Gameplay
Ristar is a 2D sidescrolling platformer. It is similar to games in the Super Mario or Sonic the Hedgehog series, except for focusing less on jumping and speed, and more on Ristar's stretchable arms game mechanic. The player uses Ristar's long, stretchable arms to grab objects, throw objects, and climb or ascend/descend levels. His arms are also used as the main means of attacking enemies; through pulling himself towards them into a "headbutt" motion to defeat them.
The game also features "Star Handles" that, when grabbed by Ristar, spin him around and shoot him off in a given direction. If enough momentum is gained, Ristar performs a move called the "Meteor Strike", which makes him invincible and able to kill any enemy touched. When enough momentum is lost, flight ceases, and he drops to the ground back into his normal state. Every level ends with a special "Star Handle", which is used to launch Ristar through the end of the level. Bonus points are awarded based Ristar's altitude is when finishing it. Additionally, every level also contains one hidden handle that sends Ristar to a bonus stage, which involve getting through an obstacle course within a given time limit. Completing the level in a particularly fast time will earn a continue, and after the game is completed, special codes are awarded depending on how many were completed.
The game contains six planets; each planet contains a 2 standard levels, with a mini-boss in the first level and a major boss after the second level. After all are completed, the game concludes with a final boss fight.
Ristar's health is shown as four stars in the upper-right corner of the screen. Taking damage removes one star, and losing all stars causes Ristar to lose a life. Stars can be found throughout the levels, which replenish his health.
The Game Gear version of Ristar largely played the same as the Sega Genesis version, only with different levels to play through. The only major variation was that in the Game Gear version Ristar collects many little stars throughout the levels, similar to the manner in which Sonic the Hedgehog collects rings, or Mario collects coins in their respective games. Similarly, collecting 100 earns Ristar another life.
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