The Stanley Parable - Falcon's Blog

The Stanley Parable

Greetings, the Stanley Parable is a game based upon a mod that was released in 2011 and it was developed by Davey Wreden. The game itself is very unusual in that it is based around exploring the map and discovering the various possible endings rather than solving puzzles or undertaking other traditional game play elements. There are around 18 different conclusions that the player can experience by taking different routes however a few of them are regarded as joke endings or eater eggs, such as the Whiteboard ending, that don’t conclude the story. Throughout the game there are only two cast members who both play characters that are heard but never seen, Kevan Brighting as the Narrator and Lesley Staples as the female Narrator. The main protagonist, Stanley, is controlled by the player but is silent and only able to communicate with the Narrator by following or disregarding his instructions.

The Stanley Parable has a short campaign with a simplistic story to unravel but the main objective of the game is to explore all the endings and possible variations of the plot that it has to offer. The main story begins in Stanley’s office and it can also end there if the player chooses to shut the door as it is one of many conclusions. If the player continues to walk around the Narrator will explain that Stanley’s fellow employees have disappeared mysteriously and that the quickest way to discover the reason for their unexplained absence is to follow the Narrator’s instructions. The Narrator’s personality will change based upon Stanley’s actions becoming obnoxious, infuriated or even depressed if the player doesn’t follow the orders.

The Stanley Parable

VALVE also left their mark on the game as they had helped contribute to the final product by referencing their previous games. A Portal map for was made available for the player to explore, accompanied by the Still Alive tune broadcast from the radio. Notch’s Minecraft was also in the same ending of the Stanley Parable as the Narrator was irritated by Stanley refusing to play his own games in which you had to press the same button for four hours in order to complete it. The whimsical nature of the game and its style of humour can also be seen in its achievements, for instance the ‘You Can’t Jump’ achievement that can be unlocked by pressing the spacebar several times or ‘Go Outside’ which can be won by not playing the game for five years.

Overall, it is an interesting game and unlike any I have ever played before. It has an impressive and humorous script that is effectively carried out by good performances from its two actors. The music was composed by The Blake Robinson Synthetic Orchestra, a British composer who is known for his Youtube channel that consists of remixes or orchestral versions of videogame music. I enjoyed the Stanley Parable and would recommend it if you haven’t played it already.

Plot=8/10

Characters=8/10

Graphics=8/10

Overall=8/10

Quote of the Day

Here it is. You're screwed. You made a choice, and this is the consequence. Me, I'm the consequence.

Lorne Malvo

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Written by Falcon, Sunday 7 September 2014

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Aaron  10 year(s) ago (125 months)

I'd say the mod is still worth a play... just don't expect the same level of polish. :)

 
Falcon  10 year(s) ago (125 months)

Thanks for the comments, I haven't played the mod yet but the game was an enjoyable experience and fun to play.

 
Aaron  10 year(s) ago (125 months)

I loved Stanley Parable as well, and the game definitely lived up to the standards of the mod. Interestingly, both have their own distinct parts making it worthwhile to have played both. They're also some of the funniest games I've ever played.

 
Joh  10 year(s) ago (125 months)

I haven't got round to playing the standalone game yet, but the mod was certainly a lot of fun. I'll definitely have to check this one out.

 
Brisingr  10 year(s) ago (125 months)

I loved the Stanley Parable - both the mod and the game. Brilliantly funny, intriguing and down right enjoyable. It really offered something different than other games. Nice Review!