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[Twytch]

Well, I saw everyone else was doing reviews, so I figured I might as well do this one. I recently beat Portal, and have yet to play the Advanced + Challenge levels, so I apologize if I leave some info out on that.



Gameplay - 9/10

Portal is the spiritual successor to an old freeware game called Narbacular Drop. In Narbacular Drop, you could make doorways on any surface in order to by-pass obstacles. In Portal, the Valve Team took it a step up and implemented an extremely complex physics system and a few new elements to the concept. Using Momentum, you can fling yourself forward, backward, or in almost any other direction. Using Gravity, you can drop a crate through a Portal above an enemy to destroy it. Anything you can think of, you can do with Portals. Now, if you could only get them to stick to Metal surfaces...

Graphics - 8/10

It was designed for next-gen systems, and the shading and detail look AWESOME. Not only that, the HDR (High Dynamic Range, a new type of graphics engine Valve introduced a few years back) makes the maps look amazing. If you have the means, I recommend cranking up EVERYTHING you can without sacrificing framerate and performance. Although there are only two main characters in the game (You and GLaDOS, you're in a series of test chambers while she over-sees your progress) Valve made up for it with some of the best looking indoor environments I've seen in one of their games.

Difficulty - 6/10

With a new concept of being able to create "Portals" in almost any place to solve obstacles, Valve had to come up with quite a few new ways to complete stages. While some will take you a matter of minutes to complete, others will have you scratching your head in confusion, or trying ridiculous tactics in order to pass the stage. Once you get the hang of exactly how the Portals work, such as using momentum to fling yourself across the room, or trapping yourself in an infinite loop, Valve only puts it up a notch, challenging the new tactic you've just learned in an all-new way.

Characters - 7/10

While Portal only has 2 real characters (1 who does not speak, even), Valve added an extreme amount of personality and humor to their remaining character, GLaDOS. I won't spoil you on the entire game, but as you progress her responses become extremely sarcastic and random. Whether she's telling you that the Companion Cube will never threaten to stab you, or even impersonating you in a falsetto voice, you'll be aching to hear what she has to say next.

Length - 4/10

Portal is short. No, really - It's short. It should take you literally about 5 or 6 hours to beat it if you know what you are doing. However, with an ever-growing amount of Achievements and the Advanced/Challenge Courses, the game has a remarkable amount of replayability. In the Advanced Stages, players are put to the test with all new ways of solving previously easy tests. I don't recommend playing the Advanced 19th stage the minute you pick it up...

Storyline - 9/10

Portal seems like it wouldn't have that deep of a storyline, but the good folks at Valve put so much effort into it it's unbelievable. It's actually connected to the Half-Life universe, the first time a game outside the series has been. Don't let that stop you from picking it up, however - the storyline is barely mentioned and most of the connections take place in Half Life 2: Episode 2. With crazed theorists yelling about everything from the dialog to crazed writings in blood on the wall from previous test participants, the game will leave you hooked after you beat it (Of course, you should pay attention to the end credits song to fully get it). With the main character confirmed to actually meet up with the characters from Half Life 2, I'd certainly expect some Aperture Science Portal Technology being a part of Half Life 2: Episode 3.

Music - 9/10

I personally loved the music in Portal, but maybe that's just because I'm both a Rock and Techno junkie. The "Battle" (since you can't really fight all that much) themes are extremely well made out and match the scenes they were put in perfectly.While alone it may not seem like much, it sounds truly AWESOME while you are avoiding turrets and teleporting them across the map.

Final Score - 9/10

Valve took a brand new concept and made it epic. With kickass music, graphics, and a ton of replayability, Portal is a must for anyone who honestly wants to think of themselves as a gamer. If you do not even spend a little while screaming with glee at being able to chase yourself or actually being able to lick your Elbow using Portals, then I take pity on your warped mind.

tl;dr? Buy Portal. NOW

[Para]

[Popple]

Did you just call Portal...easy?

*Revs up chainsaw*

[Pure-???]

I'd already have it if I wasn't such a cheapass.

[Paper_Waluigi]

I see no Gameplay category.

[Twytch]

@Popple - I thought that the main part of it was, yeah.

@Rasto - Whoops, sorry... I'll edit it soon. Thanks for pointing it out.

[Sam]

you dont even give it a rating on gameplay?

dude.. GAMEPLAY IS THE GAME.

thats why your review sucks. although I agree with you

[Twytch]

It was a simple mistake, Altair. I said I would fix it, and I am. I had to leave against my will, however, and I wasn't able to get started right away.

EDIT: Damn, double-posted on accident. Gameplay section is finished.

[Super Hario]

[Para]

[Astrokid248]

That game sounds like one of the first fun games to come out as a single for a long time. I might try it.

[Count_Bleck]

[Super Gwag Meister]

[Para]

[Super Gwag Meister]