lively.

Replayability: A Stellar Journey Worth Reliving

With six imaginative planets, secret bonus stages, and a hard mode unlocked after victory, Ristar offers solid replay value. Chasing high scores, discovering hidden goodies, or mastering boss strategies adds longevity to its brief campaign. The difficulty may deter newcomers, but the tight level design and creative mechanics reward perseverance and make repeat runs a delight.

The Retro Looney Verdict

Ristar on the Game Gear is a dazzling handheld platformer brimming with cosmic charm. Slick controls, vibrant visuals, and lively tunes make it a pocket-sized gem, even if tough moments and visibility quirks occasionally dim its glow. A bright, bouncy adventure that still shines across the galaxy.