I feel the need to re-review this game because my previous review (for lack of better terminology) sucked, and this game deserves better. Portal was originally included as an experimental side game in The Orange Box, alongside Team Fortress 2 and Half-Life 2 Episodes 1 and 2, but wound up shining just as brightly for being a solid game that used it's concepts to the fullest.

Portal is a First-Person Puzzle game where you utilize a device that can create direct links between two surfaces. There are other mechanics as well, and the game tests your ability to use these "portals" to solve puzzles.

What strikes me the most about this game and it's sequel is how much attention went into level design. The developer commentary details that the playtesting process was quite rigorous to ensure the game was still challenging, while not becoming frustrating, which is a very delicate balance to achieve.

The sound effects are satisfying, and the ambient music does a good job of providing a sense of eerieness and sterility to the environments. I don't think I have to mention Still Alive by Jonathan Coulton, but I will anyway. Ellen McLain does a wonderful job in the role of the facility's AI supervisor GLaDOS as well as certain obstacles you encounter.

Portal is a game that holds up remarkably well. While I'd say the sequel has more value (endless user created levels will do that for ya), this game is a very tight, cohesive experience that I feel should be a staple in anyone's Steam Library.

I feel the need to re-review this game because my previous review (for lack of better terminology) sucked, and this game deserves better. Portal was originally included as an experimental side game in The Orange Box, alongside Team Fortress 2 and Half-Life 2 Episodes 1 and 2, but wound up shining just as brightly for being a solid game that used it's concepts to the fullest. Portal is a First-Person Puzzle game where you utilize a device that can create direct links between two surfaces. There are other mechanics as well, and the game tests your ability to use these "portals" to solve puzzles. What strikes me the most about this game and it's sequel is how much attention went into level design. The developer commentary details that the playtesting process was quite rigorous to ensure the game was still challenging, while not becoming frustrating, which is a very delicate balance to achieve. The sound effects are satisfying, and the ambient music does a good job of providing a sense of eerieness and sterility to the environments. I don't think I have to mention Still Alive by Jonathan Coulton, but I will anyway. Ellen McLain does a wonderful job in the role of the facility's AI supervisor GLaDOS as well as certain obstacles you encounter. Portal is a game that holds up remarkably well. While I'd say the sequel has more value (endless user created levels will do that for ya), this game is a very tight, cohesive experience that I feel should be a staple in anyone's Steam Library.