Mini Review: Ruffy and the Riverside (PS5) – A Cute Platformer with Missed Potential

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In a visually appealing manner, Ruffy and the Riverside stands out with its 2D characters set against a vibrant 3D backdrop. However, although its visual style is impressive, the gameplay seems to fall short compared to this striking appearance.

In this game, you’ll find an innovative 3D platformer with a distinct ‘copy-paste’ feature that allows you to replicate textures onto various objects. Imagine transforming water into lava! Initially, this concept is intriguing and fresh. However, it seems that the potential of this mechanic isn’t fully realised throughout the gameplay experience as a whole.

The development rarely goes beyond simple problem-solving tasks, giving it a somewhat restrictive feel. It’s capable of duplicating certain textures, but these can only be applied to particular objects or surfaces, resulting in a narrow range of practical uses.

It’s truly unfortunate that you can’t experience this game, as it offers numerous sights and activities to engage with. Scattered throughout an entertaining layout is a variety of puzzles and characters, inviting exploration.

Sadly, the game seems more entertaining than it actually is. Its slick controls and unimpressive mechanics create an experience that feels incomplete or not fully developed.

While there’s certainly no shortage of diverse concepts and creative thinking, the overall piece seems to be lacking a sense of unity and refinement that would tie everything together effectively.

In my gaming experience, this game’s story is overly emphasized compared to what it deserves. It’s a straightforward yarn that kickstarts Ruffy’s journey, but there are more cinematic scenes and dialogue sequences than one might anticipate. Unfortunately, the narrative depth isn’t commensurate with these extensive cutscenes.

There’s a certain charm to the characters and the writing, but it all feels quite thin.

In essence, Ruffy and the Riverside was a game we hoped to enjoy, boasting an appealing graphic design and innovative concepts. However, it fell short of delivering a cohesive, fulfilling experience. Although there’s some amusement in roaming through its semi-open environment, it fails to develop into anything more substantial.

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2025-06-25 14:06