Portal is a single-player first-person action/puzzle video game first released as part of The Orange Box collection of games released in October 2007 for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. The game was included along with more established titles Half Life 2, and Team Fortress 2, but, somewhat unexpectedly, Portal became a standout on its own, with many gamer's buying the box set for Portal alone. It was released as a standalone game for the PC on Steam in October 2007 for $19.99, and retail games appearing in stores on April 9th, 2008. Portal was released on Xbox Live! arcade on October 22, 2008 for 1200 points.

Portal 1
MSRP $19.99
Release date October, 2007
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
22 reviews
84
negative
mixed
positive
21 positive
0 mixed
1 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

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Pros:
Do you agree?
Well thought out gameplay
+18agreedisagree

Cheap - $20 on Steam
+18agreedisagree

Excellent script
+17agreedisagree

Atmospheric soundscape
+11agreedisagree

Excellent learning curve - not much handholding, but you can figure out everything as you go along
+10agreedisagree

great gameplay dynamics, a new and exciting way to use the source engine
+9agreedisagree

potentially creates a new Half-Life storyline
+8agreedisagree

connects interestingly to the Half-Life universe
+7agreedisagree

Available on Xbox Live! arcade for ~ $15
+5agreedisagree

has a good song at the end "Still Alive"
+5agreedisagree

Addictive time trial mode
+4agreedisagree

Lots of extra achievments.
+3agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
Short
+7agreedisagree

Voices and sounds can be loud and annoying at times
0agreedisagree

Lack of colors
-5agreedisagree


23 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!

Details

Gameplay

In Portal, the player controls the character, Chell, from a first person perspective as she is challenged to navigate through a series of rooms using the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device ("portal gun"). The portal gun can create two distinct portal ends, orange and blue. Neither is specifically an entrance or exit; all objects that travel through the one portal will exit through the other with no change in momentum magnitude. If subsequent portal ends are created, the previously created portal of the same color is closed. Not all surfaces are able to accommodate a portal, and any attempt to do so will not affect the existing portals. Chell can also pick up objects, though she can only throw objects a short distance (affected by the player's momentum). These objects ("Aperture Science Weighted Storage Cubes" or a "Weighted Companion Cube") can be used to press large buttons to open doors or activate platforms, but barriers (known as "Material Emancipation Grids" or 'fizzlers', as described by the audio commentary) at the end of each test chamber or within certain test chambers prevent the player character from carrying such objects beyond them. Passage through these fields also closes any open portals, and portals cannot be fired through these fields

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This report was started May 14, 2008 at 12:32 pm by Erik
with the last edit occurring May 20, 2009 at 11:11 am by drl1989
This page has been viewed 959 times, with 193 edits by 24 contributors.
See the full report history »

Competitors

Portal is ranked 2nd among it's competitors.  See the top picks in Video Games »

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Comments

1.  avatar GT-D said:

absolutely spectacular game
May 14, 2008 4:06pm
2.  avatar Manzabar said:

Agreed though it is a bit too short. I wanted more when it was done and I still want more now! :)
May 15, 2008 4:31pm
3.  avatar Howlsthunder said:

I rented the Orange Box specifically for Portal on multiple occasions. If I had a console or computer that would run any of the versions (I am a Windowsless Mac/Wii owner currently) I would own this. :D One of my top 5 favorite games of all time.

I agree that the game is too short, but only in that I want more to play. I think that this incarnation of the game is a good length for the small, yet tight plot and that a longer game would require a bit more story.

That said, this game has awesome humor, slick puzzles, and game mechanics unlike any other game out there due to the portal gun. Portal appeals to a wider variety of gamers as well with its unique shooter/puzzle meld.

Apparently Valve has plans in the works for a much longer, full-size "Portal 2". I am sure it will do amazingly well. :)
May 27, 2008 9:10pm
4.  avatar Manzabar said:

@Howlsthunder: If you're on a recent Mac and want to try playing Portal, you might want to look into trying Crossover from Codeweavers. They give Portal a Silver rating (runs but not flawlessly).
May 28, 2008 10:30am
5.  avatar GT-D said:

Yeah it was a bit short - but it seemed like they weren't sure how far to go with it and wanted to get it out there... the advanced stages and various challenges modes did expand the replayability of it a bit.
May 29, 2008 10:39am
6.  avatar Erik said:

Woohoo. Available from Xbox Arcade. Niiiiiice.
Oct 23, 2008 2:35pm
7.  avatar Erik said:

First time playing last night, and already addicted. Now, I know what everyone is raving about. The puzzles are fantastic, and well thought out. The script is laugh out loud funny.

Oct 24, 2008 9:43am
8.  avatar BrileyKenney said:

Awesome game, if you can buy it with the orange box set; great price! I bought the orange box over steam when it first came out. The only problem I have with steam is that no matter what, it takes forever to load; come on valve get rid of those load times! Regardless it is still an awesome game, puzzles are great, voice-overs are solid, and the environment is unique; and what most of these reviews don't mention is that there is a large Portal user base with fan created content. Which means even though the game is short, the experience doesn't have to be. Not to mention the fact that the orange box version comes bundled with the source code and editing content to make your own mods and add-ons.
Nov 13, 2008 6:19am
9.  avatar mugglensu said:

Dont think too much about my pros n cons.............I HATE PUZZLE GAMES!!!
Dec 18, 2008 10:07am
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

Howlsthunder

avatar
April 16, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
92
negative
mixed
positive
11 pros
1 con
trustedtrusted
want itwant it
love itlove it
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Well thought out gameplay
  • Cheap - $20 on Steam
  • Excellent script
  • Atmospheric soundscape
  • Excellent learning curve - not much handholding, but you can figure out everything as you go along
  • great gameplay dynamics, a new and exciting way to use the source engine
  • potentially creates a new Half-Life storyline
  • connects interestingly to the Half-Life universe
  • has a good song at the end "Still Alive"
  • Addictive time trial mode
  • Lots of extra achievments.

Cons

  • Short

Comments

"I rented the Orange Box specifically for Portal on multiple occasions. If I had a console or computer that would run any of the versions (I am a Windowsless Mac/Wii owner currently) I would own this. :D One of my top 5 favorite games of all time.

I agree that the game is too short, but only in that I want more to play. I think that this incarnation of the game is a good length for the small, yet tight plot and that a longer game would require a bit more story.

That said, this game has awesome humor, slick puzzles, and game mechanics unlike any other game out there due to the portal gun. Portal appeals to a wider variety of gamers as well with its unique shooter/puzzle meld.

Apparently Valve has plans in the works for a much longer, full-size "Portal 2". I am sure it will do amazingly well. :)"
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

Erik

avatar
March 4, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
75
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
2 cons
trustedtrusted
have ithave it
love itlove it
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Well thought out gameplay
  • Cheap - $20 on Steam
  • Excellent script
  • Excellent learning curve - not much handholding, but you can figure out everything as you go along
  • Available on Xbox Live! arcade for ~ $15
  • has a good song at the end "Still Alive"

Cons

  • Short
  • Voices and sounds can be loud and annoying at times

Comments

"Woohoo. Available from Xbox Arcade. Niiiiiice."
"

First time playing last night, and already addicted. Now, I know what everyone is raving about. The puzzles are fantastic, and well thought out. The script is laugh out loud funny.

"
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

mugglensu

avatar
December 18, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
62
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
3 cons
trustedtrusted
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Cheap - $20 on Steam
  • Atmospheric soundscape
  • great gameplay dynamics, a new and exciting way to use the source engine
  • potentially creates a new Half-Life storyline
  • connects interestingly to the Half-Life universe

Cons

  • Short
  • Voices and sounds can be loud and annoying at times
  • Lack of colors

Comments

"Dont think too much about my pros n cons.............I HATE PUZZLE GAMES!!!"
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

Omar

avatar
December 10, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
88
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
1 con
trustedtrusted
have ithave it
love itlove it
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Well thought out gameplay
  • Cheap - $20 on Steam
  • Excellent script
  • Excellent learning curve - not much handholding, but you can figure out everything as you go along
  • potentially creates a new Half-Life storyline
  • Available on Xbox Live! arcade for ~ $15
  • Addictive time trial mode

Cons

  • Voices and sounds can be loud and annoying at times

Competitors

Omar prefers Mirror's Edge over Portal
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

BrileyKenney

avatar
November 13, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
75
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
2 cons
trustedtrusted
have ithave it
love itlove it
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Well thought out gameplay
  • Cheap - $20 on Steam
  • Excellent script
  • Atmospheric soundscape
  • Excellent learning curve - not much handholding, but you can figure out everything as you go along
  • Available on Xbox Live! arcade for ~ $15

Cons

  • Short
  • Voices and sounds can be loud and annoying at times

Comments

"Awesome game, if you can buy it with the orange box set; great price! I bought the orange box over steam when it first came out. The only problem I have with steam is that no matter what, it takes forever to load; come on valve get rid of those load times! Regardless it is still an awesome game, puzzles are great, voice-overs are solid, and the environment is unique; and what most of these reviews don't mention is that there is a large Portal user base with fan created content. Which means even though the game is short, the experience doesn't have to be. Not to mention the fact that the orange box version comes bundled with the source code and editing content to make your own mods and add-ons."
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

Yale

avatar
March 4, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
86
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
1 con
trustedtrusted
love itlove it
have ithave it
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Well thought out gameplay
  • Excellent script
  • great gameplay dynamics, a new and exciting way to use the source engine
  • potentially creates a new Half-Life storyline
  • connects interestingly to the Half-Life universe
  • has a good song at the end "Still Alive"

Cons

  • Lack of colors

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

GT-D

avatar
April 6, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
83
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
1 con
trustedtrusted
have ithave it
love itlove it
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Well thought out gameplay
  • Cheap - $20 on Steam
  • Excellent script
  • Atmospheric soundscape
  • Excellent learning curve - not much handholding, but you can figure out everything as you go along

Cons

  • Short

Comments

"absolutely spectacular game"
"Yeah it was a bit short - but it seemed like they weren't sure how far to go with it and wanted to get it out there... the advanced stages and various challenges modes did expand the replayability of it a bit."
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

Manzabar

avatar
October 24, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
83
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
1 con
trustedtrusted
love itlove it
have ithave it
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Well thought out gameplay
  • Cheap - $20 on Steam
  • Excellent script
  • Atmospheric soundscape
  • Excellent learning curve - not much handholding, but you can figure out everything as you go along

Cons

  • Short

Comments

"Agreed though it is a bit too short. I wanted more when it was done and I still want more now! :)"
"@Howlsthunder: If you're on a recent Mac and want to try playing Portal, you might want to look into trying Crossover from Codeweavers. They give Portal a Silver rating (runs but not flawlessly)."
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

justafire

avatar
March 4, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
79
negative
mixed
positive
11 pros
3 cons
trustedtrusted
love itlove it
have ithave it
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Well thought out gameplay
  • Cheap - $20 on Steam
  • Excellent script
  • Atmospheric soundscape
  • Excellent learning curve - not much handholding, but you can figure out everything as you go along
  • great gameplay dynamics, a new and exciting way to use the source engine
  • potentially creates a new Half-Life storyline
  • connects interestingly to the Half-Life universe
  • Available on Xbox Live! arcade for ~ $15
  • has a good song at the end "Still Alive"
  • Addictive time trial mode

Cons

  • Short
  • Voices and sounds can be loud and annoying at times
  • Lack of colors

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

Fussion289

avatar
March 19, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
11 pros
0 cons
trustedtrusted
love itlove it
have ithave it
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Well thought out gameplay
  • Cheap - $20 on Steam
  • Excellent script
  • Atmospheric soundscape
  • Excellent learning curve - not much handholding, but you can figure out everything as you go along
  • great gameplay dynamics, a new and exciting way to use the source engine
  • potentially creates a new Half-Life storyline
  • connects interestingly to the Half-Life universe
  • has a good song at the end "Still Alive"
  • Addictive time trial mode
  • Lots of extra achievments.

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No
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