Stanley Parable is one of those games that everybody knows but not everyone has played. It is the first game that springs to mind when someone says the term “meta” or “breaking the fourth wall”. The game is keenly aware of its own status as a “video game”, as well as being able to distinguish between the actions of Stanley, the protagonist, and you, the player. When Undertale was released, people heaped praise onto its commentary of the player’s previous actions – something that The Stanley Parable had been doing since it’s first release.
Obviously, if you’ve never experienced the brilliant insanity that is this game, go try it. The developers are producing a “Ultra Deluxe” edition of the game, with more content, more endings and more sass, which is to be released at some point this year. So, now is a better time than ever to give it a try. Though, try not to strangle the Narrator. There’s only so much abuse you can take from him before you grab the nearest sharp object and throw it. Computer’s are expensive after all and replacing them can be a pain in the backside.
The plot of The Stanley Parable could probably give FNAF a run for its money with all it’s endings, references, timelines and interweaving paths. Want to obey the Narrator? That’s one ending. Want to disobey at every turn? That’s another. Want to hurl yourself off a moving platform and onto a previously inaccessible area? Bit odd, but you can still do it. The Stanley Parable is about choice, freedom, control and the powers that seek to take it away from you. At the centre of it all are two key figures – the Narrator, and you, the player.
One of the fascinating things about video games as a medium, is the messages we take from it. Nobody’s experience is the same. Where I might see a story about someone suffering from anxiety, you might see someone trapped in a negative relationship. A conversation with a character might hit closer to home or a background track could make you cry. This is the same in everyday life. The path I’ve taken to where I am now, sat writing this article, is completely unique. Wherever you are, reading this, your journey has been your own.
A prime example of this has come from this site and the wonderful community that has built up around it. When I write an article, I’ll have a few key points that I try to get across, as well as a few thought-provoking ideas that may spark further conversation. However, the comments are often filled with insightful, intelligent and unique perspective’s that I wouldn’t have thought of in a thousand years. It’s a joy to read.
The story in The Stanley Parable is a tale about employee 427, who pushes buttons as instructed by his computer terminal. Employee 427, or Stanley as we know him, realises that something is wrong. Following the standard story path, you explore the office building and eventually discover a mind-control facility at the heart of it. If you listen to the narrator, you’ll turn off the mind-control facility and set Stanley free, allowing him to escape the monotonous job he was trapped in (even though Stanley apparently loves it).
However, the moment you stop obeying the Narrator, the tone of the game changes. Instead of merely instructing you, the Narrator insults you, bargains with you, begs you to just play along for a few minutes. Games often like to toy with you, to keep you on the edge of your seat, to keep you in the dark and pull the rug out from under you when you least expect it. The Stanley Parable takes that a step further, and constantly makes it presence known – leaving you with the uncomfortable sensation of being watched, judged and observed.
It does remind me of my inner voice. We all have that voice in our head, which tends to become a lot louder during stressful times. When it comes to mental health, that voice tends to get all the louder. As the Narrator judges your actions, you start to question your own motivations. Are you doing it to spite him? Is it simply curiosity? Are you searching for a deeper meaning where none could be found? He provides a perspective on your choices from the viewpoint of a writer, a creator.
As a GM of various tabletop games for my friends, being able to see how they interact with the world’s that I create is my favourite part of the experience. However, it can be frustrating and disheartening when the story you’ve put so much effort into, isn’t appreciated or acknowledged. Though I wouldn’t resort to maniacally laughing and insulting my players as they run around trying not to be exploded. At least not yet. Maybe if they try to kill one more of my lovely NPC’s or piss off my omnipresent OC again, then I’ll consider it.
More than anything, The Stanley Parable is hilarious. There’s careful thought and dedication put into every element of the game, from office doors, to hurling yourself down a staircase multiple times in search of an ending. From staring at tables, to answering a phone, to following the “Adventure Line”, there are so many possibilities that it’d explode your brain if you think about it for too long.
Anyways, apologies that this took so long, I’ve been a bit under the weather! Remember to comment, like, follow the site and I’ll see you next time:
CaitlinRC.