Alright, so, picture this: A bear, kinda like a fuzzier ewok from Star Wars, in a world that’s both playful and… well, a bit glitchy. That’s Ruffy for you and his Riverside romp. This isn’t just any buzzword-infused gaming adventure; it’s this quirky open world where you dodge frustration and unexpected “oops” moments as you unlock, solve, and basically muddle your way through. (Oh, and sometimes you just wanna throw your controller at the TV. But you won’t. I think.)
So here’s the deal—Ruffy’s facing off against some evil cube (yes, you read that right, a cube) threatening to wipe out everything. Naturally, it’s up to this little bear hero to nab letters (No, not your emails, actual letters) to save the day. Think Mario 64 vibes with its big hub and mini-areas. You even meet all these wild characters, plus deal with, I kid you not, ladders that need precise climbing. Seriously, who designs these?
Now, Ruffy’s got this groovy swap power thing where he can absorb and replace stuff: colors, materials, you name it. Some puzzles are straightforward, but others, you’re left scratching your head and occasionally barking at the screen. Real talk: if you vibe with puzzle designs, you’ll love it. If not, ah, things might get dicey.
Maneuvering Ruffy is slippery—fast, but not so precise. And don’t get me started on checkpoints that make you replay levels like your memory’s stuck on loop. Ugh. On the bright side, coins I hoarded like a magpie can buy heart containers or snazzy outfits. Ah, retail therapy. Also, some puzzles—yeah, you can buy your way through those too.
Early-game giggles? Swapping a waterfall’s water with climbable leaves or turning ocean stone pillars into floaty wood. Genius, right? Well, puzzle repeat plays can feel like being stuck on Groundhog Day. Matching symbols? Once, okay. Three times in a row? Hard pass.
Sound-wise—it’s all playful, matching Ruffy’s goofy dance moves. Visuals, though, are this lovely dance between bold colors and stark, pointy edges. They should’ve trimmed down the tutorial talk because who really has the patience these days?
In the end, Ruffy and Riverside is this endearing bundle—rough edges, sure, but it’s got soul. My hands-on was with Switch 2, and for completionists, there’s a ton to immerse in. Yeah, it can be tricky or downright maddening, yet its quirky swap-play stands out. So, despite the hiccups, it’s a game I’d wander back to. Go figure.
