Ruffy and the Riverside

Unlike other seemingly similar efforts that want to tempt players down 3D platformer memory lane for a concentrated hit of nostalgia and leave it at that, Ruffy and the Riverside doesn't just take that well-worn idea and repackages it, but instead adds something refreshingly compelling to the formula. Though some minor flaws and polish issues do abound, they aren't enough to take the shine away from one of the most charming and thoughtful 3D platformers in ages.

An adorable platformer that allows players to copy and paste the world around them, Ruffy and the Riverside wraps the magic of late-90s console adventures in a distinctly modern package. Featuring hand-drawn 2D artwork against vibrant 3D-rendered environments, Germany-based developers Zockrates Laboratories have taken the nostalgic bones of classic games of yore and elaborated, crafting a uniquely charming experience. It’s super cute, full of engaging puzzles, and tonnes of fun.

I’ll reiterate something I’ve mentioned in my Gex Trilogy and PaperKlay reviews: if you want to grab my attention prior to the release of a game, mention the fact it’s a 3D platformer inspired by classic collectathons. It won’t mean I will automatically love it, or be biased towards it, but it will draw my attention towards it like a moth to the Burning Man festival pyre. But sure, it also helps when the game in question ends up being excellent, and this is exactly what Ruffy and the ...

I love 3D platforming and Ruffy And The Riverside offers a lot of unique and charming fun in the genre so let's get swapping, chums.

Ruffy and the Riverside is a 3D platformer from Zockrates Lab. It is inspired by platformers of the late 90s and early 2000s and wears that inspiration on its sleeve. It wears that inspiration well, though, and offers not only a game that fits on the shelf with its inspirations but one that is able to stand out as well. A short but fun time that is a must-play for any fan of the genre, or anyone that grew up with it.

Ruffy and the Riverside is pretty far from perfect, but it does feature some incredibly clever ideas, loads of puzzles and gorgeous visuals.

Ruffy and the Riverside is an impressive debut title and a top-notch 3D collectathon adventure. The texture-swapping gimmick adds a rich layer to the canvas that more than makes up for some spotty platforming, and Riverside itself is a wonderfully weird and gaudy locale well worth exploring.

Ruffy-Bee or something

Ruffy is an off-brand Ewok, a bear with a huge grin, a hidden destiny and a penchant for funky tunes. He’s also got one hell of a special ability, being able to scan things in his environment, and then transfer their texture and qualities to something else. Need to get to the top of a waterfall? How about turning the water into clinging vines to climb? Need to clear a path? Why not turn the stone into wood that you can smash apart? The swapping mechanic is at the heart of Ruffy and the Riverside, adding a heap of puzzling action to its charming 3D platforming, and it’s mostly a winning combina...

Ruffy and the Riverside's swapping mechanic is great fun, but I wish it would shut up and give me more organic opportunities to use that mechanic.

Ruffy And The Riverside has a lot of cool and new ideas, but doesn't always execute on the necessary basics. The hand-drawn levels and characters are awesome, the semi-open world is fun to traverse and works well as a collect-a-thon, and several gameplay switch-ups and surprises along the way feel refreshing. Unfortunately, the few bosses and enemies present here are quite bland, and though the environmental puzzle-solving is initially unique and rewarding, it eventually stalls out in creativity and challenge. Overall, Ruffy ends up feeling a bit inconsistent, but it's still a cute, enjoyable ...

Ruffy and the Riverside has always looked rather striking with its 2D characters in a colourful 3D world, and while its aesthetic is a strength, the game itself doesn't really match it.