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

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. MooseBoys
    Oct 21, 2013
    8
    Fantastic game, very original. Go into it with an open mind. The only drawback is the cost ($12 on steam currently). I've played about 3 hours and am considering myself "done" with the game; there's also not much replay value once you've "finished" it, aside from showing your friends.
  2. painguinmerc
    Oct 22, 2013
    8
    IMPORTANT NOTE
    this is much less a game, and more of philosophical material.
    less important, I don't know what people mean when they say no emotions are conveyed in this game. I felt: Sadness, adventuress, fear, rebelliousness, happiness, concern, self-pity, horror, forgetful, neglectful, accomplished, pondered, misunderstood, helpless, mocked, anger, confused, anxious, and humored. It    IMPORTANT NOTE
    this is much less a game, and more of philosophical material.

    less important, I don't know what people mean when they say no emotions are conveyed in this game. I felt: Sadness, adventuress, fear, rebelliousness, happiness, concern, self-pity, horror, forgetful, neglectful, accomplished, pondered, misunderstood, helpless, mocked, anger, confused, anxious, and humored. It may not have your traditional emotional response, but emotions are still conveyed.    … Expand
  3. Iantje
    Oct 25, 2013
    8
    This game is amazing. If you are looking across the internet for reviews and videos, don't. The best way to experience this game is to go in blind. That is why I'm not going to tell you anything except it's good. Bad thing is that it's definetly short, kept me interested for about 2 hours. Also I WANT THAT UNACHIEVABLE ACHIEVEMENT DAMN IT.
  4. Namisar
    Oct 26, 2013
    8
    Wonderful Satire.

    A great alternative name for this game should be "A Parody of Choice". Not much can be said about the game without ruining some of the best surprises, but I can say that the game involves a Narrator and your refusal/willingness to follow his narration. The puzzles are silly and usually revolves around making fun of video game tropes. It will require a lot of listening    Wonderful Satire.

    A great alternative name for this game should be "A Parody of Choice". Not much can be said about the game without ruining some of the best surprises, but I can say that the game involves a Narrator and your refusal/willingness to follow his narration. The puzzles are silly and usually revolves around making fun of video game tropes. It will require a lot of listening because the humor all comes from the Narrator. I found myself giggling the entire time I played and would explore places just to hear the narrator complain about my deviation from his prescribed plan. I recommend this game heavily to anyone who is a fan of Stephen Fry or Douglas Adams or even Monty Python. You don't need to be a gamer to understand the tropes but it helps. If silly British satire is something you don't find funny, then this game is NOT for you. If you were a fan of all those 'choose your own adventure' books, if your favorite part about Portal was the humorous characters, if you like satire at all, then this game is for you.

    My only /real/ piece of criticism is that this game feels more like an interactive movie than a game, like those Walking Dead TallTale games. They are incredibly entertaining... but there's not much 'challenge' to the game, you're just kinda going along for the ride and story. This game is like that too.

    ALSO, Play the free demo, the demo is completely separate from the main game and is worth playing on its own even if you have no intention of buying the full game. I was convinced about 5 minutes into the 45 minute demo that I was going to purchase the game.    … Expand
  5. jojonv
    Oct 28, 2013
    8
    I think it's great. Amazing really, such creativity is what makes the world of gaming special. Of course, when you've been playing this game for af couple of hours, it isn't that fun anymore, but that's not the point of the game. The point of the game is to go beyond games, analyse and maybe question the game-Hollywood-model.
    Brilliant.
  6. dinerman
    Oct 30, 2013
    8
    Great story and writing, unlike anything I've ever seen. However, this game did cause me to feel nauseous after 30 minutes. I'm not really sure why, but I think it has something to do with Source engine, since I had the same issue with Half-Life 2. Also, the game is pretty short, so don't expect a long experience. But the story is awesome, so if you have a little bit of time, definitelyGreat story and writing, unlike anything I've ever seen. However, this game did cause me to feel nauseous after 30 minutes. I'm not really sure why, but I think it has something to do with Source engine, since I had the same issue with Half-Life 2. Also, the game is pretty short, so don't expect a long experience. But the story is awesome, so if you have a little bit of time, definitely give this a try.… Expand
  7. babysnakest
    Dec 27, 2013
    8
    Simple, Complex, Short, Long, this game is a mystery, almost open world one, you play, you decide or you don't? I don't know neither, that is why you should play it, Its almost the same as the Half-life 2 mod.
  8. Wixvhen
    Nov 11, 2013
    8
    I know this number seems very harsh, especially given the outstanding reviews that cover this game like sweet barbeque over a nice rack of ribs, but bear with me. The game is -amazing- in that it breaks the trend so hard and delves you into the world of choices and different outcomes of those choices that puts many games to shame. What's the point in your choices in games if not to affectI know this number seems very harsh, especially given the outstanding reviews that cover this game like sweet barbeque over a nice rack of ribs, but bear with me. The game is -amazing- in that it breaks the trend so hard and delves you into the world of choices and different outcomes of those choices that puts many games to shame. What's the point in your choices in games if not to affect the ultimate outcome, right?

    It's an amazing chance to show off the fact that games should HAVE this. The ability to break from the mold and create something with the player's choice that isn't just the cookie cutter 'good or evil' 'did you finish enough achievements' endings. It should be about the decisions you've made, and if nothing else, the Stanley Parable shines so hard, it could bleed out the eyes of the blindest man.

    But that's where the core of the gameplay fails, as well. See the game gives you choices, but no actual gameplay. You have options, yes that's nice, you have multiple endings, a shining example of what newer games with the extra space in them with the newer formats to put them in should have. But what effort did you put in? The most effort you put into the game is to do the 'door click' achievement or the 'white board' ending, which is less of a task and more of a time burner.

    So I guess the end result is that it's a game of choices and endings, rather than of travel and triumph. I guess you could say that, while the game has done some amazing things, even getting the replay value that few games could ever compare to, it also falls short in that there's nothing lost in doing anything as you always start over and just try the whole world over again along another path that took you the same thirty seconds as before.

    This game does some AMAZING things right, but the glaring issue of it being (ultimately) one giant ending rather than an actual game hurts. Sure it's nice to always have that cake at the end of a game, but what's the point if you get cake every time no matter what you do, only to go back to the beginning and try ANOTHER cake within five minutes? Sure it tastes amazing, but after you've had five other cakes back to back, you start to worry that you're scarfing down those tasty tasty pixels just a bit too fast.

    The whole game can actually be fully explored in the space of an hour and a half, and fun as it is, it can be a bit tedious when you've heard the same line time. But then again, the Narrator has such a nice voice, even if it does eventually get old, and they do a good job of mixxing up the dialogue when it's obvious that the same lines over and over could burn a hole through your head.

    For the mixxing up of the world, bringing a deep philosophical point, making a clear and straight forward game with many endings, the Stanley Parable would get an eight or nine... Except for one problem. There's no challenge or difficulty. You see, a story is a great -story- because of the philosophy, clear goals, and strong endings, but a good game challenges the player and gives them a reason to want to go back in, something to overcome, and most importantly... A reward for achieving something that you had to put effort into.

    As a game, the Stanley Parable feels much like Mirror's Edge in that it's a stepping stone to something so much greater, but by itself feels like it's wanting or slightly off kilter. I admire and love the team that made this game and look forward to any work they ever create, and applaud them til my hands bleed for creating this, but it's still lacking in 'gameplay' despite the amazing job it does. For that it sits at an eight out of ten. A reluctant eight. The kind that I do simply because I enjoyed the game so much, even if it didn't feel like a game at the time.    … Expand
  9. artyshat
    Nov 13, 2013
    8
    Finally something different but of course i can't give it 10 because it's too limitate, this game is very beautiful but if it cost 4,99$ was PERFECT. I play it half hour and find 6/7 different endings, i read the total endings is 18 so is very awesome for an indie game! The narrator is very great, like Wheatley on Portal 2. It's funny becouse some ending is "long" and you think "Ah, ok,Finally something different but of course i can't give it 10 because it's too limitate, this game is very beautiful but if it cost 4,99$ was PERFECT. I play it half hour and find 6/7 different endings, i read the total endings is 18 so is very awesome for an indie game! The narrator is very great, like Wheatley on Portal 2. It's funny becouse some ending is "long" and you think "Ah, ok, now it's end so i restart from beginning" but no! ahhahaha very enjoy it.… Expand
  10. Guilherme_PoA
    Nov 15, 2013
    8
    Stanley Parable isn't a game for everyone. A lot of people missed the aim of the game...it is inadvertently funny, crazy and confusing...It is short...that the proposition of this game. If you expect something different...don't buy it. For those who likes mindless killing everything that moves, this is not the game...but if you're looking for an unique experience, this is the game for you.
  11. bbg118
    Nov 15, 2013
    8
    I spent a night playing The Stanley Parable and I believe I have experienced most of what the game contains.the humor kept me entertained throughout, and I do love the ideas and conflicts that are presented, but I wish that I had waited for a sale to pick this one up. Don't get me wrong, it is definitely worth playing, but for one or two nights of physical and mental exploration, it isI spent a night playing The Stanley Parable and I believe I have experienced most of what the game contains.the humor kept me entertained throughout, and I do love the ideas and conflicts that are presented, but I wish that I had waited for a sale to pick this one up. Don't get me wrong, it is definitely worth playing, but for one or two nights of physical and mental exploration, it is not worth the $15 price tag. It was definitely quite the experience, but left me wanting more for my money.… Expand
  12. Outlander999
    Nov 16, 2013
    8
    Stanley Parable is a totally anomalous experience, an interactive adventure with a limited gameplay but capable to attract thanks to the absurd relation between the player and the Narrator. Deserves to be played! VIRTUALINN.IT
  13. Pistolz4Pandaz
    Nov 19, 2013
    8
    I played this game straight for about 4 hours. It was an incredible experience that is definitely worth the money. My only gripe is that it is a little bit on the short side but its still an enjoyable adventure.
  14. surfie007
    Nov 25, 2013
    8
    I won't say anything about this game because every little thing I would talk about it will be a spoiler to whoever hasn't played this game. So if you wan't to know more go and pick this game up! This game has to be an 8 out of 10!
  15. ProbableEffect
    Dec 6, 2013
    8
    A great title which is full of humor and charm. I loved the original mod and this is exactly what I expected it to be. It doesn't have much gameplay except picking up some objects, but it is the path that you choose that matters and it's honestly a lot of fun to have a story delivered based on your own actions in a humorous and bizarre way.
  16. fittuner
    Dec 22, 2013
    8
    The Stanley Parable is a game of choice and consequence. It starts out simple enough, but soon becomes a hilarious journey of mind-bending fun. Most of the humor is thanks to the narrator Kevan Brighting who is your only company along the many possible stories and threads. It is amazing how far some of your choices can take you and the narrator. The game is very short, though, so itThe Stanley Parable is a game of choice and consequence. It starts out simple enough, but soon becomes a hilarious journey of mind-bending fun. Most of the humor is thanks to the narrator Kevan Brighting who is your only company along the many possible stories and threads. It is amazing how far some of your choices can take you and the narrator. The game is very short, though, so it is best to wait until Steam marks it down. All in all, the Stanley Parable is an extremely entertaining, albeit short game that is definitely worth taking time to play.… Expand
  17. Trunks252
    Mar 14, 2014
    8
    This game is definitely over-hyped and undeserving of its numerous 10/10 scores. This is an indie game with more of a message than a deep story. This game has more wit and charm than substance, and I've noticed how it and others like it often get overrated by critics.

    That being said, it is a very fun and funny game. I really enjoyed seeing all the content that it had to offer, even if    This game is definitely over-hyped and undeserving of its numerous 10/10 scores. This is an indie game with more of a message than a deep story. This game has more wit and charm than substance, and I've noticed how it and others like it often get overrated by critics.

    That being said, it is a very fun and funny game. I really enjoyed seeing all the content that it had to offer, even if I had to look up how to do a lot of it. I won't go into its plot or even the game mechanics, since that might be a slight spoiler.

    I will say that if you like Portal or similar type games (and have an open mind about what games should be), you will like this. I don't mean that Portal didn't have substance, because it did.

    Also, $15 bucks is a bit much for a MAX 2-3 hour game, with little replay-ability beyond showing friends. It is a good game worth playing, though. 8/10    … Expand
  18. rubencristiano9
    Aug 31, 2015
    8
    Entertaining, that's how I would explain this game if I had one word and one word only.

    Love the voice of the narrator, he is the all of the game, if it wasn;t for him the game wouldn't even be called a game.

    Had a good 2 hours with it.
  19. anonym0
    Jan 7, 2014
    8
    You are Stanley, your job is to push buttons that pop up on your screen, day in and day out. But what would you do if the screen turns blank? When there are no orders to follow?

    You have to choose. And that is exactly what the game is all about. Will you follow the narrator's guidelines or will you walk your own path, doing whatever you want. There are over 15 different endings to    You are Stanley, your job is to push buttons that pop up on your screen, day in and day out. But what would you do if the screen turns blank? When there are no orders to follow?

    You have to choose. And that is exactly what the game is all about. Will you follow the narrator's guidelines or will you walk your own path, doing whatever you want.

    There are over 15 different endings to try out and will keep you occupied for a few hours but don't expect a long game. But for it's fairly cheap price it's definitely worth it.    … Expand
  20. tottidomingues
    Feb 26, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. For me this is one of the best PC games ever made. Why?
    Simply because it’s really funny and interesting. The story of Stanley is well made and while you are playing the narrator that tells the story usually tells a joke or restarts the game.

    Whenever the narrator restarts the game, you get more addicted to the game and you want to discover another ending. However, the game restarts too much .The graphics are decent too. The Stanley Parable also talks about games. I recommend to the world this game, because everyone will enjoy it.    … Expand
  21. Skitte
    Mar 12, 2014
    8
    I have played this and for a second I thought the game was going to be a horror one. I don't know, I liked it, but the single thing I didn't like is the fact that you have to play it many times to understand the rest of the story and you have to die in a point.
  22. ravicool
    Mar 25, 2014
    8
    Real nice game,have to say most unique game i have played to date,its mysterious,hilarious and totally worth the time,only thing i would have liked though was if there were more levels
  23. HMG-MetaCritic
    Jun 9, 2014
    8
    I was a bit disappointed for one reason ; The length of the game. I bought this game 15$ on steam and finished all the endings in 2 hours. If you can get it on sale for 3$ than it worth it!

    On the other hand, it is a totally original game that makes you a part of an unfinished story! You work out with the narrator to find your way to the end! I hope there will be some DLC's to extend    I was a bit disappointed for one reason ; The length of the game. I bought this game 15$ on steam and finished all the endings in 2 hours. If you can get it on sale for 3$ than it worth it!

    On the other hand, it is a totally original game that makes you a part of an unfinished story! You work out with the narrator to find your way to the end! I hope there will be some DLC's to extend the playtime because this game could be gold!    … Expand
  24. TheMasiMan1
    Jan 25, 2016
    8
    A fan-made mod witch was made into a game? A fan-made game? That can never be bad, right? Yeah, I was corect. Stanley Parable is a GREAT game. But after finding all the endings and laughing, theres nothing to do.
  25. ThePCGamer101
    Jun 24, 2015
    8
    "This is the story about a man named Stanley" - The Strange Narrator

    The first words I hear when I play this amazing first person narrative game. It is one of the best narrative games I have played in a while. With confusing endings to really crazy achievements. This game is really satisfying in what it does. I highly recommend getting this game while you can.
  26. ClMick
    Jun 25, 2015
    8
    Some games are weird and/or experimental just for the sake of it. This is not one of those games. I thoroughly enjoyed looking for alternate ways to get through the story, for different ending that most of the time weren't even there.

    I see people talking about the message of this game. Well if there is a message I certainly didn't care for it. Just give it a shot - there's a demo - and    Some games are weird and/or experimental just for the sake of it. This is not one of those games. I thoroughly enjoyed looking for alternate ways to get through the story, for different ending that most of the time weren't even there.

    I see people talking about the message of this game. Well if there is a message I certainly didn't care for it. Just give it a shot - there's a demo - and enjoy yourself.    … Expand
  27. LesterRoquefort
    Oct 17, 2015
    8
    I'll simply say this, being disobedient and being chewed out for it is hilerious fun. Play this game and discover the many ways you can anger the narrator. Or don't, it's entirely up to you, but it's much more fun to be disobedient in this game, trust me.
  28. Overvulture
    Nov 9, 2015
    8
    It's one of those games where you walk around, but it's much more interactive than most. It responds to all your choices, and the main fun of the matter is taking things in unexpected directions to see if the game is ready for it. Most of the time, it is, and has a new story branch to go right along with it. They thought of almost everything. There are a great deal of possible endings toIt's one of those games where you walk around, but it's much more interactive than most. It responds to all your choices, and the main fun of the matter is taking things in unexpected directions to see if the game is ready for it. Most of the time, it is, and has a new story branch to go right along with it. They thought of almost everything. There are a great deal of possible endings to discover and a few hours of pure comedy to enjoy. If you're not into meta-comedy or mocking the basics of game design in general, you won't find much to laugh at, but as someone who enjoys this sort of thing, it's irresistibly clever, made better by its wonderful narrator.… Expand
  29. Uygar
    Oct 24, 2015
    8
    The Stanley Parable is an interactive storytelling video game designed by Davey Wreden. The game originally released on July 27, 2011 as a free modification for Half-Life 2. A high-definition stand-alone remake, including new story elements, was again designed by Davey Wreden together with Source engine modeler William Pugh, under the Galactic Cafe studio name.
  30. jesusmarin100
    Jan 23, 2016
    8
    With The Stanley Parable you will have an awesome experience, the game will elapse according to what you do. You don´t play this game, the game play with you.
Page:

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 »