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. KendraK.
    Feb 9, 2008
    10
    Without a doubt, the best puzzle game ever created, in the history of man. Yes, even better than Tetris. Much better than 'Peggle'. The Cake Is A Lie.
  2. KPRook
    Feb 9, 2008
    10
    Loved the game, and the story, and the cube. I want that cake!
  3. KenB.
    Mar 10, 2008
    10
    Top-notch combination of clever puzzling and hilarious dialogue/storyline!
  4. EvelynM.
    Mar 14, 2008
    10
    This is a great one!! People like to watch other people play it too, because its catchy and interesting. It IS short, but thats what makes it special. It would be bad if it were longer, so it couldn't have been Portal. Cake, you have to work for it.
  5. DrewH.
    Mar 15, 2008
    10
    As was said before, a mini master piece. I only wish I could pull 3 hours out of this game. I have played it 10 times through and can pull it off in 57 minutes. Though an hour of gameplay is perfect for the goody at the end known as "Still Alive".
  6. AlanV.
    Mar 18, 2008
    9
    A sweet game with great gameplay. Too short, and challenges can be frustrating, but otherwise near flawless! A must have!
  7. DubaN65
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    Portal is one of the best games i played in my life. I hope the second Portal is coming soon.
  8. RellikP.
    Mar 20, 2008
    10
    The HIGHEST fun-to-length ratio i've ever seen in a game, this game may be short. but it is STILL fun months later. but then again i found a great user-map community.
  9. RiccardoO.
    Mar 23, 2008
    10
    The most original game ever created.
  10. BrianU
    Mar 25, 2008
    10
    One of the most fun games I've ever played.
  11. RosaS.
    Mar 3, 2008
    10
    The best puzzle game I ever played. I wait for the next episode!!
  12. Tom
    Mar 6, 2008
    8
    It gets an eight purely for innovation. However.. it was way way way too easy and/or short. I'm excited for round two.
  13. Matt
    Mar 8, 2008
    10
    The most pleasant gaming experience in 10 years.
  14. DaveE.
    Mar 9, 2008
    9
    This game can be a bit challenging when you use the touchpad, but other than that, it's totally awesome. Anyone who likes FPS and puzzle games should get this. It's a blend of both.
  15. SteveB.
    Apr 11, 2008
    10
    Excellent, excellent, excellent. i have played through this game several times now and i keep going back to it.
  16. Artur
    Apr 1, 2008
    10
    Absolute blasting idea, valve said they only touched the top of the mountain with portals, just cant wait for a news .
  17. BlakeB
    Apr 10, 2008
    10
    Brilliant.
  18. PatrickB.
    Apr 10, 2008
    10
    This game is awesome! the cake is a lie!
  19. NathanH.
    Apr 12, 2008
    9
    Only reason its not a 10 is because it's short.... MORE PORTAL!!
  20. Menschke
    Apr 12, 2008
    10
    Very nice singleplayer game!!
  21. William
    Apr 10, 2008
    10
    It only took me 4 hours for the main story. But then there is the advanced maps and I even feel like playing the story again!!!
  22. SukiA.
    Apr 12, 2008
    9
    Portal is just a perfect game, admit it. If you haven't played it or gotten The Orange Box yet, what are you waiting for?
  23. JoshBEEP!
    Apr 21, 2008
    9
    Portal is a very good single-player game. Once you get bored of playing the game over, and over you can make your own level with the Hammer editor. I give this a 9, not a 10 because, its much to short i bought this game April 18, 2008 and i have complete it 3 and a half times but the jokes and funny comments that are through out the game just make me enjoy it even more _____ The cake is a lie
  24. DavidsonP.
    Apr 20, 2008
    10
    This game is the most epic game ever made and deserves a metascore 100!
  25. GregB.
    Apr 24, 2008
    9
    Valve took the portals from Prey, the humor from the Sam & Max series, and of course the atmosphere and graphics of the Half-Life 2 universe and mashed em together. What a cool experience. I was initially hesitant to pay 20 bones for what I heard was a short experience (I didn't get the orange box, but downloaded ep2 single, sigh). Glad I did, what fun. Ties in with the episodes Valve took the portals from Prey, the humor from the Sam & Max series, and of course the atmosphere and graphics of the Half-Life 2 universe and mashed em together. What a cool experience. I was initially hesitant to pay 20 bones for what I heard was a short experience (I didn't get the orange box, but downloaded ep2 single, sigh). Glad I did, what fun. Ties in with the episodes well, making you wonder if any of this will show up in Episode 3.… Expand
  26. BrookW.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    This was such a fascinating and satisfying experience. The story was intimate and the puzzles were stimulating. I just became a huge Valve fan after witnessing this level of creativity and boundary smashing.
  27. ZackM.
    Apr 7, 2008
    10
    I'm not sorry to say, but Valve has done it again! With their innovative use of the portal gun, much fun is to be had. If you haven't bought, or at least played this game yet, do it! OR BURN AT THE STAKE, WITCH!
  28. Khaz
    Apr 8, 2008
    10
    We need more games like Portal. Srsly.
  29. DerekB.
    Apr 8, 2008
    10
    This was a great game. We need more, please make a portal 2!!!! But make it a little longer
  30. GregorM
    May 1, 2008
    10
    Portal is probably one of the best games ever! Sure it's really short, but thats ok because there's plenty of puzzles and so really dialoge! Theres not really anything to say about Portal thats bad so it gets a 10 from me!
  31. MattH
    May 4, 2008
    10
    Surprisingly it really is one of the best games out there. The story, voice acting, and writing are just amazing. With fun game play, feel and look. I couldn't recommend it more.
  32. MichaelG.
    May 9, 2008
    10
    Hands down the best game I've ever played. I makes you think, react, and maneuver yourself through many levels all while listening to a sadistic AI. I would recommend this game for everyone.
  33. JamesC.
    Jun 9, 2008
    10
    I can't get enough of this game! I keep playing it over and over again, I love every bit of how it is done and I am very exited to see how it fits into the Half-Life universe in general. The idea was awesome to start out with and they added just the right twists to make it interesting while adding some very good humor to it as well. I have played all the bonus maps, and boy do some I can't get enough of this game! I keep playing it over and over again, I love every bit of how it is done and I am very exited to see how it fits into the Half-Life universe in general. The idea was awesome to start out with and they added just the right twists to make it interesting while adding some very good humor to it as well. I have played all the bonus maps, and boy do some of them make you think, I wish there were more maps added with the release of the game, but honestly it is the perfect length the way it is now and has a lot of room to expand for player made maps, one of the best puzzle based FPS's I have ever played, and the end song is to die for!… Expand
  34. Przemek
    Jul 27, 2008
    10
    Wow. That was amazing, maybe to short but still amazing.
  35. MaxP.
    Aug 11, 2008
    9
    Very, very good game. Slightly short, though it does contain plenty of bonus material to keep you entertained after you've won. Also very funny, especially at the end.
  36. DerekP.
    Aug 20, 2008
    10
    Been meaning to do this since I was given the Orange Box last Christmas. Portal is an outstanding game, easily one of my top 10 ever. It is extremely innovative and I cannot wait for #2, #3.... !!!
  37. MattM.
    Aug 2, 2008
    10
    Great game, If you want a challenge, and want a FPS, get this game. Valve, you have outdone yourself with the game, and the humor you put in it.
  38. MaxJ.
    Aug 29, 2008
    10
    This is an amazingly well made game. Although it is a bit short, it definitely makes up for quantity with amazing quality.
  39. DavidS.
    Aug 5, 2008
    10
    Awesome game; great writing and amazing gameplay. Full marks.
  40. JohnB.
    Sep 20, 2008
    10
    Greatest game of all time, and I don't say that lightly. Beats out Chrono Trigger, Metal Gear Solid, Knights of the Old Republic, Ocarina of Time, and Final Fantasy 7, knocking 7 off my top 5 when it came out. So what if it's only 2 hours long? I've never had a better 2 hours in any other game.
  41. BlakeC.
    Sep 29, 2008
    10
    Portal is AMAZING, Valve defiantly struck gold here. The only letdown, it was too short! This could easily be a full length game, alike half life etc.
  42. MattT
    Sep 9, 2008
    10
    VERY high graphics, even on the lowest, amazing plot, gameplay is not bad, just the lag... Somewhat confusing in some areas, feels like I wanna cheat, GOOD GRAPHICS though.
  43. Tribor
    Dec 2, 2009
    9
    Can't agree with you there Lee W., because the thing is many puzzle games have only one linear path. Most if not all puzzles only have one solution, but it is how you get there that matters. There were many subtle and inventive ways to solve the portal levels, which was pretty much the point of the extra challenges that come with the game. It tests out your skills and pushes you to Can't agree with you there Lee W., because the thing is many puzzle games have only one linear path. Most if not all puzzles only have one solution, but it is how you get there that matters. There were many subtle and inventive ways to solve the portal levels, which was pretty much the point of the extra challenges that come with the game. It tests out your skills and pushes you to think outside the box. As for the plot, although it can seem a bit cliché, the great voice acting makes up for it and will keep you entertained. GLaDOS really makes the game stand out. The Portal turrets, even if they are simple duplicates of the Half-Life 2 ones, become distinct when they turn out to be just as scary as Poison Head Crabs : it is the absolute worst thing ever when they pop out. Excellent game which has some great potential. The short game span only leaves you wanting more.… Expand
  44. DanielP
    Dec 9, 2009
    10
    First of all, for you shoot-em-up people. THIS IS NOT A ACTION BASED GAME. Its purpose is to provide a good story line, new ways of thinking, less violence. All bundled up in to a nice presentation. Granted the game is short but you can still get stuck. But if you have a good computer and you have good internals than this should be a worthwhile game to get. Besides you people that give First of all, for you shoot-em-up people. THIS IS NOT A ACTION BASED GAME. Its purpose is to provide a good story line, new ways of thinking, less violence. All bundled up in to a nice presentation. Granted the game is short but you can still get stuck. But if you have a good computer and you have good internals than this should be a worthwhile game to get. Besides you people that give this game zeros because it can't play it, you should invest on a better computer not a high graphics game.… Expand
  45. AnonymousMC
    Apr 4, 2009
    9
    The negative comments actually amuse me. They say that it is too short, there's no plot, it's too easy, it's unoriginal. You need to remember that this was included as an extra for Orange Box, and that even if you buy it seperately it costs less than a cellphone top-up. Of course it's short. And if you find it easy, then KUDOS, but even once you understand it it can beThe negative comments actually amuse me. They say that it is too short, there's no plot, it's too easy, it's unoriginal. You need to remember that this was included as an extra for Orange Box, and that even if you buy it seperately it costs less than a cellphone top-up. Of course it's short. And if you find it easy, then KUDOS, but even once you understand it it can be frustratingly (but wonderfully) difficult to get through the later levels, and if you found it TOO easy there are enough challenges in the Advanced Maps and Challenge Maps to keep you amused, adding replay value. The change after Room 19 marks a change in the game, and this is absolutely brilliant because it's similar enough to the first half to keep you playing on and working through the puzzles with jolly curiosity, but is different enough that it doesn't let the game become repetitive. The plot is wonderful, developing slowly as it does, from the first awakening from stasis and being thrown into a challenge you appear to know nothing about, to the final few levels when your suspicions about the benignity of GLaDOS come to fruition. The fact that so much is left unanswered only adds to this, leaving you to draw your own conclusions. (Personally, I think GLaDOS secretly loves her test subjects, but is completely batshit insane and tests them to show they are worthy of it.) As for unoriginal... That's just a lie spouted by idiots who couldn't work out the momentum mechanic. Of course it's the same as every other game if you use a walkthrough for every game... ;p.
    In conclusion; Portal is one of the best short games I have played, and if you have the patience and the mental skills it is well worth the money. But if you're the kind of person who doesn't like it unless you asplode a fays every 5 seconds, then don't bother; Portal doesn't need you. It will thrive despite your failures, and fans will always recruit their friends to it. It will survive your failure.    … Expand
  46. valve.
    Jun 27, 2009
    9
    The game was great the levels were fun and original it was a little short of a game but it was only 10 bucks. and to al the idiots complaining about itYOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN MAPS or download maps at halomaps.0rg!! so stop complaining and ahve fun with a great game engine also thers a mod called portal prelude (google it) its 90 times harder and a very different game.
  47. JosefH
    Jan 21, 2010
    10
    This may very well be the greatest game I have ever played. No incredibly complex one-hundred commands, and five powers for each of them. You have the ability to walk, jump, push buttons, carry things, and make a portal that links to another portal on most walls/ceilings. The puzzles are all very fun, and once I completed the first half of the game, I was about ready to class it as my This may very well be the greatest game I have ever played. No incredibly complex one-hundred commands, and five powers for each of them. You have the ability to walk, jump, push buttons, carry things, and make a portal that links to another portal on most walls/ceilings. The puzzles are all very fun, and once I completed the first half of the game, I was about ready to class it as my favourite puzzle game, which I could come back to at any point. Then the story kicked in. I can tell you that in all honesty, it is a brilliant execution of a brilliant story. It may very well be th shortest game I've ever played, but for the hour or two I was inside it, I was living it, and I enjoy reliving it over and over. Simply put; if you enjoy simple ideas being executed with challenging puzzles, then buy The Orange Box/Portal. You will not regret it.… Expand
  48. MarcoA
    Jan 21, 2010
    10
    The game is great. Very well designed, very nice puzzles, this new gameplay is marvelous. I had (and still have) great time playing it!
  49. Ian
    Nov 10, 2007
    10
    Brilliant Witty Fantastic Silly Inventive Smart Mind Blowing Exciting Edge-of-your-seat Otherwise - A revolution in the FPS Genre.
  50. BlakeB
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    Brilliant.
  51. JasonW
    Nov 11, 2007
    9
    Beautifully designed and easy to grasp. But hard to master. Any reviews here complaining about play time (the main campaign) have missed the point. The game gets truely challenging once you unlock the extras and try to get the achievements. Fun, very replayable and nicely slotted into the Half Life mythology.
  52. VernonR.
    Nov 12, 2007
    10
    One of the best games ever. Great game-play with outstanding plot and comedy!
  53. J.L.
    Nov 13, 2007
    10
    The best game, and funniest, I have played in a long while -- and without having to shoot anything... Great game and with an ending promising more. Hopefully more of the same!
  54. WilliamM.
    Nov 15, 2007
    9
    Game was completely different totally unexpected i really enjoyed playing it i only found that the game ended short but then again there is advance mode and more to unlock.
  55. J.J.
    Nov 16, 2007
    9
    Easily the cleverest thing in the Orange Box.

    As a long time HL fan (10 years now? Dear God!), I was seriously disappointed in Episode 2. Valve, however, apparently accomplished their mission to make it a hit for new players and console owners. But enough of that. TF2 is beautifully rendered, in a NC-17 Pixar sort of way. Not a lot of new gameplay, but for what it is, it's    Easily the cleverest thing in the Orange Box.

    As a long time HL fan (10 years now? Dear God!), I was seriously disappointed in Episode 2. Valve, however, apparently accomplished their mission to make it a hit for new players and console owners. But enough of that.

    TF2 is beautifully rendered, in a NC-17 Pixar sort of way. Not a lot of new gameplay, but for what it is, it's fully realized.

    Anyway, Portal isn't perfect. It could be longer. It could be more complex. It is, however, fun. Clever, capricious, and fun.
    Did I mention fun? Portal gives clear signs of the new blood at the Valve offices.

    How many Valve games have an ending we can all agree is good?
    How about a dessert-obsessed genetically modified DOS machine singing an archly comic ditty while the credits roll? Excellent? You bet.

    The cake is a lie!    … Expand
  56. Libra
    Nov 18, 2007
    8
    Interesting concept, but gameplay gets repetitive after a while. I didn't enjoy the gameplay all that much, but I loved the rest. The use of suble humour and hints of backstory was nothing short of genious and the general atmosphere of the game is perfect. It does lack replayability, but oh-so amazing that firs time round.
  57. RobertB.
    Nov 18, 2007
    10
    Was a fun game and a challenge to think of what to do next. Was short but fun and somewhat addicting. At least there is cake at the end :D
  58. StevenH.
    Oct 12, 2007
    9
    Really fun and polished looking game, althought would have been nice to be a little longer.
  59. RyanP.
    Nov 29, 2007
    10
    This was my favorite game in the orange box even though they are all very fun to play. I thought this game was challenging but not to difficult. While the game focuses on solving puzzles there is a lot of subtle but hilarious notions throughout the game. This game is very addictive as well.
  60. NateC.
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    Very innovative and even humorous. The robotic dialogue had me laughing every few minutes. The 19 missions do go by fairly quickly, only taking 3 hours to complete. However, there are some "advanced" courses that Im still having a difficult time completeing. But it was an amazingly fun addition to the Orange Box and I can't wait to see what they'll do with the portal series next.
  61. DyingW.
    Nov 30, 2007
    10
    Fantastic game, full of personality and light on plot. As soon as I heard about Portal, I immediately got a copy of Narbarcular Drop, just to try out the idea, and it made me want it even more. Can't wait for a Portal 2 to come out, or some kind of integration into a new Half-Life plot! ...because everywhere I go, I find myself thinking with Portals.
  62. MikeG.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Portal is a great game for a challenge of the mind and skill of the hand. The extra levels to be unlocked were also quite challenging. Valve made another great product and it will even make you smile or even laugh a few times. If you do not yet have Portal, I would suggest at least giving it a try. Patience is a good quality to have! That is if you plan on having "cake"!
  63. WN
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Fun, innovative, extremely humourous, and Stimulates the mind. Alot of fun and the possibility of hours of repeat game play. I got a HUGE kick out of the end.
  64. Mouse
    Nov 4, 2007
    10
    Great game, I really enthuse everyone to play it. I feel compelled to achieve all of their little goals because well, the game rules!
  65. AndrewH
    Nov 4, 2007
    10
    Very very fun concept. usually i dont play puzzle games but this one had me hooked. and for the price, how can you go wrong? i wouldn't say its short because of the high replay value of this game. also Episode 2 and TF should be enough to keep anyone busy.
  66. Anonymous
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    This game was absolutely amazing, it had exeptionally deep gameplay and a constantly developing plotline and plenty of humor, was also nicely tied into the Half-Life universe.
  67. Technicha
    Oct 17, 2007
    9
    Awesome game. The gameplay never gets old. Gameplay is also explained very simple but is very advanced once you get to play it. Storyline was good but a little weird, i didn't understand a couple of things.
  68. LeoA.
    Oct 17, 2007
    9
    Great puzzle game, smooth performance, well done for the initial release. Darkly humorous similar to Half Life 2, I'll play this one to the end, if I can make it.
  69. GarethL.
    Oct 17, 2007
    10
    Brilliant. To quote 'Zero Punctuation' - The most fun you will have till they create a force-feedback codpiece.
  70. TobyO.
    Oct 17, 2007
    10
    Rarely does a game change the way you think or view the world. Rarely does a game bring something totally new and refreshing to the table. Rarely does a puzzle game have more personality and charm than any number of RPGs. Portal succeeds in doing all this and more. It will haunt your dreams, my friends.
  71. MichaelS.
    Oct 17, 2007
    9
    An excellent brain game that would be rated 10 if it wasn't so damnded short. I beat the game in about 3 hours - one sitting to be exact, and finished the bonus material in about 2 more hours. I woulda liked it to be a little bit longer, but it was still fun, and the price is right in the Orange Box package!
  72. Rat
    Oct 17, 2007
    10
    Exceptionally well done, and leaves the door wide open for mappers and modders. The subtle storyline leaves us gasping for more - the depth of the unknown looming over us as the most delightful credits since Warcraft 3 scroll up... As everyone says: Wish we had MORE!
  73. JoshuaB.
    Nov 7, 2007
    10
    Some of the best writing a game has had in a very very long time. Clever puzzles, FANTASTIC voice, and the most rewarding and friggin great ending a game has had in forever with "STILL ALIVE".
  74. AndresS.
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    This is, without a doubt, a truly masterpiece. It's bizarre humor and simple concept proved to be a succesful combination. This is a must play.
  75. AndréM.
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    Very fun. Much innovative. Perfect graphics. Extremely good gameplay. No hard bugs. Interesting, smart and intelligent. A unique game.
  76. TH
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    One of a kind. This is a game for everyone, whether your into FPS, Puzzlers, RPGs - it doesn't matter; you'd be crazy to miss this title. It's got a simple, but intersting story; something that will reveal itself in the most perfect way. In the end, I'd file this under "Comedy".
  77. RobF.
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    Absolutely amazing. The music, the character, the intricate puzzles, the dark humour, it's all fantastic. Portal does in two hours what most games can't do in twenty.
  78. BlakeB
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    Brilliant.
  79. LukeM.
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    I found this game to be fun to play and very replayable. The script is very funny and I can't wait to see what it brings to the half-life universe. I have so far played this game 8 times and will continue to play it again and again.
  80. ChristopherS.
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    Humour and puzzles are spot-on for an entertaining and fun game. Now all we need are some new puzzles created by the community and an add-on pack; who needs Half-Life 2? We've got all the physics puzzles we need in one game!
  81. AnonymousMC
    Oct 21, 2007
    9
    I honestly think anyone who plays this game (gamer or non-gamer) will enjoy it. The concept of the portal gun is absolute genious. A bit too short though. Took me 2.5 hours. I guess this really was just a quick test of the portal physics, but it turned out extremely well. i'd give it an 8.5 for the great puzzles, nice enviornments, hilarious GLaDOS voice work, and the sickestI honestly think anyone who plays this game (gamer or non-gamer) will enjoy it. The concept of the portal gun is absolute genious. A bit too short though. Took me 2.5 hours. I guess this really was just a quick test of the portal physics, but it turned out extremely well. i'd give it an 8.5 for the great puzzles, nice enviornments, hilarious GLaDOS voice work, and the sickest end-credits song EVER. Play it as soon as you can. Short but very sweet.… Expand
  82. KevinD.
    Dec 13, 2007
    10
    Easily one of the most original FPS games ever that will have you hooked the second you step through your first portal. The game play makes you feel smart and clever at every puzzle completion... not too many games can give you the feeling that you're a genius. Especially when you're not. ;-)
  83. RickT.
    Dec 13, 2007
    10
    Three letters: F-U-N!! Yes, it's "short", but it's like a rich dessert (cake?)... just the right portion size to make you crave another helping! I love HL, Unreal Tourney, Q3, and Elite Force. But Portal is the only game in that bunch that had me _smiling_ :) afterwards. Absolutely fantastic!
  84. BobB.
    Dec 19, 2007
    9
    Well put together, It is nice that the focus on solving puzzles is an integral part of Half Life. I wish Portal had more levels. It was a blast!
  85. Benjamin
    Oct 22, 2007
    10
    An instant classic. I havn't seen a game this original since Descent, and that was 12 years ago! GLaDUS is hilarious and clever, the gameplay is unique and groundbreaking, and the replayability is tremendous! Right down to the credits this game keeps you coming back for more!
  86. JonathanW.
    Oct 22, 2007
    10
    Absolutely the most entertaining game I've ever played. From the innovative, mind-warping gameplay, to the side-splitting deadpan humor of GLaDOS, to the end credits - what a well-polished masterpiece. Yes, it's very short. Play through the advanced and timed rooms for some more fun. An instant classic!
  87. JasonK.
    Oct 22, 2007
    10
    This game is outstanding, period. I don't have much time to play games anymore so the length of this game was perfect for me. Speaking of which, the game never loses its pase and it's extremly fun from the minute you start to the end of the credits (which is amazing as well). This game really captured the immersion factor. Needless to say I was on the edge of my seat when a new This game is outstanding, period. I don't have much time to play games anymore so the length of this game was perfect for me. Speaking of which, the game never loses its pase and it's extremly fun from the minute you start to the end of the credits (which is amazing as well). This game really captured the immersion factor. Needless to say I was on the edge of my seat when a new obstical was introduced or when the dialog kicked in.… Expand
  88. MathiasB.
    Dec 22, 2007
    10
    Outstanding gameplay! When making a game it is always difficult to make something whitch has not been made before ... This is somthing whitch is new and less destrucktive.
  89. AdamM.
    Dec 23, 2007
    10
    Definitely the best game I've played in a while. The game play was amazing, but the plot/storyline makes the entire experience unforgettable.
  90. C.F.
    Dec 28, 2007
    10
    Great game, a little short on first look, but you seem to forget around chamber 14 :P Definitely worth the 10 dollars for its innovative gameplay, good graphics, and interesting plot.
  91. FlorianV.
    Dec 30, 2007
    10
    Brilliant! This game has everything: A plot - you don't know how it will turn out in the end; Sound, music and graphics add to the game - they do not dominate the game; A new idea - alas, the idea alone would be worth a ten; Skill AND mind are required to play the game; Great humor - without being ridiculous, not even once; This all adds up to an outstanding game. I love it!
  92. TylerB.
    Oct 23, 2007
    9
    The only reason this is a 9/10 is length. Short but so funny and so good, it makes me wanna eat some moist, delicious, oh-so-good cake. The AI in game is quite funny in a serious tone which states that someone at Valve has witty humor to spare for a sequel. In the end, this felt like a physics tech demo with a good comedy routine added in, and is worth buying as part of the Orange Box. The only reason this is a 9/10 is length. Short but so funny and so good, it makes me wanna eat some moist, delicious, oh-so-good cake. The AI in game is quite funny in a serious tone which states that someone at Valve has witty humor to spare for a sequel. In the end, this felt like a physics tech demo with a good comedy routine added in, and is worth buying as part of the Orange Box. Alone it is a bit pricey at $20 for something that lasts a few hours. The only way to get better is a sequel with more maps and more humor!!… Expand
  93. TheCaptain
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    I officially declare this one of my favorite games ever. It's only short coming, length, would be called bad if it were the opposite as well. If it were too long it might have pushed back Orange Box's release date just to add more of the same. It didn't over stay it's welcome and had every concept once to see it, again to fully understand it and then combined with I officially declare this one of my favorite games ever. It's only short coming, length, would be called bad if it were the opposite as well. If it were too long it might have pushed back Orange Box's release date just to add more of the same. It didn't over stay it's welcome and had every concept once to see it, again to fully understand it and then combined with others to make it as complex as it could get. Any more and it would have been boring and you might have given up before the absolutely amazing ending. By the way, the ending was amazing.… Expand
  94. TrentC.
    Oct 25, 2007
    10
    Wonderfully crisp & crunch game play. The only qripe is the length and current lack for additional bonus maps.
  95. JamesR.
    Oct 25, 2007
    10
    This is the absolute best First Person game ever created. I do not care that it was short, because playing with portals is THAT much fun.
  96. AlasdairR.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    Short, but easily my favourite of the Orange Box games. Incredibly witty script, with great vocals for the AI, fantastic level design and storyline. I can't wait to see how Aperture Science is included in Half-Life 2: Episode 3.
  97. ForrestG.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    While a bit on the short side, this game has managed to consume over 40 hours in the last two weeks. The unique style of game play is fantastic. I hope to see many add-on levels in the future; I know I am looking forward to mapping my own puzzles.
  98. FabrizioC.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    I've just finished a few levels, but I can assure you this game is amazing! Very good graphics, plot and balance: it really is a "must have" if you like puzzle gaming. Good job, Valve!
  99. SethH.
    Oct 29, 2007
    10
    Game of the Year. It finally brings something fresh to the FPS. I've played through it 4 times now. If I had one complaint it would be that it needs to be longer. Regardless of length it is still a stellar game.
  100. PhilL.
    Oct 31, 2007
    8
    Great Game, fantastic use of the Source Engine maybe just a bit short though!
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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.
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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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