Ristar review

Ristar is the next SEGA platformer to try after Sonic. SEGA publishes it, and Nintendo includes it in the Nintendo Switch Online SEGA Genesis library, where rewind and save states make it approachable for younger players. The same library also holds Dynamite Headdy and Kid Chameleon, so Expansion Pack members can work through several SEGA platformers without buying anything else. The cartridge is the weak point. DKOldies lists a used copy at $79.99, which is more than Streets of Rage 2 and Shinobi III, and the store showed it as out of stock when we checked. We found no standalone Steam release, so for most players the Switch library is the sensible way in. Collectors who want a complete SEGA platformer shelf will still want the cart, but it is not where we would start with a limited budget.

Who it is for

Sonic fans looking for another SEGA platformer

Price

Used Genesis cartridge from $79.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $79.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• SEGA platformer published on Genesis
• Included in the Nintendo Switch Online SEGA Genesis library
• Rewind and save states through Nintendo Switch Online
• Dynamite Headdy and Kid Chameleon are in the same library
• NTSC (US, Canada) cartridge at DKOldies

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: A second SEGA platformer for players who finished Sonic 2
• Strength: Rewind makes it suitable for younger players on Switch
• Strength: Same library adds more SEGA platformers at no extra cost
• Weakness: $79.99 used is high for a lesser-known game
• Weakness: DKOldies listed it as out of stock on the day we checked
• Weakness: No standalone Steam release found

Key facts

• Publisher: SEGA
• Genre (DKOldies listing): Action Adventure
• Legal re-release: Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
• Region (DKOldies): NTSC (US, Canada)

Where it ranks

Ristar is No. 8 in our Best Sega Genesis Games verdict.