Monday, January 2, 2023

Stanley Parable

Over the break, I spent some time revisiting Stanley Parable.  The new version, Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe is on sale on the Steam Winter Sale, so it was a perfect time to get the game, and the new content included in the newer version.

The Stanley Parable is a first-person exploration game developed by Galactic Cafe and released in 2013. It’s a unique and intriguing game that has garnered a lot of praise from both players and critics alike.

In the game, you play as Stanley, an employee at a mundane office job. One day, you realize that all of your co-workers have disappeared, and you set out to find out what happened. As you explore the empty office, you are guided by a voiceover narrator who tells you where to go and what to do.

However, the narrator’s instructions often conflict with your own desires, and you are given the choice to either follow them or defy them. This is where the game gets interesting, as every choice you make leads to a different ending.

The game’s narrative is deep and thought-provoking, exploring themes of free will and the nature of choice. The narrator’s commentary is often humorous and self-aware, and the game’s non-linear structure allows for multiple playthroughs, each with its own unique ending.

One of the standout features of The Stanley Parable is its clever use of meta-narrative. The narrator frequently breaks the fourth wall and comments on the fact that you are playing a game, and your choices have an impact on the story. This adds an extra layer of depth to the game and makes it a truly unique experience.

The graphics in The Stanley Parable are simple but effective. The office setting is well-realized and feels realistic, despite the absence of any other characters besides Stanley. The narrator’s voiceover work is also top-notch, with a great performance that adds a lot of personality to the game.

Overall, The Stanley Parable is a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games. Its deep and thought-provoking story, coupled with its clever use of meta-narrative and multiple endings, make it a truly memorable and enjoyable experience. If you’re a fan of games like Portal or Firewatch, you’ll definitely want to give The Stanley Parable a try. 

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