Review – Ruffy and the Riverside

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have the power to copy and paste in real life? I am not just talking about the famous command we use on digital devices, but to turn things like the color from one wall to another without having to get your hands dirty. In Riverside, there is a charismatic teddy bear with this surprising ability.

It presents us with a very unusual mechanics that urges to test its effects on every corner of this gigantic world. From the early trailers (which I discovered by chance), Zockrates Laboratory Devs have attached my attention, whether by handmade look, references to famous games, and of course: the exchange mechanics. Copy and paste may be the answer to solving things, but the icing on the cake is how to use this power.

Creative and unique in several aspects

Although curious, the exchange mechanics, which provides unimaginable possibilities, is not the only form of interaction in Ruffy’s universe. The game is crowded with discoveries and creative ways to connect with the environment. It has collectibles, puzzles, cosmetics and everything a good 3D platform game should have. That said, make sure that Riverside reserves many surprises.

Ruffy, our teddy bear (who reminds me a lot of ewoks), is chosen to save the city of riverside from the evil Groll plans, a weird cube that has sucked on the vital energy of the place. At first, the story presents itself in a somewhat dragged way – “go to such a place”, “accept your destiny”, “prove your value,” that classic beginning of the hero.

Copy, paste and… improvise

The journey takes you for 7 distinct areas and in all of them, we come across various characters, objects and items that may not make much sense or that you can not interact at first – a clear invitation to return later with more context or skills.

Copy and necklace in Ruffy and the Riverside is as easy as on the PC: a copy button, the other glue. It is so intuitive that you soon take yourself trying to transform everything you see ahead. Although there are certain limits that maintain the balanced environment, objects that shine may have their texture exchanged. You can turn stone walls into water, for example, and strange as it seems, it works.

You can turn a waterfall into a vine, the sea into a lava, a wooden iron box. A river can even become a moldy sand if you want. There are really many possibilities, and it is unthinkable how this can be used to create puzzles. Fortunately, the developers were very creative: the challenges are often difficult to interpret in the face, which is great. -It makes you think a lot until you solve them.

Nevertheless, limitation of what may or may not be transformed helps reduce possibilities and facilitate some responses. Although it takes time to make associations, the moment of “click” is always rewarding. And we catch ourselves reflecting: How did I not think about it before?

Amazing: Only the individual for their animations, all handmade over the 7 years of development – an impressive work that spreads to dozens of other arts in building this universe. In fact, so many arts yield a ton of collectible items such as butterflies, Etoi creatures, letters, crystals and more. Keep an eye on everything, the game loves to reward those who explore.

As if all creativity was no longer enough, the game also has Yoogh -past puzzles: it tells you a sentence, and based on it, you must combine blocks with space symbols. I confess that it requires attention. Good thing the game is 100% located in Portuguese, which helps a lot at these times. Solving these puzzles active something brilliant: 2D phases drawn on the walls, in a style that resembles Super Mario Odyssey.

Ruffy and the Riverside is pure creativity and charm

Although simple, Ruffy and the Riverside’s 2D phases are a charm and help build the unique identity of the game. Sometimes they require a lot of attention, as you need to copy and paste 3D world drawings and textures to murals, this will help fight enemies and create safe paths for Ruffy. It is a great idea, fun and undoubtedly very engaging.

Interactions throughout the missions add constant depth to the game. The story itself is not complex, but gameplay is very well sustained, and every new skill learned renews the invitation to exploration. It is impossible not to remember games like Banjo & Kazooie, Super Mario 64 and other classics of the genre.

Ruffy and the Riverside is full of characters to meet. Pip, for example, is a tiny bee that accompanies the bear on the journey. Despite her size, she gives us the ability to planar, as well as bringing funny comments during the dialogues.

The characters, in general, are fun and yield good laughs, as well as several secondary missions for those who want to deepen more. By the way, the tone of the game is light and colorful, which makes it an excellent choice for both younger players and veterans who love a good challenge with retro touch.

The look of Ruffy and the Riverside is the result of a genuine artistic effort that mixes style with handmade arts and animations, all created very carefully. The song that is present in the trailers and within the game is also a find: light, contagious and totally aligned with the look. Sticks to the head easily and gives the cheerful tone that the game delivers

Zockrates Laboratories is an indie studio formed by few people, it makes everything even more impressive. They make it clear that affection, creativity and time yield amazing results even with few resources. It’s nice to see that the team also keeps the community nearby, sharing advances in development, backstage and welcoming feedbacks.

Ruffy and the Riverside is a love letter to 3D platform games, those who warm the heart with charm, intelligence and personality. I never thought the Instagram algorithm would get it right. Fortunately, he took me straight to Ruffy – and how pleasant surprise. I recommend too much (and yes, I would put this recommendation three times, laughs).