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- Valve Software
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- Valve Software
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- Valve Software
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- Valve Software
Portal
Released On: Oct 10, 2007
8.9
All Platforms
Metascore
Universal acclaim
Based on 27 Critic Reviews
90
100% Positive
27 Reviews
27 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal acclaim
Based on 27 Critic Reviews
90
100% Positive
27 Reviews
27 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Portal, tucked neatly alongside four other games, outshines them all and ensures itself a place in posterity.
User Score
Generally favorable
Based on 4,500 User Ratings
8.9
90% Positive
4055 Ratings
4055 Ratings
8% Mixed
352 Ratings
352 Ratings
2% Negative
93 Ratings
93 Ratings
User Score
Generally favorable
Based on 4,500 User Ratings
8.9
90% Positive
4055 Ratings
4055 Ratings
8% Mixed
352 Ratings
352 Ratings
2% Negative
93 Ratings
93 Ratings
Portal, released in 2007, is a triumph of game design, creativity, and wit. This puzzle-platformer, set in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories, delivers an experience that is not only groundbreaking but also unforgettable. Portal's innovation in gameplay and storytelling sets it apart as a true masterpiece of the medium. At its core, Portal is a deceptively simple concept: players are armed with the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device, a gun that can create linked portals on specific surfaces. This ingenious mechanic forms the foundation of the game's puzzles, turning each room into a mind-bending spatial challenge. The gradual introduction of new elements and mechanics keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting throughout. What makes Portal truly remarkable is its storytelling. The game's antagonist, GLaDOS, is an AI with a sinister sense of humor that slowly reveals itself as players progress. The witty and darkly comedic script, combined with GLaDOS's increasingly erratic behavior, creates a sense of unease and intrigue that drives the narrative. The player character, Chell, is a silent protagonist, but her journey is told through environmental storytelling and the interactions with the AI. This minimalist approach to storytelling allows players to piece together the narrative and engage on a deeper level. Portal's level design is nothing short of brilliant. Each chamber is a meticulously crafted puzzle that challenges players to think critically and creatively. The satisfaction that comes from solving these puzzles is immensely rewarding. The pacing is spot-on, introducing new challenges at just the right moments. The game's presentation is clean and sterile, fitting the aesthetic of Aperture Science Laboratories. The sterile environment contrasts with the chaos and intrigue that unfolds as players delve deeper into the facility. The ambient sound design and eerie music contribute to the game's unique atmosphere. Portal's brevity may be its only drawback, as it can be completed in a relatively short time. However, its compact experience is a testament to its quality, and it encourages replayability and speedrunning. In conclusion, Portal is a groundbreaking masterpiece that showcases the power of innovative gameplay and storytelling in video games. Its clever puzzles, darkly comedic narrative, and minimalist presentation make it a must-play for gamers and a shining example of what the medium can achieve.
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PC
The villain makes this game prefect. Not gonna tell you much about the villain. But I will tell you that this game is a simple masterpiece. The test chambers in this game are pretty good. If it's a Valve game... YOU KNOW IT'S GONNA BE GOOD. There's only really like 2 Valve games that are bad. This low count of bad games makes them the King of gaming (I'm looking at YOU 343). This game is not very story driven. That's not a bad thing for me. But if that's a bad thing for you, then you might not like Portal 1. This game is a game you should play before you die.
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PC
It may be the least hyped part of the Orange Box but Portal is a strong addition to the lineup and really stands out on its own.
The idea stolen shamelessly from Prey, masterful implementation and... you won’t know when these three hours have passed. Zipping through portals and placing them on the fly (literally) makes for loads of fun, and the authors spice up the play with quite a story that’s not immediately visible and all the more enjoyable when discovered. [Dec 2007]
Skilled players will portal their way through the nineteen levels in just a few hours, but this little puzzle game / tech demo provides plenty of entertainment and makes a great addition to The Orange Box.
It may be short, but it's a wonderful learning experience, forcing you to rethink rather base concepts of the first-person genre. [Dec 2007, p.68]
By anyone's reckoning Portal isn't a long game, weighing in at around the three to four hour mark. Those of you who do see this game from start to end though are in for a very special experience.
Best puzzle game I've ever played, even if not that hard. Portal is just amazing and I think every gamer should give it a try.
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PC
Too short for a full game. But existing levels are interesting, and the story is quite fun.
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PC
I find it a interestingly unique concept but shallow and lacking any depth, just feels boring and repetitive.
The environments all looks the same.
The puzzles are ok and thankfully you don't need to be a genius to figure them out. I found the banter amusing, making me smile most of the time.
Iam one of the few that thinks this game is an overrated gimmick, feel like it's a waste of time to keep playing.
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PC
Summary Portal is a new single player game from Valve. Set in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories, Portal has been called one of the most innovative new games on the horizon and offers gamers hours of unique gameplay. The game is designed to change the way players approach, manipulate, and surmise the possibilities in a given environmen...
Rated T
for Teen
Platforms:
- PC
Initial Release Date: Oct 10, 2007
Developer:
- Valve Software
Publisher: Valve Software
Genres:
