LogFAQs > #967127679

#80 Ristar (Sega Genesis Version)

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/1/7/4/AABIPnAADiXG.jpg

This game is "what if sonic 3's game structure, but with better gameplay?? Also maybe the best music on the genesis???"

I think this has the best "platformer gameplay" of the 16-bit era. It turns out, you can make levels much more interesting, if you just add an "interact" button--in this case, the fun Grab mechanic (i.e. SMB2 USA). Grab enemies, grab hooks and fling yourself off of them, grab and carry keys, grab monkey bars, ladders, pulleys, whatever. Opens the design space, but doesn't overcomplicate or slow things down, like Yoshi's Island's egg throwing kinda does.

Also, like a good sonic game, the levels have multiple paths through them, and have secrets to look for, for replayability. The secret bonus stages, are super fun short "speedrun stages", 100% worth finding and playing (unlike any Sonic special stage ever).

(Also this is gonna sound weird, but the intermission cutscene+music, when you travel between zones? Ridiculously satisfying. Ristar players know what I'm talking about.)

BEST LEVEL: Zone 5 Act 1, basically ice cap zone. Good mainly because the boss is a snowball fight against your rival--how cute is that!!!!! All the act 1 bosses in this game are really good, they're less like bosses and more like unexpected little challenges.