Stairway

About

Stairway is a single player action game. It was developed by Hungry Games and was released on May 21, 2024. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Stairway is an anomaly-finding walking simulator where you navigate levels to reach an exit by carefully comparing your surroundings to a baseline state. Detect inconsistencies to avoid progressing and turn back if you spot anomalies. After exiting, replay to discover all the unique differences in this subtle, observational experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 126 reviews

graphics5 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

The game offers a thrilling experience with effective jump scares and a tense atmosphere, making it enjoyable for horror enthusiasts.
It's a well-made, free game that provides a good mix of challenge and fun, with a variety of anomalies to discover.
The minimalist design and engaging gameplay keep players on their toes, making it a great introduction to the anomaly genre.

The game can be repetitive, and some players experienced crashes without autosave, leading to frustration.
While the game is generally easy, some anomalies are extremely subtle, making them difficult to spot and potentially frustrating.
The game is short, with some players feeling that the number of floors and anomalies could be increased for a more satisfying experience.

graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
83%
17%
The graphics in the game are praised as impressive for a free title, with users highlighting the quality of texturing and overall visual appeal. Despite the simplicity of the storyline, the graphics contribute to an engaging experience, making it a strong introduction to anomaly games.
- “I feel like this game was a pretty good simple introduction to anomaly games, and the graphics and texturing are pretty good in my opinion for a free game!”
- “The graphics are great, and while the storyline is simple, it’s incredibly effective and engaging.”
- “Great graphics and a simple but amazing storyline!”
gameplay
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
80%
The gameplay is highly recommended for fans of subtle horror and looping mechanics, offering a unique experience that engages players without explicit dialogue.
- “Highly recommend if you like subtle horror, looping mechanics, or games that mess with your head without ever saying a word.”
story
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
75%
The game features a simple yet effective storyline that enhances the overall experience, complemented by impressive graphics. However, some users noted the absence of a deeper narrative.
- “The graphics are great, and while the storyline is simple, it’s incredibly effective and engaging.”
- “Great graphics and simple but amazing storyline!!”
- “There is no story.”
- “The game lacks any narrative depth.”
- “The storyline is completely absent.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The atmosphere is characterized as intensely immersive and psychologically gripping, creating a slow-burn tension that can be unsettling. Players appreciate its visually appealing design, which enhances the overall horror experience, leading some to feel overwhelmed by its impact.
- “Very atmospheric; I had to quit because I was shaking, hahahahahaha.”
- “Good looking and simply atmospheric horror.”
- “The atmosphere is intense in that slow-burn psychological way.”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game experiences occasional bugs and glitches, particularly during character movement, which can be distracting but do not significantly impact overall gameplay.
- “There are some bugs and glitches on the screen at times, especially when turning around, which you do repetitively during the game. While it doesn't significantly impact gameplay, it can be quite distracting.”
- “The game frequently crashes, making it frustrating to progress. Stability is a major issue that needs to be addressed.”
- “I experienced several instances of lag and freezing, which detracted from the overall experience. The stability of the game is definitely lacking.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is noted for its humor, which is cleverly integrated into its gameplay, providing a lighthearted experience that also challenges players to think critically.
- “A funny little game that requires a lot of thought.”
- “The humor is clever and keeps you engaged throughout.”
- “I found myself laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and quirky characters.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express that grinding in the game can be excessively time-consuming, likening it to needing a second life to complete it. However, the introduction of non-repeating anomalies adds variety, making it easier to achieve certain goals without extensive grinding.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The anomalies don't seem to be repeating, which is a plus in my book, since it gives the game more variety and can make getting the 'all anomalies' achievement easier instead of grinding.”
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the music in the game enjoyable and engaging, enhancing their experience as they sing along while navigating through levels. The upbeat soundtrack contributes to the overall fun atmosphere of the game.
- “Very fun free game! I had a blast singing while going down the stairway to the music.”