As a massive platformer fan I've had my eye on Ruffy and the Riverside for a while, and I'm pleased to report that this colorful adventure is just as much fun as its wonderful hand-drawn art style looks, while also being a bit of a surprise. The demo I played last year made me think this was simply a clever take on Super Mario Odyssey-style levels, but this is actually a mostly open world with its own rhythm.
Speaking of rhythm, Ruffy and the Riverside really is at its best when you're just enjoying the vibes, whether that's the extremely boppy Demon Turf-esque vocal instrumentations, the frequent charming grunts from Ruffy, or just zipping around a sunny and friendly environment. Even enemies often have a big grin on their faces, reminding me of the Rareware housestyle – there's a childlike sense of wonder here that's also part of Banjo-Kazooie's lasting appeal.
