# Stagehand: A Reverse Platformer — user reviews

> 50 indexed App Store user reviews of Stagehand by Matt Comi, rated 4.60/5 from 263 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stagehand-a-reverse-platformer/id977536934/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stagehand-a-reverse-platformer/id977536934.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 207 · 4★ 26 · 3★ 13 · 2★ 2 · 1★ 15

## Newest reviews (13 of 50)

### 4/5 — Excellent mobile game.  No plans for new device support?

*2018-12-31, version 1.0*

Would be 5 stars if it supported my iPhone X. iPad 11 would be cool too.

### 3/5 — Good Idea

*2017-03-15, version 1.0*

It's a good baseline idea for something new and different, but it's extremely boring as is. After several updates where they add changing scenery, things to buy with the coins you get, power ups maybe? Then it'll be a powerhouse app that I think will become super popular, but right now it's not in a good enough stage to be worth even $0.99

### 4/5 — Fun, but too sharp of a difficulty curve

*2017-02-16, version 1.0*

Guys, give us some difficulty options or gradually ease us into the game. As it stands, the game is so hard, it often feels unfair.

To new players, I'd suggest watching out for coins, rather than for upcoming dips and rises in the landscape. The coins give you a hint as to what's coming next will help boost the score you receive when you inevitably die.

### 2/5 — Randomly generated.

*2017-02-15, version 1.0*

I didn't realize this was randomly generated. Played for a few minutes... gets... very... boring. Fast. Any items? Anything? No? Boring!

### 5/5 — Gotta Love It

*2017-02-13, version 1.0*

This is a great game, I feel like I got a steal at 1.99.

### 3/5 — It's ok

*2017-02-13, version 1.0*

I like the idea. It's difficult. So after a couple minutes you realize it's like temple run or flappy birds. You do the same thing over and over again hoping to just make it a few more feet.

### 5/5 — ONE FANTASTIC GAME

*2017-02-13, version 1.0*

Game play is superb, music and retro graphics, wow. When they put this baby together the were really thinking outside the box. Not to easy a game but fair. A game that will keep you coming back for more. Good stuff.

### 3/5 — It's okayyy

*2017-02-13, version 1.0*

Good idea, not a very good game though, no upgrades, only 4 characters, and you can only control the floor

### 5/5 — The platformer reimagined

*2017-02-12, version 1.0*

Stagehand brilliantly reimagining the classic jump-and-run platformer for a touch interface in a way that subverts the entire genre. Frankly, it's amazing nobody came up with it first. This is the game Mario Run should've been, a game that deeply understands its platform.

Be warned: Stagehand is hard, but never unfair. If you fail, it's because you messed up. Which means you can FEEL yourself get better and better as you play, unlocking new characters and going deeper into the world.

Oh, and I love the music so much, I find myself singing it around the house.

### 3/5 — Really wanted to like

*2017-02-12, version 1.0*

Graphics and sound are great, concept is interesting but seems a bit unfinished. The levels are randomised and makes for sloppy gameplay. Hopefully they can take this idea and improve on it soon though.

### 3/5 — Too shallow

*2017-02-12, version 1.0*

There are a lot of things on the App Store you can get for $2. This game just doesn't have the depth to compete. In fact, there are many endless runners out there with more depth.

The concept is great, but very little has been done with it. You move platforms up and down and try to beat your high score. That is it. I'm not underselling, that is the only game mechanic.

### 5/5 — Something new...

*2017-02-11, version 1.0*

...and fun.

### 3/5 — Cool game concept but gets old fast

*2017-02-11, version 1.0*

I think the idea is very cool and original but with only four skins it gets boring and old very fast waste of money

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — So Deppresing.

*2017-12-31, version 1.0*

I saw this game and I thought it looked kind of cool. So I gave it a whirl and absolutely hated it. It was fun at first, but then I noticed it was an infinite runner and there was no way of getting something new except getting a near impossible score. I think all these five stars reviews are by hidden devs or whackos.

### 1/5 — Looks better than it is

*2017-02-25, version 1.0*

Eh with the app screen I thought it was going to be nice but.... no.  8 bit pixel or whatever 
It's not an platformer but an endless runner
Also it's to fast with lots of glitches
I DEMAND MY MONEY BACK

### 1/5 — Buyer Beware

*2017-02-18, version 1.0*

I'm not sure where these 5 star reviews are coming from, but there is no way they are legit.  If you don't believe me, waste your money and purchase this terrible game.....you will find out that I was correct and if that is where you are now, I am sorry.    But seriously, after playing this game these reviews are comical.  "When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object"?!?!  What?!?  There is no way somebody was soo inspired by such an absolute joke of a game.

### 1/5 — I WANT MY 2$ BACK

*2017-02-14, version 1.0*

You'll keep losing for no reason, and also, it doesn't have any levels. It's just plain boring. Should've been free.

### 1/5 — Awful game

*2017-02-14, version 1.0*

Sounds like a fun concept on paper, but it's not. You'll constantly fail for reasons beyond your control, thanks to the randomized levels. You'll run into walls and holes far too often, because you simply can't react quickly enough, or your character won't jump. Felt completely repetative within 5 minutes.

### 1/5 — Too frustrating

*2017-02-14, version 1.0*

It seems like there is just one mode.  Very frustrating because it's hard to get the hang of it.  I'm really sorry I spent the money.  Please make a slow mode!

### 1/5 — Waste of money

*2017-02-13, version 1.0*

I played for about 3 minutes before deleting the game. I thought it was going to be a platform type game but instead its flappy bird with a twist. So after dying, you completely restart. So no real end game and no point to spend money on it.

### 1/5 — Not Fun... Repetitive

*2017-02-10, version 1.0*

I think all the reviews are from the maker. This game is anything but inventive and fun. It's the same level over and over again with a different hill here or there. Please save your $2.99. I wish I could have mine back!

### 1/5 — Not Enjoyable

*2017-02-10, version 1.0*

Not sure how this was play tested but I deleted it after a day. Frustrating and repetitive; your finger is in the way all the time and I never got more than short 10 second plays.

Very disappointing.

### 1/5 — Cool idea, bad execution

*2017-02-10, version 1.0*

This game plays like a "what if" of if you could control the stage rather than the character. Unfortunately we've had 30 years of controlling Mario to let us know that shoehorning a weird touch-based mechanic of moving platforms into a platformer isn't the solution, it's a crutch to make up for touch screen controls.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — This Game Makes Me Smile

*2017-02-27, version 1.0*

This is a genuinely great game! The mechanics are intuitive and the game is challenging without being frustrating. The cherry on top is the spunky and joyful soundtrack that puts a grin on my face. I am in love! Thank you!

### 5/5 — Enjoyable and fun!

*2017-02-21, version 1.0*

Stagehand is incredibly charming. It is, as it says, a reverse platformer – but I see it as an endless runner. And yes, I guess you could lump this in with something like Flappy Bird or its ilk, I guess? But the beauty of Stagehand is the small touches that make it great. The music and graphics are a delight, and there's both a humor and homage in the game that really sets it apart. It reminds me of games from the early 80s that felt like humans made them, and not algorithms. 

At first I was a little discouraged with the game, as I felt the pace was too fast. But I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did.

Such joy and happiness for two bucks.

### 5/5 — Very creative concept, highly replayable

*2017-02-19, version 1.0*

I've played every game from the developers of this game, and this one may be my favorite one yet. A novel concept wherein you move around the various platforms in the game to give your character safe passage, instead of directly manipulating your character. It's perfect for quick sessions while in line or yeah, in the bathroom. The soundtrack is great as always, and I really appreciate the little touches that add even more polish to this treat of a game, such as the haptic feedback, and the retro yet clean interface. I particularly enjoy the clock and battery meter in the pause menu. 

Ok I have to finish this and go play some more. It'll be nice to see if there are updates coming, maybe more music, or maybe even power-ups. However I do love it as it's currently presented.

### 5/5 — Insanely Addictive!

*2017-02-17, version 1.0*

A unique take on the endless platform runner. Styling and music are top notch!

### 5/5 — Great game, brilliantly constructed

*2017-02-16, version 1.0*

Not only is this a super fun game with a real challenge, but it's also just a great app in general. Small things, like how the game music stops playing when you're listening to your own music or podcasts (but sound effects still continue), show that the team really put a lot of thought into how players would be playing the game and how to make the experience great. Also, the gif sharing feature is really fun and cool. It's a really good game.

### 5/5 — Instant classic

*2017-02-16, version 1.0*

This is what Mario Run should have been - fun, cute, clever, and extremely easy to understand while also being a challenging game. Absolutely worth your time.

### 5/5 — It is good

*2017-02-16, version 1.0*

I'm infuriatingly bad at this game, but it's well designed and the music is fantastic. 

Even if you only play it once, the music and the message stickers are totally worth $2.

### 5/5 — Relaxing and beautiful

*2017-02-16, version 1.0*

Stagehand is a gosh darn delight. Can't say enough great things about the pixel art and the music. Then you get into the gameplay, and you realize that's just as thoughtful. At first you struggle to move the platforms around to keep Frank alive, but soon enough, you can feel yourself learning how to quickly react to the stage as it comes at you, and eventually the game becomes a relaxing, zenlike experience. Once you reach that point, this game is perfect to play while listening to an audiobook or podcast. Highly recommended.

### 5/5 — Spectacular.

*2017-02-15, version 1.0*

This is a perfect game for the iPhone. Challenging, well designed, fun as all get out. I love it. Theme song is amazing too.

### 5/5 — Big Bucket delivers again

*2017-02-15, version 1.0*

Really fun game with an *amazing* soundtrack!

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*
