The Stanley Parable is a thrilling game designed by Davey Wreden Developers. It is a story-based video game, and there is controversy about whether it is a horror game.
Some players believe it has a splendor of elements categorizing the game in the horror genre. Still, other players do not believe in this because the game has no jumpscares.
No, the Stanley Parable is not a horror game because the game was never intended to be by the developers, and the game doesn’t have any aspect that makes it a horror game.
Is the Stanley Parable a Horror Game?
The Stanley Parable is not a horror game because it has no elements from one. Players can discover somewhat scary factors, but there’s nothing more than that. There are moments when the narrator tells you to go forward, leading to a tragic death.
The loneliness in the game and hearing every step you make gives you a vibe to be jumped on by some monster, but it never happens.
The Stanley Parable could have become such an incredible horror game, but it never did. But the best part about the game is its perfect interactive story and narration.
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Why Do Most Stanley Parable Players Think It Is A Horror Game?
Most Stanley Parable players consider it a horror game because of its vast emptiness. Imagine yourself in an office with no one except you and a narrator you never met. It gets scary but never scary enough to ruin your night’s sleep.
97% of the player base on Steam have liked the game because of its concept. The player base is divided 50/50 because some think it is horror, but others think it is an adventure game with entertainment in every step. When playing the game, tension builds up, and because of it, gamers claim it to be horror, but it is not.
What Kind of Game Is Stanley Parable?
The Stanley Parable is an interactive story adventure game with horrifying elements. The game is a true definition of joy because instead of solely listening to the narrator, you can take another route but still expect a considerable response from him.
Stanley Parable offers many endings because it gives you choices throughout the gameplay, and everything you decide to do gets incorporated into the story. Because it has many ends, you can keep playing the game back and forth to get your money back.
Is Stanley Parable The Right Game For You?
The Stanley Parable is worth it for someone who wants to enjoy a long-lasting game. The game is only $14.99 on Steam, and there is a free demo to try out to decide whether you buy it or not. 97% of the customers on Steam have given positive ratings.
Only 3% disagreed, and probably because they expected a jumpscare. Stanley Parable offers gameplay where you are in control, and you decide instead of following the linear campaign.
Unfortunately, the game does not offer freedom because you do not have an open world to explore.
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Reasons Why The Stanley Parable Is A Creepy Game
Source Engine Scares
The Stanley Parable discusses the source engine roots when considering the gameplay. The scariest part when playing the Stanley Parable is when you have to go down multiple routes.
For some, it is hilarious due to the different ends they get. But when you go through the secret exit, you can’t help but get a twisted mind because of what is about to come.
The secret exit is a very dark area, and it can scare the best of us. Green and blue lights reflect on the computer screens, which is a scary aura.
The hallways are dark and remind you of a horror movie, and you are waiting for a jump scare while going through the hallway.
However, jump scares never come, so you have nothing to worry about if that concerns you. The office is creepy, and this is how they explain that the area is too far from the narrator.
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The Endings
The reason The Stanley Parable is a creepy game is because of the terrifying endings of the game.
If you make one wrong decision, the game leads to the tragic death of Stanley. There are some endings where you don’t even know what happened, and you see the credits roll on your screen because Stanley dies.
The game has similar but multiple endings where Stanley keeps hurting himself until the end to get rid of the storyline. Because of these creepy acts done by our main character, the game starts to creep you out. The Stanley Parable is a creepy experience for those who have yet to have a similar gaming experience.
It Gets to Your Subconscious
The Stanley Parable does everything to get into your head, affecting your subconsciousness when playing this game.
Another reason many players consider this a creepy game is due to the psychological approach in the game. The narrator talks to you directly, which gives you a creepy experience.
Sometimes you do not even know what is going on because the narrator’s voice keeps ringing in your head or the time when Stanley kept hurting himself.
Every time you restart, you get even more creeped out. Sometimes you need to be more profound in the gameplay and remember where you messed up, resulting in the same end.
Final Thoughts
Stanley Parable is not a horror game but creepy for some players. The game also has some funny aspects because the narrator begs you for help. There is an unexpected twist of horror and comedy in this game.
The roots of the Stanley Parable are indeed in dark comedy. Overall, Stanley Parable is a fantastic game to play, whether you want some joy or a horrific end to the game.