Eh, thought I'd give it a shot just because Portal was such a fantastic game of '07.Might as well start the fire - let reviews flood the forums! :D

Portal is one of Valve's newest games which shipped in the Orange Box, 2007. The game takes a very simplistic idea to a whole new level, which puts the player in situations in which one must think indirectly at puzzles which may seem obvious at first glance.

Gameplay
Portal has a simple control system which doesn't deviate off of the usual First-Person Shooter setups. (WASD, Space, mouse aim/fire) It doesn't get much more complicated than that as far as learning them go either. In-game, the levels are clearly defined with no broken areas or game-ruining bugs. The objectives are right in the open and several markers, or signs, help you in certain situations if you are a bit confused.

The missions you go through involve many tricky puzzles involving energy balls, switches and cubes, platform hopping, destroying attack turrets, and portal jumping, running, and falling. Dying isn't a concern in many levels because it doesn't cost you to much time or frustration.

In a nutshell, Portals gameplay is thoroughly polished and very smooth - touched up with an easy learning curve and guidance system - it is nearly perfect, if a bit too easy.

10/10


Story
Portal is a fairly short game, consisting of about 20 missions and roughly one to two hours worth of story. The plot involves Chell (the players character) as a test subject for the Aperture Science Enrichment Center. Chell is being used like a lab rat to go through the various courses with the Portal Gun and her trusted Companion Cube. During that time, you are instructed by a feminine-sounding robot named GLaDOS over the PA system, on what to do.

The dialog is humorous all throughout the game and written very well. Despite GLaDOS' witty comments, she seems to have a more obscure and sinister plan for Chell, which is subtly hinted at in each mission. At the end of the story mode, Chell confronts GLaDOS in person and events end off here.

The story mode ends with a cut-scene which was, overall, satisfying to the game. However, I'd rather not spoil too much for you.

9.5/10

Graphics
Portals' graphic system is beautiful. As with all Valve games, it is powered by Half-Life 2's Source engine. The model and texture detail, although a bit bland due to the environment which was fairly lacking, is still wonderfully rendered. The special effects, such as the portals, are also nicely created.

The character model isn't shown often (technically only if you choose to see it), and it isn't as eye-pleasing as the rest of the game. Lastly, the lighting of the environments was terrifically done. Portal gave certain mission areas a very ambient feel with well-placed lights or lack-thereof.

9/10

Sound
The sound track and musical score for Portal are, needless to say, top-notch. The games ambient music is 'meh', for lack of a better word - but the sound effects are high quality and fit in well. Especially the voice acting.

The musical score, which is arguably one of the best in video game history, includes a special song written and performed just for Portal during the credits. It is humorous and pleasing to the ear, really complimenting the games ending scenes. This songs tune can be heard on any radio in-game, which is also a neat little tidbit.

9.5/10

Fun Factor
Portal was an extremely fun game to play, perhaps because it was such a new type of game in a sense. It involved a new layer of thinking in puzzle-based games with its cleverly designed challenges and the unique Portal Gun. The game could put a smile on almost anyones face as they play through the missions for the first, second, or even third time.

Even after finishing the storyline, Portal has several Challenge modes and Bonus Maps for you to conquer as well! Not to mention several strong modding communities for the game. Portal also has the Achievements system which gives you additional quirky and fun tasks to accomplish as you work your way through the levels.

10/10

All in all, even though the game was short, it certainly lands on the Top 10 games list of 2007 in my book. (and many others as well) So, if you haven't picked up the Orange Box yet, even if the other games do not interest you, I suggest you get it just to experience the wonder that is Portal.

Very Nice Shaden!  I have not played portal, but will go pick it up soon after reading your review. 

wow looks nice and thanks for the review 

 yea deff a game that every one should pick up

very interesting and good graphix 

 Nice a first person shooter :D Weee

NOOOO!!! WEIGHTED COMPANION CUBE!!!!! *cries*

verry funny game [i like cake] 

Portal right, from the Orange Box...i want this game so bad..and that would be my 2nd Puzzle game ever...1st was Tetris, thats right portal looks that good to me

iv got it But i dont have it installed if i could Send it to you i would cause its pretty Mince

but Still it starts off Fun then gets boring

7/10

Aidanpat:

but Still it starts off Fun then gets boring

7/10

 

I passed all normal levels and didn't get bored :) fortunetly there are some maps made by players in the net, which You can download. 

10/10 for me :] 

Ya, it just looks fun..and i wanna make a Never ending Portal and like Jump in it or something lol

I shall check this out. It looks a lot like Half Life 2

If its about the same this game will be good. 

Qwertdamighty:

Ya, it just looks fun..and i wanna make a Never ending Portal and like Jump in it or something lol

 

You can make one portal in the floor and 2nd above it, and when You jump in it You will fall fall fall fall fall and fall down :) 

Heh, you can also make two near eachother on the corners of two walls; then chase yourself as you run through them. Although that gets very stuttery on my PC. :P 

Ive played it on my Xbox360.Took me a while to beat it but very good game awsome graphics on the 360.deff a game any will love.