Publisher: Crows Crows Crows
Developer: Crows Crows Crows
Year: 2022
Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series

Rating: 6

More of an expansion of The Stanley Parable rather than its own game, Ultra Deluxe succeeds in adding fun additional content without necessarily making the game a better overall experience.

The original game was the perfect length for what it was, an experiment with the protagonist playing tug-of-war with the narrator. The Ultra Deluxe edition only makes a couple minor changes while doubling the size of the game. Once you’ve finished most of the original, a new door will open encouraging you to explore the new content.

The new content starts out with a bang as the game goes further into exploring the meaning of video games, in part by constructing a museum to the original’s own accolades along with a wing dedicated to some critical Steam reviews. Following that is an expo where the narrator (still excellently voiced by Kevan Brighting) has you test out some potential new mechanics for a sequel.

Unfortunately, the game then sends you right back to play through the original game again, only this time with new game mechanics and gags at your disposal. This leaves you with the ability to still find permutations from the original game you haven’t caught so far while basically doubling the number of endings while using the new mechanics.

While it was fun finding the new endings and some of the gags were just as hilarious, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was just fed some padding by the developers. While I was happy to engage, the initial buzz I felt toying with the narrator in the original game gave way to ennui as repetition set in. When I finally found all of the endings, I was glad to be done when I hadn’t been before.

That said, it’s totally worth it to get the Ultra Deluxe edition, especially so for console users who weren’t able to play the original, those who needed accessibility options, and for those whose English isn’t their first language. And for those of you who have played Firewatch, be prepared for a truly laugh out loud moment.