- Publisher: Zockrates Laboratories , Phiphen Games
- Release Date: Jun 26, 2025
- Also On: PC, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
- Critic score
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Jun 27, 2025Unlike 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.
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Jun 25, 2025Ruffy and the Riverside is one of those pleasant surprises that charms with its simplicity and fun thanks to the SWAP mechanic. A game that draws a lot of attention for its beautiful art direction and that, despite drawing from the sources of Paper Mario, Banjo-Kazooie and other great names in the genre, doesn't live in their shadow. Quite the opposite, Ruffy is a game full of soul that rescues the essence of good old platform titles.
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Jun 29, 2025With its energetically vibrant world that'll keep you smiling and clever puzzle-filled platforming, Ruffy And The Riverside has everything you'd need for an excellent 3D funfest. Plus, it's so cute that it's now one of my life goals to have a Ruffy stuffie.
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Jul 3, 2025Ruffy and the Riverside is both an homage to classic platform games and an entirely new take on the genre. Its fantastic texture swapping mechanic lends itself to a stunning variety of environmental puzzles, many of which offer a high level of head-scratching satisfaction. Ruffy and the Riverside has sleeper hit written all over it.
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Jun 30, 2025Ruffy and the Riverside finds quirky and joyful ways to meld past and present gaming ideologies. This is a mascot platformer collectathon at heart, feeling like a Nintendo 64 game but not being too bogged down by nostalgia and reverence. While its best ideas may sometimes feel underutilized, Ruffy and the Riverside is inventive enough to constantly push the player towards one new thrill after the next.
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Jun 25, 2025Ruffy and the Riverside is a good foray into the 3D platform genre, standing out for its well-done aesthetic mix and a useful central mechanic of swapping textures to alter the world, solve puzzles, progress through the campaign and obtain the dozens of collectibles available. These two aspects are the game's high points and, although its potential for experimentation is not fully realized, they make for a unique, enjoyable and fun experience.
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Jun 25, 2025Ruffy and the Riverside is a whimsical platformer that blends clever puzzle mechanics with charming storytelling. While its unique element-swapping feature brings refreshing gameplay twists, occasional pacing issues and vague objectives slightly hinder the experience. A visually delightful and inventive indie gem.
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Jul 2, 2025Ruffy 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.