Portal 2

Developer: Valve

Release: Apr 18th 2011

Platforms:

Single-player Multi-player Action Adventure

Innovative

Humorous

Immersive

Challenging

Motion Sickness

" Innovative action-adventure with challenging co-op puzzles but potential motion sickness "

Portal 2 Review

Portal 2 is widely regarded as a masterpiece and a worthy sequel to the original Portal. It expands on the first game with a longer, more cinematic campaign featuring a rich, emotional narrative filled with humor and memorable characters like Wheatley and GLaDOS. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics such as gels, lasers, and light bridges, enhancing the puzzle-solving experience. The addition of a full cooperative campaign offers a fresh and challenging way to experience the game with friends, adding significant replay value. Players also praise the vibrant community that creates custom maps and workshop content, providing virtually endless gameplay opportunities.

While the graphics remain impressive even years after release, the game is praised for its smooth and immersive gameplay. The soundtrack and voice acting contribute to the atmospheric and comedic tone. Overall, Portal 2 is celebrated for its perfect blend of storytelling, humor, and brain-teasing puzzles, making it a must-play for puzzle and story-driven game fans.

Highlights

Players consistently praise Portal 2's innovative and challenging gameplay mechanics, including the introduction of new elements like gels and lasers. The graphics, though from 2011, are still considered beautiful and immersive. The story is lauded for its depth, humor, and memorable characters, especially the witty dialogue and voice acting of GLaDOS and Wheatley. The cooperative mode is highlighted as a full experience that adds a new dimension to the game. Additionally, the strong community support with custom maps and workshop content greatly extends the game's longevity and replayability.

Criticisms

Some players mention motion sickness as a potential issue due to the game's movement and portal mechanics. Loading times have been noted to occasionally disrupt pacing. A few players find certain sections, like the ruins of Aperture, less enjoyable due to limited portal usage. While the game is praised overall, some describe the difficulty as increasing notably in co-op mode, which might not appeal to all. The price can be a consideration, though many recommend waiting for sales. These minor issues do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

Pros

• Innovative and challenging puzzle mechanics with new elements like gels and lasers.
• Engaging, humorous, and well-written story with memorable characters.
• Cooperative campaign offers unique puzzles and multiplayer fun.
• Beautiful graphics that still hold up well over time.
• Extensive replayability through community-created custom maps.
• Excellent voice acting and atmospheric soundtrack.
• Smooth and immersive gameplay experience.

Cons

• Motion sickness can affect some players due to portal mechanics.
• Loading screens sometimes disrupt game pacing.
• Certain sections limit portal usage, reducing puzzle enjoyment.
• Co-op mode difficulty may be challenging for casual players.
• Price might be high without waiting for sales.
• Repetitiveness noted by a few players in puzzle design.
• Some players find the ruins of Aperture less engaging.

Rating Criteria

Story

Difficulty

Graphics

Duration

Stability

Worth the Price

About This Game

Portal 2 draws from the award-winning formula of innovative gameplay, story, and music that earned the original Portal over 70 industry accolades and created a cult following.

The single-player portion of Portal 2 introduces a cast of dynamic new characters, a host of fresh puzzle elements, and a much larger set of devious test chambers. Players will explore never-before-seen areas of the Aperture Science Labs and be reunited with GLaDOS, the occasionally murderous computer companion who guided them through the original game.

The game’s two-player cooperative mode features its own entirely separate campaign with a unique story, test chambers, and two new player characters. This new mode forces players to reconsider everything they thought they knew about portals. Success will require them to not just act cooperatively, but to think cooperatively.

Product Features

Extensive single player: Featuring next generation gameplay and a wildly-engrossing story.
Complete two-person co-op: Multiplayer game featuring its own dedicated story, characters, and gameplay.
Advanced physics: Allows for the creation of a whole new range of interesting challenges, producing a much larger but not harder game.
Original music.
Massive sequel: The original Portal was named 2007's Game of the Year by over 30 publications worldwide.
Editing Tools: Portal 2 editing tools will be included.