This is what we need more of – inspired 3D platformers that pay homage to the classics before it. Going through Zockrates Laboratories’ Ruffy and the Riverside, I found some really cool elements paying tribute to that classic genre. Exploration, platforming, teamwork – it all comes together like a certain bear and bird.
That’s not to say it’s a facsimile, mind you. It just takes that inspiration and runs with it, along with some original ideas. That comes in the form of swapping, in which you can change out items within the environment. It takes a bit of practice, but you’ll get the hang of it and be moving around with ease. In fact, it’s the game’s core ingredient, and a great one at that.
Along with that, the inspired art design is something else. You’ve got a 3D world, but with 2D sprites for the characters. It’s like they came straight out of a comic book, or even Paper Mario to a degree. It’s a neat effect that pays off well, and, combined with the rad soundtrack, makes the presentation shine.
That said, the story is a bit on the flat side, and, man, these characters won’t shut up. Getting through the exposition is like swimming in a sea of words. Still, if you can get through that narrative, you’ll find Ruffy and the Riverside worth switching over to.
Ruffy and the Riverside Rolls With the Punches
As Riverside’s so-called “Chosen One,” Ruffy the Bear takes it upon himself to save the world! But he’s not alone, as his helpful bee buddy Pip and others lend a hand. This allows Ruffy to explore each danger-filled land, using his awesome swapping ability to get around.
Ruffy and the Riverside’s key mechanic is item swapping. See, he can turn water into land, and do all sorts of other stuff, with a few swaps. It’s a neat idea that takes a little bit of adjustment at first. However, the opening level is helpful in showing you how it’s done. Just a few minutes and you’ll be ready to switch out the world!
What’s excellent about the game is how it uses these abilities for both puzzle solving and enemy defeating. No, you don’t just shoot enemies on heads here. You have to utilize your full creativity in an attempt to get ahead. But it works really well, with Zockrates really nailing down the formula. You might be pleasantly surprised by the solutions you dig up.
It all lasts several hours across different worlds, with lots of surprises to discover. And yes, there are hidden secrets aplenty – but who am I to divulge them? It just depends if you can get into the core mechanic. It is…different from other platformers. But that’s more of a good thing than bad. Plus, the $20 price tag doesn’t hurt, and Ruffy’s allies are useful – save for one certain area I’ll discuss below.
Overall, Ruffy and the Riverside is a nice new wrinkle on a familiar genre. And there’s nothing wrong with being inventive.
Is the Presentation Ruff and Ready?
Let’s talk about this presentation, because it’s pulled off a nice trick in its own right.
See, the worlds themselves are wonderfully presented in 3D, with obstacles aplenty and challenging items to overcome. But the characters are actually…2D sprites? With sort of a paper layout surrounding their outlines. It’s a bit odd at first, but it all blends together really well, creating a surreal effect. In fact, I’d love to see this kind of art approach in future games.
Plus the soundtrack is really good. I mean, the wonderful little beats that play along with each stage fit right in, and you may even hum along with some. That, combined with atmospheric sound effects, hit the mark.
That said, there’s a huge drawback – characters jabber way too much. In fact, you’ll have to swim through a hearty amount of exposition in Ruffy and the Riverside, and that takes away from its momentum. I know some characters like to talk, but this is a bit overkill. That, combined with the somewhat typical story, takes away a slight bit of the magic. Less of this would’ve gone a long way.
Let’s Swap!
If you can overlook the overabundant amount of dialogue and flimsy story, Ruffy and the Riverside is good stuff. There’s hours’ worth of fun gameplay here, relying more on puzzle solving than typical enemy bopping. Plus its presentation has some stellar touches, particularly with its animations and music. It definitely isn’t a typical entry in the genre, but it definitely deserves some love.
Besides, I want more of this papercraft-ish art style. Imagine it being applied to a fighting game. Or a racing title!
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Zockrates Laboratories for the review code! You can get the game now for Steam, Xbox,PlayStation and Nintendo Switch!
Need more platforming action goodness? Check out our review of Abathor!
