DaRmaZat Once upon a time, there was an office worker named Stanley. Stanley was a somewhat dull and introverted man, but a diligent one nonetheless. Each workday, he tirelessly typed away, inputting orders into his computer. Until one day, he noticed that no new orders had come through for an hour, and all his colleagues had mysteriously vanished.
This is the surreal opening of The Stanley Parable, a PC game that made waves upon its release in 2013. The game stood out for its dynamically generated narrative and level design, ensuring every playthrough felt like a unique experience. Guided by a chatty narrator, players were subjected to the whims and twists of the plot, all while the game refused to take itself seriously. The idea was brilliant, and the execution even better: the game became an instant success.
Almost nine years later, in April 2022, developer and publisher Crows Crows Crows returned to their magnum opus with The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe. More than just a facelift to meet modern graphical standards, the new edition promised an expanded experience. Having thoroughly enjoyed the original, I was eager to revisit this world and see if the promise of Ultra Deluxe truly delivered.
At First Glance: Just a Remaster?
The game kicks off in a peculiar way, asking the player to set the current time at every launch. Once this small ritual is complete—accurately or not—the narrator begins recounting the same story I opened this review with. Before long, you take control of Stanley in the empty office building, and the fun begins.
The narrator frequently suggests which path to take to fulfill his “ideal” story, but the real enjoyment lies in defying him just to provoke a reaction. He criticizes your seemingly pointless actions, predicts your next moves, or tries to lure you back into his narrative. Ignoring his instructions often leads to unexpected places or absurd scenarios, offering experiences that would never occur in a standard playthrough.
This unique interaction with the narrator—and the way the game reacts to your choices—was what made the original so addictive. Thankfully, this aspect remains unchanged in Ultra Deluxe.
The Art of Deception
Much like its predecessor, Ultra Deluxe is a masterclass in deception, trickery, and misdirection. The narrator’s over-the-top irony and sarcasm remain intact, adding layers of humor to every twist and turn.
Visually, the game boasts sharper textures and improved lighting. Initially, though, it feels like little has changed from the original. The main storyline unfolds as before, with the narrator delivering familiar lines and environments offering limited interactivity. You can’t pick up objects or open doors unless they’re tied to the narrative, which made me question whether the Ultra Deluxe additions were truly significant.
That doubt evaporated the moment I strayed further off the beaten path, following arrows leading to the promised “new content.”
New Content: Over-the-Top but Brilliant
The new content is far more substantial—and funnier—than I could have anticipated. From the Memory Zone, filled with quotes from negative Steam reviews of the original game, to the Stanley Parable Museum, the additions are both cleverly designed and downright hilarious. Without spoiling too much, these segments showcase the developers’ knack for parody and their ability to poke fun at their critics with biting humor.
That said, the narrator occasionally goes so far over the top that the sharp wit of his commentary begins to lose its edge, devolving into something akin to a prolonged, verbose rant. While it’s amusing in moderation, these moments sometimes feel unnecessarily excessive.
Memorable Moments Like No Other
There are plenty of fresh, unforgettable experiences in Ultra Deluxe. I can’t help but recall meeting the bucket—a seemingly mundane item that turns into your “new best friend”—and the chaotic events that follow. The new features of The Stanley Parable 2, previewed within the game, are equally bizarre and delightful.
One standout moment comes when the game mocks the very concept of “Ultra Deluxe” editions in gaming, even questioning the futility of chasing achievements through a ridiculous lever-pulling sequence. Another involves a pitch-black, silent room where you’re trapped for what feels like an eternity—long enough to accept the possibility of being stuck there forever.
These moments stand out because of how they test your patience, disorient you, or even resonate on a personal level. Few games manage to craft such unique, thought-provoking experiences.
Final Thoughts
Initially, I feared this remaster would pale in comparison to the original, but Ultra Deluxe quickly proved me wrong. With an expansive array of high-quality new content, this edition has evolved into a profoundly impressive game in its own right.
Even more than before, The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe explores contrasts: freedom versus confinement, despair versus determination, blindly following instructions versus choosing your own path—even if you’re still unsure where it will lead. At times, the game feels like it’s teaching you how to handle silence or endure conversations you couldn’t care less about, all while gleefully holding your time hostage.
For those willing to invest their time and effort into Stanley’s journey, the reward is a truly extraordinary experience. Beyond being a brilliant parody of gaming itself, The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is a work of art that must be played, savored, and felt to be fully appreciated.
Additional Information
Release Date: April 27, 2022
Played On: PC
Official Website: https://www.stanleyparable.com
