The Stanley Parable

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2315 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,756 out of 2315
  2. Mixed: 323 out of 2315
  3. Negative: 236 out of 2315

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  1. pizzalover2788
    Sep 8, 2023
    7
    Este juego me ha sorprendido mucho para bien y me alegro de haberlo jugado.
  2. hileger
    Oct 15, 2022
    5
    Пиздеж бродилка и поэтому невозможно дать высокий бал ....................
  3. RockerKR
    Sep 16, 2022
    5
    It was preety funny few times but some endings were more anoying and exhausting than cool. Repeating the same locations over and over again with tiny differences was a waste of time.
  4. Tellywozzle
    Dec 5, 2021
    7
    This game is alright. It's nothing amazing, and it's not really a "game", but it's the story of a man named Stanley who goes through a very mysterious life changing event with a sarcastic narrator reacting to the choices you make. Way too short for 15 USD, so I'd say add about 20 more endings and more secrets and this would justify the price a lot more. It's witty and humorous with funnyThis game is alright. It's nothing amazing, and it's not really a "game", but it's the story of a man named Stanley who goes through a very mysterious life changing event with a sarcastic narrator reacting to the choices you make. Way too short for 15 USD, so I'd say add about 20 more endings and more secrets and this would justify the price a lot more. It's witty and humorous with funny dialog, sometimes dramatic, sometimes deep (even though I kind of hate saying "deep", that's what it is) and in about 4 hours and you've pretty much seen everything there is to see. Overall, not bad, just not long enough for the selling price.… Expand
  5. Nebular_Echo
    Nov 13, 2021
    7
    Тут надо понимать, что это не совсем игра, это перформанс и творческий манифест автора. Если почитать о проекте, то становится понятно, что он хотел доказать общественности определенную идею: в существующих играх слишком мало вариативности, слишком мало свободы для игрока, он все время остается зажат тесными рамками авторского повествования, в котором ему дается лишь незначительный выборТут надо понимать, что это не совсем игра, это перформанс и творческий манифест автора. Если почитать о проекте, то становится понятно, что он хотел доказать общественности определенную идею: в существующих играх слишком мало вариативности, слишком мало свободы для игрока, он все время остается зажат тесными рамками авторского повествования, в котором ему дается лишь незначительный выбор или вообще - его иллюзия. Кто играл в серию Mass Effect, тот знает, о чем речь - вроде бы очень много выборов, вроде какие-то персонажи могут умереть, но вместо них все равно находятся новые, и те фрагменты сюжета, которые казались упущенными, все равно заполняются подобиями. "Байка о Стэнли" - веселая ерунда, которая целиком посвящена высмеиванию таких ограничений. В ней по сути нет ничего, кроме концовок, но надо отдать должное - такого не делал еще никто. Здесь вы не встретите противников и вообще кого-либо, здесь нет испытаний, нет проверки умений игрока, ваш единственный враг, он же друг, здесь - это сам рассказчик, которого так приятно провоцировать на реакцию.
    Кстати, как ни странно, в игре хорошая графика, качественная работа со светом.

    Тем не менее могу назвать 3 недостатка:

    - Автор явно не умеет делать игровую анимацию. Отсутствие персонажей в игре - это не только творческая задумка, это еще и "ниасилил". В игре все-таки дважды появляются образы людей и один раз - манекен, который согласно своей роли должен бы двигаться, но нет, анимация отсутствует. Автор хорошо сумел обыграть это, но опытный глаз видит, в чем дело.

    - Игра почти ничего не запоминает об игроке. Например когда рассказчик ругает Стенли при манекене, он упоминает несколько других концовок, хотя игрок их мог еще и не проходить. Когда ты попадаешь в зал со статистикой, эта самая статистика - фейковая. А что мешало отобразить там реальную? Например в зале с секретной дверью рассказчик помнит, сколько раз ты туда попадал, и реагирует на это, но в большинстве случаев такого не сделано.

    - Концовку, к которой ведет диктор, игрок получает одной из первых. Она достаточно эпична, но ее наличие в начале игрового процесса наводит на мысль, что впереди должно быть нечто более грандиозное именно в парадигме сюжета. Но это не так. Хотя в игре 18 или около того концовок, ни одна из них не отвечает на вопрос, куда делись работники. И вот это плохо. Да понял я, что игра не об этом, но она ничего бы не потеряла, если бы ответ все же был.

    Получил ли я удовольствие от этой игры? Безусловно да. Но оно не имеет ничего общего со знакомым широкому игроку экспириенсом. Автору определенно спасибо за такой необычный проект. Но его бы еще чуть доделать каким-нибудь dlc и привести к завершенности.    … Expand
  6. ozzsoffy
    Aug 11, 2021
    7
    Played this game a few times, got some endings, not all of them, it was interesting, I had enough.
    This game is smart, and it makes you think as a player playing computer games.
    I liked to concept if it. it is really well made, I didnt like the fact that it can never ends. you have endings (yes with an S), but you start from the beginning (or so you think) every time. I prefer a game    Played this game a few times, got some endings, not all of them, it was interesting, I had enough.
    This game is smart, and it makes you think as a player playing computer games.
    I liked to concept if it. it is really well made,

    I didnt like the fact that it can never ends. you have endings (yes with an S), but you start from the beginning (or so you think) every time. I prefer a game with an ending. this is not for me.    … Expand
  7. Kadirov
    Jul 12, 2021
    7
    This game while being a lower budget indie managed to give me greater emotions than most AAA projects I played.
  8. Lazyyybone
    Feb 28, 2021
    6
    게임 자체에 대한 메타적인 시선들은 좋았으나 그래픽쳐돌이로서 흥미와 재미를 느끼진 못했다. 좋아할 사람은 증맬루 이것만 파도 될 정도로 좋아할 듯.
  9. ConsistentChair
    Feb 3, 2021
    7
    very creative and intriguing game. I've never played something quite like it. However, if you want to see all the endings, you will need to play some parts over and over. The game makes this less annoying with some slight variations between your playthroughs to keep everything fresh, but it did get a bit annoying in the end. I do think it's an experience with having for everyone. Just,very creative and intriguing game. I've never played something quite like it. However, if you want to see all the endings, you will need to play some parts over and over. The game makes this less annoying with some slight variations between your playthroughs to keep everything fresh, but it did get a bit annoying in the end. I do think it's an experience with having for everyone. Just, don't get too fixed on seeing every ending. If I could, I'd give it a 7,5/10. Having to choose between a 7 and an 8, I choose a 7, but it does deserve a bit better than that.… Expand
  10. shatarah
    Dec 2, 2020
    7
    greattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
  11. ErayTellezi
    Nov 17, 2020
    7
    Tekrar tekrar oynanan kafa siken oyunlardan. Bir yerden sonra ipin ucu kaçıyor.
  12. KarolP
    Aug 5, 2020
    6
    Simple, tiny, short exploration game trying to make the message about people's lives, with narrator trying to be briliant and funny. Sometimes the game itself and narration is surprising and valuable, but on the other hand most of the time it is infantile and borring.
  13. bancandrei
    May 27, 2020
    6
    Interesting, but ultimately only a vignette, and having a new version does little to enhance the core, only the accessibility. The seed of an idea to be planted and bear fruit much later. As of 2020 the fruits are yet to ripen.
  14. Sanghelic
    Apr 11, 2020
    6
    por mucho que sea un juego con mucho carisma, impredecible y a ratos gracioso, para mi no ha sido tan increible como mucha gente lo intenta pintar, la "rejugabilidad" consiste en simplemente volver a repetir el juego pero tomando el camino A en lugar de B, para ver el final A en lugar de B, en vez de hacerte tomar decisiones logicas que te hagan plantearte las consecuencias y especular enpor mucho que sea un juego con mucho carisma, impredecible y a ratos gracioso, para mi no ha sido tan increible como mucha gente lo intenta pintar, la "rejugabilidad" consiste en simplemente volver a repetir el juego pero tomando el camino A en lugar de B, para ver el final A en lugar de B, en vez de hacerte tomar decisiones logicas que te hagan plantearte las consecuencias y especular en que formas inteligentes el juego podria sorprenderte, termina siendo un aburrido laberinto, donde los desarrolladores pensaban en lo mas aleatorio que se les viniera a la mente para despues plasmarlo en este videojuego, agregar algo de satira y regocijarse con la gente diciendo que es una obra maestra, el narrador es por mucho la mejor parte del juego, ya que parece un personaje muy interesante y con un actor de voz excelente que sabe plasmar el carisma del juego, lamentablemente debido a lo corto que es el juego este personaje no tiene ningun tipo de desarrollo ni te da el tiempo suficiente para conocerlo mas. puedo entender porque el juego se volvio popular, como ya habia dicho tiene momentos muy divertidos, lamentablemente para mi termino siendo un juego de caminar por pasillos tomar caminos y ver algo impredecible que pierde muy rapido su encanto.… Expand
  15. RogueV
    Dec 5, 2019
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It was an alright experience when I played it but I think I may have just been tricked by the funny English accent into thinking this is actually a good game. Even though it gets some things right, I certainly don't think it's as funny as it thinks it is.

    The game does have a good resolution I guess, with the general point being that you shouldn't waste too much of your life playing video games. I loved the philosophical aspect of it really, you can't win the game in the game, you're just stuck in a devil's labyrinth. The only way you can win is to stop playing. Maybe they were too on the nose with this, because I did stop playing rather quickly, and I left with very mixed feelings about the whole experience.    … Expand
  16. beeanadou
    Jun 13, 2019
    6
    The narrator is the had tried his best to make the game appealing and allusive, despite the heavy messages it wish to convey to us, the game lacks wholeness and is a little pretentious and cynical in some extent.
  17. LetMePickThat
    Aug 7, 2018
    6
    This is a brilliant narrative experience, but The Stanley Parable actually lacks somr gameplay features and some interaction with the world you're evolving in. The narrator's voice is perfect though, and the story (stories?) unfold itself in a very interesting way.
  18. auditbadger
    Oct 15, 2017
    7
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  19. BasilZero
    Feb 18, 2017
    7
    Game: The Stanley Parable
    Genre: Adventure
    Publisher/Developer: Galactic Cafe System: Steam (PC) Total Score: 74/100 Value Score: 7.4/10 • Story: 8/10 • Characters: 7/10 • GamePlay: 7/10 • Graphics: 8/10 • Sound: 10/10 • Music: 6/10 • Length: 3/10 • Replay Value: 8/10 • Player Value: 7/10 -Very Short -Barely any music and to the ones available not very memorable    Game: The Stanley Parable
    Genre: Adventure
    Publisher/Developer: Galactic Cafe
    System: Steam (PC)
    Total Score: 74/100
    Value Score: 7.4/10

    • Story: 8/10
    • Characters: 7/10
    • GamePlay: 7/10
    • Graphics: 8/10
    • Sound: 10/10
    • Music: 6/10
    • Length: 3/10
    • Replay Value: 8/10
    • Player Value: 7/10

    -Very Short
    -Barely any music and to the ones available not very memorable
  20. 99dolar
    Dec 30, 2016
    6
    Oyun orijinal bir düşünceden yola çıkarak hazırlanmış olsa da yapmak istedikleri şeyi tam olarak yaptıklarını düşünmüyorum. Çünkü gerçek anlamda bu oyunda hiç bir şey yapmıyorsunuz. Hiçbir şey. Bir labirentin içinde gibi sürekli farklı yerlere uğrayarak hikaye anlatıcının konusmalarını dinliyorsunuz. Bu kadar.
  21. arasion
    Apr 18, 2016
    5
    the game itself is bad during my play session at most it offers is 2 hours its main selling point is because of the graphic the make the narrative soooo long that it bores me out it suck don't waste a pretty 15 bucks at this game play fallout new Vegas or better yet go play cs-go rests the mind than this cluster f-ck of a mess some people praise this game but I despise it.
  22. Kopter
    Oct 23, 2015
    5
    El juego en sí, es genial, está planteado muy bien. Pero tiene una duración de risa... Es un juego paradójico en ese aspecto. No puedo crear un gran juego a a partir de un mod con un precio que ni de risa da de juego.
  23. everin
    Oct 1, 2015
    7
    Tier 2
    + Some of the best voice acting gaming has ever seen
    + Defends itself from criticism by being overly self-aware of its every design and narrative feature
    ? Unclear to players whether or not it's actually a game
    - Not actually as self-aware of its every design and narrative feature as it appears at first
  24. DerekB
    Sep 1, 2015
    7
    While The Stanley Parable may be unique, it is far from anything amazing. The game is basically based off of making decisions and seeing how it effects the multiple endings. Because of this, you will want to see all the events that can happen, and all the endings that there are, which can make the game a massive grind after a short while. The story is fairly basic, but has some interestingWhile The Stanley Parable may be unique, it is far from anything amazing. The game is basically based off of making decisions and seeing how it effects the multiple endings. Because of this, you will want to see all the events that can happen, and all the endings that there are, which can make the game a massive grind after a short while. The story is fairly basic, but has some interesting twists and turns, but still nothing remarkable.… Expand
  25. MsSebie
    Aug 23, 2015
    7
    In the beginning, the game was intriguing. The dialogue from the narrator was condescending but I thought it was hilarious and found myself responding to his dialogue through the choices I made. At one point he pissed me off enough that I refused to listen to any of his directions and that gave me a rather interesting ending. That is, in my opinion, the essence of the Stanley Parable:In the beginning, the game was intriguing. The dialogue from the narrator was condescending but I thought it was hilarious and found myself responding to his dialogue through the choices I made. At one point he pissed me off enough that I refused to listen to any of his directions and that gave me a rather interesting ending. That is, in my opinion, the essence of the Stanley Parable: making a decision whether to obey or disobey. In a way, the game challenges not only the existence of Stanley but it also forces you to consider how your own life is similar to the way this game is played. It is at once both unnerving and impressive that a game can force so much philosophical, existential dogma down your throat while you listen to the same intro time and time again.

    I personally enjoyed finding all the different endings and to see which one I liked best. That being said, the frustration and mental exhaustion is real. Never has a game actually made me feel so mentally exhausted due to repetition and tedium. While the narrator was hilarious, his dialogue got more and more irritating as I got more tired. I would highly recommend to play this game in one sitting. If you are someone who loves to explore and seek out the unknown then I would highly suggest you try this game out. If you are someone who is impatient and needs instant gratification then you may struggle with this game.    … Expand
  26. RockStarGamers
    Jul 28, 2015
    7
    The Stanley Parable is a short but perfectly formed experience, great comedy and a wonderful narrative. It'll make you think but it won't be for long.
  27. TenchuuKhan
    Jun 20, 2015
    6
    After grinding it for quite a few hours it dumbs down to this:
    The narrator makes it worthwhile trying different routes
    The game makes fun of you It makes you want to play a real game I was hoping there would be more problem solving, for instance the On-Button-Scenario, where I could actually through some means change the outcome. Maybe it's even possible but there was nothing I    After grinding it for quite a few hours it dumbs down to this:
    The narrator makes it worthwhile trying different routes
    The game makes fun of you
    It makes you want to play a real game

    I was hoping there would be more problem solving, for instance the On-Button-Scenario, where I could actually through some means change the outcome. Maybe it's even possible but there was nothing I could find.
    And that's really my biggest issue with the game: I have no clue what goes and what not. I fear it's really just about bruteforcing different routes.    … Expand
  28. DDilettante
    Jan 17, 2015
    7
    Games developers these days are becoming more self-aware. They are utilising those perceptions from inside and outside the gaming community, using sarcasm and wit to incorporate them into their games. Think back on Borderlands 2; half of the quests are a parody of quests and ideas from other games.

    The Stanley Parable makes a mockery of choice, and the illusion of it in most games. The    Games developers these days are becoming more self-aware. They are utilising those perceptions from inside and outside the gaming community, using sarcasm and wit to incorporate them into their games. Think back on Borderlands 2; half of the quests are a parody of quests and ideas from other games.

    The Stanley Parable makes a mockery of choice, and the illusion of it in most games. The Narrator (with hilarious dialogue) tells you to go one way. You may want to go the other. Instead of blocking you from doing so, The Stanley Parable thrives on this, with about 20 possible endings to choose from. And because the play-throughs are so short, you'll want to find them all, and see how snarky you can make the Narrator.

    Go on, buy it. You don't have a choice.    … Expand
  29. Dune_Jumper
    Oct 9, 2014
    7
    -Snip-
    ...............................................................................................................................................
  30. ChoicestGames
    Sep 21, 2014
    7
    I'm not usually a big fan of the genre known as "walking simulators" but The Stanley Parable, despite it's short length, has won me over thanks to its hilarious Douglas Adams style of writing with several laugh-out-loud moments. The game also plays a bit like a first person version of a visual novel, which means multiple endings aplenty.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PC Game of 2013
17
#17 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
49
#49 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 47
  3. Negative: 0 out of 47
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 11, 2014
    84
    The Stanley Parable is many things. It's an interactive comedy, an existential riddle and an experiment in storytelling. Most importantly, it's pretty good. [Nov 2013]
  2. GameOver.gr
    Jan 23, 2014
    100
    It's one of those games that tries and succeeds in making a bold statement. Be prepared for something really special.
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    Dec 25, 2013
    90
    Step away from this review and play it now. Or don't. Whatever you do is already ordained. OR IS IT?! [Jan 2014, p.83]
See all critic reviews »