It is very complicated, at this point, to surprise in a 3D platformer, but Ruffy and the Riverside has managed to do so and is capturing the attention of fans on Steam, especially after the release of its recent demo. This title proposes a unique mechanic where players can copy and paste textures and physical properties from the environment to progress through levels and solve puzzles, an innovation that could redefine strategy in the genre.
Something hides behind that big smile
Players take control of Ruffy, a always-smiling bear, who uses his magical ability to transform the environment to his advantage. For example, players can turn a body of water into ice to make crossing easier or transform immovable blocks into boxes by copying properties from other materials. From the start, the demo tests the player’s creativity, offering puzzles that require ingenuity, such as turning rocks into wood to create a ladder and access higher areas.
Graphically, Ruffy and the Riverside features a visual style reminiscent of Paper Mario, with a world that seems made of cardboard and paper creatures. This artistic approach, with vibrant colors and a medieval aesthetic in Ruffy’s Town, adds a special charm that enhances the gaming experience. However, despite its visual appeal and clever mechanics, some players have expressed criticism about Ruffy’s excessive chatter, which could become annoying during prolonged sessions.
The demo allows players to explore a small part of the game world and offers progress in three broader levels, generating expectations among players. As the full version is awaited, opinions are optimistic; many believe that if the copy and paste mechanics are expanded, Ruffy and the Riverside could establish itself as one of the best platformers of 2025.