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. Magik_aZ
    Oct 21, 2013
    9
    This game is just something else. It's like nothing you've ever played before. It's simple, but funny and very, very clever. The irony of the story line is simply superb. If you are an action junkie, then this might not be for you, but those who enjoy a fulfilling, cerebral experience, then this is a must. To say more would not do it justice, just buy it. Buy it now.
  2. MrManager
    Oct 21, 2013
    9
    This game is phenomenal and well written but short: which is expected and is of sufficient value for its discount pricing. It definitely left me wanting more. I hope the success of this game leads to a sequel or an expansion pack.
  3. Syracuse
    Oct 22, 2013
    9
    A game "An activity providing entertainment or amusement; a pastime". Ok, we have cleared up the fact that this is, indeed, a game. The very point of this is to challenge what you perceive a game to be, and it does so in spectacular fashion. It's witty, intelligent and purposeful. The more you play, more is revealed, and your environment is constantly changing in subtle ways. This game isA game "An activity providing entertainment or amusement; a pastime". Ok, we have cleared up the fact that this is, indeed, a game. The very point of this is to challenge what you perceive a game to be, and it does so in spectacular fashion. It's witty, intelligent and purposeful. The more you play, more is revealed, and your environment is constantly changing in subtle ways. This game is a beautiful creation, and as a game developer, I would be truly proud of. Those of you who are rating this poorly, I'm afraid just don't understand or appreciate it, which is a shame. If you find the lack of shooting things in the face and getting high scores a disappointment, then you just clearly can't comprehend the message here, which carries a form of entertainment beyond what other games can offer.… Expand
  4. Knegaren
    Oct 22, 2013
    9
    The combination of the narrator (Kevan Brighting) and the perfected meta humor makes this into more than a regular game. In fact, I am not sure if this could be seen as a game in normal sense for it lacks much of what is gameplay and focuses on your mind and your thoughts instead. Filled with jokes within jokes hurled into a big bucket of creativity can be hard to spot if not givingThe combination of the narrator (Kevan Brighting) and the perfected meta humor makes this into more than a regular game. In fact, I am not sure if this could be seen as a game in normal sense for it lacks much of what is gameplay and focuses on your mind and your thoughts instead. Filled with jokes within jokes hurled into a big bucket of creativity can be hard to spot if not giving attention. If one finds themselves bored or perhaps confused the natural thing would be to push away. If you let this one go, you may have lost many thoughts worth bearing with you.

    All I can do is connect it with Monthy Python, not everyone gets the joke, because there is often ain't a joke but the situation itself. The only thing that is lacking is the playtime. Some would be foolish and rush within a couple of hours but to really get it all you have to spend about 5 hours on it at least.
    From an artistic point of view this could have a reason, nevertheless I could just be wanting more.

    Do not pirate this pearl.    … Expand
  5. Barsad
    Oct 22, 2013
    9
    This is not like any other game I have ever played. I highly recommend playing the demo first, then the game. The only downside is, it's a fairly short game.
  6. Kuszh
    Dec 19, 2013
    9
    A Dostoyevsky-esque testament to the fact that games can display existential philosophy beautifully without needing any flashy effects.

    The Stanley Parable is a game which requires playing through the same general sets of experiences over and over again to get an idea about the nature of storytelling and of reality itself.
  7. Adresadini
    Oct 30, 2013
    9
    This game is very interesting,i have played the half life 2 mod before that,and some endings are the same.
    I enjoyed how the world was changing or repeating when i walked trough a door,and how the voice told some "rude" things like "you don't listen" or "you are doing all this for the achievement?" and i really couldn't stop laughing when he said something to me.
  8. mrpaultracey
    Oct 27, 2013
    9
    This a great thought provoking interactive story and a well spent few hours. Mature game players will get the most out of this game, with more drama than action.
  9. brandonarboleda
    Oct 28, 2013
    9
    With it's 'Create Your Own Story' aspect, the witty and hilarious narration provided by Kevan Brightin, and it's all around sense of wonder, The Stanley Parable is shaping up to be one of the best games of the year.
  10. kveikur
    Oct 29, 2013
    9
    Fun. Intelligent. Brilliant. Inonvative. Like Dear Esther this is one of those games which shows you video games can be much more than shooting bad guys and realistic graphics. If you want to try something new, enjoy a little intelligent comedy and great voice acting; this sure is your game.
  11. HeyBanditoz
    Oct 31, 2013
    9
    A great game. Just trust me. I cannot spoil anything. The 2011 mod was amazing, so is this one. A little short however. Just amazing. You can but it on steam for $15.
  12. DarkReviewer
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What do you say about Stanley Parable......IT AWESOME! The narrator is funny, always wants you to hear his next words, and tells you were to go. If you don't he points his finger at and makes funny comments telling you that you're a waste to society well not that mean.) So if you want to laugh and if you want to hear his beautiful words then buy this game. Also there is no game play in this game.… Expand
  13. CustardPot
    Nov 9, 2013
    9
    This is a beautiful game with tons of content and fantastic witty writing, with about 20 different fun, interesting and sometimes sad endings, off the wall weird achievements, and a sense of true exploration 9/10.
  14. riningear
    Nov 29, 2013
    9
    The following is a player review of the video game, The Stanley Parable.

    See, the thing is, you're reading a review in order to gain an idea of what The Stanley Parable is, right? But that wouldn't work, oh, no it wouldn't. Firstly, that would involve explaining the plot to you in order to critique its finer points, and that's no fun. Spoilers aren't always helpful in discussing the    The following is a player review of the video game, The Stanley Parable.

    See, the thing is, you're reading a review in order to gain an idea of what The Stanley Parable is, right? But that wouldn't work, oh, no it wouldn't. Firstly, that would involve explaining the plot to you in order to critique its finer points, and that's no fun. Spoilers aren't always helpful in discussing the quality of a game, depending on its platform. As they say, the journey is greater than the destination. That's probably wrong, but who cares? There's a good chance you didn't, because I assume you skimmed half of the above to get to the good stuff, or maybe you skipped it altogether. So let me tell you about how the gameplay of The Stanley Parable works.

    You are a player. You have been sitting at a computer for quite a long time, pressing buttons you may not quite comprehend to reach a goal that you understand just as much. One day, there is a catalyst, and everything changes. The weight of your wallet is slightly less than it was minutes ago, some electrons signal a "wiring of currency," and there you are, downloading a software onto your computer, possibly through a third-party program that allows the exchange of similar programs, and eventually this software has been installed onto your computer. Eventually, you are using this software, and that is how The Stanley Parable begins.

    Or, you can take the alternative route. See, there is a separate software, a "lightweight" version of sorts, that does not actually make your wallet lighter, even if the prior implication says so before. This is what they call a Demo of sorts. And you go through a similar process, and when all is said and done, you are using a similar software, attempting to enjoy the output.

    Now, when all is said and done, if you do enjoy this "Demo," you may reset the situation follow the prior-mentioned path. Of course, given that many of you may see this post at a later date, there is a chance that the amount of money being transferred to the software developers (which you never really quite thought about until just this moment) is slightly heavier, because at the time that this "review" is being written, the game is 25% off its original price. If you chose to merely skim the review until this point, there is a good chance that, because of the number mentioned in the previous sentence, you slowed down your reading in order to note this price change; you should also note that it is November 29, 2013, and the game is on discount until December 3. I believe this would be a wonderful opportunity to engage in the processes described above (assuming you didn't skim them) and begin The Stanley Parable.

    If you do continue along these paths, remember this review. It will be very relevant later. This review is a piece of work, only decipherable by those who have truly embraced the process that is "Playing The Stanley Parable."

    And it is certainly a process that will change your perspective of software, choices, and state of mind.

    And game developers. Don't forget those again.    … Expand
  15. HunterAdams
    Nov 18, 2013
    9
    Have you ever wanted a game that felt fresh? Maybe you just wanted something to keep you busy for an hour or so. If so the Stanley Parable is a perfect game for you. The game puts you in the place of Stanley, a worker, who goes off on an adventure being narrated by a unique fellow. The game starts off rather slow and feels fairly linear towards your actions. But after a few decision makingHave you ever wanted a game that felt fresh? Maybe you just wanted something to keep you busy for an hour or so. If so the Stanley Parable is a perfect game for you. The game puts you in the place of Stanley, a worker, who goes off on an adventure being narrated by a unique fellow. The game starts off rather slow and feels fairly linear towards your actions. But after a few decision making the game widely opens up. This in return gives you a very rare experience not quite seen in other games. After going through a few of the endings and yes I did say a few as in their is many endings, you will end up finding yourself experimenting through each room in need to find another ending.

    After a few times playing you will tend to get the feeling that you have seen everything. All though it may feel like that right when you think you have found all the endings you do something spectacular or so the narrator thinks that you did and then a new story awaits you. You may never know what you may find throughout the rest of the game, but there is one thing though about the Stanley Parable and that is that whatever you do in the game, you may never know where its going to lead you.

    With this the Stanley Parable gets a solid 9/10    … Expand
  16. Bsrkr
    Nov 19, 2013
    9
    When I first saw this game I had no clue what it was about and what it looked like. It's really interesting I really enjoyed. I'd love to see a sequel. Go buy this game!
  17. Steejo
    Nov 19, 2013
    9
    This game is very different from most, and in some cases you can't even consider it a game. Regardless of whatever you want to call The Stanley Parable, it made me laugh so hard I coughed my lungs out. While the game is a bit "short" nor re-playable, per se, it was definitely a fun experience and I hope to see more from the series.
  18. ShotgunYourFace
    Nov 21, 2013
    9
    A beautiful masterpiece of mysterious mind games and a sarcastic yet superbly hilarious narrator to top it off, would have been a ten; however, they fail to bring many new elements to the game as opposed to the original free version yet it still works well when it does drawback to the previous edition in a nicely nostalgic way. A great game that will trap you in it's majestic maze ofA beautiful masterpiece of mysterious mind games and a sarcastic yet superbly hilarious narrator to top it off, would have been a ten; however, they fail to bring many new elements to the game as opposed to the original free version yet it still works well when it does drawback to the previous edition in a nicely nostalgic way. A great game that will trap you in it's majestic maze of hilarity, intricacy and genius mixed in with just a pinch insanity. Overall it's a brilliant game with a priceless story if slightly repetitive game-play that will also make you think deeply about all sorts of philosophical rubbish 9/10.… Expand
  19. Omen1994
    Nov 23, 2013
    9
    I really love this game. Its very short and you will have all endings in a small among of time but you will rly enjoy it. Go play the demo and buy it
  20. GamerNumberOne
    Nov 23, 2013
    9
    Funny. Awesome. Great. After I plyed all the endings, I searched for Eastereggs, and there are so many of them! I just love it. One of the funniest games I played the last time!
  21. Efficient
    Nov 28, 2013
    9
    The only reason this game gets a nine is because it can get a little bit repetitive. Other than that, this game is absolutely fantastic. Great soundtrack, great voice acting, great story. The Stanley Parable does a great job of combining everything you love about video games.
  22. Xilocaina
    Dec 11, 2013
    9
    This game has made quiet an advance in terms of design and choice maker finals, the possibilities are really impressive and the way the story flows is fantastic. Works really good for a casual or a hardcore gamer.
  23. PixelQiwi
    Dec 6, 2013
    9
    You can't say anything about this game without a spoilers.
    I played many games, but this game is the only that i loved forever.
    I don't even know why i love this game, maybe story, maybe narrator, maybe something else. Not anyone can understand the hi-score of this game. Some rate 10, some 0. All that i can say: Play it for yourself. You will love it like me. This game not even    You can't say anything about this game without a spoilers.
    I played many games, but this game is the only that i loved forever.
    I don't even know why i love this game, maybe story, maybe narrator, maybe something else.
    Not anyone can understand the hi-score of this game. Some rate 10, some 0.
    All that i can say: Play it for yourself.
    You will love it like me. This game not even lagging on my old computer, that made in 2001.

    I like this game so much, that i started writing the story about Stanley.

    P.S. Authors not added in game much things, like other endings.
    Also, i recommend you play the demo. It is good to play.    … Expand
  24. StevenvanL
    Jan 2, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Filter Kafka through the sensibilities of Douglas Adams and you might end up with something like The Stanley Parable. It is not so much a game as a bewildering tree of short stories to explore, all featuring the same main character and all circling the themes of free will and purpose, while lampooning videogame mechanics. Button presser Stanley finds himself in an office devoid of colleagues and sets out to explore what is going on. As he roams the halls, a sardonic narrator points out what Stanley is doing and crucially what he is about to do. (Also see: Stranger Than Fiction.) But you are free to go against his prompts and the game even expects you to do so, as otherwise it would be a really, really short experience. You can’t really do much except occasionally press some buttons and open a door. Most of the joy comes from exasperating the narrator (Kevan Brighting), who sounds a lot like he is channeling Peter Jones, the voice of The Guide from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It is the funniest, best-written narration since GLaDOS from Portal, voice-acted to perfection. One of the highlights of the game actually had me just hang around in a pointless broom closet while the voice scolded me.

    There are various endings, but these aren’t endings at all in most cases, and you will inevitably end up circling back to the beginning. It’s never clear when you’re done, as it’s always possible you missed a branch of story somewhere, something the game itself also points out. The game is very ‘meta’ and will poke fun at what you’re doing or not doing and the expectations you may have of a game. A sinister countdown that pokes fun at your helplessness is probably the best example of this. (But are you really helpless?) And there is an ‘achievement’ that will have completists grit their teeth, which is to not play the game for five years. So I’ve got something to look forward to in 2018. There is also an achievement simply called ‘Unachievable’. But is it? Be prepared to cheat a little, by way of a walkthrough, when you feel like you have seen all there is to see. There are a few Easter eggs you are likely to miss unless you spend ages bumping around every corner of the office until desperation sets in.

    The only downside to The Stanley Parable is unavoidable repetition, as you will have to run through the same spaces a lot to get to the diverging branch you want to explore. Though occasionally there will be a small change a new voicemail to listen to, a new comment by the voiceover parts get too samey. Movement is fast, thankfully, but when rushing from one place to the next, the voiceover gets cut off awkwardly at points, when you trigger a new one before the old one is done.

    All in all, The Stanley Parable is a unique experience and one that should not be missed. When you look into this game, this game also looks into you. I look forward to revisiting it again, in time, when I’ve forgotten most of the narration. But not until five years have passed, of course, as I really want that achievement.

    @PopCultJunk    … Expand
  25. playerny
    Dec 28, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game has a great originality.
    It almost seems like a cross between an adventure game and a free roaming.
    Gameplay well done, every choice will change your way, and this does not allow these to be monotonous.
    FABULOUS!

    PS: If only a problem in the long run it becomes tiring, always going ahead and repeat several times the choices of the alternative endings then become hard to find.    … Expand
  26. CupcakePrime
    Dec 30, 2013
    9
    What an interesting "game." When reading about it online the theme was just to try it so you don't spoil it for yourself. Glad I did! Keep in mind it's not a game in the traditional sense. I imagine a lot of the negative reviews are from people who had expected some sort of puzzle game? Your mileage may vary but definitely worth trying to have an opinion.
  27. zlamaj
    Dec 31, 2013
    9
    Smart, entertaining and worth the money. Between 3-4 hours of brilliant gameplay. Wouldn't have wanted to be any longer, as it would become stale. Nailed every aspect, down to the hilarious achievements. Far better than spending the same amount to go watch a movie!
  28. CaroDuce
    Jan 5, 2014
    9
    Ahahah this is something, a really insane story, i had much fun playing it and I recommend it to everyone who wanna play something different (well, you don't have to play so much in that game, but it is fantastic however)
  29. Stermayer
    Jan 16, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best games of this decade, "The Stanley Parable" brilliantly makes of self reflection a raison d'être.
    More than introspection we should probably talk about what we can call "self extrospection".
    The game's self extrospection is favored by making the player bring up and reflect over all of those things that he (or she) considers being implicitly existing in some formats (that a videogame can be beaten, that there are good and bad choices to make, that enviromental interaction gives positive feedbacks, et cetera), and, on the base of those reflections, pushes him to consider the meaning of such conventions, their real value and, with a more distant perspective, his own relation to them and his acceptance of rules in general.

    One of the central arguing points of the game is that the player, by systematically trying to apply the same mechanics he is usually applying to videogames in order to achieve the results he is used to achieve, is substantially growing accustomed to mechanically do the same thing over and over, without demanding anything extra-ordinary (uncommon) of himself nor leaving any space for free reflection. "Stanley [...] has a job that demands nothing of him, and every button that he pushes is a reminder of the inconsequential nature of his existence. Look at him there: pushing buttons, doing exactly what he's told to do. Now, he's pushing a button. Now, he's eating lunch. Now, he's going home; now, he's coming back to work. One might even feel sorry for him, except that he's chosen this life." As Stanley is not questioning the repetitiveness of his job so the player might not be questioning certain patterns that he is automatically following in his gameplay sessions; in The Stanley Parable these patterns are usually bringing the player to look for something that he's used to get in other games, only to end up getting it in a very ridiculing form ([spoiler] just think of the competitive leaderboards and the achievements [/spoiler] ).

    In most of the cases, by giving the players exactly the contrary to what they wanted from the game, The Stanley Parable pushes the player to obtain a sort of third person self analytical perspective (even intensified in one of the endings in which [spoiler] the game ends with a third person view on Stanley incapable of making a choice [/spoiler] ), the so called (by me) "self extrospection", in which he is asked to reflect on the nature of his impulsive attractions or behaviours. The arising questions and the following thoughts are many: is what the players are looking for something really worth to look for, or are they just grown accustomed to have it and therefore they're feeling its absence when it's not given to them? But it is only when this perspective is moved to other entertainment forms, which are also demanding nothing of people and just drench them with a shower of positive or shocking stimuli, that we can really start to question the level of free will that we possess; as Gustave Le Bon writes in his book "The Crowd – A Study of the Popular Mind": ”It is only by obtaining some sort of insight into the psychology of crowds that it can be understood [...] how powerless they are to hold any opinions other than those which are imposed upon them, and that is not with rules based on theories of pure equity that they are to be led, but by seeking what produces an impression on them and what seduces them.”

    How much are we automatically doing because we've been pushed to grow accustomed to it? Are we laughing at a video where someone crashes with a motorbike because it is really funny and not at all unethical, or are we doing that to relief some of our personal frustrations by watching someone else failing? "Yes, it's all very amusing. And we laugh and we call our friends over and they laugh too and soon the whole world laughs and laughs and laughs at the man who failed. [...] But [...] you, sitting there: what have you gained watching this video? What have you learned?" And if we do it because of the frustrating monotony of our life, why are we then allowing the frustration to latently exist? Are we so accustomed to our life as it is that we're scared of doing any changes? How many non-influenced choices are we making? What's the worth of those choices?

    Stanley might be starting to understand all of this: "in and amongst his aimless meandering, I think he is actually beginning to discover something: he is getting closer to an answer, an explaination, an exit. He is beginning to earn his freedom", but he is a videogame character bound to narrative limits and cannot escape his own story. He is Stanley and can only be Stanley.
    But what about us?
    "Now, if I could truly put you in his shoes, to show you the paths he walked and the choices he made.. [...] soon you will be the one to walk: the controls will be in your hands. [...] Oh, I think I'm going to enjoy this. When you find out how alone you truly are.. I will be laughing more than anyone."    … Expand
  30. banned1996
    Mar 3, 2014
    9
    Definitely an awesome game! Like some people here say - you either hate or love it. It makes you think and is definitely one of the games which I liked most! I don't know how to describe it - it always makes you think the game ended, but suddenly a little thing is different. and THAT'S WHY I LOVE IT!!!
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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 »