_page-0001.jpg "Ruby and The Lost Crystals")
Ruby and The Lost Crystals – A Dazzling Retro Platformer Adventure
📜 Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Gameplay Mechanics
- The Storyline: Saving a Crystal-Powered World
- Graphics & Retro Charm
- Sound Design & Music
- Level Design & Challenge Curve
- Controls & Accessibility
- Performance on PC
- Why You Should Play Ruby and The Lost Crystals
- Related Games You Might Like
- Final Verdict
Introduction
If you're someone who grew up playing 8-bit and 16-bit platformers—or just someone who admires that golden era of gaming—then Ruby and The Lost Crystals will feel like a sparkling gem in your Steam library. Developed by Lucid Drop Studio, this action-packed side-scroller brings back the magic of pixel-perfect jumps, tricky traps, secret paths, and satisfying crystal collections.
In an era dominated by high-res graphics and cinematic storytelling, Ruby’s retro aesthetic and tight controls prove that sometimes, simplicity is powerful. Let’s break down everything that makes this indie title a must-play for fans of the genre.
Gameplay Mechanics
The heart of any good platformer is its gameplay—and Ruby delivers in spades. You play as a courageous girl named Ruby, traversing across various levels to retrieve the scattered lost crystals that once powered her homeland. Each level is a challenging labyrinth of platforms, spikes, moving blocks, hidden walls, and aggressive enemies.
What truly stands out is the fluid movement. Jumping feels responsive, double-jumps are buttery smooth, and the wall-sliding mechanics are a satisfying addition that add verticality and depth to each level. Checkpoints are generously placed without making the game too easy, striking a nice balance between accessibility and challenge.
The Storyline: Saving a Crystal-Powered World
The plot isn’t overly complex, but it sets the stage well. Ruby’s world has been thrown into darkness after the Great Crystal Explosion. The magic crystals that once fueled civilization have been scattered across dangerous lands, and it's up to her to retrieve them. Along the way, she’ll encounter a variety of foes and environmental hazards—but also unlock secrets from her past and learn the truth about the crystal energy source.
The narrative unfolds mostly through subtle environmental clues, background art, and occasional dialog boxes. For fans of minimalist storytelling with rich world-building through level design, this game hits the sweet spot.
Graphics & Retro Charm
Ruby and The Lost Crystals features a lovingly crafted pixel-art style that draws inspiration from SNES and Sega Genesis classics. Each level bursts with vibrant colors and animated backdrops, from dense forest canopies to eerie crystal caves and crumbling ruins. The use of parallax scrolling gives depth to each scene, and enemy animations are varied and detailed.
There are also charming visual effects, like glowing crystals, crumbling platforms, and environmental interactions that give the game world life without overwhelming your senses.
Sound Design & Music
Sound is where Ruby also shines. The chiptune-inspired soundtrack hits all the nostalgic notes while still feeling modern and dynamic. Each level has a unique theme that adapts as you progress. Boss fights have intense musical arrangements, enhancing the adrenaline.
Sound effects are punchy and clean, with satisfying audio feedback for jumps, attacks, and item pickups. The absence of voice acting feels intentional and fits the retro theme.
Level Design & Challenge Curve
The game features over 30 handcrafted levels, each introducing new mechanics without overwhelming the player. From timed switches and crumbling paths to teleportation doors and underwater stages, Ruby constantly keeps you on your toes.
Difficulty ramps up smoothly. Early levels serve as tutorials, but by the mid-game, precision jumps and strategic planning are required. The boss levels are highlights—each boss has unique attack patterns, and defeating them requires both pattern recognition and agility.
Controls & Accessibility
Whether you’re using a keyboard or a controller, the controls are exceptionally responsive. Mapping is intuitive, and input lag is virtually nonexistent. Players can remap keys or tweak sensitivity as needed. Gamepad support works flawlessly right out of the box.
As for accessibility, the developers have included colorblind-friendly settings, adjustable difficulty sliders, and even an optional slow-motion feature for players who need a little extra help during tough sections.
Performance on PC
Ruby and The Lost Crystals runs buttery smooth even on low-end systems. Since it’s built with lightweight pixel art, loading times are short, and frame drops are rare. It supports resolutions up to 4K, and works well on Steam Deck too—making it a solid pick for handheld players.
Throughout our testing, we encountered no game-breaking bugs or crashes. Regular patches and community feedback are helping fine-tune the experience further.
Why You Should Play Ruby and The Lost Crystals
- ✅ Nostalgic platformer gameplay with modern polish
- ✅ Challenging but fair level design
- ✅ Gorgeous pixel art visuals and smooth animations
- ✅ Memorable chiptune soundtrack
- ✅ Affordable indie title with great replay value
Whether you’re a hardcore retro gamer or a newcomer looking for a fast-paced, engaging indie platformer—Ruby has something to offer. You’ll find yourself retrying levels just to master them, not because you have to, but because it’s fun.
Related Games You Might Like
- Celeste – For intense platforming and emotional storytelling
- Fez – For puzzle-heavy retro experiences
- Dead Cells – If you love fast-paced roguelite combat
- Black Stigma Review – Our full analysis of another trending pixel-style indie game
Final Verdict
Ruby and The Lost Crystals is a heartfelt ode to classic platformers. It doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks or complex systems—it just nails the basics and executes them with polish and passion. The pixel art is eye-catching, the gameplay is rewarding, and the world is filled with secrets that invite exploration and replayability.
For a small indie title, it punches well above its weight and is easily one of the best retro platformers of 2025.
Ready to jump into the adventure? Download Ruby and The Lost Crystals on Steam now and begin your quest for the lost crystals!