Developer: Zockrates Laboratories UG
Publisher: Phiphen Games
Genre: Action, Platformer
Price: $19,99
Release Date: Jun 26, 2025
Where to buy: Steam
“Ruffy and the Riverside” emerges as a captivating and highly creative open-world action game, developed by Zockrates Laboratories UG and published by Phiphen Games. Released on June 26, 2025, the game immediately distinguishes itself with its innovative “SWAP” mechanic, allowing players to copy and paste textures to dynamically alter the game world. This core feature transforms environmental interaction into a puzzle-solving experience, where players can turn ice into lava, stone into wood, or manipulate other elements to forge new paths and uncover hidden treasures across its diverse levels. Beyond its unique texture-swapping, the gameplay incorporates traditional platforming elements like fighting, jumping, and even skating on hay bales, offering a rich blend of exploration and action in both 3D and 2D perspectives.
The narrative of “Ruffy and the Riverside” follows Ruffy, the “Chosen One,” on an urgent quest to thwart the nefarious Groll, who threatens to obliterate the World Core and plunge Riverside into chaos. Ruffy is not alone on this perilous journey; a charming cast of companions, including the witty bee Pip, the adventurous mole Sir Eddler, and the sagacious turtle Silja, provide assistance and personality throughout the adventure. As players traverse seven distinct regions, they encounter a vibrant array of characters and confront unexpected challenges, all while piecing together the story of Riverside’s impending doom and Ruffy’s pivotal role in its salvation.
A significant aspect of the game’s appeal lies in its emphasis on player creativity and customization. “Ruffy and the Riverside” empowers players to design their own textures using “Pix,” which can then be applied to various in-game elements. This feature not only enhances the replayability but also allows for a personal touch, enabling players to truly make the game world their own. This blend of structured gameplay with open-ended creative tools fosters a deeper engagement and encourages experimentation, setting it apart from many other platformers.
The critical and user reception for “Ruffy and the Riverside” has been overwhelmingly positive, solidifying its place as a well-regarded title. With “Very Positive” reviews on Steam—87% positive from recent reviews and 86% positive overall—the community’s appreciation is clear. Gaming publications have echoed this sentiment, with Nintendo Life lauding it as a “New hand drawn 3D platformer bursting with Nintendo Inventiveness,” and PC Gamer suggesting it “might be one of this years best platformers.” Alpha Beta Gamer further praised it as “A delightful texture-swapping adventure packed full of creativity. Highly recommended,” underscoring its innovative mechanics and charming design.
In conclusion, “Ruffy and the Riverside” stands out as a cleverly designed and highly enjoyable game that successfully merges action, adventure, and creative customization. Its innovative “SWAP” mechanic offers a fresh take on environmental puzzles, while its engaging story and memorable characters draw players into a vibrant world. Coupled with strong positive reviews from both players and critics, the game provides a compelling and imaginative experience, making it a noteworthy title in the platforming genre.
