Whenever Ristar is brought up I find myself comparing him to Kirby more than Sonic because I find their similarities more interesting. Ristar has regional differences like Kirby with the Angry and Happy Expressions, they are both Star Children, they travel to Different Planets and speaking of that, Ristar technically did Milky Way Wishes in 1995 before Kirby did with Superstar in 1996. Moral of the Story is Ristar is or could have been Sega’s answer to Kirby except without copying abilities but who knows if they ever would’ve expanded upon Ristar’s abilities if they decided to continue the series since in Kirby’s first game he couldn’t use copy abilities. I’ve also heard the Ristar Family would’ve been extended beyond Ristar with other Star Children.
There are definitely some notable similarities between Ristar and Kirby, I can see it for sure. Maybe if Sega interpreted Ristar's appeal in that way, the Sonic comparisons wouldn't be quite as common. It's fun to think about how the series could've flourished with just a different direction in mind.
Although I grew up in the '90s I actually never got to play this game back then. It wasn't until the 2000s when I was playing Sonic mega collection and I unlocked all the games on there and unlocked Ristar. Ever since playing it on there I have to admit this is a really awesome game. I think a lot of people missed out on it. I remember seeing my oldest brother play the game a little bit I think through the Sega channel back in the '90s but that was all I had seen about it back then. Honestly with how well designed this game is and how often this character has been talked about by so many people it really feels like a game that does need to be a series in my opinion. I don't think it's ever going to happen I think Sega just has decided that they're just not going to bother making any more Ristar games, but no really it would be cool to see more of these. See what they can do to improve in each game. I mean don't release them like a lot. Maybe for once make a second game and then wait I don't know another 5 years for a third game or something that'd be fine by me honestly. A then friend of mine had also played this game for the first time when I unlocked it on Sonic Mega collection. He was actually saying he felt like in a way he was kind of playing Kirby. I mean I don't exactly agree with what he said in his comparison but I do understand it. A long range attack that brings the enemy right to you and well in the case of Kirby you eat them but for Ristar You bounce off them. I think that is basically where all the comparisons lie though. Then again the way they swim is pretty well controlled. They swim in all directions and can increase their speed as well.
@@PostMesmeric for the longest time it was my favorite game of all time and now my son plays it haha. One of these days ill remake the mechanics in that game.
I've only ever seen Ristar, and still to this point didn't actually know much about the game. Don't know that I'll ever get around to tackling it, but I can appreciate someone carrying a torch for a forgotten gem. It's exactly how I feel about something like the Gravity Rush series. Good video man, and I hope you have a good Christmas!
I've never heard of Ristar before but I always love hearing people gush about a game that means a lot to them, so thank you for sharing your love of Ristar!
Oh man, this video is really special to me. I ADORE Ristar! Like you, it's easily one of my favorite games and you nailed so much about why I love it. The aesthetics are vibrant and otherworldly, giving off an exceptionally cozy vibe. The core mechanic is brilliantly simple to process and is used in so many different contexts that it never gets old. Ristar stands for what I love most in games: Focused, tightly designed games that take a mechanic or idea and really run with it. It's something the AAA space in games has completely dropped by this point but it's an area that shines bright within the indie scene.
I'm happy you enjoyed the video! I can appreciate games with simple ideas that build upon them in unique ways. Ristar is a shining example of basic ideas with a lot of uncoverable depth.
This was a terrific video! I didn't grow up with a genesis so that library always eluded me. Ristar seems like a fun game so I'll definitely check it out! Great video as always dude!
It's a great time and just really good vibes. I know Digi Valentine made a great video detailing the history of development and release. I wish Sega did more beyond (appreciated) ports and cameos but this one venture is definitely a fun and unique one.
As a kid I couldn't get into the fast pace of Genesis games, all going whole hog on that Blast Processing™️. The slower and more methodical pace of Ristar probably would have had me if I'd been exposed to it back then. In terms of pacing it reminds me more of World of Illusion than Sonic, and I absolutely loved that game when I played it at my friend's. I think I'll give Ristar a try soon
Bro I love ristar so much it’s actually one of my favorite game I know every characters name I know every world there was even a point in time where I beat it 3 times in the same day but my point is I love ristar and always will
Man, I need to play Ristar again. I think I have it somewhere stashed someplace. I have more memories for a game of the same caliber and system: Dynamite Headdy. Makes me really nostalgic just wanting to pick up that little Sega boomerang controller again.
@@PostMesmeric absolutely. I mentioned that in the comment too. It's interesting that even then studios used multichannel audio to absorb the player. It helps that musics were atmospheric and stylish with the limitations considered
Balancing catchiness with atmosphere was something a lot of really talented OST composers championed. Something about that era of game music really struck a chord, so to speak.
Check out video "Feel (Ristar) - Animations Tape". It shows early prototype concept in-game. Also, someone tries do little remake with Ristar 2 fan game. Pretty cute.
But no smooth jazz music? In all seriousness, that's an interesting idea to consider. I think the level design might need a bit more depth than the Werehog had, but control and mechanics-wise, it could work in its own way.
One of these years I'll get around to playing through this game (also need to get a physical copy of it). Usually when I'm using my genesis it's going to be Sonic1 or 3K, maybe Gunstar Heroes, or if I'm feeling really nostalgic some Ecco the Dolphin. Speaking of another undersung game, Ecco Tides of Time was and still is a fantastic game, and is rather bizarre and unique that I just love the game even if most people don't.
I admittedly haven't played Ecco Tides of Time, but I have played the original Ecco the Dolphin. It definitely was experimental, I'd say. I love Gunstar Heroes, though!
@@PostMesmeric Ecco Tides of Time was one of the first games I played and beat on the system. Had my hands on a friend's genesis as a kid for a while because it "broken" but a good cleaning and some electrical tape on the power cord had it up and going just fine. But ya, Tides of Time is better than the original, the level design is a bit more well designed and the enemy placement is less annoying. It still has a few bs moments but those pretty rare. Overall the presentation of the game is stepped up, if you want to emulate it or drop the few hundred dollars the Sega CD version even has redone music for it. I only recently (past few years) played Gunstar Heroes and got a physical copy of it, and it's a fantastic game. One of those if I had it as a kid I would nostalgia for it and consider it a favorite. It holds up extremely well.
I never really "got" Ristar the first time I tried it on the Sonic Mega Collection. Maybe I was too accustomed to Sonic's faster gameplay, maybe I was just tired after playing each game 20 times to unlock it. Either way, I should give it another shot, and hopefully I'll be able to get more out of it.
Yeah, while I originally played it on the Genesis, I got re-introduced to it on Sonic Mega Collection on Gamecube, where it was locked behind some obnoxious steps to play. If you play it standalone on other systems now, you might be able to really tap that appeal. Thanks for the comment!
I believe everyone has that one memorable game that sticks with them, even after so long. Keep thinking of it fondly. It might come back sometime soon!
i never understood why people are convinced its pronounced "reh-star". i understood it to be a short term way to say "rising star". reeeeeeeeeeeeeestar
Whenever Ristar is brought up I find myself comparing him to Kirby more than Sonic because I find their similarities more interesting. Ristar has regional differences like Kirby with the Angry and Happy Expressions, they are both Star Children, they travel to Different Planets and speaking of that, Ristar technically did Milky Way Wishes in 1995 before Kirby did with Superstar in 1996. Moral of the Story is Ristar is or could have been Sega’s answer to Kirby except without copying abilities but who knows if they ever would’ve expanded upon Ristar’s abilities if they decided to continue the series since in Kirby’s first game he couldn’t use copy abilities. I’ve also heard the Ristar Family would’ve been extended beyond Ristar with other Star Children.
There are definitely some notable similarities between Ristar and Kirby, I can see it for sure. Maybe if Sega interpreted Ristar's appeal in that way, the Sonic comparisons wouldn't be quite as common. It's fun to think about how the series could've flourished with just a different direction in mind.
Ristar's style at least lives on to some extent in Freedom Planet. I mean, even the enemies die as black eyes.
Although I grew up in the '90s I actually never got to play this game back then. It wasn't until the 2000s when I was playing Sonic mega collection and I unlocked all the games on there and unlocked Ristar. Ever since playing it on there I have to admit this is a really awesome game. I think a lot of people missed out on it.
I remember seeing my oldest brother play the game a little bit I think through the Sega channel back in the '90s but that was all I had seen about it back then.
Honestly with how well designed this game is and how often this character has been talked about by so many people it really feels like a game that does need to be a series in my opinion. I don't think it's ever going to happen I think Sega just has decided that they're just not going to bother making any more Ristar games, but no really it would be cool to see more of these. See what they can do to improve in each game. I mean don't release them like a lot. Maybe for once make a second game and then wait I don't know another 5 years for a third game or something that'd be fine by me honestly.
A then friend of mine had also played this game for the first time when I unlocked it on Sonic Mega collection. He was actually saying he felt like in a way he was kind of playing Kirby. I mean I don't exactly agree with what he said in his comparison but I do understand it. A long range attack that brings the enemy right to you and well in the case of Kirby you eat them but for Ristar You bounce off them. I think that is basically where all the comparisons lie though. Then again the way they swim is pretty well controlled. They swim in all directions and can increase their speed as well.
I play this on the daily, def a game we needed 30 sequels from
Oh wow, daily? That's dedication to the game! Ristar does deserve that level of appreciation for sure!
@@PostMesmeric for the longest time it was my favorite game of all time and now my son plays it haha.
One of these days ill remake the mechanics in that game.
It'd be amazing to see a "spiritual successor" to Ristar from a new studio. Best of luck in that project.
I've only ever seen Ristar, and still to this point didn't actually know much about the game. Don't know that I'll ever get around to tackling it, but I can appreciate someone carrying a torch for a forgotten gem. It's exactly how I feel about something like the Gravity Rush series. Good video man, and I hope you have a good Christmas!
No problem and thank you. Have a great holiday yourself!
IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE GAMES OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!! and I just played it for the first time a week ago, and it's a masterpiece.😮
Ristar is a great game for sure
If there’s a new smash at anytime this guy better be a new challenger!
I've never heard of Ristar before but I always love hearing people gush about a game that means a lot to them, so thank you for sharing your love of Ristar!
It's a bit obscure, but all the more reason to share experiences of it. Thank you!
Oh man, this video is really special to me. I ADORE Ristar! Like you, it's easily one of my favorite games and you nailed so much about why I love it. The aesthetics are vibrant and otherworldly, giving off an exceptionally cozy vibe. The core mechanic is brilliantly simple to process and is used in so many different contexts that it never gets old. Ristar stands for what I love most in games: Focused, tightly designed games that take a mechanic or idea and really run with it. It's something the AAA space in games has completely dropped by this point but it's an area that shines bright within the indie scene.
I'm happy you enjoyed the video! I can appreciate games with simple ideas that build upon them in unique ways. Ristar is a shining example of basic ideas with a lot of uncoverable depth.
This was a terrific video! I didn't grow up with a genesis so that library always eluded me. Ristar seems like a fun game so I'll definitely check it out! Great video as always dude!
Yeah, definitely check out Ristar. I know it's gotten several ports, so I recommend giving it a try!
It was a pretty good game. I really liked the designs and music. Shame there was never a sequel.
Ristar Japan cover art is so cool. Reminds me alot of the covers in the GTA series for PS2.
It does kinda have that aesthetic, yeah!
Such a beautiful game! Colors, animations and backgrounds
It's a great time and just really good vibes. I know Digi Valentine made a great video detailing the history of development and release. I wish Sega did more beyond (appreciated) ports and cameos but this one venture is definitely a fun and unique one.
13:00
Nah don't ruin an amazing thing with unnecessary ambition
As a kid I couldn't get into the fast pace of Genesis games, all going whole hog on that Blast Processing™️. The slower and more methodical pace of Ristar probably would have had me if I'd been exposed to it back then. In terms of pacing it reminds me more of World of Illusion than Sonic, and I absolutely loved that game when I played it at my friend's. I think I'll give Ristar a try soon
This game should be released as part of Sega ages
We shant forget. This game is a stellar shot.
Bro I love ristar so much it’s actually one of my favorite game I know every characters name I know every world there was even a point in time where I beat it 3 times in the same day but my point is I love ristar and always will
Man, I need to play Ristar again. I think I have it somewhere stashed someplace. I have more memories for a game of the same caliber and system: Dynamite Headdy. Makes me really nostalgic just wanting to pick up that little Sega boomerang controller again.
Dynamite Headdy and Ristar are often compared to each other, along with Sonic. Those little mechanic-focused quirks tend to endure time so much.
Aero the Acrobat
At 10:09 i thought there was a fly that chimed in through your microphone till i noticed it was a part of the music
I believe that's some digital tones that appear in the theme "Dancing Leaves."
@@PostMesmeric absolutely. I mentioned that in the comment too. It's interesting that even then studios used multichannel audio to absorb the player. It helps that musics were atmospheric and stylish with the limitations considered
Balancing catchiness with atmosphere was something a lot of really talented OST composers championed. Something about that era of game music really struck a chord, so to speak.
Check out video "Feel (Ristar) - Animations Tape". It shows early prototype concept in-game.
Also, someone tries do little remake with Ristar 2 fan game. Pretty cute.
Good news, Takeshi Lizuka said that there's a possibility of Sonic Team's old franchises coming back, so maybe…
RISTAR IS COMING BACK!
I remember some Sonic fans pointing to the Werehog's platforming sections in Sonic Unleashed and saying Sega should do that for a 3D Ristar.
But no smooth jazz music? In all seriousness, that's an interesting idea to consider. I think the level design might need a bit more depth than the Werehog had, but control and mechanics-wise, it could work in its own way.
Wow I never worked out you could activate those light trees in flora
One of these years I'll get around to playing through this game (also need to get a physical copy of it). Usually when I'm using my genesis it's going to be Sonic1 or 3K, maybe Gunstar Heroes, or if I'm feeling really nostalgic some Ecco the Dolphin. Speaking of another undersung game, Ecco Tides of Time was and still is a fantastic game, and is rather bizarre and unique that I just love the game even if most people don't.
I admittedly haven't played Ecco Tides of Time, but I have played the original Ecco the Dolphin. It definitely was experimental, I'd say. I love Gunstar Heroes, though!
@@PostMesmeric Ecco Tides of Time was one of the first games I played and beat on the system. Had my hands on a friend's genesis as a kid for a while because it "broken" but a good cleaning and some electrical tape on the power cord had it up and going just fine. But ya, Tides of Time is better than the original, the level design is a bit more well designed and the enemy placement is less annoying. It still has a few bs moments but those pretty rare. Overall the presentation of the game is stepped up, if you want to emulate it or drop the few hundred dollars the Sega CD version even has redone music for it.
I only recently (past few years) played Gunstar Heroes and got a physical copy of it, and it's a fantastic game. One of those if I had it as a kid I would nostalgia for it and consider it a favorite. It holds up extremely well.
I never really "got" Ristar the first time I tried it on the Sonic Mega Collection. Maybe I was too accustomed to Sonic's faster gameplay, maybe I was just tired after playing each game 20 times to unlock it. Either way, I should give it another shot, and hopefully I'll be able to get more out of it.
Yeah, while I originally played it on the Genesis, I got re-introduced to it on Sonic Mega Collection on Gamecube, where it was locked behind some obnoxious steps to play. If you play it standalone on other systems now, you might be able to really tap that appeal. Thanks for the comment!
What I'd do for another Ristar game, man. It was my favorite game on a Sega Genesis game collection a I had while back by a wide margin.
It's really great, and yeah, I was re-introduced to the game via the Sonic Mega Collection on Gamecube!
What you feel for Ristar, I feel for Dynamite Headdy.
I believe everyone has that one memorable game that sticks with them, even after so long. Keep thinking of it fondly. It might come back sometime soon!
Lets get an indie dev to make a new Ristar
Sega made a good decision with Sonic Mania, so seeing an indie studio tackle a Ristar game would be interesting.
Streets of Rage 4 is another great example!
Absolutely. Even just an HD-make with hi-bit sprites would catch some attention.
someone is, as a fans game called ristar 2.
relatable intro
One of the best megadrive games ever
Ristar = Rayman + Clu Clu Land.
An odd combination on paper, but satisfying in practice. At least, for the amount I played. Don’t recall if I beat it.
Definitely give it a push to the end. The last few bosses are a bit meh, but some of the later levels are very creative.
now this is giving me motivation to install ristar on mobile
Edit: my dumbass forgot that Christan whitehead only remastered the sonic games
Stars on the go!
i never understood why people are convinced its pronounced "reh-star". i understood it to be a short term way to say "rising star". reeeeeeeeeeeeeestar
i say it like it reads in portuguese, which is how he is pronouncing it.
yeah this game rules.
It really does.
I couldn't make it past Planet Scorch Stage 1
Amazing game not a cheap game today its rare
I originally played the Genesis cartridge, but it's on Steam nowadays too!
😢they do ristar so dirty
unpopular opinion: i like ristar more than sonic 3 and knuckles
I wasn't a fan of it, though it looks nice.
WHY DID I GET CANCELED 😭