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. Likan
    Oct 27, 2013
    6
    The Stanley Parable is indeed a fun experience. One cannot say much about it without spoiling some of its effectiveness, but it's sufficient to know that it's a first person exploration game which revolves around the relationship between the player, the videogame character, the story and game design, as well as the illusion of choice and other such themes.

    The atmosphere and    The Stanley Parable is indeed a fun experience. One cannot say much about it without spoiling some of its effectiveness, but it's sufficient to know that it's a first person exploration game which revolves around the relationship between the player, the videogame character, the story and game design, as well as the illusion of choice and other such themes.

    The atmosphere and voice-acting are great, incurring a mixture of mystery and mild discomfort, definitely reminiscent of Portal in that regard, while the gameplay and graphics are extremely simple and functional.

    I would recommend it unconditionnally were it not for its price, I consider 12€ a bit steep for something that, all things considered, is an experience rather than a game, and a pretty short one at that. But if that's not a barrier for you, then go ahead, it's a satisfying little trip.    … Expand
  2. Ryyuqu
    Oct 27, 2013
    10
    We absolutely need more games like this one.This is one of those very few and rare games where you find yourself laughing with tears. The Stanley Parable!
  3. Limpy
    Oct 26, 2013
    10
    Possibly one of the most unique games i have played and if i tried to explain the plot would be explaining the impossible, think of the best game plot story line and now forget everything about normal story lines and play!
  4. DeadlyCrawl
    Oct 26, 2013
    10
    Simplily Wonderful,an epic experimental game with a hundreds of posibilitys,i loved this game and keep playing and surprising every time,and much to say about the incredible story teller reminds me a lot to the character of Portal:GlaDos
  5. 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
  6. pmatt147
    Oct 26, 2013
    6
    I suppose I'll be generous with this review. Ultimately, The Stanley Parable is a very enjoyable game for the 3 or 4 hours you can play it. During that time, the game is a solid 8. The story is interesting, the narrator is intriguing, but there is no actual gameplay. There is a finite number of endings and because there is no gameplay, aside from simply pressing the wasd keys, the game hasI suppose I'll be generous with this review. Ultimately, The Stanley Parable is a very enjoyable game for the 3 or 4 hours you can play it. During that time, the game is a solid 8. The story is interesting, the narrator is intriguing, but there is no actual gameplay. There is a finite number of endings and because there is no gameplay, aside from simply pressing the wasd keys, the game has a short life. It is definitely not worth the $12 I paid since it only yields 3 or 4 hours of gameplay. I suggest watching a playthrough or getting the game on sale for $3 or $5.… Expand
  7. 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.
  8. Fogdale
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    There are games where you don't have any influence on the story.
    There are games where certain things change depending on what you do.
    And there is The Stanley Parable. The Stanley Parable is very narrative, most of the time there is somebody commenting what you do. But the awesome thing about this game is that you can choose what to do. For example at a crossway the narrator says    There are games where you don't have any influence on the story.
    There are games where certain things change depending on what you do.

    And there is The Stanley Parable.

    The Stanley Parable is very narrative, most of the time there is somebody commenting what you do. But the awesome thing about this game is that you can choose what to do. For example at a crossway the narrator says that Stanley walks through the left door but you can also ignore him and walk through the right one.

    The story takes weird turns when you do the "wrong" things from time to time and sometimes becomes totally ridiculous. But that is what makes this game so good. The narration is very entertaining and makes you play through the game over and over again. And because there are so many possibilities it won't get boring as quick as other games do.    … Expand
  9. fasterfasterfas
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    This is a fantastic commentary on life, games and everything else. I can't recommend it to non-gamers, as to understand the inherent logic of this game; you need to be in a position where you already understand the tropes and limitations of games.

    This game takes the idea that you as a gamer have 'learned' ways of playing games, and that before you even play a game you have a common    This is a fantastic commentary on life, games and everything else. I can't recommend it to non-gamers, as to understand the inherent logic of this game; you need to be in a position where you already understand the tropes and limitations of games.

    This game takes the idea that you as a gamer have 'learned' ways of playing games, and that before you even play a game you have a common understanding between you and the developer about what should happen in these games.

    The Stanley Parable pulls the rug out from under you. For many I can imagine that just doesn't work. I've had a good laugh reading all the 0's that are posted here. Most are absolutely correct! But that's the point. The game is totally self-aware; and I almost feel like many of these 0s could be posted by the developers themselves as a form of meta-irony. The narrator of the game literally mocks the expectations of the gamers who play this with their built in understandings. In a way; many of these poor reviews are other stanleys who are having the joke played on them.

    The Stanley Parable calls into question the very meaning of what games are, in its narrative and existence. The game is self aware of both the 'interactive fiction' games like Dear Ester and the hyper game-play focused military FPS games.
    The Stanley Parable questions how any game can have meaningful choice, and yet presents the player with the most meaningful choices of any game ever created. The game recognizes almost everything you do; and takes great pride in pointing out how pointless your insistence of choice is on a designed game.

    It essentially points to one big conclusion about choice in games; and that is that choice in games is what you make of it.

    On a more aloof and intellectual level the game no doubt speaks to many aspects of social theory, including social constructivism, and also touches on logic, philosophy and psychology. If ever there was a game that could be held on a higher pedestal it is this one.

    On a 'should you but it, shouldnt you buy it' level: It should be pretty clear if this kind of game interests you. However it is definitely a game that cannot be "tried" "demo'd" and it certainly does not work just by watching the game. The vast majority is not just the spectacle or story; it's about the interaction between the player and the game designer. You cannot experience that by watching Let's Plays of the game, it simply does not capture the game properly.

    If you're on the fence, try the demo; it contains absolutely nothing of the full game but gives you a sense of it's tone.

    The Stanley Parable also makes it's younger half life 2 mod look like a rough draft in pencil; it bears the same name, but captures none of the greatness that makes this title an instant masterpiece.

    I hope this review helped you understand more about the Stanley Parable; if not then it doesn't matter, and that's the point.    … Expand
  10. CreatureAndrew
    Oct 25, 2013
    9
    It isn't exactly a GAME, but it's pretty amazing. If you have ever read the "Choose your own Adventure" book series as a kid then then you will love this. Also the humor in this game is top notch.
  11. FlufflyChaos
    Oct 25, 2013
    9
    Metacritic reviews make me hate humanity.
    I was disappointed to find that there isn't all that more narrative content than the original mod, but the quality of the new content is amazing, I still believe the adventure line will lead me to freedom.
  12. BoneAnza
    Oct 24, 2013
    0
    My 14 y/o son downloaded this game for me and asked me to play it because he loved it. I played the demo for about 30 minutes and I couldn't stand it. Sorry...not my style for a game. I must be an old fart.
  13. doefa
    Oct 24, 2013
    8
    This is a game that just astounds me, every choice you make changes something, and as long as you don't repeat the same path, you get something different. It is a game that i enjoyed a lot and is something that i can't explain so..... yeah, just go play it and see for yourself, the game is not for everyone but if you like a story line narrative kind of game, you will enjoy it.
  14. Exorio
    Oct 24, 2013
    10
    It's not an FPS, it's not an adventure, it's an experience, a brand new genre, probably like those in Dear Esther or somekind. I never played those kind of games BTW, but Stanley Parable got great reviews everywhere and it kinda intrigue me, so why not.

    At first I thought it was something like Portal, but no. Probably the closest comparison to Stanley Parable are text game adventures    It's not an FPS, it's not an adventure, it's an experience, a brand new genre, probably like those in Dear Esther or somekind. I never played those kind of games BTW, but Stanley Parable got great reviews everywhere and it kinda intrigue me, so why not.

    At first I thought it was something like Portal, but no. Probably the closest comparison to Stanley Parable are text game adventures back in the DOS, or way back to Apple era, where you choose different choices, but now they actually visualize it with Source Engine. One very memorable game I remember was Mickey's Space Adventure. Yep, probably that's the closest comparison.

    It start of simple, just an ordinary, average 9-5 employee working in his room. Then you choose what to do. The story grows, and grows. It is said that there're tons of possibilities in this game, so far I only found few. And the game actually tickle your curiosity so you will guaranteed coming back for more.

    It's definitely not for everyone, but the story truly made me think about "choices". Specially choices I made in my real life.

    And also it's a warm welcome and breath of new fresh air among those popular, mainstream "me too" horror, FPS, war, etc games.    … Expand
  15. TheXRated
    Oct 24, 2013
    10
    One of the most interesting games I have ever played. So much attention to detail and astonishing amount of dialogue that can be triggered. There is so much going on, but only if you look for it!
  16. leaveit
    Oct 24, 2013
    1
    Now that the corporate game producers have mastered the art of marketing to ignorant tasteless masses, indie developers are starting to catch on. Wreden's inability to craft a branching yet cohesive story is called upon ironically when the game is less interactive and more linear than titles from the early 90s, and excused by apologist fans as being intentional. Essentially what theNow that the corporate game producers have mastered the art of marketing to ignorant tasteless masses, indie developers are starting to catch on. Wreden's inability to craft a branching yet cohesive story is called upon ironically when the game is less interactive and more linear than titles from the early 90s, and excused by apologist fans as being intentional. Essentially what the Stanley Parable is is a software allegory for the hot new annoyance in the video game industry: that a game can be almost entirely empty, uninteractive, $5 or more per hour of gameplay (as high or higher than the favored "movie ticket" that fanboys usually mention), and can, in fact, be nothing more than a map pack for a first person shooter that would have been a free download back in the Quake days, and yet make at least hundreds of thousands of dollars. The "game" earns one point for the delivery of the narrator, who sounds like the male voice from Xtranormal, which almost makes me laugh.… Expand
  17. Lomba
    Oct 24, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is not a game, this is simply piece of art. The whole time you are exploring different paths trying to figure out what is the meaning of the game trying to find an "answer" ...where are the employes, what is goin on?
    And the real answer is by my understanding that there is no answer ...and that the "employes" are other players before you who have played and realized that the game itself is "mind controlling" you into playing over and over again trying to find that goal and that really ...you are Stanley in real life siting behind your desk playing a game that really is not a game. :D    … Expand
  18. KillJoyMatt
    Oct 24, 2013
    10
    This is simply one of the greatest games I've ever played. However, in saying that, I'm not going to give away anything, because part of the magic of this game is going in blind. Even I, who had played the original mod and had an idea of what to expect, was completely shock and surprised to see how much was added. This game is just pure joy.

    I I'll say this: The game looks beautiful.    This is simply one of the greatest games I've ever played. However, in saying that, I'm not going to give away anything, because part of the magic of this game is going in blind. Even I, who had played the original mod and had an idea of what to expect, was completely shock and surprised to see how much was added. This game is just pure joy.

    I I'll say this:

    The game looks beautiful. Even on the lowest settings, the game looks great.
    The writing and narration was fantastic. Some of the best writing I've ever seen (and heard!) in a game.
    You never know what to expect. This game is full of what the moments, and that's why it's so great. At every turn is something different. Sure, the first time through, the game takes like 10 minutes to beat. But then you play it again. And again. And again. And you never run out of things to see. And, despite the fact that quite literally the only thing you do in this game is walk, it's the most fun I've had and the most joy I've felt in the game. I was genuinely scared playing this game. The Stanley Parable is not scary in the slightest, but because I never knew what to expect, I was always on edge. Oh, and take the right door.

    This game is incredible. Full of surprises, it's one of the best things I've ever played. YOU NEED TO BUY THIS GAME.

    You will buy this game. You won't buy this game. There is an end to the game, but there is no end to the game.

    Oh, and 8.    … Expand
  19. zz_tophat
    Oct 24, 2013
    10
    I can't say much about this game without spoiling something. This was the best narrative experience I have played this year; like portal it's short but in this case that is not a bad thing.

    This game is a must buy.
  20. TheFrugalLemur
    Oct 24, 2013
    10
    I would like to explain what this game is about, but anything I say would be a spoiler. It is a very narrative heavy game that will poke fun at other video games and in particular, YOU. Please, just buy and play this game.
  21. justin997
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    Although (as far as I know) I have reached all possible endings. But, it was a very enjoyable experience that I have not experienced since portal. I have always loved text adventures, and it works in a similar manner when it comes to decision making. This game is not necessarily a 'game' that just anybody can play and fully enjoy, but more of a work of art that can be easily understoodAlthough (as far as I know) I have reached all possible endings. But, it was a very enjoyable experience that I have not experienced since portal. I have always loved text adventures, and it works in a similar manner when it comes to decision making. This game is not necessarily a 'game' that just anybody can play and fully enjoy, but more of a work of art that can be easily understood and enjoyed by certain people. Another way to put it would be by calling it a 'Interactive work of art.' Basically, this game is very original game that deserves high ratings, even with how short it was.… Expand
  22. Nedearl
    Oct 23, 2013
    8
    Really fun to play, the game relies on the interaction between the narrator and the player. It is somehow extremely satisfying to see that every action you could think of has been anticipated. The Stanley parable explores some interesting topics and is a very "meta" type of experience (video game hipsters please enjoy). On the somewhat less gleeful side, you do see everything after 5-6Really fun to play, the game relies on the interaction between the narrator and the player. It is somehow extremely satisfying to see that every action you could think of has been anticipated. The Stanley parable explores some interesting topics and is a very "meta" type of experience (video game hipsters please enjoy). On the somewhat less gleeful side, you do see everything after 5-6 hours, which is completely fine but still a bit short as it involves a certain amount of repetition.… Expand
  23. 0235
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    Another game which reduces almost every previous game by one point. for fun to cost to time ration this game is spot on. I have never laughed so hard, i have never been so immersed in a game. even the demo was a fantastic piece of work. technical, its not that brilliant. its ye olde source engine, and game play wise its not much new, but if you want a story, a story so compelling andAnother game which reduces almost every previous game by one point. for fun to cost to time ration this game is spot on. I have never laughed so hard, i have never been so immersed in a game. even the demo was a fantastic piece of work. technical, its not that brilliant. its ye olde source engine, and game play wise its not much new, but if you want a story, a story so compelling and interactive. this is you best bet. GOTY, possibly (well as GTA V isn't on PC i couldn't say) but PC GOTY. hell yes.… Expand
  24. GoodReview
    Oct 23, 2013
    2
    this game is just like the mod. do not waste your money on this game. do you think you should buy a game that you can beat in 4 minute 22 second? I don't think so.
  25. mark1008
    Oct 23, 2013
    8
    Have you ever wanted to live your life narrated by a wonderfully voiced British man? Than Stanley's Parable is perfect for you, whether your adventure takes your to a Broom closest or a blue or red door, this game is pretty awesome. All in all, I had a great time and laughed more than once throughout my, Stanley's, journey.
  26. kykinson
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    After playing this for 20 hours I am still trying to find new endings and secrets. I am searching for discussions on the Steam forums that have solutions for getting new secrets and achievements. I will say it is worth every cent I paid for it and I hope you guys also will buy it because you will have good times playing it.
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. timmytime
    Oct 22, 2013
    2
    An absolutely piece of game. It claims to be a parable, and while it is insultingly stupid there's no profound lesson here for you to learn. Other than a series of arbitrary choices. Ultimately you'll only enjoy this if you want to play a comedy game with dull oh-so-witty humour from the British narrator. Don't play this. Also it pisses me off that this doesn't get the same "Is it reallyAn absolutely piece of game. It claims to be a parable, and while it is insultingly stupid there's no profound lesson here for you to learn. Other than a series of arbitrary choices. Ultimately you'll only enjoy this if you want to play a comedy game with dull oh-so-witty humour from the British narrator. Don't play this. Also it pisses me off that this doesn't get the same "Is it really a GAME?" criticism that Gone Home did when this is much worse and insultingly shallow.… Expand
  30. 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
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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 »