There’s something special about a game that knows exactly what it is and embraces it with confidence. Ruffy and the Riverside, developed by Zockrates Labs, is one of those games. Fresh off a Steam Next Fest feature, this indie gem delivers a vibrant 2D-meets-3D platforming experience that immediately stood out to me. It’s funky, it’s playful, and most importantly, it just feels good to play.
A Love Letter to Classic 3D Platformers
The first thing that struck me about Ruffy and the Riverside was how much it reminded me of classic 3D platformers from the late ’90s and early 2000s. There are shades of Donkey Kong 64, Spyro the Dragon, and even a little bit of Super Mario 64 in how the game presents its world and objectives. You explore distinct regions, entering different rooms to collect items before unlocking new areas, a design choice that immediately took me back to the days of renting games from the local video store.
And that’s something I feel is missing in modern gaming—this idea that not every game has to be a forever game. Ruffy and the Riverside doesn’t seem to concern itself with being an endlessly replayable live-service title. Instead, it’s a tight, self-contained experience that knows when to start and when to end.
A World Bursting with Personality
From the moment you meet Ruffy and the cast of quirky characters, the game’s charm is undeniable. Some characters are there to help you, others are obstacles, but all of them contribute to a world that feels lively and full of personality. The art style reminds me of Paper Mario, with a mix of 2D and 3D elements blending together in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Then there’s the music. When I say the soundtrack is funky, I mean funky. It’s got this trippy, rhythmic vibe that feels slightly offbeat but in a way that keeps you hooked. The moment a track kicks in, you’re like, “Oh, that’s a bop,” and it just works with the game’s playful aesthetic.
Gameplay That Encourages Creativity
At its core, Ruffy and the Riverside is a platformer, but what sets it apart is its unique gameplay mechanic: the ability to absorb environmental elements and repurpose them. For example, in the tutorial, you fall alongside a waterfall and need to stop yourself. You absorb the properties of nearby vines, then redirect that energy to transform the waterfall into a climbable wall of vines.
It’s an almost level editor-like approach to gameplay. Taking elements from one part of the environment and apply them elsewhere to manipulate the world in creative ways. The puzzle potential in this mechanic is immense, and even in the demo, I found myself intrigued by the possibilities. It’s the kind of hook that makes you want to keep playing, just to see what other creative interactions the game will throw at you.
The Power of a Clear Vision
What I admire most about Ruffy and the Riverside is its sheer confidence. Too many games today—across indie, AA, and even AAA spaces—struggle with showcasing their game’s personality. You see a game and think, “It looks like other games I’ve played, but what is it really?” That’s never a problem here. From the visuals to the mechanics to the music, Ruffy and the Riverside knows exactly what it wants to be, and it doesn’t second-guess itself.
You can feel the passion behind it. It’s in the way the game presents itself, in the way it plays, in the way it speaks to you through its design. There’s no hesitation. It’s like the developers are saying, “This is who we are. This is what we made. Take it or leave it.” And I love that. Not enough games have that level of boldness anymore.
A 3D Platformer Expanding Horizons
The Ruffy and the Riverside demo left a strong impression on me. It’s colorful, creative, and full of energy. The platforming feels tight, the puzzle mechanics are engaging, and the entire experience oozes personality. It’s the kind of game I can see myself playing a level or two whenever I have time.
If you’re a fan of classic 3D platformers with a unique twist, this is absolutely a game to keep on your radar. I can’t wait to see where the full game takes us.
Title: Ruffy and the Riverside
Developer: Zockrates Laboratories
Publisher: Phiphen Games
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Launch Date: June 2025
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