"Portal... A quest for Cake!"

First, let me say that when I Pre-ordered my copy of the Orange Box, and it told me that it came with a bunch more, including portal, I was a bit worried. After all, no other Half-Life game has come with an entire series for the cost of one game on it's release. Then I saw the previews for portal, and instead of looking forward to Half Life 2 Episode 2, I started looking forward to Portal.



Summary: Basically, your a female who wakes up out of a recreation chamber to test a new type of device, for some unknown reason. A computer tells you that you are going to be a test subject. You agree, and then begin the tests There are 19 tests and some additional puzzles afterward. The game takes roughly 3-4 hours depending on how good you are at puzzles.

Game play: 10/10 I give it to Valve, they know how to make a really good damn game. It takes no time at all to get used to, and within a half hour you will have your portal gun, and about 20 minutes later the full portal gun. At this point, you will probably spend a good amount of time acting like a kid with a new toy playing with the portal gun. Trust me, this is the most fun invention EVER. Puzzles have a bit high of a learning curve near the end, and some seem near-impossible, but it comes down to timing, or thinking. One thing I like, is that you can import additional maps. I can't wait to see what people are gonna come up with for this.

Graphics: 10/10 Most of the tiles are the same, from room to room. It gives you the feel that you are actually where it you are seeing.

Sound: 10/10 From the pistons to the glowing-ball-of-death launchers, each item makes it's own unique sound. There is also some decent music pops up occasionally. And the voices on the turrets are just incredible. Not to mention, you need to beat the game because there is a song that is just incredibly well done at the end. Trust me, you will enjoy it!

Story: N/A No story really, you wake up and get to test out a new toy. I mean, who wouldn't want to be woken up and told : "Hey, here's the most advanced, coolest, shiniest, most powerful new toy on the planet. Have fun". Nobody, that's who! If you really want a story, I guess it could be the promises of cake the voice keeps making...

Overview: 10/10 Anyone who has read any of my reviews (Either on Gamefaqs or the other sites) knows that I have never given a perfect score before this game... However, no matter how hard I try, I can't think of anything wrong with this game. I just can't explain how much fun this game is.

Recommendation: Buy The Orange Box, if for no other reason, then for this game. It's seriously worth it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/10/07