Portal2

http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/4448/portal1.png

First, let us establish an important fact. You should have beaten the first portal game by now. Its was free for a while on Steam, still might be. And its also one of those rare games where you can legitimately argue that playing makes you smarter. And its relatively short, while establishing one of the most iconic video game villains in the industry.

http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/2209/portal1pics.png

As if that where not enough, everyone else has played the first portal game and continues to make "the cake is a lie" references while you smile and nod... pretending to know, because it sounds self explanatory. But you dont know. And thats going to eat away at you, constantly reminding you that your small little lie will cheapen the rest of your already short lifespan. (its harsh but Im doing this for a good cause)

And no one wants that, right?

Short version: if you have not played the first portal, its required playing material for anyone with a Steam account. I highly recommend it before playing Portal2.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/4207/portallogo.png

I want to point out that with the storyline being so amazing in this game, and the all the more surprising fact that this is a puzzle game each make it very hard to do a proper review without spoilers.

Everything started with the first Portal. So playing the first game will really help, not just for the story but for the practice at solving the types of puzzles presented.

But enough about the first game:

Gameplay:

In this game your going to have a very simple objective most of the time, stay alive and reach the next area. Many games use the same principle but are not puzzle games. If you are starting to wonder why this game is not considered boring right about now.... its the story that drives it. You literally cant wait to see the story unfold in front of you, and the only thing slowing you down is how fast you can complete the puzzles.

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/4298/portal2pics.png

Interestingly, the puzzles change a lot over the course of the game. New concepts are constantly being introduced in ways that are at first obvious but the more you see them the more complex their use becomes.

The game auto saves checkpoints for you in a fashion that prevents having to resolve parts of tests you already figured out and is actually quite handy, always starting you in a way that keeps you in the game rather then running through parts you already had to complete once.

Another aspect of the gameplay is the multiplayer. Arguably (even though it has just been released) one of the best co-op experiences in any game.

Sound:

The sound deserves a huge commendation. The voice acting and music are incredibly well done and executed. Music in this game is sometimes very epic and the volume responds to some player actions. The sound effects and audio are used to draw your attention to points of interest rather effectively rather then taking control of your camera and forcing you to look in certain directions as much as possible. Using sound to keep the immersion flowing is a rather nice touch.

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/285/portalpic.png


Story:

There are a ton of questions from the first game addressed here, and characters are developed, and there are some huge plot twists that take place.

It certainly has a very distinct style. Its a very, very dark story mixed with irony and comedy in a way most games cant pull off. Its not gory, or gritty. Its a deliberate and methodical evil presence at points and hopeful and endearing at other times. If only my pathetic grasp on the English language could convey how you feel especially the first time you play this game.

Replay value:

I would argue that this game has decent replay value. However, being a puzzle game it really wont be the same ever again once you beat it. However there is always the chance to play through the game with directors commentary and most likely more maps will be added in an advanced section.

And there are some hidden areas in the game worth looking for such as the rat man dens.

Graphics:

Game looks amazing, and has some jaw doping settings. Either way, this is good enough to stand on its legs without graphics to promote it. This isnt really a game about being pretty, and more focus on simply making a visually appealing game would have been a push in the wrong direction. Still a bit better looking then the first game.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/4161/lolportal.png

Final thoughts:

The story alone is reason to play this game. Also, I dont think I have seen a beter ending to a boss fight in my entire life. Period. I doubt anything will ever surprise me like that again. A real rabbit and hat trick and i loved it.

Also I am looking forward to possible advanced maps like with the first game. Overall there is a lot more content, besides the longer storyline compared with the first game.

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/2...rtal2pics2.png

Final Score:

Final Score: 9.5 out of 10

Reason for score: amazingly better then I had hoped, and I have to leave room because no game is perfect. One of the strongest reasons for this score is because completing this game felt like a landmark. It was an accomplishment I am proud of in some weird way.

Honest second opinion: Its possible that this game has just used classical conditioning on me. The puzzle solving satisfaction was always tied to the storyline, the action always drove you into the next puzzle.... naturally all play testers help evolve a game into a better formula for positive response but this was almost mathematical.

Revised Final Score: 9.6 out of 10

The irony of a science themed game conditioning me has swayed my score.

Another nice review. I still play the first one from time to time but I keep getting lonely. So even though you think the story is a great reason to get the game, if I get it any time soon, it'll probably be for the co-op.

This is something someone on my friend's list said:

Quote:

---

6.5 out of 10
nothing new
just the same game reitterated

---

Should I remove him from the list?


Good review bob! I might play the original just to get rid of this "gotta play portal" feeling now.

Awesome review, man!

The game does sound interesting, but I've become painfully aware of games which have a solid ending, know what I mean?

Take for example Amnesia: The Dark Descent. Games like it are extremely awesome to play and excels in making you feel like you're actually there.

But it's very streamlined, and leaves little or no room for exploring on your own, without having to complete a quest or an objective while doing it. They also tend to be very short, with a strong climax.

But once that climax has been reached, and the game credits roll, then it spirals back to normal levels. And since these games are normally scripted to have things happen on specific locations, the game loses almost all of its 'feel like im there' atmosphere.

They're awesome to play the first time, but once complete, they're dust collectors.

My copy of A:tDD was placed on my shelf about a week ago, when I completed it, and hasnt been touched since.

Great review, I'm reallly really thinking of getting it once I get back to the US

Nice review and I really want to play portal 1/2.

By the way, Portal 1 is not free on steam anymore, but its only $10.

Do you need paypal to buy things on steam?

I am honestly not sure? I never bought things on steam, I just use it for a price comparison to Amazon :p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saph

I am honestly not sure? I never bought things on steam, I just use it for a price comparison to Amazon :p

---

lol, thanks anyway.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saph

By the way, Portal 1 is not free on steam anymore, but its only $10.

---

yeah they had it for free several times. I was lucky to get in on one of them :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by paecmaker

Do you need paypal to buy things on steam?

---

I think you can use a credit card and process directly through steam as well.