Ristar (Aug 26, 1994 prototype)

This is Ristar, a SEGA Genesis platformer developed and published by Sega. The version here is a prototype dated August 26, 1994, nearly a year before the final game hit store shelves in 1995. So if you fire this up, you are getting an early look at what Sega's AM7 team was cooking up before the polished release. The core concept was already in place: you control a cheerful star-shaped hero who uses his stretchy arms to grab and swing.

You move Ristar from left to right through colorful, imaginative levels. The main gimmick is his ability to grab enemies, objects, and ledges with his arms, then either fling himself forward or pull himself up. He can also grab and hold onto certain surfaces, which adds a vertical element to platforming. You'll collect stars, avoid hazards, and defeat enemies by grabbing and throwing them or by bouncing on their heads. The prototype may have slightly different level layouts, enemy placements, or even missing elements compared to the final version.

For fans of classic Genesis platformers, this prototype is a fascinating artifact. It shows the game in a raw, unfinished state and offers a chance to spot differences from the commercial release. Ristar itself is a well-regarded title, often praised for its unique mechanic, bright visuals, and tight controls. If you've played the final game, this build gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse. If you're new, it's still a fun, inventive platformer, just not the final tuned experience.