Portal

 PC
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 6390 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5,896 out of 6390
  2. Mixed: 369 out of 6390
  3. Negative: 125 out of 6390
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  1. jelikey
    Sep 27, 2016
    7
    This is one of the more innovative games I've played. The humour and wit make it so entertaining and the puzzles/quests are really interesting. I loved it and can't wait to play the second one. And who can complain about the end song? It's genius!
  2. grandpajoe6191
    Nov 8, 2011
    7
    "Portal", a smart organized game created by the infamous Valve, is entertaining. It's indisputably short (2 hours), which was a major letdown, but with clean graphics it manages to hold your attention for the moment. The questions aren't baffling; any human with a brain of a elementary kid would solve the game easily. The story is pretty awesome and makes you feel like watching a movie in"Portal", a smart organized game created by the infamous Valve, is entertaining. It's indisputably short (2 hours), which was a major letdown, but with clean graphics it manages to hold your attention for the moment. The questions aren't baffling; any human with a brain of a elementary kid would solve the game easily. The story is pretty awesome and makes you feel like watching a movie in some sort of way. Overall, get it or alse...THE CAKE IS A LIE (if you get what I mean).… Expand
  3. jacobwt226
    Mar 6, 2012
    7
    Now, the second one is better, but you just gotta love the first! it captured my heart and did not let go for awhile, til i played the second one at least... Found no problem with the game, expect one, the humor. The humor is funny, but unnecessary cussing (only a couple times) , made me have a guilty mind when I recommend it to someone young. It is unnecessary, just plain old outrightNow, the second one is better, but you just gotta love the first! it captured my heart and did not let go for awhile, til i played the second one at least... Found no problem with the game, expect one, the humor. The humor is funny, but unnecessary cussing (only a couple times) , made me have a guilty mind when I recommend it to someone young. It is unnecessary, just plain old outright wrong, like in games like MW1, I understand entirely different story. But in this, it stands in-between two genres, you can tell Valve makes shooters by the way it plays, and it talks, thats my only complaint.… Expand
  4. MOGEnrique
    Apr 10, 2011
    7
    Portal is a unique puzzle/platformer game. Though really short, it keeps you entertained. The challenge is simple but not easy, just enough difficulty for every kind of gamer out there. The story, visuals and sound are great, fitting the game perfectly. Portal is already a timeless classic that everyone should play at least once.
  5. MySt1
    Oct 17, 2010
    5
    I have to admit that Portal is a really unique game. But I still dont understand whats so amazing about this game.I think Portal is a pretty cool game, but it´s repeative and short, compleating it will take about 2-4 hours.But the computer AI GLaDoS is an awesome "character".GLADoS is propably one of the greatest enemies of all time.But that doesnt change my opinion aboutI have to admit that Portal is a really unique game. But I still dont understand whats so amazing about this game.I think Portal is a pretty cool game, but it´s repeative and short, compleating it will take about 2-4 hours.But the computer AI GLaDoS is an awesome "character".GLADoS is propably one of the greatest enemies of all time.But that doesnt change my opinion about Portal.For me, it was a repeative and pretty boring game with cool puzzles, nothing special.I hope that Portal 2 would be a better game than this.… Expand
  6. GregP.
    Oct 18, 2007
    6
    The game was innovative and interseting but way to short and too many simple levels toward the beginning of the game made it boring quickly.
  7. MusicJJJ
    Sep 15, 2011
    6
    Gets pretttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttty decent after 5 hours... oh wait.... the game ends there....
  8. Ziamboni
    Sep 19, 2011
    6
    It was free, so I downloaded it. I think i fell prey to your reviews. "innovative" "exciting" you said. "Puzzles" you said. This is no puzzle game. This is an arcade, mostly. I bet the game in one run, less than 2 hours. To say there's a puzzle, you'd have to think; you don't have to think in Portal. There are two or three tricks to use, and that's it. ( 1. Fall-to-gain-momentum trick 2.It was free, so I downloaded it. I think i fell prey to your reviews. "innovative" "exciting" you said. "Puzzles" you said. This is no puzzle game. This is an arcade, mostly. I bet the game in one run, less than 2 hours. To say there's a puzzle, you'd have to think; you don't have to think in Portal. There are two or three tricks to use, and that's it. ( 1. Fall-to-gain-momentum trick 2. Blob-goes-through-portal trick 3. Rockets-get-through-portal trick). Another thing is the humour. I liked some of the jokes, but seriously, they aren't worth listening to that damn voice for 2 hours.I mean, I thought I'll snap at my computer... irritated. The story however... is good. Not great. Above average I'd say - it has atmosphere.
    Concluding:
    "Puzzles" 2/10
    Concept: 7/10 - good idea, less than satisfactory execution
    Story: 8/10 really liked that

    Of course, the source engine still holds up, the graphics are good; even though your character is made out of wood. If it's free-portal-time again, download it, play it, forget it. Wouldn't buy it. Actually, would buy it, then would regret it.

    And to "download maps, dude" people - This is the place to review a game as released. There are maps, yes, but I say the game provided to me is vaguely satisfying.    … Expand
  9. MikeM.
    Jan 13, 2008
    5
    The Portal gun idea is great. Why didn't they make more levels or more puzzles for this? The game is shorter than a movie, verry dull atmosphere, boring and drab. They practically hold your hand through the beginning which makes the rest of the game pretty simple, and far too short unless you're just renting it. It is not worth the price tag IMHO, but if you haven't tried The Portal gun idea is great. Why didn't they make more levels or more puzzles for this? The game is shorter than a movie, verry dull atmosphere, boring and drab. They practically hold your hand through the beginning which makes the rest of the game pretty simple, and far too short unless you're just renting it. It is not worth the price tag IMHO, but if you haven't tried it yet you should rent it.… Expand
  10. RogerD.
    Jan 3, 2008
    6
    An interesting concept..although brutally simplistic and almost completely devoid of plot. There are some interesting twists, but nothing that really got me that involved...plus it wasn't really that funny. Hopefully the modding community plays around with this one.
  11. MarkusM.
    Sep 6, 2009
    7
    Good idea but the graphics suck even more and the levels are a bit too easy... I really like the humour in the game, also the atmosphere is really creepy.. The only thing i really hated that you can play the game through in 4-5 hours(if you already played it before), which is way too short... And i would not consider this game as a puzzle game... They also could´ve made the battle Good idea but the graphics suck even more and the levels are a bit too easy... I really like the humour in the game, also the atmosphere is really creepy.. The only thing i really hated that you can play the game through in 4-5 hours(if you already played it before), which is way too short... And i would not consider this game as a puzzle game... They also could´ve made the battle against Glados much more tricky and harder.… Expand
  12. DannyV.
    Dec 1, 2007
    6
    Overated like hell, it took me a few hours to complete it. Yeh it was fun, but they could've added so much more things like more enemies, levels, challenges etc. It is amazing that the people that made HL2 are the people that made this. Only good for renting, definately not worth the buy.
  13. TimC.
    Aug 13, 2008
    5
    Fun and different kept me going for a while, but this game has zero reply value, I tried to pick it up again but it just didnt happen, it became very old very quickly.
  14. Dalek
    Aug 22, 2009
    7
    The beginning is boring, it's just simple stuff and you want to get to the action. I completed this game in a couple of hours and thought..
    Wow, it's the end? already?
    this game should be very cheap due to the lack of time it spent to complete the game.
  15. jwt7000
    Oct 14, 2011
    6
    This game should have been free as a HL2 add-on rather than being independent. Otherwise it wasn't worth it, but the DLC was worthy with the puzzle challenges and with another puzzle campaign mod. Also a short game could have expected more puzzles to solve with.
  16. Kaizoku2793
    Feb 17, 2011
    6
    First, I would like to state clearly that I enjoyed Portal just not as much as everyone else. Portalâ
  17. C4K3
    Oct 29, 2010
    6
    The game is truly great. And the only negative thing about it, is the lack of multiplayer. But that is still enough to make it go from a 10 to a 6 in my opinion. It will only give you so many hours of gameplay, versus multiplayer games which give you thousands of hours.
  18. Dylanmc12
    Mar 3, 2011
    7
    The game is one of the best FPP-Games out there.
    Almost the entire game is a tutorial, constantly thrusting new items and mechanic's on to you.
    The character's are well designed, especially RatMan.
    Theres not much varietey in combat though. I know the game wasn't intended to be combat-heavy, but HEY! Someone need's to tear something's liver apart everyonce in a while.
  19. Nicholai
    Jul 4, 2011
    5
    I have heard countless reviews praising this game for its innovation and dry humor as well as Jonathan Coulton's â
  20. OmnipotentGamer
    Aug 5, 2013
    6
    Innovative and interesting, but for me not very fun, some puzzles whee better than others, but the most memorable moment was the credits with "still alive" sad when the most memorable moment in your game is the credits.
  21. hit925
    Dec 27, 2011
    7
    This game is very short as you will be completely finished with it in around 4 hours and since it is a puzzle game, you have no incentive to replay since you already know the answers. This feels like a blueprint, a concept that Valve were merely test-driving. Although, what a concept it is. The idea of the portal gun is simple yet infinitely complex. It's pure genius and there is clearlyThis game is very short as you will be completely finished with it in around 4 hours and since it is a puzzle game, you have no incentive to replay since you already know the answers. This feels like a blueprint, a concept that Valve were merely test-driving. Although, what a concept it is. The idea of the portal gun is simple yet infinitely complex. It's pure genius and there is clearly more room to expand on it, as in Portal 2. Plus, Glados is certainly a very memorable video game villain.… Expand
  22. spadenx
    Jan 20, 2012
    7
    The game is fun. The gameplay is original and a ton of fun to play and also requires a bit of thinking to get through a level. The graphics look terrible though and the challenges are more of an annoyance then a challenge. The dialouge is hilarious though and definently worth listening too. Overall, It has a few flaws but Portal has that "It" factor that makes it totally worth playing.
  23. fartheststar
    Jul 19, 2013
    7
    Really cool game up to a point, but I'm left feeling bummed out. I was having a blast up until level 18 and got stone-walled there. I couldn't push the little button up on the tiny tower and after trying for hours gave it up. It was disappointing because I was having such a good time up to that point. It was a really innovate game mechanic. I found the computer narrator entertainingReally cool game up to a point, but I'm left feeling bummed out. I was having a blast up until level 18 and got stone-walled there. I couldn't push the little button up on the tiny tower and after trying for hours gave it up. It was disappointing because I was having such a good time up to that point. It was a really innovate game mechanic. I found the computer narrator entertaining and the game overall had an interesting/ immersive atmosphere.

    But it's just frustrating to not be able to finish what was so satisfying up to that point. I even looked up a walkthrough on that level 18 and watched somebody do what I was trying to do I just couldn't pull it off. It's one of those "I know what to do and am trying to do the right thing I just can't execute it" type things.

    Anyhow, it's memorable, worth playing, but I think such high scores overstate the experience.    … Expand
  24. zachallan
    May 10, 2012
    7
    I played this game AFTER Portal 2, and what a disappointment. It was short, sweet, and lacking in all the depth and personality of Portal 2. The thing I hated most about Portal is that everything was on a timer. Half the game was waiting for a timed event to occur, whereas Portal 2 was all reactive and immediate to my play style.

    An alright game when it's on 75% off sale. Take an hour to    I played this game AFTER Portal 2, and what a disappointment. It was short, sweet, and lacking in all the depth and personality of Portal 2. The thing I hated most about Portal is that everything was on a timer. Half the game was waiting for a timed event to occur, whereas Portal 2 was all reactive and immediate to my play style.

    An alright game when it's on 75% off sale. Take an hour to beat it before Portal 2 to have a bit background, but not necessary.    … Expand
  25. WaterWoman
    May 18, 2012
    7
    Props for the uniqueness, and the comedy was great; however, it's not a 9.5 game. Almost the greatest game ever (10)? ah, no. Better than Portal 2, I thought. I think everyone should play this game, but I get it if you don't like it that much. Value is a great company.
  26. kitru
    May 4, 2021
    7
    Игра проходится за 2 часа, но очень весело, один раз (в начале) даже пришлось залезть в интернет за решением, в целом даже тупой пройдет (как я), must-play
  27. kndr
    May 11, 2021
    5
    It is okay puzzle game. Good but becomes repetitive. There are not many enemies or enough changes to keep gameplay fresh.
  28. Jarool
    Jan 1, 2023
    5
    + Nice puzzles
    - Very short
    - Simple plot
    - You expected something more
    - very overrated
  29. Jason
    Oct 19, 2007
    7
    Great game... but myself and my brother beat the game in less than 3 hours... kind of a joke. I just hope they throw some expansion levels out soon, or incorporate the portal gun into a half life game.
  30. AllyD.
    Feb 21, 2008
    7
    Would of been a TEN but for short life span! this game is amazing and simply genius, but i completed it about 3 hrs total. they better make a part 2. I loved this game, but this is more like an intro. speed test add more life but the 1st player was so good. i was gutted it was so short. comforted myself with a big real cake, and played again. To Valve, don't be scared, make it big Would of been a TEN but for short life span! this game is amazing and simply genius, but i completed it about 3 hrs total. they better make a part 2. I loved this game, but this is more like an intro. speed test add more life but the 1st player was so good. i was gutted it was so short. comforted myself with a big real cake, and played again. To Valve, don't be scared, make it big and hard, we can handle it!!!the potential for this game is huge.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PC Game of 2007
2
#2 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007
9
#9 Most Shared PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. IGN
    82
    The idea behind Portal ends up being more brilliant than Portal itself. Regardless, we definitely had a lot of fun with what is there and appreciate the level of polish and thought that went into the presentation.
    Read full review
  2. PC Gamer UK
    92
    Portal is a magnificent puzzle game. The titillating wrongness of every solution and the wonky thinking required to get there make you feel like a space-folding genius, and yet you'll almost never get stuck.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    90
    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.
    Read full review
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