Written by Steve Zimmerman
ThunderStash Gaming
A Rare-Inspired Adventure with Banjo-Kazooie Vibes
For those of us who grew up with the golden era of Nintendo and Rareware, there’s something magical about stumbling upon a game that feels like it was crafted with the same level of creativity and passion. Ruffy and the Riverside is one such title—a colorful, vibrant 2D platformer that immediately caught my eye with its unique mechanics and undeniable charm. After spending time with the demo, I walked away incredibly impressed, eager to see how the full experience unfolds when it launches later this year.
A World Bursting with Personality
From the moment Ruffy and the Riverside boots up, it exudes a playful energy that’s hard to ignore. The game’s art style is brimming with personality, blending crisp hand-drawn visuals with a lively color palette that brings its world to life. The attention to detail is apparent in every frame, from the expressive animations of Ruffy himself to the quirky environments that shift and transform as you progress.
If you’ve ever found yourself longing for the days when platformers were more than just a test of reflexes—when they were an invitation to explore, experiment, and play—then Ruffy and the Riverside might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s clear the developers have put immense care into crafting a world that feels alive, dynamic, and fun to traverse.
Gameplay That’s More Than Just Running and Jumping
At its core, Ruffy and the Riverside takes inspiration from the greats of the genre but adds its own twist. The standout mechanic here is the ability to copy and paste elements from the environment, essentially allowing players to manipulate the world in creative ways. This feature isn’t just a gimmick—it’s woven directly into the level design, requiring you to think outside the box to solve puzzles, navigate obstacles, and uncover secrets.
The copy-paste mechanic reminded me of some of the innovative gameplay elements seen in classics like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, where interacting with the environment in unique ways was just as important as the platforming itself. There’s a sense of experimentation that makes each level feel like a playground, inviting players to test out different strategies and see what works.
Music That Hits All the Right Notes
A platformer like this wouldn’t be complete without a great soundtrack, and Ruffy and the Riverside delivers. The music is energetic, fitting perfectly with the game’s whimsical world while enhancing the overall experience. If there’s one thing that indie games have consistently done well in recent years, it’s nailing their soundtracks, and this game is no exception.
The tracks feel reminiscent of the work of legends like David Wise and Grant Kirkhope—composers known for crafting soundscapes that stick with you long after you’ve put the controller down. The blend of upbeat melodies and dynamic compositions keeps the momentum going, making each stage feel even more immersive.
Looking Ahead – Will Ruffy Be a Heavyweight Contender?
It’s always exciting to see an indie game introduce fresh ideas while paying homage to the classics. Ruffy and the Riverside has all the makings of a breakout hit, from its unique gameplay mechanics to its beautiful art direction and engaging soundtrack. If the full game continues to expand on the ideas presented in the demo, this could be one of the most creative and rewarding indie platformers in years.
The good news? You won’t have to wait long to try it for yourself. The Ruffy and the Riverside demo will be available on February 13th, and the full game is currently scheduled to launch in April 2025. You can Wishlist it now on Steam: Ruffy and the Riverside Steam Page.
For now, my first impressions are overwhelmingly positive, and I can’t wait to see more. Will Ruffy and the Riverside be a true contender in the indie platforming scene? Based on what I’ve played so far, I’d say it has a fighting chance.
You can check out my full preview below or by visiting my channel, ThunderStash Gaming, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thunderstashgaming.
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