Developer: Crows Crows Crows
Publisher: Crows Crows Crows
ReleaseDate: 27th April 2022
Platforms: PlayStation (cross-buy), Xbox, Switch & PC
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
* Code provided by the publisher *
I have sat for days pondering how exactly I would write a review for The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe. One of my aims in a review is to talk about the story elements as vaguely as possible with the goal of not spoiling anything. With the narrative being so prevalent it leaves me with a difficult web to weave on this occasion, but let’s give it a bash.
Simply put, The Stanley Parable is as clever as it is brilliant. It’s a game that just continues to show you more and more with each passing run. My initial playthrough can’t have taken more than 20 minutes. I followed the instructions, reached a conclusion and sat thinking to myself “Am I missing something?”. It’s only when you dive back in for subsequent runs that the true genius of the level design and writing really comes to the surface.
Originally released on PC back in 2013, the Ultra Deluxe version is far more than a console port. It comes with a wealth of new content, which more than justifies another purchase even if you played it years ago. You even get the option when booting the game up for the first time to inform the narrator, who I’m convinced is an ever-evolving AI, that you’ve played the game in the past. I had not, but I assume this will add in some witty dialogue and perhaps allow you to skip a few steps.
Speaking of the narration. This, along with the level design is where the game is at its best. Without giving specifics, when embarking on subsequent runs you will try to push the limits of this social experiment and in my experience, it always felt going by the narrator’s responses that they were reading my mind. This is where the obsession kicks in, because you find yourself in a battle of wills trying to outsmart the game, and are constantly surprised and left thinking – ah, you thought of that too.
Equally as brilliant is the trophy/achievement list. Try to repeatedly jump when you are fully aware there isn’t a jump button? That’s one. Oh, you got one? Well, have another as a prize for getting the first one. Chap a certain door 5 times? That’s where the line is drawn. Do yourself a favour – even if you normally hate those beautiful virtual rewards – look them up and seek them out! It’s incorporated into the game superbly. So much so that the development team even created an in-game achievement system for the Switch since Nintendo refuse to feed our habits.
If you are still reading this review then what are you waiting for? Piss off and go buy the Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe. It’s one of the most unique games you’ll ever play and an experience you won’t soon forget. Brilliant.
-Craig ✌️