Ruffy and the Riverside Review – A Critique

So, I jump into Ruffy and the Riverside, right? It’s one of those 3D action-adventure things, all open-world and puzzly. You control this bear, Ruffy—kinda like if an Ewok got a makeover—and he’s got this quirky power where he can change stuff around him. Pretty neat, I think. But then, y’know, some parts just get on my nerves. The whole charming pace keeps you hooked, until the occasional hiccup throws you off. Boo.

Ruffy’s world has this massive cube, bent on destruction. (Why is it always cubes in games?) Anyway, Ruffy’s gotta collect letters to save his home, kind of like a mix of Mario 64 with its hub and smaller areas. And don’t get me started on these pesky ladders. Like why, oh why, must they be so centered? One slightly off step and you’re back to square one.

But here’s a twist: Ruffy can absorb and swap stuff—like colors or objects. Some puzzles make you think, “Oh, that’s clever!” Others just leave you banging your head against a wall, hoping something clicks. It’s great when it all falls into place after 10 minutes, but when it doesn’t, ugh, just… chaos. It’s fine if the design fits your brainwaves. Or maybe not. Who’s to say?

Those controls? A bit wobbly. Ruffy’s zooming everywhere, but precision? Uh, what’s that? Couple that with checkpoints that throw you back miles (or what feels like it), and every blunder is a drag. Coins, though—they’re handy. You can beef up Ruffy with them or nab a new outfit. Sometimes, splurging on a puzzle solution is just what you need to stay sane and move on.

Oh, and those puzzles? Early ones have you swapping a waterfall and leaves—like, nature’s color palette gone wild. Or, make stone pillars float by changing them to wood. But do the same symbol match a gazillion times, and it’s just busywork, honestly.

And the sound? Kinda cute and fizzy. It fits Ruffy’s whole dancing vibe. The hand-drawn graphics, bright and edgy, pop. Some jokes land; others, meh. The guide bit drags on, though. Could’ve cut it shorter.

Overall, Ruffy and the Riverside—it’s got this charm that outshines its quirks. Played it on Switch 2. Tons to explore for completionists. Yeah, some puzzles make my eyes roll, but that swapping trick? A fresh breath. Kind of an uneven ride, but Riverside—yeah, I’d wade back in.