Screenshots & trailers
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 75 | 19 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 75 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 57 | 31 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (21)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“The Stretchers is an unexpected delight, dropping on to the eShop without warning and perfectly timed to brighten up the long, dark winter days ahead. Tarsier has taken all its experience working on the likes of Ragdoll Kung-Fu: Fists of Plastic and LittleBigPlanet and brought it together to deliver this ridiculously OTT ragdoll puzzle riot that works well in solo but is on another level when enjoyed with a friend in co-op. Missions are varied and lend themselves perfectly to moments of hilarious slapstick, and there's a couple of real standout moments scattered across the course of proceedings that will have you laughing all the way to the way to the end.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The Stretchers may stretch that smile over your face, with its funny ragdoll physics and clumsy multiplayer moments. It may be short and lacks replay value, but for the while it lasts, it is sure to bring a bit of hilarious sunshine to that rainy day, we all get to live sometimes.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“The Stretchers is a jovial, anarchic affair. It looks like a Dreamcast title and, in some respects, feels like playing one too. That comparison isn't meant as a pejorative to say it's dated, as it isn't, and certainly it has a charm all of its own. Despite some small annoyances, it is the freshness, and an arcade-y fun-ness that feels like something off of Sega's last console. This is brimming with engaging ideas, which constantly build on or mix up the core mechanic, which taken on its own merits is strong. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The gameplay loop of riding to places, exploring a bit, grabbing patients, and moving back is extremely novel and engaging. With every mission introducing unique attributes, it is always a delight to see what curve The Stretchers throws at you next. There were a few minor problems, mostly with precise movements, but never anything that soured the fun. Overall though, I can't help but admire the things Tarsier Studios put in. The Stretchers is a good time.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The Stretchers may not look visually appealing and it controls a little rough around the edges, but it’s also a hilarious time from start to finish. Best enjoyed as a co-op experience, this is the kind of surprise I’m more than willing to embrace from Nintendo in the future.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The Stretchers will give you the same co-op joy that Snipperclips did, we just wish it went on for longer. It’s a bit too easy and short to justify its price, but it is Nintendo magic nonetheless.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Imagine the joy you felt playing Untitled Goose Game for the first time, then imagine playing that with a friend. Sprinkle in a dash of Overcooked, a smattering of Crazy Taxi (or The Simpsons: Road Rage) and you'll get a good idea of the terrific fun that can be had with The Stretchers.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“In reality, for the hour or so I enjoyed the game with a friend, we were on the same page for most every mission. However, the fickle nature of the controls kept us from completing these missions as quickly as possible.”
read full review ↗ - 72
“Couch-co-op games are just the thing for you, but The Stretchers are a surprisingly nice addition to your collection within its genre. The cheerful gameplay, clumsy characters, and silly humor will certainly enhance the atmosphere in your living room.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“The Stretchers is an entertaining co-op game that needs to offer more fun outside of its story mode.”
read full review ↗ - 75
- 80
“The Stretchers is yet another little gem for Switch born from the collaboration between Nintendo and Western independent studios. ”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
PLAY Zine
Cubed3
NintendoWorldReport
Nintendo Insider
Switch Player
Destructoid
DualShockers
Luis Alamilla
Everyeye.it…and 9 more tracked reviews.