Remember the days of chunky polygons, vibrant colours, and endlessly explorable 3D worlds on the Nintendo 64? Well, get ready for a blast from the past with Ruffy and the Riverside, a charming new 3D platformer that’s dripping with retro charm, but isn’t afraid to innovate. Think Banjo-Kazooie meets… well, something entirely new! And the best part? You can dive into the demo right now on Steam!
Developed by German indie studio Zockrates Laboratories and published by Phiphen Games, Ruffy and the Riverside isn’t just a rehash of old ideas. It takes the core elements we loved about N64 platformers – collecting stars, exploring vibrant worlds, and quirky characters – and adds a fresh twist with the unique SWAP mechanic.
Visually, it’s probably more GameCube/Wii, but it’s definitely got the 2000s feelz.
The demo offers a tantalising glimpse into the colourful world of Riverside, letting you experience the core gameplay and get a feel for Ruffy’s unique abilities. Those who grew up with the N64 will instantly feel at home with the level design and the satisfying loop of exploration and collection. But Ruffy and the Riverside isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about taking those classic elements and evolving them for a modern audience.
Hand-drawn Ruffy and the Riverside
And it’s not just us retro gaming enthusiasts who are excited. Early previews have been generating some serious buzz:
- “This new hand-drawn 3D platformer is bursting with Nintendo-level inventiveness!” – NintendoLife
- “A nostalgic N64-inspired adventure that rocks to its own beat. Ruffy and the Riverside doesn’t just lean on nostalgia, it catapults past it.” – NoisyPixel
- “One of the 3D platformers I’m most excited about! Every moment feels magical and full of surprise!” – Best Indie Games
Even PC Gamer is calling it a potential “best platformer” of the year!
What’s the SWAP?
This is where Ruffy and the Riverside truly shines. Ruffy has the power to SWAP textures within the game world. Imagine turning ice into lava, waterfalls into vines, or even stone into wood to create a makeshift boat. The possibilities are endless, and this mechanic adds a layer of puzzle-solving and creative problem-solving that sets it apart from other platformers. It’s a clever twist that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
While the N64 inspiration is clear, Ruffy and the Riverside also brings to mind the whimsical charm of games from the Nintendo Wii and PS3 era. The vibrant, hand-drawn art style, coupled with the imaginative world and quirky characters, evokes a similar sense of playful adventure.
Coming Soon to Consoles!
While the demo is currently available on Steam, console gamers won’t have to wait too long. The full game is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox One & Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch!
Head over to the Steam page (store.steampowered.com/app/1002260/Ruffy_and_the_Riverside) and download the demo today! You can also check out the press kit for more information: piratepr.notion.site/ruffy-and-the-riverside.
Ruffy and the Riverside looks set to be a fantastic addition to the retro-inspired gaming landscape. It’s a game that respects its inspirations while forging its own unique identity. We can’t wait to see what the full game has in store!
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
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