Ruffy and the Riverside (2025)

In Ruffy and the Riverside, you wield the magic power of SWAP, using it to Copy & Paste textures within the game world. Turn ice into lava or waterfalls into vines as you ride hay bales, explore, fight, and solve puzzles throughout Riverside.

Platform Puzzle Role-playing (RPG)Simulator Adventure Indie Action Fantasy Open world steam achievements nextfest february 2025Xbox Series X|S, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac, Xbox One

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Contemporary, unpretentious, resolved and plot-driven.

contemporarynostalgic
unpretentiousprestige
resolvedopen-ended
character-ledplot-driven
intimateepic

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From the critics

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Niche GamerBrandon LyttleJun 202510/10
Ultimately, Ruffy and the Riverside is an excellent homage and possibly the most fun I’ve had with an indie platformer since A Hat in Time or Nikoderiko. Ruffy and the Riverside was clearly made by a team that knows and loves the genre.
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Netto’s Game RoomJeremy SchepperJun 20255/5 stars
I really enjoyed my time with Ruffy and the Riverside. I don't think I quit smiling from the time I booted the game up until I finished it. Between the adorable characters, the intriguing story, the incredibly delightful world to explore, and the inventive and fun game mechanics, I think Ruffy is a very special game that absolutely deserves your time and money. I don't think you'll play anything like this again for some time, maybe until Zockrates Labs develops a sequel, which they definitely should. I believe they've maybe created the next indie gaming icon here. I think they should look into doing sequels and spin-offs, getting into RPGs, kart racers (or hay bale racers), maybe even a full-blown skateboarding game: Ruffy Hawk's Pro Hay Bale Riding. In all seriousness, I genuinely hope to see Ruffy become a full-fledged franchise. The game was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it.
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Explosion NetworkJacob HegartyJun 202510/10
The visual nostalgia, combined with the engaging gameplay and mechanics, makes this game truly shine. It is rare to find hand-drawn adventure platformers that offer a range of puzzles and a great story; however, this game ticks all those boxes.
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Push SquareStephen TailbyJun 20255/10
Ultimately, Ruffy and the Riverside is a game we wanted to like, but despite its attractive visual style and unique ideas, it never really comes together in a satisfying way. While there's some fun to be had running around in the semi-open world, it never evolves beyond that.
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Entertainment GeeklyLuis AlvaroJul 20252.5/5
For players who really love quirky indie platformers, there may be enough charm here to make it worth a look.
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Snippets via OpenCritic, where 66% of critics recommend it.

About the game

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Developer: Zockrates Laboratories
Publisher: Phiphen Games
Released: June 26, 2025
Modes: Single player
Perspective: Third person
Engine: Unity

IGDB rating 8.2/10 from 2 ratings.

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