Info about The Stanley Parable:

Official game description:
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. Contradiction follows contradiction, the rules of how games should work are broken, then broken again. This world was not made for you to understand.  
But as you explore, slowly, meaning begins to arise, the paradoxes might start to make sense, perhaps you are powerful after all. The game is not here to fight you; it is inviting you to dance.  
Based on the award-winning 2011 Source mod of the same name, The Stanley Parable returns with new content, new ideas, a fresh coat of visual paint, and the stunning voicework of Kevan Brighting. For a more complete and in-depth understanding of what The Stanley Parable is, please try out the free demo.

Release date: Oct 17, 2013

Categories: First-Person Perspective, Exploration, Narrative Adventure, Choice-based Narrative, Walking Simulator, Interactive Fiction, Philosophical Themes, Meta-Narrative Gameplay

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The primary user complaints revolve around the need for external guides to understand complex game mechanics and secrets, as well as technical issues like graphical glitches and alt-tabbing problems. These issues significantly impact the user experience, making it necessary to consult external resources and deal with technical difficulties.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals a mixed experience with the Steam Deck. While some users reported significant stability issues and technical barriers, others had a seamless and enjoyable experience. The device supports multiple languages, which is a positive aspect. However, the stability issues are a major concern and need to be addressed to improve the overall user experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows a range of opinions on the game's price. Some users find it worth the price or even underpriced, suggesting a higher perceived value. Others mention it being worth around $5, indicating a lower perceived value. The mention of the game being free is an outlier and not considered in the range. The majority of the evidence suggests that the game is worth somewhere between $5 and the current base price, which is inferred to be around $15 based on user comments.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 30.0h
  - Story completion: 2.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 24.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides several key insights into the playtime metrics for 'The Stanley Parable.' The first quote suggests that the game can be finished in about an hour or two, indicating a short story completion time. The second quote mentions spending more time on an achievement than actually playing the game, which hints at additional time spent on endgame content. The third quote supports the idea that the game can be completed relatively quickly, reinforcing the short story completion time. The fourth quote provides a broader range of playtime, mentioning 24 hours and 5 years for achieving 100% completion, and almost 30 hours of game time, which suggests a longer game completion time and significant endgame content.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts as repetitive and potentially frustrating but becomes fun and engaging once players get past the initial segments and explore various endings.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Exploring different endings and paths
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Repetitive gameplay; Frustration from repeating segments; Tedious tasks for certain endings
  - Unlock drivers: Unique humor; Charming narrative style; Exploring different endings
  - Conditions: Solo play; Willingness to explore different paths; Appreciation for British humor
- Player Archetypes:
  - Story-Driven Intellectual (buy)
    - Motivation: Engaging with the game's deep narrative and meta-commentary.
    - Playstyle: Explores different narrative paths and enjoys the intellectual challenge of the game's meta layers.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: intellectual; story lover
    - Reference games: The Beginner's Guide; Portal
  - Completionist Achiever (sale)
    - Motivation: Completing all achievements and challenges within the game.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on achieving all possible in-game accomplishments, often replaying sections to perfect their performance.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: achievement hunter; completionist
    - Reference games: The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
  - Value-Conscious Explorer (sale)
    - Motivation: Getting the best value and experience for their investment.
    - Playstyle: Explores the game thoroughly but is mindful of the cost and waits for the best opportunities to purchase.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: value seeker; practical gamer
    - Reference games: The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Exceptional narrator performance (weight 0.45): The narrator's performance is a standout feature, with players highlighting the wit, humor, and charm of the narration. The narrator's interactions and commentary add a unique and engaging layer to the gameplay.
- Brilliant and dry humor (weight 0.22): The game's humor is frequently described as brilliant and dry, with sharp, clever writing that surprises players. The humor is deeply meta and full of British sarcasm, making it a memorable aspect of the game.
- Self-aware and unique narrative (weight 0.2): The game is praised for its self-aware narrative that experiments with player psychology and deconstructs player agency. This creates a surreal and existential experience that stands out in the gaming landscape.
- Engaging and addictive gameplay (weight 0.19): The gameplay is noted for being engaging and addictive, with a non-linear structure that breaks traditional video game norms. This adds to the game's replay value and keeps players interested.
- Unique gameplay mechanics (weight 0.19): The game's unique gameplay mechanics are highlighted as striking and original, contributing to its engaging and thought-provoking nature. This uniqueness is a significant draw for players.
- Unique and atmospheric setting (weight 0.12): The game's unique atmosphere and setting create an immersive experience for players. This atmospheric quality is a notable feature of the game.
- Short but memorable experience (weight 0.12): The game is described as short but memorable, offering a funny and reflective experience that leaves a lasting impression on players.
- Pioneering walking simulator (weight 0.09): The game is recognized as one of the pioneering games in the walking simulator genre, offering a unique and enjoyable experience within this category.

Common complaints:
- Graphical issues (weight 0.06): There are reports of resolution and graphics issues, which can affect the overall gaming experience.
- Confusing gameplay (weight 0.06): The game can be confusing, especially if completed too quickly. This can lead to frustration and a lack of clarity in objectives.

Gameplay feedback:
- Multiple endings and paths (weight 0.52): The game offers multiple endings based on player decisions and choices. Different paths lead to various outcomes, encouraging players to explore different routes and find hidden secrets.
- Narrator interaction and influence (weight 0.47): The game features a narrator who interacts with the player, comments on their choices, and influences the gameplay. Players can choose to follow or ignore the narrator's instructions, which affects the narrator's tone and the game's outcomes.
- Meta and self-aware gameplay (weight 0.21): The game includes meta elements and breaks the fourth wall, often addressing the player directly. It is self-aware and uses these mechanics to enhance the narrative and gameplay experience.
- Philosophical and existential themes (weight 0.17): The game explores philosophical and existential themes, integrating them into the gameplay. It encourages players to think deeply about the concepts presented.
- Achievements and unique actions (weight 0.09): The game offers achievements tied to specific and unique gameplay actions. Players are rewarded for exploring different actions and outcomes.
- Serious room mechanic (weight 0.07): The game features a 'Serious room' mechanic, which is a unique aspect of the gameplay. This mechanic adds a specific challenge or scenario for the player to navigate.

Performance notes:
- Smooth performance on low-end hardware (weight 0.15): The game runs smoothly even on low-end hardware, indicating good optimization and performance.
- Low system requirements (weight 0.13): The game has low system requirements, often referred to as 'potato PC requirements,' making it accessible to a wide range of hardware.
- Steam Deck compatibility (weight 0.07): The game works well on Steam Deck, with reports of it being verified and functioning perfectly.
- FPS gameplay (weight 0.04): The game features FPS (First-Person Shooter) gameplay, which is a key aspect of the game.
- Short loading times (weight 0.04): The game has short loading times, contributing to a smoother gaming experience.
- Launch options available (weight 0.03): The game offers various launch options, providing flexibility for players.

Recommendations:
- Ultra Deluxe version preferred (weight 0.2): Several reviews suggest opting for the Ultra Deluxe version due to additional content and enhancements.
- Highly recommended game (weight 0.18): Many players highly recommend the game, emphasizing its unique qualities and worth.
- Worth the purchase (weight 0.1): Players find the game worth the money and a valuable use of time.
- Essential and unique experience (weight 0.08): The game is described as an essential experience that rewards curiosity and introspection.
- Recommended for specific audiences (weight 0.07): The game is highly recommended for game design enthusiasts and fans of British humor and older video game culture.
- Bundle with The Beginner's Guide (weight 0.07): Suggestions to get the bundle that includes The Beginner's Guide for a better experience.

Other player notes:
- Crash issue solution provided (weight 0.05): A solution for the crashing issue in the game has been suggested, which involves inputting 'thread 1' in properties.

Emotions:
- Amusement (weight 0.17): The game's humor, including its meta-commentary, fourth-wall breaks, and the narrator's sarcastic wit, is a major source of amusement. Players also enjoy the variety of humorous endings and the clever design that mocks both the player and gaming conventions.
- Frustration (weight 0.11): Players experience frustration due to the game's technical issues, such as crashes and lack of updates, as well as the difficulty in achieving certain endings and trophies. The repetitive gameplay and the narrator's insistence on specific actions also contribute to this frustration.
- Excitement (weight 0.09): The game's unique and engaging narrative, along with its various endings and achievements, excites players. The addictive nature of discovering new content and the engaging story twists also contribute to this excitement.
- Joy (weight 0.08): Players find joy in the game's unique and fun narrative experience, driven by the narrator's voice and humor. The positive overall experience, including the game's mechanics, design, and interactions, adds to this joy.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): The fun and brilliant narration, along with the dynamic gameplay and humorous endings, provide a high level of enjoyment. Players appreciate the game's writing, humor, and the existential crisis it induces, making it a memorable experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.06): Some players feel disappointed due to the game's short length and lack of meaningful content. The repetitive endings and the game's execution not meeting expectations also contribute to this disappointment.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.05): Players feel nostalgic reflecting on the game's release in 2013 and its impact, as well as personal memories associated with playing the game. The unique experience and the journey from a Source mod to a sequel evoke these nostalgic feelings.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): The engaging and unique gameplay experience, along with the game's narrative and emotional core, provide a sense of satisfaction. Completing the game 100% and obtaining achievements also contribute to this feeling.
- Curiosity (weight 0.04): The game's variety of endings and philosophical themes spark curiosity. Players are intrigued by the unique narrative and choice-based mechanics, leading to a desire to discover new content.
- Reflection (weight 0.02): The game's profound and existential themes, along with its commentary on gaming culture and player choices, encourage reflection. Players find themselves questioning their reality and the philosophical implications of the game's narrative.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Players admire the game's self-awareness and unique storytelling. The artistic qualities, unique presentation, and depth of the game's mechanics are also highly regarded.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the game's philosophical messages and the depth of the Ultra Deluxe additions. The unique narrative and meta-level design are also highly valued.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): The game's unexpected depth and uniqueness, along with its absurdity and unpredictable outcomes, surprise players. The unexpected outcomes and references, such as playing Minecraft inside another game, add to this surprise.
- Fascination (weight 0.01): The game's self-awareness and unique approach to storytelling fascinate players. The unique and creative concept, along with the gameplay mechanics, contribute to this fascination.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): The unique narrative concept and player choices keep players engaged. The detailed narrative and storyline add to the engaging experience.
- Amused (weight 0.01): Players are amused by the humorous events and the narrator's pronunciation. References to other games, such as Minecraft, also contribute to the amusement.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players love the game, particularly the narrator. The unique and engaging narrative experience fosters this love.
- Intrigue (weight 0.01): The game's unique approach to achievements and alternative art intrigue players. The philosophical themes and debates, along with the commentary on the illusion of choice, add to this intrigue.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Some players find the game boring due to its repetitive gameplay and dull environment. The lack of fun in individual paths and the game becoming boring after multiple playthroughs contribute to this boredom.
- Thoughtfulness (weight 0.01): The game's existential and philosophical themes encourage thoughtfulness. Players are prompted to reflect on deep and emotional questions raised by the game.}