Two weeks ago I highlighted Ruffy and the Riverside, the first game being developed by Zockrates Labs and published by Phiphen Games. Today they sent out a press release with a new trailer and some announcements regarding localisation and release platforms.
Watch the trailer that Zockrates Labs took to the OTK Winter Games Expo, and see Ruffy and the Riverside in action:
Reminiscent of the N64 era, Ruffy and the Riverside is a colourful 3D platformer populated with hand drawn 2D sprites, centred round a swapping mechanic that let’s you change Ruffy’s surroundings at will. On a quest to stop the evil Groll from tampering with the World Core and possibly destroying all of Riverside, Ruffy must use his special Swap power to save the day! The poncho wearing protagonist can change the textures of everything around him, creatively manipulating the world to solve puzzles and explore Riverside. The press release says it best:
“Turn ice into lava or waterfalls into vines as you ride hay bales, explore, fight, and solve puzzles throughout Riverside. Unleash your imagination in this quirky open-world action game that literally lets you change the world!”
Zockrates Labs wants as many people as possible to play and enjoy Ruffy and the Riverside, and they are putting in the work to make that happen. Localisation now includes Korean, Chinese and Simplified Chinese alongside English, German, French, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Japanese. But it’s not just language barriers that Ruffy is overcoming. Already planned to release on Steam for PC, Ruffy and the Riverside will also make its way to the Epic Games Store. The game is also coming to Xbox One and Series consoles, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
There looks to be a great deal to enjoy in Ruffy and the Riverside. The game boasts 7 unlockable regions to explore, with over a dozen characters to meet and do quests for. Various collectibles, including butterflies, dreamstones and coins can be found across each area, and are tied back into the gameplay and customisation. There will also be challenging 2D levels built into the environments, a great modern addition to 3D platformers.
Ruffy and the Riverside was already doing a lot visually to set itself apart from other 3D platformers. But it is the creative use of the Swap ability, and the possibilities that it offers, that looks to make this game one of a kind.
Ruffy and the Riverside is set to release in Spring 2025.
