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 puts you in the stretchy arms of a cosmic hero saving a galaxy from an evil tyrant. This vibrant spin-off from Sonic’s creators trades speed for grabbing action—but does it still shine in 2025? Let’s nab the D-pad, boot up the Game Gear, and see if this stellar quest is a cosmic classic or a black hole.

Gameplay: Grab, Swing, and Smash

Ristar casts you as the titular star-child, using stretchy arms to grab enemies, swing across gaps, and bash through obstacles across six colorful planets. The Game Gear’s controls are snappy, with the D-pad and buttons handling jumps, grabs, and headbutts with precision. Each world mixes platforming with light puzzles—think grabbing poles to vault or smashing crystal walls—while bosses like a greedy bird or icy titan demand clever tactics. Power-ups like health stars and 1-ups add arcade flair.

The catch? The Game Gear’s small screen cramps the action, making some hazards hard to spot. The difficulty spikes in later levels can frustrate, and battery life fades faster than a shooting star. Still, the inventive mechanics and breezy pace keep you hooked like Ristar’s grip on a meteor.

Graphics: A Galaxy of Pixelated Charm

The Game Gear’s color screen sparkles in Ristar, with vibrant planets—from lush jungles to fiery volcanoes—packed with detail. Ristar’s stretchy sprite is a delight, with fluid animations for grabs, spins, and victory dances. Enemies, from robotic squids to musical ghosts, burst with personality, and backgrounds use bright palettes and parallax scrolling to create a cosmic vibe. It’s a cut-down version of the Mega Drive’s dazzle, but it still glows like a supernova for ’95.

Sound: Starry Tunes That Twinkle

A chipper chiptune soundtrack, with catchy tracks that match each planet’s vibe—jaunty for forests, eerie for caves. Sound effects—Ristar’s grab whoosh, enemy pops, and boss roars—are crisp and punchy, fitting the action perfectly. The looping music can grate during tough stages, but its upbeat energy keeps you soaring like a comet on a joyride.

Replayability: A Stellar Journey Worth Reliving

With six planets, hidden bonus stages, and a hard mode unlocked after beating the game, Ristar begs for replays to snag every star or master boss fights. The short campaign suits portable play, and chasing high scores adds arcade bite. The steep difficulty might daunt some, but the tight levels and creative mechanics make every run a galactic blast, perfect for quick sessions or obsessive star-hunts.

The Retro Looney Verdict

Ristar on the Game Gear is a dazzling, pint-sized platformer that blends quirky mechanics with cosmic charm. Its slick controls, vibrant visuals, and peppy tunes make it a handheld gem, even if the small screen and tough spots dim its shine like a distant star. Dust off your Game Gear (or emulator) and grab the cosmos—this stellar adventure still sparkles in 2025.