Ruffy and the Riverside Critique – An Evaluation

Okay, let’s dive into this weird, whimsical world called Ruffy and the Riverside. Ever had one of those days where nothing makes sense but you’re along for the ride anyway? Yeah, that’s kinda how this game feels. Picture this: You’re Ruffy, a sorta Ewok-meets-bear creature, bumbling through a 3D playground, just trying to not trip over your own feet. And there’s this giant cube — no real intro, just there to ruin your day.

You’re supposed to save the world, collect some letters — why letters? Beats me. Reminds me a bit of Super Mario — you know, with the castle hub thing — except, instead of jumping into paintings, you’re dodging all sorts of amusingly glitchy nonsense. Oh, and ladders. Let’s not even start on those. Who knew climbing could be such a disaster?

Ruffy’s got this neat trick though, kinda like a magician but more fumbly — switch stuff up around you, like, “Hey, I’ll swap that boring rock with something way cooler!” It’s all fun and games until you’re beating your head against a puzzle because, suddenly, swapping water with leaves isn’t as intuitive as it sounds. I mean, when has hitting everything in sight ever not been the solution? Amirite?

Controls are… there. You move fast as if someone turbocharged your morning coffee, but turning? Feels like wrestling an alligator. Checkpoints could learn to be a bit more forgiving because, seriously, who likes re-doing things? Coins get you heart stuff for more life or just stylin’ Ruffy outfits — but really, should I spend them on a trick to skip another annoying puzzle? Tempting.

The game gives you these quirky tasks too, like turning ocean stone into floaty wood — don’t ask, it just works. But man, someone needs to tell Riverside repeats aren’t fun; doing matchy-symbols again and again feels like those days when your brain just doesn’t wanna cooperate.

Sound’s all jokey, fitting for Ruffy’s wacky antics. Visually? It’s like doodles came to life — simple yet poppy, colors smacking you in the face, but in a fun way. Dialogue’s a hoot too, but could use a word diet. Sometimes less is more, y’know?

In the end, this game’s like a messy art project — rough in spots but you still wanna hang it up on the fridge. Reviewed it on Switch 2 and hey, it ran pretty good. It’s got its share of hiccups, but the charm’s there if you don’t mind the occasional tumble. Ruffy might not be perfect, but honestly, who wants perfect anyway?