Ristar: The Complete History - SGR (feat. Guru Larry)

[@recorderdude]

The GG version has a unique world and multiple unique bosses! It's way more than just a port.

[@GraveUypo]

yeah, it's well worth looking at, specially on a franchise so lacking in content. it's like a small dlc

[@UltimateGamerCC]

that is all i needed to hear... *searches Ebay for Ristar Game Gear*

[@recorderdude]

The Gaming Paladin make sure to play it on a japanese gamegear or put in a game genie code to set it to be one - for some ridiculous reason, it was coded so half the level gets skipped on a US console, similar to how putting puyo puyo gamegear into a US console makes it load up as a completely faithful English localization of puyo puyo called "puzlow kids".

[@masterreece1098]

You got that right RecD

[@jaredjoe133]

@@GraveUypowhen I was a child I thought you were a thick burger patty with cheese

[@tessajalloh3914]

I loved Ristar when i was a kid. Infact... i might still have the cart stored away with my megadrive. i was so enamoured with it that i used to make 'figures' of him out of coloured paper and tape.

[@PopfulFrost]

"A Ristar sequel will never happen". *Points to NiGHTS, Fantasy Zone (well, it's more like a total reworking of an existing sequel BUT STILL), Gunstar Heroes, Shenmue (Yes, it's really happening!)*

[@MurasakiBunny]

"Is Ristar a 'he'?" Well, since the title intro mentions him as being a son at 7:55... yes.

[@UltimateGamerCC]

good eye, bunny boy. ;)

[@CrossoverGameReviews]

But not the Japanese version.

[@rwiseart2269]

CrossoverGameReviews What? Ristar isn’t known as male in the Japanese version?

[@fumomofumosarum5893]

in japan, gender specific forms of address are not a thing is all...

[@SonofSethoitae]

@@fumomofumosarum5893 Yes they are

[@retrorobert6420]

Such an amazing game. The music and aesthetics are so amazing and the gameplay is top-notch. One of my favourite games of all time.

[@UltimateGamerCC]

so simple and yet so marvelous, really is a retro gaming gem.

[@lenarmangum8630]

Definitely Ristar is one of my favorite Sega Genesis games It’s got fun gameplay, unique mechanics, colorful/detailed visuals, and an amazing soundtrack! Ristar is just the whole package!

[@Igorcastrochucre]

Ristar is basically Sega's Kirby: Basic character design in happy-go-lucky world 2D games that revolve around a single mechanic Released at the end of console lives. Never noticed that until now.

[@santoscarrillo6256]

No wonder Ristar felt so familiar when I play it. It ended up being one of my favorite Genesis games because of it.

[@RolyWestYT]

Gosh R.I.P You when you make the Sonic episode xD

[@freal]

xD

[@palodus2]

Hmm... Looks pretty cool. Let's have a look at the Steam page- "You already own this game." Oh. Thanks for reminding me that I bought the Sega classics bundle 6 years ago.

[@bonesjackson81]

Fantastic game that should have been an initial release on the Saturn. Perhaps that could have led to being the Saturn mascot and sequels.

[@nobel11]

I never even heard of this one until the Sonic's Genesis/Mega Drive Collection compilation came out. It's such a great game, and it's got some of the best music available on the system, IMHO.

[@slopesgameroom]

+nobel 11 the music is sooooo good

[@SydeLeaderRayOLD]

That's what I'm saying. If Ristar is made with the Sonic engine then Christian Whitehead can remaster the game. And possibly make that sequel.

[@spyrellephea1105]

Honestly, it's probably best that Ristar remains a beloved cult classic rather than having a sequel made at this point.

[@slopesgameroom]

+Spyrelle Phea yeah. Ya probably right tbf

[@pferreira1983]

Sega would probably mess it up.

[@RoySquadRocks]

Ristar is the best game ever! I LOVE IT!!!

[@james3727]

I thought it was pronounced "Wrist-star" this was on my favourite games as a child. I loved the spinning mechanics on the poles and launching as high as possible

[@pferreira1983]

@ Shima It is.

[@NightFlyStudio]

This is such an amazing gem on the Genesis/Megadrive. One of my favorites. Probably up there with Sonic 3 and Phantasy Star IV.

[@SuperThunderBolt2]

Ristar isn't weird! He's cute! Have a heart!

[@Charziken909]

no hurry on sonic history. I subscribed because of all the obscure game historys

[@TallBirdAnimation]

"Who's up for Vectorman?" *knocks down the door* MEEEEEEEEEE!!

[@electricmastro]

Figured a video like this would happen one day, but yeah, it's a shame that Ristar never got a proper follow-up. If we're talking Sega franchises that should get new entries, Ristar should be one of them.

[@UltimateGamerCC]

so many franchises to choose from, making a list would be fun, while Ristar would be high up, my #1 would have to be Shining Force. now I KNOW that we have Fire Emblem nowadays to cover that play style, but honestly i always enjoyed SF more because it was a lot more casual, while FE is always so serious and hardcore, after all if a unit falls it is down for good. not so much with SF, it focused more on the RPG element and allowed you to Resurrect units that fall in battle.

[@Compucles]

+The Gaming Paladin Apparently you haven't played any of the 3DS Fire Emblem games. They all have an option to turn off permadeath.

[@MetaKnuxXbeats]

I feel like Ristar would of been Sega's equivalent to Kirby if he was more successful. If only... If only...

[@UltimateGamerCC]

if SEGA developed a Smash Bros game, Ristar would definitely be a candidate for a playable character.

[@MetaKnuxXbeats]

The Gaming Paladin I wish that would be the case but they don't even include him in the racing games as a playable character.

[@RodrigoBadin]

Holy shit, you are right! How I never realized that before? Ristar could have been the Sega's Kirby. I wish Sega knew how to handle better their franchises.

[@MetaKnuxXbeats]

Rodrigo Badin yea! I would love to live in that universe. Too bad that Ristar ended up with the same fate as Kirby's Dreamland 3.

[@MetaKnuxXbeats]

seanmcbay so much coincidences. If there is ever a Nintendo vs SEGA game and there is an awesome intro, they better have Kirby square off with Ristar, Samus dueling with Vectorman and of course there would be Sonic vs Mario. I even drew those ideas but.... they are very very VERY old.

[@johnmarcolini5506]

So awesome to see this! Thanks for this loving tribute to a great forgotten game!

[@EhrisaiaOShannon]

Vectorman was my childhood. please God bring it back.

[@ridleyrage5283]

I NEED a Ristar sequel...

[@pferreira1983]

Ristar is in my top five favourite games of all time. Playing Ristar isn't just playing a kiddy platformer, it's playing a living, breathing sci-fi universe filled with emotion. One of the best games for the Mega Drive. Good video Dan but it's pronounced 'Ree-star' not 'Rye-star'. Not sure where this 'Rye-star' pronunciation came from.

[@MizfitZer0]

Sega Forever!

[@WillKeaton]

I'd love to see a Complete History for the Wonder Boy/Monster World series. Who's with me?

[@inktendo]

Will Keaton definitely! It’s so interesting and convoluted

[@CharlieFlemingOriginal]

It is a really good game, but it wasn't easy, it could really make your fingers hurt and was much better if you had the arcade controller.

[@NouveauArtPunk]

My absolute favourite sega game. What a great video. Thanks for this one in particular, Dan. A lovely tribute.

[@Wykesidefruitmachine]

Christian Whitehead, we need you.

[@maximumforce8275]

If I get enough money, I'll make a ristar 2 fan game.

[@K.J.S.est1994]

I wished that there was also an enhanced port of Ristar on the Sega Saturn with a bonus level that wasn't in the original Megadrive version and an arranged soundtrack

[@TheBronyBraeburn]

I picked it up in 1996 for $5 in the bargain bin and loved every minute of it. Still play it regularly to this day.

[@JustB3NJI]

There was some marketing....Weetabix did a competition to win the game and a Mega Drive 2 - I know because I only owned the game because I won it through that competition.

[@pferreira1983]

Yes that's how I remember the game coming out. Ha, ha!

[@DarkLink1996.]

Honestly, I'm surprised Sonic Team never recycled the character into the Sonic series.

[@nonnon6856]

Because he's not a sonic team work

[@DarkLink1996.]

@@nonnon6856 No less so than Chaotix

[@theobscurestash6537]

Thanks for another great review, and especially for reviewing _Ristar_ ! I didn't play it until much later, but after experiencing it I told everyone interested to check it out. With such amazing colors, sprites, backgrounds, music, and fun mechanics there's no wonder it is a Genesis mainstay. You can also check this game out on the PS3 and 360 with _Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection_ , and the _Sega Genesis Collection_ on PSP! So many ways to play this classic.

[@RetroCabeza]

Oswald the Rabbit and Mickey Mouse were created by Ub Iwerks. Walt Disney was not an artist, but a business man. If you make a gaming Mickey Mouse Complete History someday you have to give Iwerks some love ;)

[@Metalders]

Ah, Ristar. One of the not-so -known games I've had the honor and luck to play in the console back in the day, it was amazing to see a smooth and charismatic character in the end of Mega Drive. It would be fun to have him as a playable character in a possible future Sonic & All-Star Racing game. I also had the honor to play Dynamite Headdy in the same time. As a possible joke, Kamen Rider Ichigo kicked some dudes in that japanese commercial for the Sega Saturn! XD

[@sangan3202]

for the people that dont know Ristar is also unlockable in Sonic Mega Collection along with Comix Zone

[@sandrovazquez4838]

Thank you for highlighting this game. I love it to death and, in a perfect world, it would've thrived through its sheer quality alone.

[@coyoteartist]

You mean that simple knock off of Oswald the Rabbit meets Felix?

[@onaretrotip]

I've not played it, but I heard that the Game Gear version is a unique game rather than a port.

[@pferreira1983]

Most of it is.

[@ryzmaker11]

Such a beautiful and brillant platformer which, sadly, was overlooked due to unwise commercial timing (with the Saturn coming out) and lack of exposition but I'm glad to see that it receives all the love it so rightly deserves! Also yeah, the Game Gear version is quite different which just goes to show how amazing and generous Sega can be, providing different installments, or installments with many differences, of the same game. They did the same with Castle of Illusion or Sonic the Hedgehog 1 & 2 for examples.

[@gxtmfa]

This was easily one of my favorite games as a kid and I still absolutely love the music.

[@ItsMichaelReid]

He definitely needs a sequel or better yet make him a sonic friend since he fits perfectly just gotta make him a little faster

[@GiordanDiodato]

At times, I wish Sonic isn't as popular as it is because it's made Sega blind to their other IPs, which never sell as well as any Sonic game.

[@Thomas-te2lg]

Sega has ignored its other IPs because most consumers didn't buy them. Look how many consumers ditched them for Nintendo and Sony during the Sega Saturn and Sega Dreamcast days. I can't really blame them for sticking with franchises that actually sell, even if some of their IPs seem pretty great.

[@radiokunio3738]

Same, sonic's great and all, but i would like more then just sonic and yukuza.

[@cliffhanger5753]

Hey Dan, how about a complete history of the Kunio-Kun games? He's been around almost as long as Mario and been in a lot of games. They also have an interesting history since the titles of the games were often changed for their releases outside of Japan. There was even a Kunio-Kun game that was changed into a Double Dragon game for its U.S. release.

[@colonelsandwich641]

I'd be up for that!

[@thepit4533]

Thank you! I grew up playing this and it was my favorite game that NO ONE seemed to know lol

[@slopesgameroom]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for your support 😀

[@michaeloverton04]

Another odd choice for the Genesis mini. By which, I mean it's confusing on why we didn't get it on the Genesis mini.

[@robh2100]

Great video I'm really happy you did a complete history of ristar. I think ristar is one of the most underrated game and it definitely deserves a sequel. Hopefully some day in the future sega will make another ristar game and if they do I will buy it immediately.

[@jeenkzk5919]

I don't recall playing the Genesis version but played the game gear version and absolutely enjoyed it! I loved the grabbing mechanic!

[@conspiraciesarejustgreatst2059]

I wonder what would have happened if ristar took off like may platformers of the same era. Would it be like sonic today? A legend that fell from Grace? Or like Mario, a phenomenal franchise that continues to pump out top games? Would have died slowly?

[@DarkSonic377]

Why can't Cream have the abilities like Ristar, that'd give her something extra

[@strain42]

The main reason I never played a lot of Ristar as a kid is because...I didn't own a Genesis lol, but even as a kid playing it at my friend's house, I knew that Ristar was a well built game, and I still consider it one of the best 2D platformers I've ever played. As for why Ristar failed, for me personally, I just never found his actual design all that appealing. I love the game, but Ristar never jumped out at me as a strong mascot character. Gun to my head, I couldn't tell you WHY that is, it's just how I feel. I knew about that prototype Rabbit before watching this episode and always wondered if that character would've had more success, grabbing onto platforms with its ears and all. What could have been, right? Sorry for rambling, but I really do love Ristar the game, and I was super thrilled to see him get the Complete History treatment.

[@cactusowo1835]

At actuallity you can download a emulator version for fusion :)

[@TheRealLazerBlazer22]

The more I watch SGR, the more I become a fan of Sega. Thanks DJ Slope.

[@jonah2437]

I got my copy of Ristar on the Sega Genesis a year or two ago on Christmas, along with Sonic 3, Sonic Spinball, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic 3D blast, and Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine. I already owned Sonic 1 and 2, I just needed to complete the collection. I also got Ristar, because I played it on Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, and liked it a lot. That's how I was introduced to so many Genesis games. I hate not finding out about some games until it's way too late. I just started playing Secret of Mana recently, and I can't find an original copy. I just had to try out the game when fake copies are running rampant.

[@ThePerro]

I remember getting Sonic Mega Collection and playing Ristar on it for Gamecube. I absolutely loved the game, they need to make a sequel!

[@Michirin9801]

Ristar is amazing! Definitely one of my favourite Sega games!

[@onffxiimanon]

Thank you Daniel for yet another terrific video. I greatly appreciate your ability to consistently stay positive even when being critical. I look forward to your next video!

[@slopesgameroom]

+Guy G ahhhhh thanks dude. I really appreciate it :)

[@squigin3380]

Oh my god you got way too meta for me at the beginning making me realize I do feel nostalgia for shit I literally have never played, Nintendo stuff like Ice climbers and Kid Icarus for sure but man alot of video game youtube videos really do bank on artificial nostalgia I guess you could call it.

[@Real_The_Goof]

I don't think it's nostalgia honestly. There are TONS of games i prefer playing from the 80s and 90s, and they are games i never played to begin with... i was poor growing up..

[@squigin3380]

Yeah but thats not really Artificial Nostalgia cause you remember seeing it growing up and wanting to play it but not being able too so in that case you do have some real nostalgia from it.

[@Lugbzurg]

I've never even heard of "Sherif". Should I start getting nostalgic?

[@colingznetworkplus4618]

Cult following games are so interesting to talk about and eventually play, like this one

[@ebboy53]

I would like another Vectorman.

[@UltimateGamerCC]

"yes!" "I'll Be Back!" - Vectorman 2 Sound Test

[@MellowGaming]

Ristar is such a good game. Friend of mine had it back in the day. Played it a load despite being awful at it. Well worth getting on Steam for sure. That and Dynamite Heady were two Mega Drive games I had played but never owned and I now regret that. Might need to fix that discrepancy in my collection.

[@KrisCross95]

I think Volt is a later name that was changed late in development and so to make sure he was never accidentally called Volt they had to put that message.

[@REALMARCHINADER]

Ristar is one of the reasons my childhood is so awesome

[@lassellie5770]

Ristar is my life

[@JoeyJ0J0]

I first played this on the sonic mega collection for Game cube . Ristar is incredible .

[@remilloyd6366]

This game was my childhood. Still love it to this day.

[@loulou1250]

I remember this being advertised at the time, but never played it until last year. Really fun game, if it had been released just a couple of years earlier it would been one of the systems biggest sellers.

[@colingznetworkplus4618]

No wonder why Ristar had such abstract visual design in its backgrounds as well as vibrant colors, they were both designed by someone who worked on Sonic CD, a game known for its abstract background designs and many colors

[@ShadowEclipex]

I still have the Gensis Cartridge for Ristar! It is one of my favorite games from my childhood.

[@michaelaranda5220]

Bloody brilliant game gear video game.

[@pferreira1983]

And different to the MD version.

[@andreeliassen9112]

First of all: Thank you for the awesome, high quality videos :) Would love to see you cover the history of Turrican and James Pond. Would also be great to see the somewhat confusing history of Wonder Boy and the extensive history of Zork. Not that Wonder Boy isn't extensive... Keep up the good work! Looking forward to new videos. Greetings from Norway.

[@goldenlightning8842]

The Sega fan base just needs to get together and start fighting to get all of these games to be remade or a sequel to them ristar is my favorite game of all time and is honestly cry just hearing that it's getting a remake

[@johnathangodbolt]

I remember renting this game as soon as it was available! Never owned a copy though, sadly. Anyway! SUCH an excellent game, in every way (especially the music)!

[@nonlegend]

Thank you for the video. I actually prefer the more methodical platforming in this game over Sonic. Sega should really consider opening up their dormant franchises to capable indie devs.

[@kkisawesome]

ristar mania?

[@artemismeow]

Played this on the gamecube, it was part of the Sonic mega collection. You can get that for cheap

[@artemismeow]

MrConnman123 nah uh the Xbox version is better. JK I think all 3 are identical

[@Roadent1241]

I played it on the SEGA Mega Collection for PSP. Never managed to beat that last boss though. Need to replay it.

[@ZarisWhiteFoot]

Ristar was one of my favorite games as a kid.

[@vermis8344]

Dunno about Steam and emulators, but this vid and and others make me want to grub around in the attic and see if my old megadrive still works. All the games I missed as a kid - Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Metal Slug, Dynamite Headdy, Gunstar Heroes, Ristar...

[@vermis8344]

The lights are on but nobody's home. :'( Emulator it is, then.

[@Shinobi6407]

Always great to see another great video from a fellow Sega fan!

[@Melvinshermen]

Do dyimite headdy

[@Lugbzurg]

Considering how different the stories were between the US and Japanese releases, I'm sure expanding upon the universe would have increasing complications, had sequels actually gone forward.

[@ReinaHW]

Ristar was an interesting game, I always had trouble with the handles though due to my very poor hand eye coordination affecting my timing.

[@kinorai]

5:47 Ok AWESOME people... I need to know where yo find this SEGA ad. I've been looking for this for 25 years and can't find it anywhere. It has a "Sonic, Sonic! So cool" song in it that I have stuck in my head since i was 7...

[@PlumbDrumb]

I enjoy this game far more than any of the Sonic games on the Mega Drive, and it's a great looking game too; fantastic use of the hardware. Like most people I was already onto the 32bit generation before I heard about this game (plus I had a competent PC at the time)

[@TheArmoredFox]

I loved that game so much, pretty sure I had it on GameGear too but I can't really be sure.

[@atomicskull6405]

8:46 DEX STARR - The good kitty. A cute retro pixel art platformer where a rage fueled cat defeats enemies by vomiting blood at them.

[@fade2black1982]

Ristar and Sparkster are 2 Sega characters they definitely underused.

[@Crayolapup]

Ristar is also available on the Sega Classics collection for PS2, PS3, Xbox 360... Emulator too.

[@Roadent1241]

Eureka and SEGA Mega Collcetion for PSP.

[@sunyavadin]

Interestingly enough this is the first time I've ever heard it pronounced R-eye-star. Everyone I've ever met either says it "Ree-star" or "Wrister"

[@pferreira1983]

For some odd reason like an infection all gaming KZbinrs pronounce it the wrong way.

[@KageMaxwell]

I remember back when I played this game for the first time on Sega Channel. Adorable game with a mean streak if you don't take it seriously. I actually have some of the Ristar soundtrack on my iPod. :D

[@thejohnquixote]

Ristar was my second favourite game on the Genesis! The only game I loved more was Dynamite Headdy (which is still my favourite game of all time)!

[@indiaalphanovember8217]

I wrote a letter to a UK Sega magazine complaining that Ristar was a rip-off of Tri-star pictures. It's wasn't published and it was dumb. I am sorry.

[@pferreira1983]

Erm how was it a rip-off a horse?

[@MidwestMoney]

Dude, you used my South Dakota State University Jackrabbit logo in your video. You've earned my respect lol.

[@CommodoreFan64]

Awesome video, I had the Game Gear version back in the day, and found it really fun, but did not get to play the Genesis version till years later via emulation on PC, and I'm sad it did not get more attention, or even a sequel.

[@sonikku956]

Ristar has a shit ton of *new jack swing* music in the soundtrack, and I love it for that.

[@pferreira1983]

A great soundtrack score.

[@sailorvenusfan6527]

Are you ever gonna do a Puyo Puyo: The Complete History?

[@UltimateGamerCC]

no doubt Dr.Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine will be referenced, after all that was Puyo Puyo being introduced to the West through the Sonic franchise.

[@brandonwilliams6119]

Don’t forget Kirby’s Avalanche which is Nintendo’s version of Puyo Puyo

[@querpmuerp]

The game's story is totally bonkers

[@rwiseart2269]

SailorVenusFan I wanna see that

[@DarkLink1996.]

That would have to include the Madou Monogatari history. Hoo boy. There's some disturbing scenes there. A decapitated Schezo, Arle's classmates MELTING, the series has some freaky shit.

[@turbobox7234]

I rented Ristar: one of my all time favorites!

[@ShapeyFiend]

I'd have been more into this if I hadn't played Dynamite Heady beforehand, which has a similar mechanic, more speed and spectacle. The best thing about Sega is they don't milk their IP's too much. They've started doing too many franchise updates in recent years in general I'd like more one offs.

[@tonywizbit2508]

Great video Can we get a history of fatal fury/king of fighters?