Before I was an avid JRPG player who dove into imports and western releases alike, I grew up on adventure games and 3D platformers. Titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Jak and Daxter shaped my childhood. I was never a completionist, but I spent hours exploring every secret path. Over time, though, the genre lost its spark. Most platformers felt like clones. That’s why Zockrates Laboratories UG‘s Ruffy and the Riverside immediately caught my eye. Its cartoon aesthetic and unique SWAP mechanic had me intrigued. Could this be my return to the genre? Here’s my full review of Ruffy and the Riverside for the PS5. Big shoutout to Zockrates Laboratories for the review copy!

Gameplay

Ruffy and the Riverside feels like a Saturday morning cartoon brought to life in a ‘90s-era 3D platformer. You play as Ruffy, a woodland creature with the special power of SWAP. This mechanic lets you absorb environmental elements—like water, trees, or even colors—and transfer them elsewhere. For instance, swapping ice with water allows you to traverse a frozen lake. It’s imaginative and nostalgic, evoking the kind of cartoon magic we all grew up watching.

Ruffy is accompanied by PIP, a talking bumblebee who aids you in short flights and story banter. SWAP is the heart of the gameplay, while the rest—punching enemies, ground-pounding boxes, and climbing ladders—echoes classic PS1-era design. Unfortunately, the ladder mechanic is clunky and frustrating. Still, I enjoyed the quirky NPCs and fun quest structure throughout Riverside.

The puzzle design, however, is hit or miss. While not overly difficult, some puzzles are so obscure they feel trial-and-error. Pro puzzlers might breeze through, but I often found myself frustrated by solutions hiding in plain sight.

Graphics

Ruffy and the Riverside is a vibrant visual treat. Its colorful, comic book-inspired art style is charming and perfectly suits its tone. While a few environments and characters appear dated, the overall aesthetic works well. Ruffy’s animations—dancing, snapping fingers, and bounding across levels—radiate personality and nostalgia. Huge credit goes to the visual design team for crafting such a playful world.

Sound

The soundtrack is catchy, upbeat, and undeniably fun—perfect for a kid-friendly adventure. I often caught myself tapping along to the rhythm. However, character voice effects, particularly Ruffy’s exaggerated exclamations, became irritating over time. While 8-year-old me would’ve loved them, adult me had to fight the urge to mute the game. Still, I won’t dock points for that; it’s clearly aimed at a younger audience.

Story

The story is probably the least standout element. When a mysterious stone appears and warps the environment with SWAP-like energy, Ruffy and his scientist friend Sir Eddler accidentally summon the villainous Groll. Groll seeks to absorb the stone’s power and take over the world. It’s a basic setup, but it does its job: give players a reason to explore, solve puzzles, and save the day. Nothing groundbreaking, but it’s charming enough to carry the experience.

Overall Impression

For $20, Ruffy and the Riverside is an easy recommendation for fans of the genre or younger players just entering the world of gaming. It’s lighthearted, inventive, and nostalgic. The SWAP mechanic breathes new life into familiar gameplay, even if some mechanics (like ladders) and puzzle logic leave room for improvement. Despite these issues, Ruffy and the Riverside is a charming and accessible title that made me smile more than once.

Conclusion

Ruffy and the Riverside may feel like a game out of its time, but that’s part of its charm. It reminds us why the platformers of the past left such a lasting impact. With a unique core mechanic, colorful world, and accessible gameplay, this is a title worth adding to your collection—especially if you want a game that makes you feel like a kid again. For only $20, it’s a no-brainer. Grab a controller and SWAP the world!

ーAaron