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. 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
  2. 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
  3. gietek
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    You will love this game. I promise. I will lick my shoes if you don't. How can you not like such an original game? It's so empty, yet rich with dialogue and personality and humour.
  4. 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!!!
  5. Lantz
    Mar 7, 2014
    9
    Surprisingly good game with achievements that will blow your mind and a sense of humor that reminds that of Portal and Portal 2. An experience everybody should try.
  6. zilch
    May 17, 2014
    7
    You probably already roughly know what the Stanley Parable is about. You play a character called Stanley and a narrator more or less says what Stanley will do next, what he feels, thinks, etc. You sometimes have the choice to follow that or do something entirely different altogether...and as a very, very faint spoiler, the whole thing loops.

    The fun mostly comes from exploring the tree    You probably already roughly know what the Stanley Parable is about. You play a character called Stanley and a narrator more or less says what Stanley will do next, what he feels, thinks, etc. You sometimes have the choice to follow that or do something entirely different altogether...and as a very, very faint spoiler, the whole thing loops.

    The fun mostly comes from exploring the tree of choices, playing around with the absurd situation and listening to the excellent narration.
    Now, all games with choice trees have the problem that you have to consult a chart at some point to make sure you haven't missed anything. And while exploring that tree is fun, it isn't particularly large. You can be done with the game before the three hour mark.
    Also, while there is a certain ending that is supposed to be the end (you also get an achievement for it), it feels extremely bleak, unrewarding. Not cathartic so to say.

    In the end the biggest problem with The Stanley Parable is the surprising lack of content. What is there is absolutely great, but it doesn't feel enough.    … Expand
  7. jdude0822
    Mar 25, 2014
    9
    "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"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."

    This review hit EXACTLY, what this game is supposed to be.    … Expand
  8. 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
  9. Rasenman
    Mar 30, 2014
    9
    It´s hard to say something about this awesome game, not spoilering something.

    But when a game completely convinces you without having graphics like Skyrim or action as in CoD/Battlefield or whatever, there is something making it really special. I can´t really tell what this is, but Stanley Parable has it :D
  10. Eithi007
    Mar 30, 2014
    10
    This is not a game it is an experience you control stanley thats the only thing i'm going to say of story there are so many secrets and endings and the demo it has a own story just play it and experience it for yourself
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. cronopio
    Sep 4, 2016
    9
    Very refreshing experience. This is obviously not a traditional game, but nonetheless it is absolutely recommended for everyone even slightly interested in video games (as a medium, not just in playing them).

    Witty, no longer than they needed to tell what they wanted. My only advice: after you feel you are done with it (don't want to spoil it) find a guide so you can see what you    Very refreshing experience. This is obviously not a traditional game, but nonetheless it is absolutely recommended for everyone even slightly interested in video games (as a medium, not just in playing them).

    Witty, no longer than they needed to tell what they wanted.

    My only advice: after you feel you are done with it (don't want to spoil it) find a guide so you can see what you have missed, there will be one or two surprises yet for you.    … Expand
  15. runner
    Dec 29, 2016
    9
    Bottom line: The Stanley Parable is an awesome piece of video gaming,
    A little tip - play the demo BEFORE playing the full game. The demo is not acctually a part of the game, but more like a standalone introductory chapter to the game, and it will give you the taste of what this game is all about.
    Which is necessary, because The Stanley Parable is probably unlike any other game you've    Bottom line: The Stanley Parable is an awesome piece of video gaming,
    A little tip - play the demo BEFORE playing the full game. The demo is not acctually a part of the game, but more like a standalone introductory chapter to the game, and it will give you the taste of what this game is all about.

    Which is necessary, because The Stanley Parable is probably unlike any other game you've played before.
    Not much puzzles in here, not much action, not much of a big, complex story. Not much characters, not much music, and not much of anything you'd expect from a standard video game.

    Without spoiling the experience too much (although, if you haven't played the game yet and reading through those reviews you're probably already spoiled!), I'd tell that the Stanley Parable explores the concepts of choices and consequences and narration in video games. And it does so very wittingly and and elegantly.

    The game has many secrets and things for you to reveal and find out, and therefore the experience is based mainly on your will to explore and try out new things. And while you can "complete" the game within 10 minutes or even less, each gameplay can and probably will look completely different.

    I've played the game for about 5 hours in total which I spread across many short "sessions" of playing the game, and I feel I haven't revealed the entire content of the game (even when using a walkthrough).

    Technically, there's not much to say, the game is built with the Source engine used in the famous HL games, which is highly stable and still looks good even after aging quite a bit. You'll find out that the game has plenty of "atmospheres" throughout the different paths you can take, and it seems there was much thought put into every detail of the game, It plays fantastically, but as I said before, this is not a usual game.

    I highly recommend it for anyone which can appreciate something a bit different, where the center is about how the story is told rather than the story itself, or rather than who's the next target to shoot    … Expand
  16. Grimman
    Jun 28, 2014
    5
    When I first read about all these reviews, I was pretty excited to try the game out. I was hyped for the so-called message that this game was said to give out and "inspire you to think". Not to mention how a lot of people were saying that the humor is great, some stating that it is on par with Portal 1 and 2.

    The game felt really interesting during it's first hour, but it really didn't    When I first read about all these reviews, I was pretty excited to try the game out. I was hyped for the so-called message that this game was said to give out and "inspire you to think". Not to mention how a lot of people were saying that the humor is great, some stating that it is on par with Portal 1 and 2.

    The game felt really interesting during it's first hour, but it really didn't spark that much thought in me. The game that makes you "think about life" and "philosophy of video games" didn't spark anything inside my mind. Maybe I'm just not that philosophical or I missed something. After the first hour, it started to feel like the game is just repeating it's message and it starts to get rather annoying, even with it's different outcomes. In the end, I was just trying to look at all the nooks and crannies, and I hoped I would get some mindblowingly thought-provoking ending (if there even is an end), but I was hugely disappointed not to find one.

    The voice acting and narration is good, but the humor? There were a few moments which gave me a chuckle or two, but I just didn't find it nearly as funny as Portal games.

    Overall, you shouldn't play this game for it's gameplay. You should check out some of the trailers and see if you find the games humor and message to your liking, then by all means buy it. I honestly think the game is tad overrated, but it isn't bad at all.    … Expand
  17. OHIC
    Jul 17, 2014
    10
    I'm giving this a 10 because it's one of the games that makes me happy to be a PC gamer. Because it's built so powerfully around humour, your experience may vary considerably from mine. It's not like Portal 2, where if Wheatley and GlaDOS's script left you cold (you monster) then at least you had the excellent puzzle action. This game is for anyone who loved Portal 2's writing, for fans ofI'm giving this a 10 because it's one of the games that makes me happy to be a PC gamer. Because it's built so powerfully around humour, your experience may vary considerably from mine. It's not like Portal 2, where if Wheatley and GlaDOS's script left you cold (you monster) then at least you had the excellent puzzle action. This game is for anyone who loved Portal 2's writing, for fans of Douglas Adams, for fans of British TV comedy. It's going to occupy you for a limited amount of time - maybe 3 hours or so, possibly more if you go through the Wikia to find all the secrets - so you'll have to decide if you think that's worth it. I and many thousands of others did, and we regret nothing.… Expand
  18. smilzoboboz
    Sep 11, 2015
    9
    I have no doubts giving this game a 9 out of 10.
    It's amazing how was I truly surprised and confused, toyed-with and helped by this game. For me this game is pure genius and I had an insane amount of enjoyment playing it.
    Still I won't recommend it to everyone, because a lot of people may find this game meaningless and boring (If you enjoyed portal, you may like this, even if it's quite    I have no doubts giving this game a 9 out of 10.
    It's amazing how was I truly surprised and confused, toyed-with and helped by this game. For me this game is pure genius and I had an insane amount of enjoyment playing it.
    Still I won't recommend it to everyone, because a lot of people may find this game meaningless and boring (If you enjoyed portal, you may like this, even if it's quite more "deep").    … Expand
  19. Marick
    Jun 14, 2015
    9
    I did not expect to be a pretty good game. It is really funny and very fun .
  20. 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
  21. BFM
    Mar 28, 2020
    9
    A smart, funny and entertaining game that doesn't need to hide from masterpieces like Day of the Tentacle or Monkey island.

    High replay value and encouraged player creativity.
    Family friendly too.
  22. eldumloido
    Nov 14, 2014
    9
    Original concept, works great and doesn't require much of a computer. If you get it at 6$ its a 8, but if u got it for 3$ like me I would give it a 10. Not the longest game but if u get it cheap it'll be worth it.
  23. derek10
    Sep 12, 2014
    10
    Very good, interesting, intelligent and intriguing game, It's very different than many action-oriented games, but that doesn't mean it's boring, quite the opposite, it's very different and that is good.
  24. imrubensi
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    This game plays with your brain and alter your minds, none game is similar like this. The game developers should be like this developers and make games like this
  25. Razer_Angel
    Jan 24, 2015
    9
    You like fast paced games with tons of replayability but zero clue of why you are shooting those guys or some other characters in the game,go play something else.You want a slow,subtle or memorable game?Go play this.The bottom line that I saw from observing low scores vs. high scores is that the ones who rated this low are the shooter type of gamers,the ones who wants the action fast andYou like fast paced games with tons of replayability but zero clue of why you are shooting those guys or some other characters in the game,go play something else.You want a slow,subtle or memorable game?Go play this.The bottom line that I saw from observing low scores vs. high scores is that the ones who rated this low are the shooter type of gamers,the ones who wants the action fast and short without a single memory of it,while the ones who rated it high are the diverse ones who likes any genre as long as it is decent,and liked this because of the witts and tricks in it,and also some message.The point is,the fast paced gamers is trying to rush everything like a deranged weeaboo and not remembering the past things the Narrator said.In these types of games you won't get a single enjoyment if you like things fast,you don't enjoy it by what the low raters say replayability,you enjoy it by it's quality,every,single,low scorer tried to rush replay it as fast as they can to get all the endings but didn't payed attention so they didn't enjoy it,it's like sex,it's not how many times you can thrust that little stick of yours,it's how memorable each of those slow thrusts are.If you want to see 10/10,go with the flow of the game and make personal decisions,this isn't your CoD shooter where you shoot random yet generic guys aimlessly without any kind of compelling reasons and you don't even know why you are shooting them except because they are the ones infront of you who doesn't dress like you.but if you wanna see 0/10 you can see it by trying hard and replaying it as fast as you can,remember,forcing something isn't always gonna work,do not force the fun out of this game because the more you force it the lesser you get,take it calmly to enjoy it,there is nothing more than a good game and a peaceful atmosphere,yes,even for shooters,you can't really play anything if the people around you are rampaging the hell out of the house or your room.… Expand
  26. Leandros3
    Apr 28, 2015
    10
    Very good game. Its fun and peculiar. Don't play it while on acid. This game will screw with your head so much that it will make you question your own existence.

    10/10 for the biggest "WUT!?" in the history of gaming so far
  27. 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.
  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. RandyFandangle
    Feb 12, 2015
    9
    Really wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this at all, and my initial impression wasn't good either if I'm honest.

    Glad I gave it more than five minutes though, because it's really good. Give it a whirl!
  30. 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.
  31. HonestCritical
    Jul 29, 2015
    9
    Great game that is a fast pace run of the mill AAA MLG title, just a good relaxing game to play on your down time. only con is the game is really short and you can beat this in a few hours.
  32. 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
  33. 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.
  34. shatarah
    Dec 2, 2020
    7
    greattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
  35. 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
  36. 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.
  37. 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.
  38. bucketassrabbit
    Mar 15, 2016
    10
    tHIS IS, I SWEAR, THE BEST WALKING SIMULATOR IVE EVER PLAYED IN MY LIFE OH MY GOD IM ITS BIG FAN REALLY, BUY IT IMMEDIATELY YOU WONT BE REGRET BEST GAME EVER U KNOW
  39. 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.
  40. 4y4
    Feb 15, 2020
    9
    It's basically just an interactive fun storytelling game. If you like those kind of games then you will love this!
  41. dramspringfeald
    Feb 2, 2016
    9
    The Stanley Parable is such an interesting look at the game culture... I did enjoy the constant mind screw the game offers to the players.

    I can see why the game got negative reviews but really for what it IS this game is damn near perfect. If the Graphics aren't your thing, play it for the dark and dry humor.
  42. ApexPhilosopher
    Oct 23, 2019
    10
    This review is years overdue, but I needed to think about it.

    I might be wrong, but I believe Stanley Parable is the first second-perspective game. It's a game that mixes an existential wonder with a postmodern attitude that says I will not be solved but have fun trying. You can do many things in Stanley Parable and it is purely just an experience. It is definitely worth full-price.    This review is years overdue, but I needed to think about it.

    I might be wrong, but I believe Stanley Parable is the first second-perspective game. It's a game that mixes an existential wonder with a postmodern attitude that says I will not be solved but have fun trying. You can do many things in Stanley Parable and it is purely just an experience. It is definitely worth full-price. Treat it like a piece of good art and a sort of escape room stylized puzzle and you will have a great time!

    Narration: 10/10 (Changed my desktop sounds to play narrator's voices for different errors)    … Expand
  43. hello1234
    Apr 16, 2016
    10
    perfecta narracion, muy buenos giros y grandes solpresas hacen de este un videojuego diferente, único, centrado en otro enfoque nuevo y unico en el mundo de los videojuegos. una verdadera obra de arte
  44. frhanhanif
    Nov 23, 2020
    8
    It's a fun, refreshing experience. It's not much of a game though, much more of an experience or some sort of art within itself. It's a fun, refreshing experience. However this game is really short (2-3 hours of gameplay)
  45. reviewfrom19842
    Dec 26, 2016
    9
    The Stanley Parable is an amazing game with a good massage that really makes you think. You play as Stanley and you find out that all your co-workers are missing and I will not dare spoil the few endings of this game just take my work that it's amazing.
  46. bdurmaz
    May 10, 2017
    10
    Trying to define this, even using the word "game" is really not cutting it. The Stanley Parable is daring, revolutionary, humorous and smart. At least those are the traits that I look for in an indie game.
  47. Shawndroid
    Feb 26, 2018
    10
    This was a really interesting exploration of the tension between player choice and developers vision in game development. Hilarious, if you like dry humour.

    It has an hilarious demo. Very different from the game, but gives the right feel. I strongly recommend this demo, even if you have played the game.
  48. Zareli
    Jan 30, 2019
    10
    Stanley parable is amazingly executed for what it is. It needed no more, no less. It's a short innovative game with simple controls, no tutorial, great narrative. Groundbreaking.
  49. Garybaldo
    Mar 2, 2020
    9
    There is absolutely nothing bad about this game, as well as there is absolutely nothing I should say about it to avoid spoilers. It's better to go into this experience blind-folded
  50. RagingPoet
    Mar 21, 2018
    9
    The Stanley Parable is an experiment in storytelling that somehow is engaging while having no gameplay. It is short, but very well thought with top-notch narrator, who is ready to react to player's every action.
  51. gold
    Dec 30, 2018
    10
    Странная, крутая игра с интересной концепцией.
    Итог:10/10
  52. MegaManAF
    Apr 4, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Let me put this bluntly. To talk about the game at all is a spoiler. If you think you might like it, stop reading and go buy it now, or at LEAST try the demo... Done yet? Well, I did mark this for spoilers, so I'm gonna continue with the review. You play as Stanley, and you walk around an office while a guy tells you what to do. The End. Except there are 19 different ways to end the game. My only complaint is the lack of vehicles, skills trees, and emotion booths. Although the demo had emotion booths, so nevermind about that. I showed this game to a friend, who decided to turn around, shut the door, and lock himself in his office. In this game, you just walk around, open some doors, explode a facility, kill yourself (twice, maybe three times?), break the game (twice), and get very confused.… Expand
  53. Mashiro1
    Oct 25, 2019
    10
    ohh man that game was my firs what i buy, i whona believe boi who make it will make one more game. just like pony island boy
  54. 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.
  55. QC418
    Jun 27, 2018
    8
    #GOOD : Surely one of the best game in the world. It's a very very good game for people are a little spiritual and likes follow the flow of things instead of resisting and going in the opposite direction. This game alludes to our system/society. #BAD : 1-4 hour of play, I want more of this type of game.

    #NOTE 8/10 : This is a collectible game to play, only one time. But you want it in    #GOOD : Surely one of the best game in the world. It's a very very good game for people are a little spiritual and likes follow the flow of things instead of resisting and going in the opposite direction. This game alludes to our system/society. #BAD : 1-4 hour of play, I want more of this type of game.

    #NOTE 8/10 : This is a collectible game to play, only one time. But you want it in your collection, and you need it. Trust me.    … Expand
  56. 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.
  57. Grachechkovski
    Jun 2, 2019
    10
    A lot of endings, great sarcasm and communication with the player, breaking the 4th wall, the Source engine will be squeezed to the maximum.

    For the game made by one person - a masterpiece. And in general - a masterpiece.
  58. greenbey
    Jul 11, 2020
    9
    A
    This is game you should experience without any knowledge.
    Its a short game. Doing or not doing something is a choice.
  59. LordFarquad
    Apr 18, 2020
    9
    Это очень классная игра со множеством различных концовок. Потрясающий голос рассказчика( особенно в Русской локализации ), хорошая графика, очень интересный геймплей, про сюжет я вообще молчу, он безупречный. Очень много интересных пасхалок. Эта игра шедевральна! 10 из 10.Это очень классная игра со множеством различных концовок. Потрясающий голос рассказчика( особенно в Русской локализации ), хорошая графика, очень интересный геймплей, про сюжет я вообще молчу, он безупречный. Очень много интересных пасхалок. Эта игра шедевральна! 10 из 10.
  60. raskeks
    Dec 30, 2018
    10
    this is a drop of a pure art in a vast sea of monorail lootbox simulators
    excited for a new deluxe version
  61. gameking
    Apr 10, 2020
    9
    This game is incredible. I really enjoyed. Crazy gameplay. In this game the main point is fun. Just enjoy the story.
  62. Drangleic
    May 14, 2022
    10
    this game very gud, buy 4 me pls. oh man, if i could only find a girlfriend...
  63. beccathestrigga
    Apr 9, 2019
    9
    It's hard to say anything about the game without spoiling anything. Let's just say that it's not exactly the game, more an experience and the games aren't the same after it. The Stanley Parable is short and not so expensive, so everybody should try it.
  64. Babutto
    Jan 10, 2022
    8
    This is a nice experimental and art game that grew from the mod to the full scale game.
  65. 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
  66. clem666
    Nov 26, 2021
    8
    Didn't expect such an experience at all. This is far from being a regular game you play in order to get relax. It is very difficult to describe it without spoilers but let's just say that you will have a narrator who will comment on your every action through this weird reality-like world.

    You embody a lovely character named Stanley and who works every day without asking himself any    Didn't expect such an experience at all. This is far from being a regular game you play in order to get relax. It is very difficult to describe it without spoilers but let's just say that you will have a narrator who will comment on your every action through this weird reality-like world.

    You embody a lovely character named Stanley and who works every day without asking himself any question. Until that day... 'The Stanley Parable' is kind of a funny, relevant, deep, creative, mysterious, frustrating and destabilizing game all at once. The narrator will sometimes make you get stuck for long minutes, and the proposed environment will sometimes seem very narrow. But that is the point, because this game puts everything it has on the scenario. It is full or original endings, discreet easter eggs, hilarious lines and philosophical puns. Get ready because 'The Stanley Parable' will do everything to make you feel uncomfortable.
    Can't wait for the 'ultra deluxe' version promised back in 2018.
    It remains an overpriced game but worth it during sales.    … Expand
  67. ArcanaThe4th
    May 25, 2019
    8
    A truly bizarre and surreal narrative that talks to the way we play games as a whole, this is a fun and strange little adventure that will always make you keep playing to see what bizarre, mutant rabbit this magician of a game will pull out of its top hat.
  68. lautaropw
    Jul 6, 2020
    8
    What else did you expect? It's an amazing game and the best part of It is how funny It is, we won't probably ever get a game this good that is so aware of Itself.
  69. Pardoow
    Jun 23, 2020
    9
    I didn’t expect anything from this game honestly. I only knew it was supposed to be fun and that it was decision based. Holy **** this game surpassed my expectations entirely!

    The gameplay is basically walking and decision making, but just with that it accomplishes a lot. I had a blast playing this game, I recommend trying to find all endings and check if you missed anything. Although,    I didn’t expect anything from this game honestly. I only knew it was supposed to be fun and that it was decision based. Holy **** this game surpassed my expectations entirely!

    The gameplay is basically walking and decision making, but just with that it accomplishes a lot. I had a blast playing this game, I recommend trying to find all endings and check if you missed anything. Although, buy it on sale, as it is rather short even if you do all endings (except the 4 hrs **** ending, no way I was gonna try that out)    … Expand
  70. twinkeywinkey
    Sep 19, 2019
    9
    The design of this game is brilliant! The game encouraged to look for other endings.
  71. edxtan
    Oct 29, 2021
    8
    The Stanley Parable examines the relationship between player, character, and narrator in a witty metacommentary on the nature of choice.
  72. Crimert
    Mar 12, 2020
    8
    This one is a really interesting and amazing narrative game. I really liked this game. 4hrs on record.
  73. moonlaba
    Jan 17, 2022
    9
    다른 매체와 달리 게임이란 매체가 가진 한계와 아이러니를 기가막히게 그려낸 우화. 게이머라는 공통 분모를 이용한 스토리라 게임을 좋아하는 누구든지 공감할수 있을듯.
  74. Cafe_8bits
    Apr 16, 2020
    10
    Stanley´s Parable its a fantastic game. I give it the maximum score, because it achieves what only video games can achieve, it uses all its potential to give the player what only a video game can give. Its a fun, and great experience, which you don´t get in any other place.
  75. Evanpotterrevie
    Dec 11, 2019
    10
    Entertaining, witty and creative The Stanley Parable goes beyond the stereotypical game worlds and stories and succeeds in a engaging original story
  76. 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.
  77. Alvelian
    Dec 14, 2022
    9
    Забавный игровой эксперимент. Игра которая играет над игроком, уничтожая 4ую стену.
  78. Corefitz
    Feb 15, 2020
    8
    If there was ever a game that made me laugh hysterically while playing it, this is it.

    Choice based... Odd story... Narrator interacting... game. Oddly satisfying.
  79. SirSoil
    Mar 1, 2020
    9
    The Stanley Parable is a very charming unique game, it takes you in this office building listening to the narrator speak and the game gives you the choice to either let him tell you the story, or just ruin it all completely. There are so many different endings for This game and they are amazingly well made, some of them are the peek of story telling I must hand it to them, the game isThe Stanley Parable is a very charming unique game, it takes you in this office building listening to the narrator speak and the game gives you the choice to either let him tell you the story, or just ruin it all completely. There are so many different endings for This game and they are amazingly well made, some of them are the peek of story telling I must hand it to them, the game is very humorous and funny most of the time which seriously appreciated. The game is sort of short though which is fine but still it’s something to take note of. The Stanley Parable is an enjoyable time, to the humorous amazing narrator and to the surprising in depth endings this game has it all! (Amazing 4/5) Your Missing Out!… Expand
  80. spencerplewe
    Mar 12, 2020
    9
    How can one describe this game? It starts with a choice. The hilarious narrator tries to guide you into following his plot and feeling what he says you feel, but you have the power here to go where you desire, making different choices that pop up frequently, and with each branch, reality as you know it fades into something else, with tons of replay value! It's thrilling, funny, scary, andHow can one describe this game? It starts with a choice. The hilarious narrator tries to guide you into following his plot and feeling what he says you feel, but you have the power here to go where you desire, making different choices that pop up frequently, and with each branch, reality as you know it fades into something else, with tons of replay value! It's thrilling, funny, scary, and just plain wacky in its approach to the choose-your-own-adventure gimmick, and it just works!… Expand
  81. 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
  82. Wrathzo
    Mar 22, 2022
    8
    The Stanley Parable is an avant-garde interactive drama designed and written by developers Davey Wreden and William Pugh. The game carries themes such as choice in video games, the relationship between a game creator and player and predestination/fate. The player guides a silent protagonist named Stanley alongside narration by British actor Kevan Brighting. As the story progresses, theThe Stanley Parable is an avant-garde interactive drama designed and written by developers Davey Wreden and William Pugh. The game carries themes such as choice in video games, the relationship between a game creator and player and predestination/fate. The player guides a silent protagonist named Stanley alongside narration by British actor Kevan Brighting. As the story progresses, the player is confronted with diverging pathways. The player may contradict the narrator's directions, which if disobeyed will then be incorporated into the story. Depending on the choices made, the player will encounter different endings before the game restarts to the beginning.… Expand
  83. 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.
  84. Alexander_1996
    Oct 12, 2021
    8
    I don't know what I can say about this game without spoiling anything so I will keep it short. The Stanley Parable is more a philophical thesis than an actual game. Do we have a choice? Does free will truly exist? What does it mean to be free? This game doesn't answer these questions (or does it?) but it makes you to ask them and find the answers yourself.
  85. Haeder
    Aug 7, 2020
    9
    Every little detail of this game is great, I don't think I can talk more without spoiling the game, I really like this game with every small portion of my heart, But that doesn't mean the game doesn't have downsides, The lack of replayability value and the short length it offers are the only two things that are keeping it from the 10/10 review.
  86. hileger
    Oct 15, 2022
    5
    Пиздеж бродилка и поэтому невозможно дать высокий бал ....................
  87. hoanns
    Nov 29, 2020
    8
    funny and unique and not like other games. .
  88. SomeonReviews
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    Genius. A very clever game that explores the limits of gaming with a very good sense of humor. There is not much to it with 2 - 3 hours of gameplay, but the price is pretty low to compensate for that.
  89. YigidOx2
    Feb 8, 2021
    9
    This is not a game but more of an experience. Pretty interesting experience. An experience where you can encounter different things wherever you go. You will see yourself spending hours to see all the endings. Because he does what he wants to do. It makes you wonder.
  90. juliotulho
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    went in with no idea what to expect and it was amazing. The game is quite self-aware and makes comments on videogames and players. 100% worth it.
  91. Dariya
    Jul 1, 2021
    10
    Summary:
    Very unique game, breaking the wall between the player and the game's story.
  92. Alligotti
    Oct 31, 2020
    10
    I am confused, is this a game or not a game? Am I playing or am I watching an animated movie?
  93. ErayTellezi
    Nov 17, 2020
    7
    Tekrar tekrar oynanan kafa siken oyunlardan. Bir yerden sonra ipin ucu kaçıyor.
  94. FRIST_008
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    Игра проламывающая четвертую стену, считайте что это дедпул от мира видео игр. Вы должны испытать его стёб на себе
  95. FirstSpawn
    May 26, 2021
    8
    Игра довольно прикольная конечно, но на мой взгляд ей не хватает геймплея, а точнее разнообразия геймплея.
  96. borastor
    Nov 15, 2020
    10
    game in game in game in game in game in game in game in game in game in game...
    the stanley parable is game in game :D
    (Perfect game)(in game)
    (joke)(maybe)(in game)
  97. pizzalover2788
    Sep 8, 2023
    7
    Este juego me ha sorprendido mucho para bien y me alegro de haberlo jugado.
  98. BenzoSt
    Jul 12, 2022
    9
    Funny novelty for all audiences! Or at least for people who area amused by things that are … unusual. I’ve read that more content will be added in the Super Deluxe edition, and I certainly plan on purchasing that in the future.
  99. 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.
  100. Fallconex
    Dec 17, 2020
    9
    I've never seen such a unique and interesting game before. The subtle humor and the gorgeous voice of the narrator, mocking the concept of video games...
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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 »