Ristar (Jul 18, 1994 prototype)

This is a July 18, 1994 prototype build of Ristar for the Sega Genesis, developed by Sega's AM7 team. Ristar is a 2D platformer where you take control of a cheerful star-shaped character who can stretch his arms to grab onto enemies and objects. This particular prototype predates the final 1995 commercial release and contains early level layouts, music, and gameplay balance that differ noticeably from the finished game. If you're familiar with the retail version, playing this prototype offers a glimpse into the development process and shows how the game evolved before launch.

The core gameplay has you moving Ristar through colorful side-scrolling stages while collecting stars and reaching the goal at the end. The main twist is his stretchy arms - you can grab enemies, blocks, and even special rings to swing across gaps or pull yourself upward. Grabbed objects and enemies can be thrown to clear a path or defeat other foes. Level design focuses on precise timing for grabbing and swinging, with some vertical sections that require careful use of the grab mechanic. There's no multiplayer; it's a single-player experience from start to finish.

For fans of 16-bit platformers, this prototype is worth checking out because it shows how a polished classic looked during development. The level layouts are less refined, the music tracks are sometimes placeholder, and the difficulty curve is different from the final game. It's not a substitute for the retail version, but as a historical artifact it's fascinating. If you've played through the final Ristar and want to see what was changed, or if you're studying Sega's development practices in the mid-90s, this prototype is a valuable piece of gaming history.