Hubbry Logo
The StretchersThe StretchersMain
Open search
The Stretchers
Community hub
The Stretchers
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
The Stretchers
The Stretchers
The Stretchers
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
The Stretchers
Cover art of the game
DeveloperTarsier Studios[a]
PublisherNintendo
DirectorsViktor Lindäng
Masamichi Abe
ProducersPaul Allen
Toyokazu Nonaka
Yoshiaki Koizumi
Katsuya Eguchi
DesignersAsger Kristiansen
Marc Cartwright
EngineUnreal Engine 4[1]
PlatformNintendo Switch
ReleaseNovember 8, 2019
GenreAction puzzle
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

The Stretchers[b] is a 2019 action puzzle game developed by Tarsier Studios and published by Nintendo. It released for the Nintendo Switch on November 8, 2019.

Gameplay

[edit]

The Stretchers features lighthearted, ragdoll physics-based puzzles in which players are tasked with rescuing civilian "Dizzies"—residents that have been "dizzied" by the evil Captain Brains—and returning them to the hospital.[2][3] Players take on the role of medics to reach the location of Dizzies via an ambulance, with the ability to drive recklessly off ramps and through obstacles such as fences and walls.[4]

The game can be played in single-player, in which one player controls both paramedics, or in two-player co-op, where each player controls one of the medics.[5] Players can unlock character costumes and furniture for the medics' home base by exploring the world map and mission areas.[5] The comical style and co-operative gameplay of The Stretchers is reminiscent of that of the Overcooked! series,[5][3] while the careless ambulance driving has been compared to the gameplay of Crazy Taxi.[6][4]

Reception

[edit]

The Stretchers received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregator Metacritic.[7]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Stretchers

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Stretchers is a comedic action-puzzle developed by and published by exclusively for the , released on November 8, 2019. In the game, players control a pair of medics who navigate a chaotic world afflicted by "the Dizzies," a condition caused by the villainous Captain Brains that leaves residents disoriented and in need of rescue. Gameplay centers on cooperative puzzle-solving, where players—either solo controlling both characters or in local co-op with a friend—must transport woozy victims on stretchers using an , while overcoming physics-based obstacles, avoiding traps, and completing madcap missions across varied environments. Key mechanics include maneuvering stretchers through hazardous terrain, managing multiple Dizzies at once, and utilizing tools like sirens or boosters to progress, with an emphasis on humor and frantic teamwork. The game supports , , and handheld modes, and features unlockable customization options such as hats, colors, and furniture, alongside bonus objectives and hidden collectibles to encourage . Upon release, The Stretchers received generally favorable reviews, earning a Metascore of 75 out of 100 based on 20 critic reviews, with praise for its inventive co-op mechanics and lighthearted tone, though some noted repetitive elements in later levels. User reception was similarly positive, with an average score of 7.6 from 20 ratings, highlighting its accessibility for casual play and family-friendly appeal. As a digital-only title priced at $19.99, it supports multiple languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and others, making it accessible to a global audience.

Development

Concept and Design

The Stretchers originated at as a lighthearted co-op action-puzzle game, representing a stark contrast to the studio's earlier horror-focused projects like . The central idea revolves around two paramedics—Abby and Dan—who drive an across interconnected islands to rescue townsfolk struck by "the Dizzies," a bizarre affliction induced by the antagonist Captain Brains using hypnotic hats. This premise establishes a framework for frantic, teamwork-driven missions that blend transportation challenges with environmental puzzles, prioritizing humor and experimental problem-solving over linear progression. Central to the game's design is the emphasis on applied to the Dizzies, allowing rescued patients to flop, roll, and interact unpredictably with surroundings like trampolines or hazards, which heightens the comedic chaos during transport on shared stretchers. Navigation via the customizable integrates driving segments with puzzle elements, requiring players to maneuver through roads and obstacles to access mission sites while managing patient stability. Puzzle-solving is inherently , whether in two-player mode or solo control of both characters, encouraging creative strategies such as stacking multiple Dizzies or using tools like saws and for obstacle clearance, all to foster replayability through bonus objectives and hidden collectibles. The overall tone draws from co-op experiences emphasizing coordination amid mishaps, akin to in its promotion of joyful frustration and shared laughter during wacky rescue scenarios. These design choices aim to deliver madcap, physics-driven interactions that reward improvisation, with the game's whimsical elements enhancing the thrill of environmental navigation and patient handling. The project was built using to support these dynamic physics systems.

Production and Technology

Development of The Stretchers took place at as part of their expansion into original IP creation alongside publisher , with the game entering full production in the years leading to its surprise digital launch on the eShop on November 8, 2019. handled primary development, in collaboration with (NST) for platform-specific adaptations. Development was coordinated by , with Masamichi Abe serving as co-producer. The technical foundation of The Stretchers relied on Unreal Engine 4, which enabled robust physics simulation critical to the game's core mechanics, including ragdoll dynamics for character interactions and environmental puzzles. This engine choice facilitated efficient level design tools, allowing the team to prototype and iterate on co-op scenarios involving synchronized medic movements and object manipulation without traditional split-screen division. , based in , , comprised approximately 65 developers during this period, drawing from their expertise in physics-driven gameplay honed in prior titles. A key production challenge involved optimizing for the Nintendo Switch's hardware constraints amid complex physics calculations for up to two players controlling ragdoll-influenced characters simultaneously. The collaboration with NST provided oversight on these optimizations for stable multiplayer. This process emphasized conceptual testing of co-op dynamics early in development to avoid common issues like input lag or visual desync, prioritizing a unified screen experience.

Gameplay

Core Mechanics

The core mechanics of The Stretchers revolve around cooperative puzzle-solving and physics-based navigation, where players control two paramedics tasked with rescuing "Dizzies"—confused citizens afflicted by Captain Brains—across varied environments on Greenhorn Island. The primary objective is to drive an through a to reach mission sites, then locate and transport Dizzies back to the vehicle while avoiding hazards such as spinning blades, wrecking balls, conveyor belts, and pitfalls, all while managing time-sensitive rescues to prevent further chaos. Central to the gameplay is the use of a to carry Dizzies, which employs to simulate limp, unbalanced patients that can swing wildly, requiring precise coordination to navigate ramps, narrow paths, and obstacles without dropping them or triggering traps. Environmental interactions demand creative problem-solving, such as using tools like lawnmowers to clear blockages, to distract animals, or timing movements to bypass dynamic hazards like moles or tractors, often necessitating simultaneous actions from both paramedics to progress. These physics-driven challenges emphasize humor through exaggerated falls and collisions, reinforcing the game's focus on tandem effort over individual prowess. The control scheme supports both single-player and local co-op modes, with players managing the two medics—typically one focused on lifting and carrying while the other clears paths or drives—using simple inputs for movement, grabbing, releasing, crouching, and context-sensitive actions like boosting the ambulance. In single-player, asymmetric controls allow one-handed operation of each character, though it demands multitasking; co-op splits controls between players for more intuitive division of labor, briefly enhancing dynamics through verbal coordination without online support. Driving segments involve steering the ambulance around the map while avoiding traffic and obstacles to reach hospitals efficiently. Levels are structured across themed worlds divided into north and south sections of the island, comprising 17 main missions with increasing complexity, from basic rescues to intricate puzzles involving side objectives like treasure hunts or door-unlocking challenges. Progression unlocks customization items such as hats, colors, and furniture through and completion, encouraging replayability via time-attack modes and hidden collectibles without altering core systems.

Modes and Multiplayer Features

The Stretchers offers both single-player and local co-op modes, designed to emphasize puzzle-solving in a physics-based environment. In single-player mode, one player controls both paramedics simultaneously using the left and right analog sticks, allowing independent movement for tasks like carrying stretchers or navigating obstacles. A follow mechanic enables one paramedic to trail the other, simplifying basic coordination without full AI automation. Local two-player co-op supports up to two participants on the same console, requiring split controllers or additional peripherals for optimal play. This mode heightens the game's humor through required communication, such as coordinating stretcher lifts, vehicle driving, and avoiding environmental hazards, but lacks online multiplayer functionality. To boost replayability, the game features unlockable customization options earned through mission completions, including hats and color variations for the paramedics' costumes, as well as furniture items to decorate and home base. An achievement system, represented by a sticker book, tracks progress via bonus objectives like time limits or hidden collectibles across 17 levels. Players can replay missions in standard or time attack variants to achieve high scores and uncover all challenges, extending engagement beyond the core campaign.

Story and Setting

Plot and World Overview

The Stretchers is set in the of Greenhorn Islands, where a sudden outbreak of "Dizzies"—residents afflicted with disorientation and immobility—has plunged the area into chaos, orchestrated by the villainous Captain Brains as an act of revenge against the local emergency services. Players take on the roles of two paramedics tasked with responding to distress calls, navigating the islands to these Dizzies from perilous situations and transport them back to the hospital for recovery. The narrative revolves around thwarting Captain Brains' scheme, with the core conflict framed as a race against the escalating spread of the Dizzies across the islands. The world of The Stretchers is a vibrant, cartoonish expanse divided into northern and southern regions of Greenhorn Islands, featuring exaggerated, hazard-filled environments that blend urban disarray, rural landscapes, and industrial zones. Examples include bustling town streets cluttered with obstacles, dense forests teeming with hazards, sawmills rife with spinning machinery, seaside cliffs with precarious ziplines, and makeshift rally tracks amid dirt paths—all designed to amplify the absurdity of operations. This stylized setting emphasizes a non-serious, whimsical tone, prioritizing visual and environmental interactivity over realistic geography. The story unfolds primarily through mission briefings, on-site environmental cues, and snippets of humorous dialogue between the paramedics and Dizzies, with minimal reliance on cutscenes or extensive lore to maintain a light, episodic pace. Themes center on a satirical portrayal of response work, infused with humor that highlights the paramedics' bumbling yet determined efforts amid escalating comedic perils, underscoring absurdity and without delving into profound character arcs.

Characters

In The Stretchers, players control a duo of unnamed paramedics who serve as the core playable characters, working together to rescue afflicted civilians across the game's islands. One medic typically focuses on driving the customizable through chaotic environments, while the other handles the to locate and transport victims, with roles interchangeable in co-op or single-player modes where one player manages both. Their designs feature exaggerated, wibbly-wobbly proportions with bendy limbs and bobblehead-like heads, emphasizing for comedic effect during mishaps like collisions or failed lifts. Appearances are customizable through unlocked hats and accessories found in golden boxes scattered throughout levels, allowing personalization that ties into the game's lighthearted tone. The medics' personalities shine through simple, expressive voice lines that highlight and humor, such as audible cues for timing rescues or playful chants like clapping and singing to steady themselves after tumbles. This energetic, ham-fisted dynamic underscores the co-op focus, where coordination prevents disasters like dropping patients or crashing the vehicle. Notable non-playable characters (NPCs) include the "Dizzies," the game's primary victims who are ordinary townsfolk zapped into a disoriented state by hypnotic waves, causing them to wobble uncontrollably with unique animations tailored to their builds—such as a wrestler flopping heavily or a conductor stumbling awkwardly. These varied designs add humor and challenge, as players must adapt to each Dizzy's physics-based behavior during transport to the hospital's De-Dizzler machine. Supporting NPCs like the Operator, a pun-loving dispatcher who assigns missions via radio, provide comic relief through witty banter that emphasizes urgency and collaboration. The main antagonist, Captain Brains—a mustachioed ex-medic turned villain—deploys traps and hypnotic devices to hinder rescues, his sleek gyrocopter design contrasting the medics' goofy aesthetic while tying into the narrative of betrayal. Other figures, such as the inventive Professor Doctor who upgrades the ambulance, appear briefly to aid progression with eccentric, machine-focused personalities.

Release

Announcement and Marketing

The Stretchers was revealed as a surprise digital release by on November 7, 2019, through an official launch trailer that highlighted its co-op gameplay mechanics, where players control a pair of medics rescuing "Dizzies" in a whimsical, physics-based world. The game launched the following day on November 8, 2019, digitally worldwide via the , with availability staggered by time zones—first in , followed by and later the same day—emphasizing its immediate playability without prior buildup. Nintendo's focused on digital promotion to generate quick interest, including the debut trailer uploaded to official channels that showcased chaotic co-op rescues and humorous elements to appeal to players seeking lighthearted multiplayer experiences. Additional efforts featured in-game screenshots released alongside the announcement, illustrating diverse levels with stretcher-based puzzles and vehicle navigation, while tying into developer ' reputation for atmospheric titles like to attract fans of creative puzzle adventures. Promotional materials stressed the game's co-op focus, positioning it as an accessible alternative to more demanding puzzle games, with support for local two-player sessions without additional controllers. In , the title was localized as ストレッチャーズ (Sutorechāzu), retaining English audio and text options to broaden accessibility for international audiences upon its eShop debut. This approach targeted casual gamers and families, leveraging the Nintendo Switch's portability for on-the-go multiplayer sessions.

Launch Details

The Stretchers was released digitally on November 8, 2019, exclusively through the for the , with no physical edition available at launch or subsequently. Priced at a standard $19.99 USD for the digital download, the game offered no special editions, bundles, or expansions upon release, positioning it as an accessible entry in Nintendo's eShop lineup. The title saw a global rollout on the same date, becoming available worldwide on November 8, 2019, though staggered by time zones with Japan's launch approximately nine hours ahead of . In Japan, it was released under the title Sutoretchāzu (ストレッチャーズ) and retained branding crediting as the developer, consistent with its international versions published by . Launch support included Nintendo's online promotions via the eShop homepage and social channels, featuring a debut trailer to highlight co-op gameplay, alongside immediate availability without pre-order requirements.

Reception

Critical Response

The Stretchers received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to the review aggregator , which assigned it a score of 75 out of 100 based on 20 reviews. reported a similar average of 74 out of 100 from 16 critics, classifying it as "." Critics widely praised the game's co-op gameplay for its chaotic enjoyment and emphasis on teamwork, often comparing it to Overcooked! due to the humor arising from coordinating to transport patients on a . The physics-based mechanics were highlighted for enabling hilarious mishaps and accessibility, making it appealing for both solo play—via AI assistance—and local multiplayer with friends or family. For instance, Nintendo Life awarded it 8 out of 10, noting that "hilarious co-op action... plays well solo" thanks to "brilliant [that] lend themselves perfectly to constant comedy." Game Revolution gave it 4 out of 5 (equivalent to 8 out of 10), calling it "a blast whether you play it by yourself or with a friend," and emphasizing its ability to "put a smile on the face of anyone that plays it." However, reviewers frequently criticized the game's brevity, with the main campaign lasting only 4 to 6 hours, limiting its despite optional challenges. The absence of online co-op was another common point of contention, restricting its social appeal to local sessions. Some found the puzzles repetitive after initial novelty, particularly in single-player mode where controls felt less intuitive. DualShockers scored it 6.5 out of 10, observing that while co-op is "highly entertaining for friends and family," the experience "lacks the depth and variety to keep players engaged for long periods" due to repetitive open-world traversal. rated it 7 out of 10, praising the amusement in co-op but noting that single-player feels like an "afterthought." Overall, the innovative stretcher mechanics were lauded for fostering family-friendly chaos, with God is a Geek assigning 8 out of 10 and describing it as a "charming" title whose " appeals to adults and kids alike." Despite its flaws, critics appreciated its lighthearted tone and suitability as a quick, joyful diversion on the .

Commercial Performance and Legacy

The Stretchers achieved modest commercial performance following its digital release on the , primarily as a niche co-op title without widespread blockbuster sales. While exact unit figures have not been publicly disclosed by , the game ranked #989 among most-played titles in September 2025 and #957 in October 2025 based on monthly , indicating sustained but limited engagement over time. Its digital-only format contributed to steady eShop availability and occasional sales promotions, though it did not appear in 's top-selling software reports. The game received no major awards or nominations, but earned positive recognition in co-op-focused retrospectives for 2019 releases. For instance, it was highlighted as one of the strongest co-op experiences on the Switch for its humorous physics-based gameplay and accessibility in local multiplayer. Similarly, reviewers praised its appeal for couch co-op sessions, positioning it alongside other indie puzzle titles in end-of-year recommendations. In terms of legacy, The Stretchers marked ' final major collaboration with before the studio's acquisition by in December 2019 for approximately SEK 99 million (about $10.5 million USD). This project showcased Tarsier's versatility in shifting from horror titles like to lighthearted co-op adventures, influencing their subsequent focus on original intellectual properties such as Reanimal, announced in with an early 2026 release window. No sequels, ports, or official expansions have been developed as of 2025, with the IP remaining under 's ownership. However, the game maintains enduring appeal within the indie co-op genre, appreciated for its and cooperative puzzle-solving that inspired fan mods, including a community-created 60 FPS patch for enhanced performance on the original Switch hardware. Post-launch support was minimal, limited to stability fixes in early patches, with no major content updates released.

References

  1. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/the-stretchers-switch/
  2. https://tarsier.se/games/the-stretchers/
  3. https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-stretchers/
  4. https://wccftech.com/the-stretchers-nintendo-little-nightmares-dev/
  5. https://thegamehoard.com/2020/09/10/the-stretchers-switch/
  6. https://www.thegamer.com/overcooked-overcookedlike-oddballers-moving-out-stretchers/
  7. https://www.mobygames.com/game/137003/the-stretchers/
  8. https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/08/nintendo-surprise-releases-the-stretchers-for-switch-from-little-nightmares-devs
  9. http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/52195/the-stretchers-switch-review
  10. https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/The_Stretchers
  11. https://www.igdb.com/games/the-stretchers
  12. https://opencritic.com/news/1011/little-nightmares-tarsier-studios-acquired-by-thq-nordics-parent-company
  13. https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/stretchers
  14. https://gamingtrend.com/reviews/cooperative-emergency-response-the-stretchers-review/
  15. https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-the-stretchers/
  16. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/TheStretchers
  17. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/11/nintendo_releases_the_stretchers_a_new_co-op_rescue_game_for_switch
  18. https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-announces-the-stretchers-for-switch/
  19. https://nintendosoup.com/nintendo-published-game-the-stretchers-now-available-in-japan-and-europe/
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq45aR4CvF4
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11253566/
  22. https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/The-Stretchers-1655738.html
  23. https://www.gematsu.com/2019/11/nintendo-releases-co-op-action-game-the-stretchers-for-switch
  24. https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/The_Stretchers
  25. https://opencritic.com/game/8582/the-stretchers
  26. https://gamingboulevard.com/2019/11/review-the-stretchers/
  27. https://www.criticalhit.net/review/the-stretchers-review-the-home-stretch/
  28. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/615967-the-stretchers-review
  29. https://www.dualshockers.com/the-stretchers-review-switch/
  30. https://www.godisageek.com/reviews/the-stretchers/
  31. https://newzoo.com/games/the-stretchers
  32. https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html
  33. https://toucharcade.com/2019/11/12/switcharcade-round-up-the-stretchers-review-bee-simulator-and-todays-other-new-releases-the-latest-sales-and-more/
  34. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/embracer-group-acquires-little-nightmares-dev-tarsier-studios-for-usd10-5m
  35. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2129530/REANIMAL/
  36. https://www.gematsu.com/2019/12/thq-nordic-parent-company-embracer-group-acquires-tarsier-studios
  37. https://gbatemp.net/threads/the-stretchers-60-fps-mod.553073/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
Contribute something
User Avatar
No comments yet.