StretchBot
- December 16, 2019
- M5 Games
StretchBot is a retro platformer with tonnes of action, a compelling story and an ear warming soundtrack that will keep players coming back for more. The adventure is set in a rundown world where both steam-punk and cyber-punk aesthetics collide in stunning 16-bit pixel art.
Reviews
- StretchBot offers a nostalgic retro platforming experience reminiscent of classic 16-bit games, complete with charming graphics and a fantastic chiptune soundtrack.
- The game features a variety of mechanics, including robot upgrades, collectibles, and timed speed runs, which enhance replayability and provide a decent challenge.
- It's a fun and engaging title that appeals to both adults and kids, making it a great choice for fans of the platformer genre.
- The controls can feel stiff and clunky at times, particularly when using certain mechanics like swinging or grappling, which may frustrate some players.
- The game is relatively short, which might leave some players wanting more content after completing it.
- As a mobile adaptation, some mechanics and movements may feel less polished compared to traditional PC platformers.
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a retro platformer style with classic mechanics and old-school graphics, featuring three worlds, 24 levels, and various upgrades. While it offers an engaging nostalgic experience with great music, some players find the mechanics to be simple yet occasionally frustrating, lacking innovation within the genre.
“Old school feeling retro platformer with some interesting mechanics.”
“Classic gameplay, old-school graphics, great music, 3 worlds (24 levels) + 3 bosses and 6 upgrades for the robot.”
“The game mechanics are quite simple, however somewhat heavy and sometimes frustrating.”
“The game mechanics are quite simple; however, they can feel heavy and sometimes frustrating.”
“Adding nothing special to the genre's game library, Stretchbot is a small title with mechanics and movements that can sometimes be quite frustrating.”
- music7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised, featuring a magnificent chiptune soundtrack with 13 diverse tracks that enhance the nostalgic atmosphere of the classic gameplay. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout element, contributing significantly to the overall experience, though some express a desire for more customizable audio settings.
“Robot upgrades, lots of collectibles and replayability, timed speed runs, and a magnificent chiptune soundtrack.”
“A very pleasant soundtrack with 13 different and graphically desirable tracks, in the style of 16-bit pixel art.”
“Honestly, the music is a real high point for me and I'm clearly a pro...”
“I gave this game a first impressions score of 86%, but that score could be higher if the developer would make sliders for the music and sound volumes rather than just off and on options.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story of Stretchbot follows a third-generation steam robot named Stretch, who awakens in a grim setting filled with destroyed robots. As Stretch, players embark on a mission to thwart a scientist's plans that threaten the world, navigating a unique blend of steampunk and cyberpunk elements. The narrative offers a refreshing take on classic platformer tropes while exploring themes of ecological resistance.
“This is the story of a steam robot called Stretch, a third-generation robot that made a living using its powerful retractable arms.”
“Stretchbot takes a lot of what you expect from other classic platformers and gives you a refreshing story on a casserole mix of a steampunk and cyberpunk dystopia.”
“The plot begins when the affable robot wakes up in an old iron surrounded by the macabre vision of thousands of other robots with similar faces, all made in pieces or completely destroyed.”
“The new fleet and robotic creation of this scientist is fed by the crystals and a force called 'ecological hackers' emerges with the mission to stop the scientist before the complete destruction of the world.”
“Stretchbot takes a lot from what you expect from other classic platformers and gives you a refreshing story on a casserole mix of a steampunk and cyberpunk dystopia.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a nostalgic 16-bit pixel art style that complements the classic gameplay, featuring visually appealing designs across three worlds and 24 levels. The aesthetic is enhanced by a pleasant soundtrack with 13 distinct tracks, creating an engaging retro experience.
“A very pleasant soundtrack with 13 different and graphically appealing tracks, in the style of 16-bit pixel art.”
“Classic gameplay, old-school graphics, great music, 3 worlds (24 levels) + 3 bosses and 6 upgrades for the robot.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the high replayability of the game, citing features like robot upgrades, numerous collectibles, and timed speed runs that encourage multiple playthroughs. The engaging chiptune soundtrack further enhances the experience, making players eager to return.
“The game offers a variety of robot upgrades, numerous collectibles, and exciting replayability options, including timed speed runs and a magnificent chiptune soundtrack.”
“With so many different paths to explore and challenges to conquer, the replayability keeps me coming back for more.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh thanks to the diverse upgrades and collectibles, making it a joy to replay.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect in the game involves a repetitive quest to uncover the whereabouts of rebels opposing the protagonist's resource exploitation plans, often leading to encounters that feel tedious and drawn out. Players may find the process of gathering information and progressing through these encounters to be monotonous.
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, particularly for its engaging music, which enhances the overall experience and leaves players eager for more.
“It's something I really enjoyed for its music and atmosphere, and I can't wait to play the rest upon release.”