Ruffy and the Riverside: A Promising New Platformer Now Available to Try

A cheerful introduction to the dark arts and crafts.

We’ve seen a number of excellent 3D platformers released in recent years, yet Ruffy and the Riverside stands out as a potential top contender for 2025. The newly released demo on Steam hints at a delightful gaming experience that is centered around a unique puzzle mechanic: the ability to copy and paste textures and physical attributes from the environment.

Gameplay Overview

In Ruffy and the Riverside, players step into the shoes of Ruffy, a cheerful bear with magical powers that allow him to interact with the environment in creative ways. For instance, Ruffy may not swim but can freeze a lake by copying ice textures, or ignite candles by copying fire. This innovative mechanic offers an engaging platforming experience that challenges players to think outside the box.

Puzzle Design

The demo offers a taste of the game’s overworld along with snippets from three larger levels, sparking excitement for future exploration. Each puzzle is designed cleverly, from creating paths with materials to solving riddles.

Aesthetic Appeal

Graphically, the game embraces a style reminiscent of Paper Mario, adorned in vibrant watercolors and filled with charming, paper-like creatures. The environments are distinguished by playful design and a medieval aesthetic featuring whimsical characters.

Conclusion

If Ruffy and the Riverside builds on the demo’s creative puzzle mechanics and expands its gameplay elements, it could emerge as one of 2025’s standout platformers.