The Stanley Parable is an experimental narrative-driven first person game. It is an exploration of choice, freedom, storytelling and reality, all examined through the lens of what it means to play a video game. You will make a choice that does not matter You will follow a story that has no end You will play a game you cannot win ...it's actually best if you don't know anything about it before you play it :D
The game itself is interesting, the narrative and story is captivating enough for the time it will take to complete the game (for the most part). But it's nothing special, we shouldn't give indie developers slack just because they are indie developers.
An example of what I mean is, the game is ugly. I know the author has mentioned they have 0 experience in mapping. But giving the maps a few more passes, aligning textures properly, aligning geometry properly -- there is even a few issues with pitch-black geometry in parts.
The game is also particularly short, I completed all the endings I could find (around about 10). None of which were particularly difficult to attain and each took about 5 minutes -- most of that is repetition of starting over. I believe it's possible there are a few hidden endings that I have missed and would be happy enough to jump right back into the game to see them, but I am not compelled enough to scour the depths of the game assets to find them like some other individuals.
All-in-all, I believe I gave this game a generous rating. If I were to justify it, I say I would take points off for visual presentation and lack of REAL re-playability once you've discovered the majority of the endings. But a large portion of points for intelligent writing, great narrating and the lovely irony of the "intended" ending.