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The Stanley Parable

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2013

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Quick resume

The Stanley Parable is a first person exploration game. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will follow a story, you will not follow a story. You will have a choice, you will have no choice. The game will end, the game will never end.

Global score

92/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie

Pros

  • Unique and clever narrative
  • Multiple endings and high replayability
  • Excellent narrator voice acting
  • Thought-provoking meta-commentary
  • Humorous and engaging writing

Cons

  • Short gameplay duration
  • Some repetition in multiple playthroughs
  • Minimal gameplay mechanics
  • Lack of character customization
  • Achievements requiring long idle times

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    5

    "Players have full freedom to obey or disobey the narrator's instructions, making meaningful choices that affect the story and endings."

  • Competence
    -3

    "Gameplay involves simple walking and decision making with minimal skill or challenge; no complex mechanics or skill tests."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; focus is on personal exploration and narrative experience without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    3

    "High replayability due to multiple endings encourages repeated playthroughs, though some find it repetitive after completion."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer features; player acts independently."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players experiment with different choices and paths, unlocking various endings and narrative outcomes."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No dominance or power over others; interactions are with the narrator and environment only."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Provides a unique, immersive narrative experience that can serve as a mental escape, though it also provokes reflection."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of curiosity and interest in the meta-narrative and unique gameplay."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Core motivation is to explore different choices, test the narrator's reactions, and discover all endings."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Encourages discovering new areas, secrets, and narrative branches within the office environment."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited character customization or environmental modification; focus is on narrative choices rather than visual expression."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Engages players in a surreal, meta-fictional narrative with absurd and imaginative elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Solo experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement during gameplay."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players gain insight and understanding through multiple playthroughs and narrative discovery."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to follow narrative and make choices; not designed for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No close social or emotional relationships formed within the game; experience is introspective and individual."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; player acts alone without guiding others."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression is narrative-based through unlocking endings and achievements rather than item or power accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Calm walking simulator style with humorous narration provides a relaxing yet thought-provoking experience."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Moderate sensory stimulation; focus is on narration and story rather than intense audiovisual effects."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social status or recognition mechanics; achievements are personal and often humorous rather than prestigious."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with multiple branching storylines and meta-commentary on storytelling itself."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Requires some planning to explore different paths and endings, but no complex problem solving or tactics."

  • Thrill
    -2

    "Minimal suspense or risk; experience is more contemplative and humorous than thrilling."

  • Value
    3

    "Highly regarded for its unique narrative and replayability, though some find it short and repetitive."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence or combat; gameplay is peaceful and focused on exploration and narrative."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival elements or threats; environment is stable and safe."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026