Portal

Tap-Repeatedly/Four Fat Chicks ( )

I am fascinated by Portal, this game made by students who got the developer’s dream come true: the chance to work with Valve Software at the height of its awesome. The chance to try something different, something unique and a little crazy. Everything from the gameplay to the closing credits is risky. Most publishers wouldn’t touch something this ... off-kilter. But Valve is Valve; it has limitless resources and is a font of innovation. For them, it’s a small gamble—Portal wasn’t that expensive to make, it’s part of a larger package, most of the team were recent grads so no reputations were really on the line—and it paid off.

GamerDad ( )

This game is pure gameplay at its finest - while there is some story and other motivations contained in the game, it is ultimately all about using the portal technology to get past the puzzle immediately in front of you, to allow you to go on to the next. The humor, the danger, everything else that is going on serves the central purpose of advancing the gameplay without ever getting in the way. Portal is an awesome experience that really gives you that 'WOW' feeling that you are experiencing something unique that is bound to be copied but never duplicated.

Common Sense Media ( )

Portal is an excellent game, the standout star of 2007's Half-Life 2:The Orange Box game compilation, which also included the Half-Life 2 saga and Team Fortress 2. As a stand-alone product, Portal includes no additional game content on top of what was included with The Orange Box, so those who own The Orange Box should not pick up this edition of Portal. But since The Orange Box is an M-rated title, if you have a teen looking for an interesting puzzler, this stand-alone version of Portal is an outstanding choice. It represents a new genre of game that combines the sophisticated physics of a first-person shooter with minimally-violent puzzle content.

Just Adventure (A)

The best way to describe the tone of this game would be to imagine if Douglas Adams wrote System Shock. There's a menacing breeziness to it, and the portal gun is so much fun to play with I can't wait for more of this plot arc (which takes place in the Half-Life universe) to unfold. GlaDOS will go down in history as one of the classic memorable antagonists, and I must single out the brilliant voice work along with the writing in this game as a big part of this.

Worth Playing (9.8 out of 10)

Now, how about integrating the portal gun into a proper shooter, perhaps with multiplayer, or, better yet, co-op modes? These are the only things missing here, but given how novel and fun Portal is, I can certainly be patient for the inevitable sequel, assured the same care and quality will result. I've already played it beginning to end four times and haven't tired of it yet.

GamesCollection (9.5 out of 10)

Cercherò di non ripetermi in sede conclusiva, credo che dopo tutti i commenti positivi sparsi qua e là per la recensione, il messaggio sia stato recepito. Valve si riconferma, ancora oggi dal 1998, regina incontrastata del gaming per PC, davvero congratulazioni ad una delle software house ad oggi più creative e produttive. Portal è contenuto ne “The Orange Box”, una collezione comprendente Team Fortress 2 e Half life 2 accompagnato dai due “episode” finora usciti, il tutto al prezzo di un normale gioco. Come recitato nella custodia, “Il migliore affare nella storia dei videogiochi”!

Gamernode (9.5 out of 10)

It's hard to find something not to like about Portal. Everything, from the gameplay to the presentation, are top-notch from beginning to end and makes it more than a worthy addition to the level of quality presented by the other titles in the Orange Box.

YouGamers (94 out of 100)

"This was a triumph. I'm making a note here: HUGE SUCCESS." One of the best single-player experiences of the year.

Pelit (92 out of 100)

Portalin kantava idea on petollisen yksinkertainen: pelissä tehdään seiniin, kattoihin ja lattioille sinisiä ja oransseja portaaleja. Kun astuu toiseen, tulee esiin toisesta. Vitsi on siinä, että inertia säilyy. Näistä aineista leivotaan niin maukas kakkupohja että saksalaiset ikuisuuspohjat murenisivat kateudesta, jos osaisivat.

2404.org PC Gaming (9.1 out of 10)

I was completely impressed with Portal. It’s a great game that’s innovative, fun, and contains a humorous storyline. My only real complaint was that it was too short, and I want more.

TTGamer (9 out of 10)

This little gem gives a whole new perspective to the Half-Life series. While Valve won't reveal just how Portal fits into the HL universe yet, there are many references to Portal during Episode 2 and considering what an ingenious concept it is, we expect to see much more Portal from Valve over the coming years. We continuously badger developers to give us originality, and for once a major developer has. Portal is simply a must play title, even for those who are not necessarily puzzle fans.

GameSpy ( )

At a launch price of $20 via the Steam digital download service, it's debatable whether Portal is a little too short, even with the epic finale. A few more puzzles would have been most welcome. What's not debatable is that Portal is one of the most unique, funny and satisfying games of 2007, and we can't wait until Valve produces more of it.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (9 out of 10)

And so we're left with a curious contradiction: one of the most interesting and delightful things Valve's ever done, but also one of its least fulfilling. If only we had our own portal gun to bridge the gap to the first infusion of new content, perhaps we could forget it. Either that, or the next best thing - Companion Cube plush toys. It's surely only a matter of time.

PCActu (9 out of 10)

Au départ ajouté comme une petite friandise dans l'Orange Box, Portal souffle au final un vent de fraîcheur revigorant sur la famille des jeux où l'on contrôle quelque chose qui ressemble de près ou de loin à un flingue. Encore aujourd'hui, Portal s'impose comme une des valeurs sûres du jeu vidéo, en plus d'être un must-have absolu du PC. On regrette cependant que le titre se termine au bout de trois heures et ce, pour la simple et bonne raison que l'on passe un si bon moment entre les murs d'Aperture Science que l'on ne voudrait jamais en resortir. Evidemment, le Time Attack stressant et quelques niveaux issus du solo revisités dans une version " hard " sont là pour prolonger l'expérience. Quoi qu'il en soit et sans replonger dans une longue liste de superlatifs, on peut vous assurer que l'ambiance de ce titre fait partie des meilleurs productions de nos machines à ce jour. GLaDOS, j'attends avec impatience de te retrouver pour de nouvelles aventures et ceci n'est pas un mensonge.

4Players.de (90 out of 100)

Ja, Portal ist zu kurz, keine Frage! Nach dem furiosen Abschluss möchte ich gerne mehr Rätsel lösen, aber leider fällt nach drei bis vier Stunden (ohne Bonus-Rätsel) der Vorhang. Echt schade, trotzdem fühlte ich mich in der Zeit wunderbar an den Monitor gebunden. Die einmalige Mischung aus durchweg logischen Portal-Rätseln fordert neben Koordination, Geschick und Timing viel Gehirnschmalz in der dritten Dimension. Manche Aufgaben sind zwar schnell durchschaut, doch dafür entschädigt euer Gegenspieler, die freundliche und irgendwie schizoide Computerstimme, die stellenweise absolut bizarre Sprüche von sich gibt. Und wer kämpft nicht gerne für ein Stück Kuchen? Selbst, dass bei der Grafikkulisse nur zwei Sets verwendet werden, fällt dank der einwandfreien Rätsel und der klasse Soundkulisse kaum ins Gewicht. Ich kann Portal jedenfalls nur weiterempfehlen, da es trotz der Kürze ein einmaliges Spielerlebnis ist!

1UP (9 out of 10)

Know that Portal, alongside Episode Two, proves the creative viability of games that are neither low-rent/casual/arcade nor costly all-or-nothing wagers in the monolithic triple-A market. But above all, know that we're being f***ed with in the best way.

GameStar (Germany) (90 out of 100)

Endlich! Das Spiel, das die leidige Diskussion beendet, ob Spiele Kunst sein können oder nicht. Portal bietet keine Bombastgrafik wie Crysis, keinen orchestralen Soundtrack wie Call of Duty 4 und keine Dauerunterhaltung wie World of Warcraft, sondern ist ein schlichtes, kleines Spiel mit Herz. Noch nie bin ich in vier Stunden so gut unterhalten worden (zumindest nicht am PC). Ich schätze, Valve macht am Erfolg von Portal aus, ob und wie sie dieses Konzept in Episode 3 einbauen. Und Erfolg ist das, was Portal verdient. Denn wo die anderen Hollywood-Blockbuster sind, ist Portal ein Juwel aus dem Programmkino. Da wird man, was man furchtbar hasst - nämlich Cineast.

Adventure Gamers ( )

Whether or not you leap, Portal is a one-of-a-kind experience that's well worth every gamer looking into. Just take your time and enjoy, because "speedy thing goes in, speedy thing comes out" and it's over all too soon.

UOL Jogos ( )

Impressionante, belo e divertido são adjetivos comuns para bons jogos. No caso de "Portal", só isso não é suficiente. "Genial" seria a palavra certa para qualificá-lo. É um título que deixará qualquer um boquiaberto, tamanha a complexidade de sua mecânica e quebra-cabeças. O nível de desafio é alto, mas basta botar a cabeça para funcionar para que se chegue a uma solução - o que é altamente gratificante. A atmosfera claustrofóbica e perturbadora, por mais sutil que seja, fará você se sentir ameaçado, sendo que nem inimigos há no jogo. Pode ser curto, mas é um dos mais imersivos e intrigantes jogos já lançados, cuja experiência proporcionada será lembrada por muito tempo.

Cheat Code Central (4.5 out of 5)

The main portion of Portal will last you a few hours at best, and unlockable challenge maps will further extend the gameplay. When all is said and done, Portal will leave you wanting more, but that's not a bad thing. It's a hilarious game that offers a completely unique first-person experience and forces players to use their brains rather than their blasters. Those who missed it the first time around in the Orange Box can pick up a retail PC version of Portal on its own this month. The $20 price tag may seem a lot when $30 more will buy you the whole deal, but it's a great sleeper hit that every serious PC gamer should own.

Gaming Shogun (9 out of 10)

Portal is a very fun game that uses not only good gameplay but also suspense to great avail.

GameSpot (9 out of 10)

Short as it may be, Portal is a fantastic game that should be played by anyone interested in unique, well-crafted gameplay and a witty, whip-smart script. The stand-alone retail release comes with the same price point as the downloadable Steam release, which is about the cost of a night out at the movies. Portal may not last much longer than some feature films, but pound for pound it remains one of the best games on store shelves.

PC Action (Germany) (89 out of 100)

Zwar bleibt der spielerische Anspruch von Portal über das gesamte Abenteuer hinweg eher niedrig, das sollte Sie aber nicht weiter stören. Das Spiel strotzt nur so vor Innovation, trockenem Humor und Ideenreichtum. Auch dass Sie nach spätestens vier Stunden alle Tests abgeschlossen haben, ist verschmerzbar, weil dafür die Hintergrundgeschichte – am Stück genossen – ein echter Leckerbissen ist. Seit Hal 9000 aus 2001: Odyssee im Weltraum hat die Welt keinen so fiesen Computer mehr gesehen. Herrlich!

Gamigo (8.9 out of 10)

Portal ist ein riesiger Puzzelspaß der mit seinem Humor und den Herausforderungen für Abwechslung in der Orange Box sorgt und diese sehr gut komplettiert. Auch wenn es nicht unbedingt sehr lange dauert das Ende des Spieles zu erleben macht es doch auch danach immer mal wieder Spaß es einfach kurz anzuwerfen und vielleicht neue Optionen auszuprobieren oder doch noch zu versuchen bei den Advanced Puzzels die Goldmedallie zu ergattern.

PC Games (Germany) (89 out of 100)

Einzig durch seine Rätsel hätte mich Portal nicht so sehr begeistert. Hin und wieder gibt es Stellen, bei denen ich lange nach einer Lösung suchen musste. Aber es sind zu wenige, denn die Lernkurve steigt rapide an. Gut für Einsteiger, Profis sind schnell unterfordert. Portal könnte etwas kniffliger sein! Doch der hintergründige Humor, der sich durch das gesamte Spiel zieht, hat es mir angetan. Portal ist ein kleines Spiel mit großen Lachern und einem sehr sympathischen Bösewicht. Schauen Sie sich unbedingt den grandiosen Abspann an! Deutlich ist zu spüren, mit welcher Liebe zum Detail die junge Entwicklermannschaft bei Valve an das Projekt herangegangen ist. Ich geh mir jetzt jedenfalls erst einmal ein Stück Kuchen holen. Und dann fange ich das Spiel von vorn an!

Gameplay (Benelux) (85 out of 100)

Portal is een geslaagd The Orange Box-extraatje dat leuk en origineel puzzelwerk biedt, maar als volwaardige game tekort schiet. Nou ja, Portal is dan ook een gameplayexperiment en eentje dat zeer geslaagd is.

IGN (8.2 out of 10)

For 20 dollars, it may be a little pricey for what’s there, but we certainly won't tell anybody not to buy Portal. We recommend picking this one up with the full Orange Box because it’s hard to say no to another peek into this awesome universe and it does fit together with Episode Two.

Vgames (82 out of 100)

ואלב יצרו משחק עם קונספט אדיר ומגניב שפותח אפיקים חדשים במשחקי פעולה – תרתי משמע. אפשר להתאכזב קמעה מעיצוב העולם שלו, או מאורך החיים שלו, אבל גם במגבלות הקיימות, מדובר במשחק מקורי ומרענן. הוא שובר לבטים מצוין למי שמסופק אם לקנות את האורנג' בוקס, אבל לפחות עכשיו, לא מצדיק רכישה בפני עצמו.

Gaming since 198x (4 out of 5)

Portal est une expérience unique, baignant dans une ambiance et une atmosphère exceptionnelle. Son concept simple mais diablement efficace promet des heures d'arrachage de cheveux sur les maps bonus mais le solo est malheureusement beaucoup trop court tellement il est agréable. Indispensable, surtout pour ce prix.

Blend Games ( )

Portal is a game that is short and extremely sweet. As a part of The Orange Box it alone is worth the price of admission. On it’s own, the 3 hours of main gameplay may be a little much to swallow for $20. There’s nothing quite like it out there, and I can’t wait until Half-Life 2: Episode 3 includes the portal gun (everybody close your eyes and make a wish now). Like the gravity gun, it will have to be nerfed a little bit. But the possibilities for gameplay are limitless based on the 3 hours of Portal. By the end you’ll simply be happy to be a part of such an innovative experience, and even happier to just be alive.

PlayDevil ( )

"Portal" is an amazing experience. It has little sound or music, dated graphics, even compared to the other games in the Orange Box, and it lasts about 2 hours first time through. It is, however, one of the most ambitious and original games released, ever. The gameplay is fantastic, and is one of the most thoughtful games you'll ever play. It's also a game with plenty of replay value thanks to the advanced maps and challenges, not to mention achievements on the 360 version. Portal has to be seen and played to be fully experienced, and whilst it is by no means a perfect game, it cannot be anything other than thoroughly recommended.

Meristation (8 out of 10)

Definir Portal no es sencillo. Se trata de un juego en primera persona con un entramado de puzzle protagonista. A grandes rasgos es aplicar la hibridación de géneros en el sentido estricto, de forma original y casi sin aviso previo. Portal sorprende tanto por su planteamiento como por su transfondo.

Adventure Classic Gaming ( )

Overall, Portal is a game with very clever and unique game mechanics and puzzles. The complexity in learning how to place the portals may feel a little overwhelming at first, but it does not take long before shooting portals out of your portal gun becomes natural to you. Moreover, you will enjoy the memorable and fun storyline that is told through a brilliant script and great characters. The amount of enjoyment you get from this game will certainly be worth your time trying to survive, for the good of science.

Christ Centered Gamer / Christ Centered Game Reviews (80 out of 100)

From an appropriateness standpoint, Portal is pretty tame. The only violence is caused by your surroundings; you are the only one who can die. There are electronic enemies such as turrets and rocket launchers but no humans. I have no problem letting my kids play this; it makes them think and they enjoy the portal technology.

Avid Gamer (8 out of 10)

From its unique sound design to its clever, well executed concept Portal will entertain throughout its journey. It achieves its aim, to delight and intrigue its player, to a high standard. As GLaDOS rightly says; “Now you’re thinking in portals.”

Trigames.net ( )

The gradual, stepping-stone nature of the level progression helps ingrain some specialized instincts--an understanding of 'Portal culture' if you will--that your brain will remember almost reflexively.

Factornews (7 out of 10)

Une progression bien maîtrisée, un gameplay vraiment efficace, le tout agrémenté d'un scénario intriguant contenant de l'humour, mais le jeu est diablement trop court, entre deux et trois heures pour en faire le tour. Restent les niveaux bonus qui ne viennent que péniblement renforcer la durée en proposant de refaire six des niveaux les plus durs dans des versions encore plus dures. Mais surtout bien plus basées sur votre skill au tir et votre rapidité que sur votre intelligence. Le concept du jeu s'y noie avec l'intérêt du joueur.

Jeuxvideo.com (14 out of 20)

Pour faire simple et bref, Portal propose un concept franchement original et le met fort bien en pratique. Maintenant, mieux vaut en faire l'acquisition dans le package complet de l'Orange Box ou attendre la diffusion de nouvelles cartes si on souhaite l'acheter à part, histoire de ne pas souffrir de la durée de vie rikiki. La note qui suit porte donc plutôt sur l'acquisition en pack.

Gamekult (5 out of 10)

La variété des énigmes proposées permet un renouvellement constant du gameplay, avec notamment l'utilisation de l'énergie cinétique préservée à travers les portails pour se catapulter ou encore l'exploitation des lignes de vue des bots d'attaque pour détruire certains obstacles. L'ensemble est très bien mis en scène, joliment organisé et suscite sans cesse nos neurones léthargiques sans jamais trop frustrer. Malheureusement, cette bouffée d'air frais sera de (très) courte durée puisque les dix-neuf niveaux s'expédient en moins de deux heures, même si les défis bonus peuvent allonger un peu l'expérience. On aura du coup un peu de mal à conseiller d'acheter Portal seul car, même à 15 €, ce First Person Puzzle facture assez cher le temps de jeu. Maintenant, une fois intégré dans le reste de l'Orange Box, il reste un jeu très fun et frais, qui pourrait en plus s'enrichir à l'avenir.

QUICK-SAVE.de N/A

Mit Portalen denken – so viel Spaß hat ein Puzzle-Platformer schon lange nicht gemacht. Portal hat in den kurzen Spielstunden so viel zu bieten: schicke Grafik, gut durchdachte Rätsel, tolle Steuerung, aberwitzigen Humor und die Gelüste nach einer süßen Backware. Selbst Anfänger, die sich sonst nicht so oft in dem Genre bewegen, kriegen die teils kniffligen Aufgaben mit dem mobilen Portalgerät gelöst, ohne dabei sofort frustrierend zur Komplettlösung greifen zu müssen. Der Kuchen mag eine Lüge sein, aber Portal ist ungelogen eine Sensation der Videospielgeschichte.