Portal 2 Review
More Game Info (Print This Article)
Graphics:
8.9
Gameplay:
9.8
Sound:
9.5
Control:
9.6
Replay Value:
9.0
Overall Rating: 9.4
Online Gameplay:
Not Rated
Publisher:
Valve
Developer:
Valve
Number Of Players:
1-2
Genre:
Puzzle
Portal 2 is an ingeniously designed game that rewards and satisfies. Those who don’t analyze it too closely will find themselves relishing the solving of one puzzle while simultaneously craving the next. Those whose job it is to analyze will reflect and note with amazement the sheer number of obstacles and pitfalls the developers faced. Whether you simply let it wash over you or sit back and think about it, Valve’s latest is a fantastic achievement of the highest order, and one well worth your time. Longevity may be an issue for certain people and the stark sterility of the environments may chafe the artistic mind, but the combination of endlessly clever puzzles and highly entertaining voice performances is more than enough to compensate. This is a gem.
I will elaborate on the aforementioned starkness now, as we start with the graphics. There’s no doubt that visually, this is a meticulously created and ultimately clean presentation with unbelievable level design. There are virtually no common visual errors to speak of, and the crispness of both special effects and our surroundings is impressive. That being said, this engine is showing its age in some ways, as the futuristic, sci-fi sleekness borders on blandness. We just don’t have that richness of tone and color and so much of the game just feels…well, devoid of panache. That may be a bit harsh, though, and we have to remember that part of Valve’s goal is to provide the gamer with a lifeless, post-apocalyptic, atmosphere. And that, they do. Quite well, in fact.
The sound is better, and one of the major highlights thanks to supreme voice acting. The hilarious Stephen Merchant as the fast-talking Wheatley, the gruff and always recognizable J.K. Simmons, and the subtly insulting Ellen McLain (GLaDOS), are all excellent. They’re so good, in fact, that they become staples of the production, and you actually enjoy hearing their running commentary. It’s just so beautifully written and acted; it can’t help but be engaging. The soundtrack fits extremely well, too, as it’s a combination of faintly classical tracks mixed with refined electronic beats. If that doesn’t fit this production, nothing does. The effects take a back seat to everything else in the audio category, but that’s okay…this is a thinking man’s game, not a shooter.
First and foremost, Portal 2 is a puzzle game based around the concept of – if you couldn’t guess – portals. You have a portal gun and in order to progress and/or solve various puzzles, you must utilize this core concept: L1 fires an orange portal and R1 fires a blue one; obviously, you need two stationed in the environment in order for them to work. You walk, jump, or fall through one, and you will emerge from the other. This doesn’t sound complex and in fact, it isn’t. But what the developers do with this mechanic and how they implement other additions, such as switches, lasers, and different types of sci-fi goop (for bouncing, speed, and creating portals wherever you wish) is just amazing. At the start, you’ll go, “well, this is sort of cool,” and as time goes on, you’ll continually be blown away by the intricate design of these puzzles.
The control is great and that’s essential because there is some platforming involved. We still get that weightless, sliding-on-glass sensation that feels outdated, but we don’t need weight physics in this game. Besides, this type of control fits the style because it’s always uniform; it isn’t susceptible to any of the quirks that go along with more realistic movement physics. And if you’re looking for top-notch physics, just watch how that goop I talked about before interacts with the environment; it’s borderline perfect for our purposes. Perhaps best of all is the fact that Valve understood this game’s aim and remained faithful to it: we don't have to be great platforming artists, because much of the aerial stuff is done automatically.
What I mean is that if you have to solve a puzzle by utilizing a combination of the blue and orange fluid – say you have to speed across one and leap off the other to reach your goal – you won’t die because your reflexes and dexterity failed you. You solved the puzzle; the actual physical execution isn’t what matters, and you will be launched in the right direction. While you do have to be careful when moving along narrow spaces at great heights, and you do have to angle yourself correctly when free-bouncing, most of your in-flight stuff is uniform and reliable. It isn’t dependent on your own actions because after all, you solved the damn puzzle and it’s time to be rewarded. Speaking of rewards, we come to the best part-
Look, on the surface, it’s easy to miss the level of accomplishment that lies within. From a development standpoint, it’d be very easy to make a mistake. If a wall is off by an inch; if a block doesn’t fall just right; if the player can get anywhere that throws a wrench into the works, the entire puzzle fails. Given the complexity of the design, I was convinced I could find a way to mess it up. I’d get stuck somewhere that forces me to reload or die. …but that didn’t happen. I mean, even being able to see just the edge of a wall that will receive a portal; they have to get the view from our character exactly right. If I couldn’t move that extra step, I’d never see it and the puzzle becomes undoable. It’s pretty damn “wow.”
The story is another big bonus, even if it you often lose track during the course of your puzzle-solving. As for longevity, the single-player campaign will take most people 8-10 hours, although it may take longer if you take more time arriving at the solutions. Then there’s the co-op mode, which offers an entirely different – and equally satisfying – experience and adds even more appeal to the package. The pacing and unparalleled balance of the game is another big positive: the first four or five hours consists of intricate puzzles set within rooms, which range greatly in size but nevertheless remain enclosed. In the latter three or four hours, you’re typically in an outdoor environment where the goal is a little different; there are still puzzles, of course, but much of the challenge will lie in progressing. In other words, the “puzzle” might just be getting to a certain stairway or door, and it can be surprisingly tough.
Portal 2 is a memorable, challenging, beautifully designed sci-fi story. The developers walk the line between overly frustrating and underwhelming; most every puzzle will tax your problem-solving abilities, but none will cause you to throw your arms up in despair. They introduce awesome new mechanics and combine them in later puzzles, so you never feel blindsided or unprepared. The control is rock solid and smooth, the campaign is of an agreeable length, the co-op is a gimongous bonus, the audio and voice acting is some of the best you’ll ever hear, and the rewards are great. I still think some of the puzzles could be a little too obscure, especially in the second half, and I’m not the biggest fan of the plot.
There’s also the fact that, once solved, a puzzle is never so much fun again. Therefore, replay-ability takes an unavoidable hit. Still, this ranks right up there with the most accomplished and satisfying productions of this generation.
The Good: Fantastic voice acting and good music. Unbelievably intricate and rewarding level design and puzzle construction. Great control. Balance and pacing are sublime. Impressive, almost flawless presentation. Campaign is a good length.
The Bad: Graphics are slick but feel sterile and outdated. Some of the later puzzles are a tad obscure. Not much reason to play it twice.
The Ugly: “Wait…how do I get over there?!”
4/19/2011 Ben Dutka
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Comments (98 posts)
ZettaiSeigi
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 9:32:07 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 1:28:05 AM
5 up, 1 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:29:09 AM
Last edited by Beamboom on 4/20/2011 2:29:50 AM
0 up, 2 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:54:17 AM
13 up, 4 down
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:55:12 AM
Hell as much as I loved the first Crysis for its beauty and how much it reminded me of the original Farcry (should since it's the same developer) it has nothing on HalfLife(2).
Valve has a tendency to introduce new gameplay elements or refine current ones with each new addition of HalfLife...which reminds me Episode3 is taking FOREVER!@#$@#
10 up, 1 down
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:59:09 AM
0 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 3:00:35 AM
0 up, 0 down
Bjorn77
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 3:31:05 AM
5 up, 9 down
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 3:36:32 AM
Have you played HalfLife2? I don't know how you can honestly say Crysis2 and HalfLife2 are equals. I've played through both and I'd say HalfLife2 comes across like a well developed drama while Crysis2 is the equivalent of AlienvsPredator.
Crysis2 is an entertaining game, like a bag of chips but the bag runs out. HalfLife2 has far more lasting power and ZERO AUTO AIM.
ZERO!
8 up, 2 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 4:23:03 AM
Last edited by Beamboom on 4/20/2011 4:25:19 AM
0 up, 3 down
Clamedeus
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 9:57:45 AM
You don't need aim assist on consoles they just have it on consoles, I'm not sure why though. I always disable it on FPS games if it gives me the option to.
They should start making it optional, or you could make a ranked room with no aim assist at all in it. It's not really needed.
It's because you are used to using a Mouse and Keyboard.
Last edited by Clamedeus on 4/20/2011 9:59:04 AM
3 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:41:06 PM
Yea I'm down Limited. Ima go pick up a better mouse next week. Once I do ill be one Steam quite a bit more. I also have Counter Strike Source and Battlefield 2.
4 up, 1 down
Zaben
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 9:32:52 PM
Reply
I was sold.
4 up, 0 down
Qubex
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 9:36:57 PM
Reply
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
1 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 9:43:13 PM
Reply
12 up, 1 down
bigrailer19
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:38:57 AM
4 up, 0 down
chedison
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:40:10 AM
3 up, 0 down
Qubex
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:26:40 AM
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
4 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 7:27:10 AM
0 up, 0 down
frylock25
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 8:38:52 AM
5 up, 0 down
DazeOfWar
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 9:46:42 PM
Reply
2 up, 2 down
CrusaderForever
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 9:59:44 PM
Reply
3 up, 0 down
hellish_devil
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 10:00:50 PM
Reply
6 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 10:10:43 PM
6 up, 1 down
Underdog15
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 10:40:02 PM
Sometimes value is rated beyond simple measureables like #of hours.
To this day, I could play Super Mario 3 or Mega Man X (I have a soft spot for Mega Man X games... hey capcom! I want Mega Man X9 on my PS3!!!) all over again and thoroughly enjoy myself. I know exactly what to do, and how to do it quickly. But when a mechanic works so well that you want to go back despite already knowing everything, then it has a high replay value.
I think that's the reasoning Ben is using.
4 up, 1 down
chedison
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 1:24:53 AM
0 up, 0 down
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 1:29:55 AM
5 up, 0 down
Qubex
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:28:18 AM
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
6 up, 0 down
tridon
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 10:32:14 PM
Reply
4 up, 1 down
Jawknee
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 10:36:59 PM
Reply
3 up, 1 down
CrusaderForever
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 1:48:50 AM
5 up, 0 down
Deleted User
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 10:42:24 PM
Reply
1 up, 3 down
bigrailer19
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:46:04 AM
All those games you mentioned should be stellar, but I still think skyrim, as well as battlefield 3 could he up in that mix too!
2 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:28:24 AM
1 up, 1 down
556pineapple
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 10:49:47 PM
Reply
And to address the re-playability, I think that varies on the person. I've played the first Portal maybe around 8-10 times, and though the puzzles don't offer the challenge they once did, I find it just as enjoyable to experience it again. Maybe it's because it's shorter and easily digestible, that makes it fun to play through again, and I admit I won't know for sure about Portal 2 til I actually play through it myself. But that's just my opinion.
By the way, anyone try the cross-platform play yet? I have a steam account myself, and I'm curious about how well it will actually work to play with my PC friends from my PS3, seeing as my laptop can barely run the first one.
0 up, 0 down
crunchy_nut_kid
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 11:08:26 PM
Reply
"there you have it folks, an extra 6 seconds of co-operation"-----classic :)
3 up, 0 down
johnld
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 11:19:27 PM
Reply
I bought the orange box just because what i heard about portal. tried it and found it boring. i found the environment bland and spending hours playing a puzzle game would wear on me. Its not that i want instant gratification, i do play call of duty and crysis 2 but i also love strategy/puzzle games and rpgs. its more about playing a puzzle game in an sterile environment. although i know that is the kind of environment that valve went for but it'll get really old for me really fast. Since everyone seems to like the game, i might have to "borrow" portal 2 from gamestop a little later to give it a second chance.
on a related note, why doesnt this game have move support? isnt this a really good game for playstation move? its slow paced, nothing much going on, a shooter in the loosest term, and simple. I just see how great it would be to play this game using the move and sharpshooter. Also, they couldve added portal 1 in the package remastered or not.
Last edited by johnld on 4/19/2011 11:20:16 PM
0 up, 0 down
TheCrazyMerc
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 11:19:55 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Milonakis
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 11:26:39 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 11:30:15 PM
4 up, 0 down
Shams
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 11:35:00 PM
1 up, 0 down
Shams
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 11:28:10 PM
Reply
1 up, 1 down
Jawknee
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 11:56:03 PM
Reply
3 up, 6 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:26:00 AM
Last edited by Beamboom on 4/20/2011 2:32:49 AM
2 up, 1 down
jimmyhandsome
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 11:08:14 AM
1 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:43:20 PM
3 up, 0 down
Teddie9
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:06:58 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
kraygen
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:08:34 AM
Reply
I can definitely understand the comments about the graphics, a bunch of metallic white walls are exactly new or difficult to pull off, was surprised the graphics score was so high actually.
Maybe I'll see if any of my friends buy it, if they will let me play it for an hour to see what I think, since apparently there is no demo available.
0 up, 1 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:19:10 AM
6 up, 3 down
kraygen
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 11:23:30 AM
I hate to watch golf, but it can be a lot of fun to play. Some things are just that way.
2 up, 1 down
TheAgingHipster
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 1:44:47 PM
And BTW, golf is the best sport ever. :)
1 up, 1 down
Lawless SXE
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:27:44 AM
Reply
Peace.
P.S. Is the co-op strictly online, or is there local co-op as well?
1 up, 0 down
bigrailer19
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:43:20 AM
1 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:48:53 AM
Peace.
1 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:19:44 AM
Or maybe it's just me hoping... But if we look back at the history of gaming we find giant titles like Lemmings who everyone and their grandparents had to play back in the days. Other titles that became big hits and require brains/strategy instead of trigger fingers include Sim City, C&C and all those, Alpha Centauri, Elite, Black&White, even The Sims.
I know nothing about consoles prior to ps3 but I'm sure there are similar examples for PS2&co.
They do of course drown in the amount of games based on shooting/killing, but worth mentioning I think. The masses are open for more than just action action action, and on the ps3 I think the timing is perfect now. I'm not alone in suffering an overdose of brainless action lately.
Last edited by Beamboom on 4/20/2011 2:22:12 AM
1 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 4:16:44 AM
1 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 7:32:50 AM
as far as portal 2 goes, the mention of little replay value combined with its length makes this a rental for me.
1 up, 1 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 8:15:22 AM
But is 8-10 hours length too short for you? Compared to what? You can't really expect more than that nowadays other than with multiplayer games and rpgs (generally speaking)?
1 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 10:03:38 AM
as far as portal 2 is concerned it's the length combined witn replay value that makes me question its value at $60. others may feel differently.
2 up, 1 down
frylock25
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 12:29:35 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 1:24:41 AM
Reply
People like to complain about the Source Engine since it's going on 7years now but it continues to improve and Valve has done a great job expanding it with this game. I look forward to playing some co-op tomorrow. If anyone's interested my SteamID is Limited Vertigo.
Glad to see PS3 users are finally able to enjoy the greatness that is Valve.
5 up, 0 down
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 1:28:41 AM
1 up, 0 down
chedison
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 1:31:24 AM
I just tried searching for you and you're nowhere to be found my friend :(. If you want to just PM the link to your profile, would be easier.
0 up, 0 down
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:55:53 AM
PixyStyx
Yes, I go by that in Counterstrike :)
3 up, 0 down
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:57:21 AM
No spaces.
0 up, 0 down
Geobaldi
Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 8:14:32 PM
Last edited by Geobaldi on 4/21/2011 8:16:45 PM
0 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 1:49:08 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Godslim
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 5:29:31 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
tridon
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 5:57:55 AM
Reply
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/04/19/update-on-the-last-guardian-and-icoshadow-of-the-colossus-collection/
1 up, 0 down
Sir Dan
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 6:45:51 AM
Reply
3 up, 5 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 10:13:16 AM
I don't see anywhere in the review where I said this would happen to the normal gamer.
1 up, 1 down
Sir Dan
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 1:16:35 PM
2 up, 0 down
ZettaiSeigi
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 6:46:49 AM
Reply
A note to Valve: Thank you for making good on your promises to us PlayStation fans. And for that, I am absolutely going to get this game just to reward you for all your effort!
6 up, 0 down
Ultimadream
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 7:28:02 AM
Reply
I feel the same with Half-Life aswell, I played through 1 and most of 2 and thought it was an avarage shooter good at best, but not in the league of Resistance, Bioshock, Halo or Timesplitters. I'll give Valve credity for Left4Dead, where the gameplay is very intense and fun, possibly the best non-online multiplayer game this gen.
3 up, 2 down
TheAgingHipster
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 10:04:21 AM
Last edited by TheAgingHipster on 4/20/2011 10:04:54 AM
3 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 10:17:14 AM
But it works for the game in question, and while it has a grand total of three characters - not counting the main character, because she's entirely faceless and never says a word - the writing sees it through. It's just entertaining and a really nice complement to the gameplay, which is very clearly the focus.
3 up, 1 down
TheAgingHipster
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 1:47:29 PM
1 up, 1 down
Excelsior1
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 7:44:34 AM
Reply
i did notice the discrepency between the critics scores and user reviews on metacritic. i wondered if it's just a bunch of disgruntled pc gamers. ???
@ultimadream
i agree with a lot of what you said. i thought all those games you mentioned were a little overrated as well. i also agree with your sentiments on left4dead. played that on a friend's 360, and it was intense. i hope it comes to ps3.
1 up, 0 down
ZettaiSeigi
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 5:56:26 PM
2 up, 0 down
Pandacastro
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 2:36:21 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Danny007
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 4:02:11 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
PS3_Mom
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 4:50:08 PM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
Lairfan
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 6:48:51 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
sha4dowknight05
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 @ 10:19:49 PM
Reply
0 up, 1 down
Cravit8
Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 10:29:25 AM
Reply
I am so addicted.
I would like to add that I was apprehensive about gameplay on a console. Portal 1 required some very quick and precise mouse clicks that was very dependent on dexterity and reflexes and I couldn't fathom completing that game with a controller. It's amazing to see that Valve had the foresight to make Portal 2 more puzzle centric so that consoles weren't handicapped by the controllers. I'm mostly through the game and have yet to have a problem, as I am just not a good twitch gamer.
0 up, 0 down
PSTan
Reply
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 8:55:51 PM