Ruffy and the Riverside

Playstation UniverseJohn-Paul Jones

9/10

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.

Checkpoint GamingDavid McNamara

9/10

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.

WayTooManyGamesLeo Faria

8.5/10

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 ...

Video ChumsA.J. Maciejewski

8.3/10

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.

Gaming NexusEric Hauter

8/10

Ruffy 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.

The Punished BacklogDavid Silbert

7.5/10

In our Ruffy and the Riverside review, learn why this old-school-inspired collectathon is more than the sum of its parts.

WellPlayedKieron Verbrugge

7.5/10

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.

XboxEraGyőző "FairyEmpire" Baki

7.4/10

Ruffy-Bee or something

TheSixthAxisDominic L

7/10

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...

DestructoidMadison Benson

7/10

Ruffy and the Riverside has the pieces in hand, with an appealing artistic style and unique swapping mechanics paving the way for an in-depth puzzle game series. Although I didn’t find its story or enemies particularly interesting, everything else about the title felt refreshing and fun, leaving me feeling hopeful that potential sequels can build upon this blueprint and create something truly captivating.

TechRaptorJoseph Allen

7/10

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.

Lords of GamingRobert Kellett

Unscored

Using an artists touch, a new platforming duo goes on a new adventure in 'Ruffy and the Riverside' using inventive new mechanics.