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. whitespider999
    Feb 16, 2012
    8
    A thrilling and mind bending experiment. Innovative, involved, and exactly what we need to see more of in gaming. Bold steps in new directions. Out of this and portal 2, I still prefer portal 2 by a wide margin. However this game deserves recognition for being truly original at the time of release. And even now really.
  2. JoeMtW
    Apr 24, 2011
    9
    Although sometimes frustrating, never seemingly impossible. It takes awhile to figure out some puzzles, but I never had to actually look up a walk-through to get through it. Yes, the game is short... But it was still really enjoyable for the time I played it. And I don't really think the point of it was to be a long game, more just a fun one. Definitely a creative and original game. It's a buy.
  3. murderkarp
    Apr 27, 2011
    10
    Portal was truly an amazing game. First of all i think we have to remember that although a great game, it wasn't meant to be the hit of the Orange Box. It was originally created as a fall bac game just in case the rest of the Orange Box didn't do very well. Besides that, it was an amazingly innovative game that made up for its lack of length and difficulty with its humour and game-play. IPortal was truly an amazing game. First of all i think we have to remember that although a great game, it wasn't meant to be the hit of the Orange Box. It was originally created as a fall bac game just in case the rest of the Orange Box didn't do very well. Besides that, it was an amazingly innovative game that made up for its lack of length and difficulty with its humour and game-play. I loved the game myself and wouldn't have changed a thing. Good job Valve.… Expand
  4. baryluk
    Jun 12, 2011
    9
    Clever, puzzle game, which changed a genre. Still no perfect, as it was quite short, and it was too linear, both in terms of whole jurney through the all puzzles. Hovewer even with single tool, you still have multiple ways to solve each puzzle.
  5. Kislen
    Mar 9, 2012
    10
    Purely superior in experience to the 2nd portal in every way. Great story, great player engagement, great pace of introducing new ideas. After playing this one, the 2nd one felt redundant and the story felt incredibly forced. They changed their mind on where they were taking this game when they patched the end cutscene to change from you being free to being dragged back inside .. thenPurely superior in experience to the 2nd portal in every way. Great story, great player engagement, great pace of introducing new ideas. After playing this one, the 2nd one felt redundant and the story felt incredibly forced. They changed their mind on where they were taking this game when they patched the end cutscene to change from you being free to being dragged back inside .. then sealed off the portal world from ever influencing the half-life world, which was very disappointing to say the least. That aside, a very fun game overall which I actually put probably about 20 or 30 hours into doing various advanced puzzles and repeating the game once or twice just because it was fun.… Expand
  6. keanex
    Aug 9, 2016
    8
    I just bought and finished this game yesterday, it seems about 8 years too late. Anyway, the game obviously looks dated for 2016, nothing unexpected about that. In-fact I'm going to ignore the graphics and audio since it's such an old game.

    I love the concept, the puzzles were fun, but the game was super short. Hell I thought I was playing the tutorial, well I suppose at first I was.    I just bought and finished this game yesterday, it seems about 8 years too late. Anyway, the game obviously looks dated for 2016, nothing unexpected about that. In-fact I'm going to ignore the graphics and audio since it's such an old game.

    I love the concept, the puzzles were fun, but the game was super short. Hell I thought I was playing the tutorial, well I suppose at first I was. The game felt like a long demo and that's my issue with it. Fun, but entirely too short.

    Fun game, and I look forward to playing Portal 2, but this feels like a demo, not a fully fledged game.    … Expand
  7. LopsterPopster
    Jun 5, 2012
    9
    Oh man do I love this game. It's funny, it's cute, it's challenging (sometimes frustratingly so), and just an overall good game. It takes a little while sometimes to get used to the "thinking with portals" thing, but once you do the game is amazing. My biggest complaint (and probably my only one) is the fact that it's a jumping puzzle game but I can't see my character's feet. So I have noOh man do I love this game. It's funny, it's cute, it's challenging (sometimes frustratingly so), and just an overall good game. It takes a little while sometimes to get used to the "thinking with portals" thing, but once you do the game is amazing. My biggest complaint (and probably my only one) is the fact that it's a jumping puzzle game but I can't see my character's feet. So I have no idea where I'm jumping to. Granted, the first-person view added to the game, I just get super frustrated when I go to jump somewhere and... Oh, I jumped completely past it when I thought i was on it. Lovely. Valve has a tendency to do this, unfortunately. But other than that, this game was beautiful and unbelievably fun.… Expand
  8. Everlong
    Apr 7, 2012
    10
    In my humble opinion Portal represents the pinnacle of game design. With it's utterly unique and creative game mechanics, and intelligent level designs, Portal proves that a puzzle game can be much more enjoyable than the horde of First Person Shooters that dominate the gaming industry.
  9. Etr0pis
    Jun 18, 2012
    10
    though the game is incredibly short; it is still impressive. The puzzle's will keep you busy and the cruel humored GlaDoS will keep you entertained. the graphics are your typical valve graphics powered by source.
  10. Dazaras
    Aug 12, 2012
    10
    Easily one of my favorite games of all time. Simple yet addicting game mechanics form unique and memorable puzzles and make a solid foundation for the subtly unfolding story line.
  11. iseeall
    Jul 29, 2013
    10
    A great game with excellent innovative idea. Some of the puzzle rooms are simply a work of a genius. One of the best puzzle games ever. If you haven't seen it, you should.
  12. Rhaziel
    May 7, 2013
    10
    Well... It's been about 10 years since I last played a Valve game. The first one I ever played was Half-Life Uplink (demo to original HL1). And it was terrific. I finished it maybe 50 times. Then I got full HL1 and finished it a couple of times too. And then I never played a Valve game again.
    Until a week ago. I got Portal Bundle on Steam about a year ago for as cheap as 10$ or so. And I    Well... It's been about 10 years since I last played a Valve game. The first one I ever played was Half-Life Uplink (demo to original HL1). And it was terrific. I finished it maybe 50 times. Then I got full HL1 and finished it a couple of times too. And then I never played a Valve game again.
    Until a week ago. I got Portal Bundle on Steam about a year ago for as cheap as 10$ or so. And I wish I'd play this earlier.. This game is perfect! Its somewhat short, but the storyline is very intriguing. At first you may find it strange or even boring but do not give up on it it is well worth your 3~4 hours of playtime.
    Being a grown up semi no-life I can honestly say that this game firmly holds a high rank in my top 10 games of all time (an I've played a ton of games in my life).

    This is the type of game that you would sacrifice your weekday night for just to finish this last puzzle!
    Excelent choice worth any money!    … Expand
  13. iddqd4
    Jan 22, 2018
    8
    Игра с хорошим дизайном, юмором, и пазлами.
  14. Hall7718
    Feb 21, 2014
    8
    Had a blast playing Portal. I would have scored it a 9-10 if I felt the urge to replay the game. Extremely fun on the first time through the campaign though.
  15. SpiderPlayer
    Jun 19, 2015
    8
    The game is great, has a spectacular gameplay with easy puzzles, an interesting story, but the game is not very long, unfortunately, but there are a number of maps you can download and play.
  16. mulv81
    Feb 3, 2015
    8
    A decent puzzle game mixed with a first person shooter. Only fun the first time you run through it, after which the game becomes repetitive and boring. They made the puzzle mechanics fun, and the maniacal robot talking to you is funny sometimes.
  17. Termin8ter
    Oct 5, 2017
    8
    All starting from a small student game in 2005, Valve caught wind of it and hired the entire team to work at Valve. What was the game about? Portals. And that was the main gameplay concept behind Portal too. This game is incredible. Very simple story, but the way it is told is very unique. The puzzles are easy at first, but slowly get more difficult, and by the end you are completely onAll starting from a small student game in 2005, Valve caught wind of it and hired the entire team to work at Valve. What was the game about? Portals. And that was the main gameplay concept behind Portal too. This game is incredible. Very simple story, but the way it is told is very unique. The puzzles are easy at first, but slowly get more difficult, and by the end you are completely on your own. The graphics are not amazing, but they do the job. The soundtrack is mostly pretty lackluster but there are a good few gems in the score, trust me. The humour is pretty good too. In my opinion, this game is just as good as Portal 2, and is a very well done game. It is quite short, but if you get it for 10$ or under, you should be happy with what you're getting here.… Expand
  18. russiangamer
    Nov 29, 2016
    9
    Был удивлён, что игра проходится 2-2,5 часа, а может кто-нибудь пройдёт быстрее. Если учитывать длину игры, то в целом получилось отлично. Кампания проходится быстро и не успевает надоесть. Встречаются смешные шутки, интересный геймплей, графика неплоха, но немного смущает присутствие звуков из HL 2. Разработчики сделали полностью новый проект, так что это чисто придирки. Так же тут естьБыл удивлён, что игра проходится 2-2,5 часа, а может кто-нибудь пройдёт быстрее. Если учитывать длину игры, то в целом получилось отлично. Кампания проходится быстро и не успевает надоесть. Встречаются смешные шутки, интересный геймплей, графика неплоха, но немного смущает присутствие звуков из HL 2. Разработчики сделали полностью новый проект, так что это чисто придирки. Так же тут есть испытания, если кто захочет поиграть после одиночной.
    Вообщем отлично, если бы игра была дольше, думаю оценка опустилась минимум до 8, но кто знает, что имеем, то имеем.
    Рекомендую! Даже очень.    … Expand
  19. Basquilly
    Mar 14, 2016
    8
    Full of character, but unfortunately the lack of atmosphere left me feeling disappointed after all hearing all the praise piled onto this game over the years. Truly innovative gameplay did allow me to have a great time with this game none-the-less.
  20. Cosmozerk
    Jun 9, 2016
    8
    Portal is a brilliant game, a game that is pretty much 80% tutorial, but every hour of entertainment that this game gave me is really worth every single cent of its purchase.

    STORY: Portal really doesn't have a story to tell, you pretty much have to figure it out yourself because if i tell the "story" of the game, it would sound like this: "You are this girl and your traps with this    Portal is a brilliant game, a game that is pretty much 80% tutorial, but every hour of entertainment that this game gave me is really worth every single cent of its purchase.

    STORY: Portal really doesn't have a story to tell, you pretty much have to figure it out yourself because if i tell the "story" of the game, it would sound like this: "You are this girl and your traps with this robotic entity called Glados in some laboratory and you have to resolve the test that this robotic entity gives you" and that would be it.

    PRESENTATION: Portal has a very clean look, 70% of the environments have white in them and since the game is shooter from 2008, you are obviously not gonna see some incredible models or animations, but you only see that through the portals so they are pretty much non existent. Now this may sound like the presentation is horrible, but it really isn't, the game is more about the style than anything else and it reminds me a lot of Mirror's Edge with white all over the place, simple yet appealing environments and like i said the game looks very clean, which is easy on the eye and the framerate is smooth and even the most powerless PC's can run it. Now the music is pretty much non existent, aside from the theme there aren't any other tracks, but in a game like this it kinda fits, now i would definitely like hearing some tracks, but i feel like it's ok in this case.

    GAMEPLAY: Portal is a first person shooter, you move with W, A, S, D, you move the camera with the mouse, you pick up things with the E and you shoot portals with the right and left...uummm...how do you call the right and left click things in the mouse?...uuumm...uuuh, well anyway you get it. Now this mechanic may sound very basic...and it is, however by using this simple mechanic the developers made some incredible puzzles around this system and their efforts really show, this are some of the most creative puzzles i have ever seen using the law of "momentum" and the possibilities that they have with the portals. I can't really describe it, but believe me, the portal mechanics are use very, VERY well, putting your mind to think and you feel like a badass when you finally figure that puzzle ,that was very hard, out.

    But it's not just the portals, believe it or not the pick up mechanic is also used brilliantly, you use it block proyectiles, bounce proyectiles, destroy turrets, switch on mechanisms, etc and you use both the portals and the blocks that you pick up to resolve the puzzles.

    And that's it...no really, that's portal, it's a very basic game, with very basic mechanics and because of that it's very accessible, fun, replayable and deep. The puzzles are great, the setting is great, the mechanics are great and overall the game is just a blast to play, it may not be a very long game, but (unlike the order) the game is 100% gameplay and the 3-4 hours that you will play will be unforgettable. I'll give Portal a 8/10.

    PS. Glados is AWESOME!    … Expand
  21. Instable
    Jun 8, 2021
    9
    Very interesting puzzle game with its unique features. It was extremely fun to exploit its main mechanics)
  22. ashketchum
    Apr 12, 2018
    8
    Quality over quantity. The game itself takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The puzzles are well-designed and balanced in difficulty, and the atmosphere is set well, as the often quiet, sparse level design gives the atmosphere a strong sense of mystery. However, it feels far too short after completion, and there isn't much replayability once you play through it once. Also, the first fewQuality over quantity. The game itself takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The puzzles are well-designed and balanced in difficulty, and the atmosphere is set well, as the often quiet, sparse level design gives the atmosphere a strong sense of mystery. However, it feels far too short after completion, and there isn't much replayability once you play through it once. Also, the first few levels are extremely easy, but then just past halfway the difficulty seems to ramp up suddenly, and the length of the puzzles suddenly increases as well, which does feel slightly jarring initially. Still, Portal is a great game; well-polished and just generally fun to play.… Expand
  23. gautamkumar633
    Feb 20, 2022
    10
    The most unique and creative game I have ever played. Glados is one of the greatest villains in gaming history I think.
  24. ConsoleArgonaut
    Jan 14, 2018
    8
    By now everybody knows portal.
    It's a nice little puzzle game with the special feature of a portal gun.
    The game is absolutely great. If you own a PC and have Steam installed you should own Portal, or it's sequel. Rating: Gameplay: 4/5 - Nearly perfect, some minor annoyances Level Design: 5/5 - Perfect for this game Soundtrack: 4/5 - Pretty great Story: 2/5 - Lacking Graphics:    By now everybody knows portal.
    It's a nice little puzzle game with the special feature of a portal gun.
    The game is absolutely great.
    If you own a PC and have Steam installed you should own Portal, or it's sequel.

    Rating:
    Gameplay: 4/5 - Nearly perfect, some minor annoyances
    Level Design: 5/5 - Perfect for this game
    Soundtrack: 4/5 - Pretty great
    Story: 2/5 - Lacking
    Graphics: 4/5 - The art style fits the game
    Length: 2/5 - Very short
    Replay Value: 4/5 - Much additional content to the main story
    Enjoyment: 5/5 - It was absolutely great

    Overall rating: 30/40 => 7.5/10 => 8/10    … Expand
  25. Hayter
    Nov 10, 2019
    8
    Сначала игра кажется тебе не такой уж и сложной (первые 5 комнат).
    Потом становится посложнее, приходится немного подумать (5-10 комнаты).
    И сразу резко начинается хардкор, ты не можешь ничего понять, потому что у тебя вместо мозга варёная свёкла, ты начинаешь думать усерднее, может даже забиваешь на неё на пару дней, находясь почти на концовке игры, но в финале, после всех преодолённых    Сначала игра кажется тебе не такой уж и сложной (первые 5 комнат).
    Потом становится посложнее, приходится немного подумать (5-10 комнаты).
    И сразу резко начинается хардкор, ты не можешь ничего понять, потому что у тебя вместо мозга варёная свёкла, ты начинаешь думать усерднее, может даже забиваешь на неё на пару дней, находясь почти на концовке игры, но в финале, после всех преодолённых трудностей, ты получаешь истинное наслаждение.    … Expand
  26. trarantino
    Dec 29, 2018
    9
    Игра шидевр! Просто лучшая игра всех времён и народов. Какая графика, какой графон!
  27. ChikinOnFrydai
    Jul 3, 2020
    10
    This is hands down my favorite of all time. Everything about this game is perfect, the story, the atmosphere, the voice acting, the gameplay, the music, the puzzles, and everything else. This game is an absolute must play for anyone who even slightly likes laying video games.
  28. Richard_dias
    Aug 15, 2023
    10
    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.
  29. GogglesofCritic
    May 23, 2021
    10
    Portal presented Valve at their best. Making innovative games that pushed the industry forward. Portal was a short game indeed, but its impact is still going on. Nowadays many of us want to experience a new portal title and that says something. Portal wasn't perfect, it was flawed indeed but at the same time it was an unseen masterpiece that pushed the industry forward, and showed manyPortal presented Valve at their best. Making innovative games that pushed the industry forward. Portal was a short game indeed, but its impact is still going on. Nowadays many of us want to experience a new portal title and that says something. Portal wasn't perfect, it was flawed indeed but at the same time it was an unseen masterpiece that pushed the industry forward, and showed many people games are high-art.… Expand
  30. PasiMetaAho
    Jun 17, 2022
    8
    Repetitive but still a must play gaming experience! I wish more games like this were made today...
  31. BARAO555
    Jun 29, 2023
    9
    Glados has more character and personality than 99% of peoples i met in my life, pure short masterpiece
  32. BryceRiebel
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Got Portal as part of the Ultimate bundle Valve is offering through Steam. It included pretty much everything related to the Half-Life series for $100 (23+/- games I think).
    Beat the normal game in 2 sittings, about 6 hours maybe. Great game though, really makes you think in the later levels and I can't wait for players to make their own maps for it. I generaly hate puzzle games and    Got Portal as part of the Ultimate bundle Valve is offering through Steam. It included pretty much everything related to the Half-Life series for $100 (23+/- games I think).
    Beat the normal game in 2 sittings, about 6 hours maybe. Great game though, really makes you think in the later levels and I can't wait for players to make their own maps for it. I generaly hate puzzle games and go for shoot em ups but I really enjoyed this. Would have paid $30 for this game alone. I give it a 10.    … Expand
  33. holor
    Dec 4, 2007
    10
    This was a great game, the only thing I found to be strange was the little ventilation hole just after the first rocket turret, I used chairs to go up inside but I found it a clumsy way of doing it, it was very unlike the others puzzles if the game.
    I love GLaDOS so much <3 the turrets <3
  34. MattScott
    Dec 14, 2007
    10
    Yes, it was short. But it was not meant to be a fully-realized game by itself, and that seems to be what most people are forgetting when negatively rating it. It was practically free with the Orange Box, implements some of the most innovative gameplay concepts in years, and is probably more of a 2-3 hour demo/preview (HL2:E2 anyone?) of things to come. Portal is a gift to us gamers, andYes, it was short. But it was not meant to be a fully-realized game by itself, and that seems to be what most people are forgetting when negatively rating it. It was practically free with the Orange Box, implements some of the most innovative gameplay concepts in years, and is probably more of a 2-3 hour demo/preview (HL2:E2 anyone?) of things to come. Portal is a gift to us gamers, and should be appreciated as such.… Expand
  35. connoszeniou
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Its realy a very adictive game. I couldnt let it go. I realy like it and their is a lot of potiential in it. Imagine this in HalfLife with physics pazles or fighting i can think of thousand of ideas how can be used. Realy amazing can wait for ep3 to see what valve can do more
  36. EdwardPereira
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    I beat this game in the first 2 and a half hours that i played it. I just didn't want to stop playing. The game's progression, in my opinion, is perfect. A lot of the portal usage was really fun. Trampolining around a large room was especially fun. The polish of the game is also exceptional. The really great humor was just icing on an already delicious cake.
  37. BadenFisher
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Although not very long, Portal offers a new experience for players that tests thier speed and puzzle solving skills under pressure. Two thumbs way up to Valve on this venture. Hope to see more installments to the game as time goes on with more puzzles and possible installation of other weapons combined with a multiplayer aspect.
  38. StrelokDino
    Nov 19, 2007
    10
    This game was superb in almost every way,the developer commentary only proves every little enjoyable aspect was not an accident.
    The final few levels,the end sequence and the new game wallpaper you get after finishing the game are all excellent.
    It's also ripe with humor,and a lovely Companion Box. XD Finally,the end is simultaneously the best Credits,the best Outro,the best Song    This game was superb in almost every way,the developer commentary only proves every little enjoyable aspect was not an accident.
    The final few levels,the end sequence and the new game wallpaper you get after finishing the game are all excellent.
    It's also ripe with humor,and a lovely Companion Box. XD
    Finally,the end is simultaneously the best Credits,the best Outro,the best Song and the best end-game reward EVER.I will never see something so cool (and amusing as everything) as the "Still Alive" remake from the end,

    "Maybe Black Mesa!!.....That was a JOKE!...Haha,fat chance!"    … Expand
  39. DrCola
    Dec 9, 2010
    10
    A boring start that is needed for any great puzzle game, so that is irrelevant. Once you get past a few you will be laughing your but off in the fun lonely adventure of the aperture science research facility! Another great product from valve.
  40. AdamUrban
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Ive been waiting for this game for a while. I love the idea of manipulating space/time with only the click of a mouse, and using physics to solve mazes is astonishingly satisfactory. And the subtle sinister clues left by former test subjects leaves a great eery theme. A great addition to the orange box. If only there was more.
  41. EthanDuysen
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    This is by far one of the biggest leaps in gaming there have been in a while. Not only does Portal put into excellent use of the Valve physics engine, but they also do excellent rendering of collision, use of video memory, and many other aspects that Half Life missed. Portal is also very open ended and can be madded easily with any game. The possibilities are practically limitless withThis is by far one of the biggest leaps in gaming there have been in a while. Not only does Portal put into excellent use of the Valve physics engine, but they also do excellent rendering of collision, use of video memory, and many other aspects that Half Life missed. Portal is also very open ended and can be madded easily with any game. The possibilities are practically limitless with the portal gun and the games that are available and the franchise is going to be doing very well with future games. Good Job Valve… Expand
  42. Mr.Finnigan
    Nov 24, 2007
    10
    What I don't understand is why everyone giving a <7 rating complains about a lack of depth. DUH! Your character has no idea what's goint on! She woke up in a lab rat facility being told what to do by an AI unit. Even after the game's over, she's still passed out in the parking lot of Aperture. Also, it was included in the Orange Box because Aperture and Black Mesa areWhat I don't understand is why everyone giving a <7 rating complains about a lack of depth. DUH! Your character has no idea what's goint on! She woke up in a lab rat facility being told what to do by an AI unit. Even after the game's over, she's still passed out in the parking lot of Aperture. Also, it was included in the Orange Box because Aperture and Black Mesa are competitors (you can see it on some of the projectors if you peek through the windows after Testchamber 19).

    Very nice game, excellent concept. I'm replaying the game to try and get all of the acievements. Definite replay value, you know, tweak timings, find better ways to do stuff, etc. And it's fun to just play around with portals (like make the Companion Cube exist in two places at once XD).    … Expand
  43. JonathanRoskell
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Innovative, sinister, intelligent, head scratching at times, (not for long) but frankly simple fun. The game was a little short for my liking, but given the positive reviews I hope there will be many people designing maps for it. Looking forward to portal 2, or at least finding our how this fits into the half life universe.
  44. MorganMataya
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Simply wonderful idea and the fact that it includes a Level Editor makes it all the better. with the ability to experience anyone in the worlds crazy wacky idea of a logical puzzle, it adds unlimited amounts of play time on top of the flawlessly achieved single-player "Tests". I give this a perfect 10, because even if someone can say... hey... what the hell were they thinking not puttingSimply wonderful idea and the fact that it includes a Level Editor makes it all the better. with the ability to experience anyone in the worlds crazy wacky idea of a logical puzzle, it adds unlimited amounts of play time on top of the flawlessly achieved single-player "Tests". I give this a perfect 10, because even if someone can say... hey... what the hell were they thinking not putting (enter whatever here) into the game... they have opened a new idea and play style to the gaming community. and is there anything else we can really ask for in a game other then to be inventive and inovative? thats what progression and learning are all about... a further knowledge into why and how we do things. and in that sense, and many others (including orientation and gravity!), i give this game a perfect 10… Expand
  45. A.Nonymous
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    The psycological experience, the amazing atmosphere and the depth of story in Portal can be explained with two words: Still Alive.

    It may be short, but isn't that better than a puzzle game that goes on so long that you give up? The singleplayer doesn't offer much replay value, as once you've solved the puzzles you pretty much create a portal to the end of the game, but    The psycological experience, the amazing atmosphere and the depth of story in Portal can be explained with two words: Still Alive.

    It may be short, but isn't that better than a puzzle game that goes on so long that you give up? The singleplayer doesn't offer much replay value, as once you've solved the puzzles you pretty much create a portal to the end of the game, but there are still Challenge and Bonus Maps. Once the community gets going, countless others will follow. The fact that I went through the entire game again to just hear the ending song says it all. Portal is beautiful. Sorry PC Gamer, Team Fortress 2 and HL2: Episode 2 may be the greatest games of the year, but Portal by far has the most electric atmosphere and experience.    … Expand
  46. Paul
    Mar 4, 2008
    10
    This game draws you in and keeps you wanting more. The story was unexpected and reminded me of the movie "Cube" in a slight way.
    Gameplay is just amazing and so simple to master once you understand the basics.
    I hope Valve continues with this portal concept and its top notch story telling.
  47. DanKrikorian
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    This is one of the best games I have ever played. The idea that you can bend your perception on the universe is fantastic. I hope to see more use of the portal gun from valve either in new portal games or an addition to the HL2 arsenal
  48. Devan
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    This game, although slightly short, is amazingly excellent. The use of the Portal Gun to achieve your goals, as well as all the physics and graphics are perfectly tied together with the story behind the Aperture Science Laboratories.
  49. Sasch100
    Apr 6, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its a very good game but a little short. VERY GOOD! And the GLADoS Battle is EPIC!
    The Turrets are very cute!
    At the first time i was a n00b and i failed a everything.    … Expand
  50. eyEZix
    Nov 1, 2011
    10
    Truly one of the best puzzle games ever with a good mix of humor sprinkled with a sense of urgency this game is mesmerizing. It draws you in and never lets go.
  51. Kirase
    Jan 1, 2012
    10
    Very fun to play game and i also liked how it got implemented in the half life universe instead of beeing released as completely new IP. Just get it, its not expensive and very worth to be played.
  52. SwitSwat
    Aug 26, 2012
    9
    This game won the 2007 Game of the Year Award. And I think this game really did deserve the award. With It's complex physics-based puzzles, this masterpiece of gaming will keep your mind thinking and thinking for a solution to each carefully crafted "test." Aside from all this, the game was relatively short. Which is the reason why it does not get a 10 from me. In the end, the gameThis game won the 2007 Game of the Year Award. And I think this game really did deserve the award. With It's complex physics-based puzzles, this masterpiece of gaming will keep your mind thinking and thinking for a solution to each carefully crafted "test." Aside from all this, the game was relatively short. Which is the reason why it does not get a 10 from me. In the end, the game deserves a well earned 9 from me.… Expand
  53. DarkNatureUK
    Feb 24, 2011
    8
    Portal is a innovative new look for FPS's and although short, the game is very fun to play. The only two problems I have with the game is the short length and the price.
  54. Mouse
    Jan 3, 2012
    10
    The best game made since Tetris. Surreal, complex, with all the goodies of an indie but the backing of (who else?) Valve, all but devoid of violence, with elements of sarcastic dark humor and relaxing cuteness mixed with fearful suspense and tongue-in-cheek moments of LoLs for a story you really have to dig at to comprehend. Short, yes, but there's only so much you can do without eitherThe best game made since Tetris. Surreal, complex, with all the goodies of an indie but the backing of (who else?) Valve, all but devoid of violence, with elements of sarcastic dark humor and relaxing cuteness mixed with fearful suspense and tongue-in-cheek moments of LoLs for a story you really have to dig at to comprehend. Short, yes, but there's only so much you can do without either becoming repetitive, becoming repetitive, or throwing the average and below players at a brick wall and saying "climb." Voice acting is all done by one person if you can believe that, and the song at the end is the very definition of a cult classic. And as Yahtzee said in his review of the sequel, the only real complain that exists is the annoying fanbase who can't keep their grubby little paws off of something in order to keep it sacred. Hobbes was right.… Expand
  55. olir
    Sep 9, 2009
    8
    Portal is not perfect, but it is danm close! to all u idiots out there that say it is too short, that is a good thing. if it was any longer they would have just been using the same puzzles over again and u would be even more pissed. btw combat games are mindless, finding a stratigy then then using it over & over is not fun. portal is a puzzle game (look on the back of the box retards) not Portal is not perfect, but it is danm close! to all u idiots out there that say it is too short, that is a good thing. if it was any longer they would have just been using the same puzzles over again and u would be even more pissed. btw combat games are mindless, finding a stratigy then then using it over & over is not fun. portal is a puzzle game (look on the back of the box retards) not a fucking fps.… Expand
  56. starmario123
    Apr 27, 2011
    10
    10/10 = Masterpiece = I seriously want to delve into the minds of the developers at Valve. They are just geniuses. This game is seriously unbelievable.
  57. dam1730
    Aug 1, 2012
    8
    This game's really good if you get it on sale on Steam. People who complain about how short the game is need to remember that this game was pretty much an afterthought in the Orange Box. It's a quick game. Not as difficult as Portal 2.
  58. poipoi01
    Aug 16, 2011
    9
    Pros: Everything
    Cons: Gets a bit hard from time to time (Turrets are Pains in the ass)
    Summary: A bit hard but if you have quick fingers it can be considered 10/10
  59. LA_DOTTORE
    Dec 21, 2011
    10
    I got this game for free after winning a Steam competition (Bonus!) and have already played through and finished Portal 2 so playing this game was really quite hard for me at first because of the high expectations I gave it but it quickly grew on me... Almost as fast as I finished it. After two hours I finished it and that does sound very short but I felt like it stayed just enough as notI got this game for free after winning a Steam competition (Bonus!) and have already played through and finished Portal 2 so playing this game was really quite hard for me at first because of the high expectations I gave it but it quickly grew on me... Almost as fast as I finished it. After two hours I finished it and that does sound very short but I felt like it stayed just enough as not to outstay it's welcome, like when you let a hobo in your house on a rainy day and he leaves after a coffee and when the rain stops, unlike some games where the hobo would stay after the rain has stopped and refuses to leave until you're forced to enjoy his company before he actually decides to high-tail it! Overall, very fun game with lots of challenges along the way that I thoroughly enjoyed so I give it an amazing ten out of ten!… Expand
  60. Delta_Assault
    Sep 28, 2011
    9
    Well, given that Portal 2 is a week away, I figured it'd be a fine time to go back and revisit the charming predecessor. The first Portal was a delightful pack-in for The Orange Box, Valve's compilation of Half-Life, the two subsequent Episodes, and Team Fortress 2. While all those games were highly regarded and well worth the money, Portal was singled out in particular for its innovativeWell, given that Portal 2 is a week away, I figured it'd be a fine time to go back and revisit the charming predecessor. The first Portal was a delightful pack-in for The Orange Box, Valve's compilation of Half-Life, the two subsequent Episodes, and Team Fortress 2. While all those games were highly regarded and well worth the money, Portal was singled out in particular for its innovative puzzle design which truly explored what the First Person Shooter genre was capable of when coupled with a spark of creativity and the freedom to go beyond mere convention.

    Portal takes the puzzle mentality of games as old as Tetris and other 2D sidescrollers and transports it into the modern 3D space of first person shooters, though perhaps this is a bit of a misnomer as there isn't actually shooting in the traditional bloodthirsty connotation. Instead, you're given a marvelous Portal gun which greatly resembles the Gravity gun from Half-Life 2. Just as that "gun" was more of an experimental piece of equipment than an actual deadly firearm, here too the Portal gun functions in a unique manner to aid in your adventures. Rather than terminating foes, you create portals in solid matter to bypass obstacles in the environment and traverse in odd, sometimes paradoxical pathways. These dimensional holes cut into the walls and floors of the laboratory also afford Portal the unique distinction of being one of the only FPSs ever to allow you to witness your own body in front of you, without the aid of mirrors. The mind-bending nature of these portals is what gives the game such a playfully devious character and even jaded hardcore gamers who've long exhausted their stockpiles of FPS games will find it hard not to giggle at the intensely creative and ingenious environmental puzzles that Valve has conjured up in its technological cauldron.

    While an imaginative and refreshing new twist on the FPS genre, Portal is let down by its short length. This is not a particularly grievous complaint as the game was meant to be a sort of free extra treat in The Orange Box, already a steal with its plethora of games, but one cannot help feeling somewhat disappointed when they've arrived at the end of this rather loopy and wholly captivating diversion of time. Truly, "short and sweet" is how the game can best be characterized, yet if only that sweetness could have been prolonged somehow!

    Portal's humor has been singled out for a great deal of praise and been the source of countless memes since the dawn of its release, yet I'm not entirely convinced the game deserves such effusive love. Perhaps it's because of my own sense of humor that gets in the way, but I found the game's comic sensibilities rather tame and merely worthy of a chuckle here and there. GlaDOS, the malevolent AI in the story, delivers vaguely threatening monologues coached in corporate doublespeak but I never found these evoking an actual laugh out loud. And does "the cake is a lie" merit such a widespread meme? Is that statement really so powerfully mindblowing and clever that it deserves to be plastered all over the internet? I can't really justify it, unfortunately. The game's somewhat clever at times, but there's nothing about it that makes me suspect it's reaching the heights of comedy.

    The problem with most puzzle games, and which Portal inevitably succumbs to, is the fact that they're only good for the first time. Replaying this game two years after I first completed it, there was a sensation of repetition and familiarity. Some of the harder and more intricate puzzles took me a mindful pause to remember what the solution was, but the overall playthrough was greatly reduced from my first time, as the answers were all still within my memories. There was no great epiphany, no moment of "Eureka!" that you had over and over again from the first playthrough. This is a problem that you find in all puzzle games, they just don't warrant repeat plays as the puzzle's already been solved. After that initial breakthough, you're just left with a sense of treading water. That ebullient feeling of discovery and the satisfaction of cracking the proverbial nut is lost forever, and that's a shame. It's just the nature of puzzles, and a few other genres as well. Trivia games are another example where you have this issue. The first time, you're stumped, but subsequent games are no brainers as you've learned the trivia and there's no challenge left.

    But Portal's first time through is a truly marvelous and rather pure gaming experience which has few equals in the modern gaming landscape. It's one to treasure.    … Expand
  61. kornahn
    Oct 19, 2011
    8
    I was drawn between 8 and 9. I have to say 10 is the perfect game and i don't give 10. Well if you blow my brain i will. the reasone why i didn't choose 9 is that the game is quite short. so if you get for less than 10 euro/dollars buy it. it's worth the money. i#M not even a puzzle fan and i had fun! buy it!!!
  62. Echo9k
    Mar 17, 2012
    9
    The story is a kinda creepy, and I have to confessing you that I never wish play portal till a friend insisted in made me play, so I just playit, and I said :" now what" but the more you progress through the game more difficult, interesting and involving turns this. I suggest you, give it two chances, the first to start to play and the second for advancements
  63. birdman3
    Nov 13, 2012
    9
    If you're reading this review, that means you're considering getting the game. Just go get it. It's short but it's fun. It's a fantastic puzzle game that requires creativity and provides a rewarding experience (the atmosphere is great- listening to glados is hilarious). Just go get it.
  64. azgoodaz
    Jul 5, 2016
    10
    Portal, it's a short and sweet puzzle game.

    The game can be finished in under 5 hours (some areas can take longer than expected) or maybe a bit longer than 5 hours if you want to get all the achievements, and it has a neat storyline to the game mostly putting a cliffhanger for Portal 2. At the end of the game, you are greeted with a musical, I won't spoil anything but it was funny and    Portal, it's a short and sweet puzzle game.

    The game can be finished in under 5 hours (some areas can take longer than expected) or maybe a bit longer than 5 hours if you want to get all the achievements, and it has a neat storyline to the game mostly putting a cliffhanger for Portal 2. At the end of the game, you are greeted with a musical, I won't spoil anything but it was funny and neat to have.

    If you need a cheap game to play but something addictive that will make you love the Portal series, Portal is a must have game to buy.

    The cake is a lie!    … Expand
  65. BSim500
    Jan 13, 2014
    9
    Fantastic FPS puzzle game. Gameplay is different enough as the game progresses that it doesn't get boring (new puzzles & ways to deal with them are introduced). GlaDOS is quite funny in places. Maps are well written and the mind-bending physics are pretty creative. It's only real shortcoming is fairly short length. Well worth playing though.
  66. Garfoodle
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    Ok,can someone tell me something- Is the cake a lie?
    Anyway, it's still one of the best games,to date. Funny humor,fun gameplay,amazing song at the end of the game...

    PORTAL 3 COMFIRMED!!!1
  67. SuperkenGaming
    Jun 11, 2015
    8
    Portal
    Charming and Challenging
    Portal is easily one of the most charming games ive played period As you make your way through the game solving increasingly difficult puzzles, your progress is being monitored by an unknown character that will effortlessly make you laugh, Playing portal just to hear the commentary is worth the journey through the game alone, but the good news is, the    Portal
    Charming and Challenging
    Portal is easily one of the most charming games ive played period
    As you make your way through the game solving increasingly difficult puzzles, your progress is being monitored by an unknown character that will effortlessly make you laugh, Playing portal just to hear the commentary is worth the journey through the game alone, but the good news is, the game is just as good.
    Portal starts you off slow with one portal gun , you use this portal to hop gaps and move objects, youll eventually get to a point where youre given 2 portal guns which at first feels a bit easier as you feel more free, the only problem is by time this happens, you are already halfway through the game.
    You use one portal to makes an exit, and the other for that exits entrance
    The 2nd half of portal is where puzzles can get a bit tricky and no longer feel all too intuitive,
    It may just be me not used to having to use my brain all too often to play games, but I found the difficulty spike to be just a tad bit too intense.
    The complexity of the levels go too slow in the beginning and too fast at the end making the game feel kind of frustrating, I didn’t really feel clever when I got through levels, it was more guess work, I felt kind of lucky.
    While you may lose some hair over figuring out the perfect way to drop boxes from the ceiling, avoiding lasers, and getting over obstacles, youll feel great going through the gate onto the next floor.
    The feeling of guess work isn’t satisfying, but somehow portal still manages to pull you forward always wanting more., but while I say that I felt like portal gave me just enough.
    Portal will only last you about 3-5 hours, and as a puzzle game of its kind I found this length to be pretty perfect.
    The game kept pulling me forward with its charm, but I wont lie and say I wasn’t fully satisfied when this brain exercise was over.
    For what it is
    Puzzle Platformer 8.5/10
    Overall 8/10    … Expand
  68. Sir_Swag117
    Jan 19, 2016
    10
    Who needs a girlfriend/life/food/drink/soul/toilet/shower/sleep/bed/money/electricity when you have this perfect game? Certainly not me! The game is beautiful, runs smooth and is extremely creative. Shame games have mostly declined from here on in.
  69. boobins
    Jan 3, 2016
    10
    This and portal 2 are in my top 20 favorite games ever. I like platform and puzzles. This is both. .
  70. sorastrife2890
    Apr 21, 2016
    10
    a great game of valve. the FPS with the best game sistem. the only thing bad is it very shor with just 5 hours of game but you wil deserve it. EXCELENT GAME!
  71. Seafox89
    May 28, 2016
    10
    So much fun. Intriguing storyline with top-notch voice acting and humor. Excellent graphics and use of the source engine from Half-Life 2, as well as some groundbreaking FPS puzzle gameplay. You can pick this up on Steam for steal during their summer sale. I've played through this game twice and now I want to play through it again.
  72. dandalis
    Nov 22, 2016
    8
    A very innovative and interesting puzzler for its time. Portal has a pretty engrosing lore behind it surrounding Aperuture Labs which universe is shared with Half Life that you want to know more about and get the chance in the sequel. Gameplay feels very smooth, platforming precise and puzzles themselves feel fairly difficult. Its a pretty short experience one that you can finish in oneA very innovative and interesting puzzler for its time. Portal has a pretty engrosing lore behind it surrounding Aperuture Labs which universe is shared with Half Life that you want to know more about and get the chance in the sequel. Gameplay feels very smooth, platforming precise and puzzles themselves feel fairly difficult. Its a pretty short experience one that you can finish in one sitting, tho at the end i felt motion sick, Portal is the only video game that has made so, so if youre prone to that play carefully and dont throw camera all around.… Expand
  73. 6oni
    Oct 17, 2018
    9
    usually i dont like puzzles and plataforms but the creativity makes the difference here

    a short and easy game that will make you feel smart
  74. kezzyhko
    Jul 28, 2020
    8
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  75. Mindkiller7522
    May 26, 2021
    9
    5/25/21-5/25/21 100% Story

    Terrific game! It blends puzzles with storytelling in a way that other games aspire to and manages to balance comedy with a bit of scifi horror expertly. You wake up in a laboratory and are immediately instructed to perform tasks that measure your ability and puzzle solving skills. There are some really clever story ideas that most people will have had    5/25/21-5/25/21 100% Story

    Terrific game! It blends puzzles with storytelling in a way that other games aspire to and manages to balance comedy with a bit of scifi horror expertly.

    You wake up in a laboratory and are immediately instructed to perform tasks that measure your ability and puzzle solving skills. There are some really clever story ideas that most people will have had spoiled like I did, but the less you know about the story, the better. I really envy the people that will be able to go into this blind.

    The puzzles mostly involve using your trusty portal gun to move one thing somewhere else (either yourself, or a cube). You get pretty far in before they are challenging, but by the end you do have to use your brain quite a bit.

    Really, this is a classic video game that everyone should experience. Highly recommended!    … Expand
  76. LANCEhostetter
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    The only reason Portal isnt a 10 is because there are so few levels to play with. However, the possibilities presented by this concept have barely been touched. What an exciting way to view the game world and we can only hope Episode 3 will expand the portal concept and integrate that into the Half Life world .
  77. TaylorR.
    Mar 20, 2008
    10
    Absolutely fantastic game! And the song at the end (still alive) just makes you want to play it again, and agan, and again! I would recommend it to anyone!
  78. JeremyF.
    Jul 8, 2008
    10
    best game ever!!! this game is a bit addicting so be warned! AMAZING story line but it is a bit short. Its fun to just mess around at any random place. Hours of fun and easy laughs. Great custom maps and plenty of them. This IS my fav game of all time! 11 out of 10!!!
  79. EddieD
    Oct 28, 2009
    10
    I love games that make you think. For years one of my favourite games was Myst, as it took you beyond just the shoot-em-up genre and into the realm of puzzle solving. Now Portal comes along and elevates puzzle playing to a higher level! To say that the game is great would be an understatement. It's both easy and hard at the same time. Easy, as the amount of "weapons" that you need to I love games that make you think. For years one of my favourite games was Myst, as it took you beyond just the shoot-em-up genre and into the realm of puzzle solving. Now Portal comes along and elevates puzzle playing to a higher level! To say that the game is great would be an understatement. It's both easy and hard at the same time. Easy, as the amount of "weapons" that you need to master is limited to just one - the Portal. However, it's also difficult as you need to sometimes do three or more things at once to complete a level! All I have to say is that I love everything about the game. And GLaDOS has to be one of the greatest uses of AI to have ever been created. Ellen needs to be commended 1,000 times over for doing such a wonderfully believable job with the voice!… Expand
  80. MiroB.
    Nov 2, 2007
    10
    The best logical game ever, beautifuly put in the first-person view. Engine and graphics are great and it does not have too high hardware requirements. Plot is interesting. The game is made more fun by GLaD, who often sais funny things. However, some challenges are little imbalanced, but that's not bad, because when you complete them, you are proud of yourself.
  81. DanM.
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    I really liked the game Portal because of the new technology of portals and the puzzles. The way you made the maps in Portal was great. I also really liked the story of Aperture Laboratories that a computer was actually the boss there, hearing the computer voice was a great thing to the environment. Also the great humor and the 'behind the sciene' parts were awesome. Made me I really liked the game Portal because of the new technology of portals and the puzzles. The way you made the maps in Portal was great. I also really liked the story of Aperture Laboratories that a computer was actually the boss there, hearing the computer voice was a great thing to the environment. Also the great humor and the 'behind the sciene' parts were awesome. Made me think the place wasn't that perfect, also sometimes when you are behind the sciene and looking at some wall you can see someone wrote there "the cake is a lie" 4 times everywhere made me think I wasn't the first here. The way the computer had some technical errors sometimes was very nicely made. And of course, the voice acting was the best!… Expand
  82. BlakeB
    Oct 20, 2007
    10
    Brilliant.
  83. MattS.
    Oct 25, 2007
    10
    Absolutely amazing!!! i loved this game. it made me think, it was tough but not to tough funny. valve people are btrards haha CAKE! anyway i will play this game over to see how fast i can do it. challenge maps are good. awards?!! what more do you want? sound track is awesome! end song haha! THIS GAME ROCKS i hope they can make a sequel some how.
  84. YakumoU.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    Absolutely awesome, most innovative, fun game I've played in years, and certainly the most enjoyable ending sequence I've seen in probably the last 5, after finishing most AAA titles. fantastic sense of humour, and overall production.
  85. ScottH.
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    The only criticism I can honestly aim at this unique and addictive game is it is far, far to short. Other than that, Portal offers a refreshing change in first person gaming. A more cereberal approach is offered instead of mindless hallway strafing and machinegun spraying. I am eagerly awaiting a sequel to this hilariously dark and twisted game. Classic.
  86. CapnB.
    Oct 20, 2007
    10
    Takes a great concept and really makes it work. Multiple solutions, visual cues, and a great autosave system make this unlike other puzzle games where you bash your head against the desk trying to figure out what the designer wanted you to do, or sets you back an hour when you mess up. I actually laughed out loud several times from the mater-of-factly humor of GlaDOS and those cute sentry Takes a great concept and really makes it work. Multiple solutions, visual cues, and a great autosave system make this unlike other puzzle games where you bash your head against the desk trying to figure out what the designer wanted you to do, or sets you back an hour when you mess up. I actually laughed out loud several times from the mater-of-factly humor of GlaDOS and those cute sentry robots. Including the commentary was also a great way to get me to play the whole game again, right after I finished it!… Expand
  87. MontyF.
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    Goosebumpy fun. This was an absolute joy to play, from start to finish. It is super short, but think of the potential. Portal is the first game that ever motivated me to post a review!
  88. MatthewR.
    Jan 3, 2008
    10
    The game is brilliant, the monologue hilarious. Yes, it is short, but try and get the best score on the challenge setting for all three categories, and you'll be at it for hours and hours and hours, many of those frustration, until finally the ultimate reward: Success. I think anyone and everyone will delight in this game.
  89. AaronM.
    Jan 4, 2008
    10
    Outstanding game. Truly original, and will be remembered as a pioneering experience. When do we get Portal 2?!
  90. Anonymous
    Oct 4, 2008
    10
    Portal has so much more to it than some tend to think! Not only does it include the amazing normal single-player (which I played through about 20 times) but it has the bonus content which adds more challenging puzzles to solve. On top of that, you can easily download maps from other people for a nearly endless experience! I'm not even going to mention the possibilities in Hammer or Portal has so much more to it than some tend to think! Not only does it include the amazing normal single-player (which I played through about 20 times) but it has the bonus content which adds more challenging puzzles to solve. On top of that, you can easily download maps from other people for a nearly endless experience! I'm not even going to mention the possibilities in Hammer or Gmod with the Portal set.… Expand
  91. CraigD.
    Jan 5, 2008
    10
    Portal is incredible. This can not be stated enough. While HL does take though, it is does not require the dimensional thinking in which Portal does. While, yes it is short and one can power their way through it in a few hours, every game is like this once you get the hang of it. Portal is unique and I am very excited to see what Valve does with it next.
  92. Staggs
    Jan 6, 2008
    8
    Portal is one of those games that kills me to give less than a 10, even though I think it deserved the 8 I gave it. Great atmosphere, a sinister (and oftentimes hilarious) antagonist, and some ingenious level design came together very well to form one of the greatest puzzlers ever made. I believe that, though short, the game was the perfect length because anything longer than the three or Portal is one of those games that kills me to give less than a 10, even though I think it deserved the 8 I gave it. Great atmosphere, a sinister (and oftentimes hilarious) antagonist, and some ingenious level design came together very well to form one of the greatest puzzlers ever made. I believe that, though short, the game was the perfect length because anything longer than the three or four hours it will take you to finish it would begin to feel boring. My main complaint is with the ease of the puzzles it throws at you. I think that Valve spent a bit too much time getting you acquainted with the physics and dynamics of the game, to the point where by the time you get to some of the later, more difficult stages of the game, you've already solved lots of puzzles like them and need only apply the knowledge of those puzzles to pass by with ease. Still, Portal is an amazing game that is worth it for just the storyline alone, and the ending credits song is probably the most genius things ever written by anyone on this planet.… Expand
  93. Lobo
    Jan 9, 2008
    10
    THE game. It`s short indeed, but the best hours i had in my life (playing games). My wife just can`t stand no more me talking about this game! Fun, brilliant history, hillarious lines, and conected with Half Life! Ah, as my MSN quote says, i loved the cake! Sooooo delicious!
  94. DaveH.
    Feb 20, 2008
    9
    A mini masterpiece. Must be experienced at least once.
  95. MarkusD.
    Feb 3, 2008
    10
    It's a fantastic game with nice puzzles. It took some time til finishing them all. but it was worth it to "waste some time" with this awesome game.
  96. BrandonR.
    Mar 1, 2008
    10
    Of all the games I've ever played, Portal is my all-time favorite right now.
  97. PatrickG.
    Mar 20, 2008
    10
    Best shooter ever!
  98. GuyN.
    Mar 6, 2008
    10
    AMAZING!!!! One of the best games I played ever. Loved the song in the end.
  99. MichaelR
    Mar 9, 2008
    10
    I have been playing games since I was 6 years old so I know a good game when I play one and portal is a good game. sure it was short but you have to see past the actually game, you can do so many things to have fun in this game other than playing the actual game and that is one of the things that make this game unique and truly fun to play which, unfortunately, is rare these days.
  100. CheapC.
    Apr 1, 2008
    10
    Before I ever played Portal, a friend told me "The cake is a lie". After hearing this I had an entirely different idea for what the plot my be, including details and twists in the story. Then I played portal and it was completely different than what I had pictured. A gentle learning curve, sparingly using time-based puzzles, a beautifully designed new game mechanic (portal gun) combine Before I ever played Portal, a friend told me "The cake is a lie". After hearing this I had an entirely different idea for what the plot my be, including details and twists in the story. Then I played portal and it was completely different than what I had pictured. A gentle learning curve, sparingly using time-based puzzles, a beautifully designed new game mechanic (portal gun) combine with the clean, uncluttered design of the levels and the mysterious (yet uncomplicated) plot to make the atmosphere foreboding and simultaneously appealing in it's straightforward cleverness. The voice on the intercom provides what would otherwise go lacking: the steel-hearted humor that's provided by the advertisements, directions, hints, and other phrases that are delivered by the player's observer. One of the only faults I can find is with the challenge levels which I feel are completely off the deep end in terms of difficulty. However, even this fault balances out the only other possible problem, which is how short the game is. These challenges are so difficult they extend the amount of playtime for someone who enjoys the game but becomes bored of reliving the story over and over. Portal is a game I already cherish. Don't believe me? I'll put you on... *OOOoooooo* Hear that? That's how dumb you sound!… 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

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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.
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  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.
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  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.
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