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. JoshuaL.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    This game was an absolute blast to play. By far the most original and creative puzzle game I've ever played. It was also hilarious!
  2. LeeM.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    This is a great game. I have enjoyed all of the puzzles in the game. The main feature I liked was how the portal showed the opposite room of where the other portal was. I heard that in the Developments comontary, they used a method of placing a Camera view facing outside the portal and applying that camera's view on the portal its self. Thats very clever.
  3. Thomas
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    I really enjoy this game. I find it fun yet not too easy. The solution is obvious once you see it, but the challenge is thinking differently in order to see the solution. I'd definitely recommend this game.
  4. PatF.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Set in the Half-Life universe, this game is innovative, and highly entertaining, and packed with brain bending puzzles. I only wish it was longer, I beat it in 4 hours. Awesome job!
  5. TomS.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Portal is one of the best games of the year. Its game play is superb and a new invation to gaming.
  6. JeyhmisGoodmane
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Portal is truly an unassuming kind of game, what with it's seemingly simple story and the lack detail. However, the further you go, the more eerie things get, with a good twist and some ingenious ideas. I would have appreciated some more "long jumping" and chain jumping, but overall, Valve did a lovely job!
  7. 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.
  8. ChaseB.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Brilliant game. The mood and narration for the last half of the game is just genius. A first person shooter, with firing a single gun or shooting at a single enemy, yet it's still completely awesome. That should tell you something about the quality of this game.
  9. MacG.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    One of the most fun games I've played. Lots of replay value and endless possibilities with mods. Also the best dialogue (or monologue) in any game.
  10. RyanS.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    An amazing game that requires you to think in a new and unique way. Add in the ability to reply the maps with even harder difficulty and challenges adds to the replayablilty. Looking forward to the maps the online community is bound to make!
  11. TalL.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    I waited eagerly, OK -- *impatiently*, for this game to be released ever since it appeared on my radar after the trailer was released. From the trailer I could tell that this was going to be exactly my kind of fun. This game *exceeded* my expectations in every regard. Although brief, I expect that there will be plenty of puzzles created and exchanged by fans over time as add-ons. I'd I waited eagerly, OK -- *impatiently*, for this game to be released ever since it appeared on my radar after the trailer was released. From the trailer I could tell that this was going to be exactly my kind of fun. This game *exceeded* my expectations in every regard. Although brief, I expect that there will be plenty of puzzles created and exchanged by fans over time as add-ons. I'd give away some of my favorite comments to make about this game, but they'd be spoilers. But I still have a few good things to add: The voice-acting, and yes apparently this is the voice acting of one certain Ellen McLain and not computer synth, was superbly done. Truly, at the risk of a pun, the icing on the cake. The storyline, although short, makes a wonderful dark little comedy within a science-fiction setting. The end titles, and what was done with it, had me howling with laughter. The gameplay is wonderfully original. As much as I enjoy my FPS-style games, this is a nice change of pace. Yes, there are bullets and rockets fired in the game, but you never get more than the portal gun yourself. You're forced to defend yourself purely with your wits and your agility. Major kudos, gratitude, and wishes for future success to Valve and the team of students-turned-pro who put this game together. It was worth the wait.… Expand
  12. BradJ.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Mind bending play, great comedy. I want MORE!
  13. PieO.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    A very unique game with clever dialog and attention to detail that so many games miss. Portal is just fun to play and a riot to experience.
  14. JonW.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    This game is exceptional and the only reason why critics are upset about it is because its too short, but with level editors on the way this game will provide more content than ANY of the other parts of the orange box which is saying something, because TF2 is sure to keep giving. All hail valve for knocking it out of the park with this delicious little tidbit.
  15. AndrewF.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Pure Genius! Different from anything out there in a while. You definitely start 'thinking with Portal'.
  16. AlexM.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    The rating of 88 is far too low. Portal isn't just a puzzle game. The story, despite having no plot is really enjoyable. There are extremely poingent, typically Valve moments. (You took the box away ;) ). This game would be worth buying in it's own right.
  17. ChrisA.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    I considered this game just a box-filler game for the orange box, boy was I wrong... This is perhaps the best surprise game ive played this year! The term first person puzzler suits this game well, no run of the mill shoot the bad guys, its just you - your portal gun and some great puzzle levels with a twist in the end. Only negative comment ive got for this game now is its length... took I considered this game just a box-filler game for the orange box, boy was I wrong... This is perhaps the best surprise game ive played this year! The term first person puzzler suits this game well, no run of the mill shoot the bad guys, its just you - your portal gun and some great puzzle levels with a twist in the end. Only negative comment ive got for this game now is its length... took me some 3 hrs to run it through and at that point was hyped up for some (much) more puzzles to solve! Anyhows, enought ramble. I a boring x-mas is looming ahead, get the orange box to keep you company. With Portal, this release is perhaps the best entertainment for money this year! We want more!… Expand
  18. BenjaminE.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    This genius game shows once more that a first-person-shooter like game doesn't have to be bloody at all. The gameplay is a big step towards a futuristic idea and makes players change the way they approach those specific problems. Even though it is the same concept throughout the whole game, it does not get boring at all and the guiding, smart but evilish voice with that bit of irony This genius game shows once more that a first-person-shooter like game doesn't have to be bloody at all. The gameplay is a big step towards a futuristic idea and makes players change the way they approach those specific problems. Even though it is the same concept throughout the whole game, it does not get boring at all and the guiding, smart but evilish voice with that bit of irony that accompanies you all the way to the end is yet another great feature. Releasing the game within the Orange Box together with half life 2: episode two was a great idea. All thumbs straight up.… Expand
  19. DewanH.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    One of the best games to come out in recent times, this game blends humor and cruelty to the highest level as you solve puzzles, while not entirely too difficult, are certainly new, having introduced entirely new gameplay aspects to the 'first person shooter', despite this not being a 'shooter' in the classical sense.
  20. GaryHockin
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Intense, immensely enjoyable, clever, and witty with it. Geat fun!
  21. 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.
  22. SomeGuy
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Portal will blow your mind. In a good way. A REALLY good way.
  23. ShadowCannon
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    Mind bending fun and the crazy computer GLaDOS made me laugh all the way through. The game may only take 2 to 5 hours on your first run, but I have never played a game which has been so entertaining all the way until the end. It will take longer to finish the bonus maps and complete the achievements. If you don't buy the orage box, be sure to pick up this!
  24. 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
  25. MarcusH.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    This game was so great! One of the best I played in a long time. And the credits were just perfect. More games should have such endings. A ground breaking game concept, nice levels, perfect learning curve, hot ending! Just PERFECT.
  26. 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 .
  27. BrandonB.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Best game I have played all year! Great puzzles and awesome plotline. Would love to see some multiplayer mods and more difficult custom maps. This was by far the most brilliant thing to come from anyone in the gaming industry this year. Way to go Valve!
  28. DoisK.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    The "official" website reviews, I'd say, are drastic understatements. This game marries wonderfully joyful gameplay with an intruiging story that will leave you wanting to finish it the moment you begin the game. Along with that, the humour incorporated is simply golden and there are moments where we can really laugh out loud. Also, its 3 hour long lifespan, to me, is very The "official" website reviews, I'd say, are drastic understatements. This game marries wonderfully joyful gameplay with an intruiging story that will leave you wanting to finish it the moment you begin the game. Along with that, the humour incorporated is simply golden and there are moments where we can really laugh out loud. Also, its 3 hour long lifespan, to me, is very appropriate. Too long and the game would have lost its novelty. With all that said, it was honestly the best 3 hours of my life. Do not miss this masterpiece.… Expand
  29. DrewE.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    When I saw the ad for this game in Counter-Strike, I just thought, "Oh great, another bad source-based game." However, my friend got me the Orange Box and after installing I played Portal and was instantly captivated. It's a great game for any Physics minded person, and although it goes by pretty quick, the time is extremely enjoyable. Great addition to the Orange Box Valve!
  30. StevenH.
    Oct 12, 2007
    9
    Really fun and polished looking game, althought would have been nice to be a little longer.
  31. BadgerBadger
    Oct 12, 2007
    9
    As everyone says, it's short, but God is it memorable. It's slick, it's smart, and its developers clearly put painstaking thought into every little detail. You just have to be impressed by developers that can make an inanimate object into a beloved character.
  32. MattN.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    This was absolutely one of the best games I have ever played. Valve outdoes itself in greatness with nearly every test. The storyline is amazingly woven not just in intense dialog and experience, but also with the semi-secret rooms and well-made writing on the wall. Also included is the best song in any game I've ever played. The only fault I witnessed in my 15 hours of gameplay so This was absolutely one of the best games I have ever played. Valve outdoes itself in greatness with nearly every test. The storyline is amazingly woven not just in intense dialog and experience, but also with the semi-secret rooms and well-made writing on the wall. Also included is the best song in any game I've ever played. The only fault I witnessed in my 15 hours of gameplay so far is that in game, the second portal is orange, while in the keyboard options tab, it is denoted as red. A simple coding and communication problem, I'm sure. Overall, Portal is worth anyone's time and money and so much more. As a final thought, you actually play as a girl! Which is unheard of in most shooter games, sans Perfect Dark.… Expand
  33. EthanG.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    This game is a great new concept, the thinking mans/womans First Person Shooter. The way the portals work makes it feel real and is quite fun to fling your self across rooms and go places and do the game your way. The Ending is great too
  34. PhilP.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Most original and FUN game I have played in a log time. It was short, but I loved every element of it. It was creepy yet hilarious at the same time - and the credits - fantastic credits. I know it is only about 2.5 hours to beat the campaign, but I enjoyed it so much I'd vote it as GOTY. Bottomline: Great! (especially combined in the Orange Box - great value)
  35. LeighC.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Despite It's short length It is still a fantastic game, in fact what am I doing here i should be doing the challenges. In a game like this graphics have never been a consideration for me over gameplay, but it does look quite stunning. As for gameplay? Well It really is addictive and the shortness of it will be more noticeable due to the fact you wont be able to stop until you are Despite It's short length It is still a fantastic game, in fact what am I doing here i should be doing the challenges. In a game like this graphics have never been a consideration for me over gameplay, but it does look quite stunning. As for gameplay? Well It really is addictive and the shortness of it will be more noticeable due to the fact you wont be able to stop until you are done. I definitely recomend this for anyone old or young, no matter your gaming preference, if nothing else the dialog will bring a smile to your face, especially the closing song.… Expand
  36. LexB.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Short, but absolutely consuming.
  37. JoshK.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Very fun and yet very unique game. It was only a 3 hour game but had I fun the whole time. After beating the game I wanted more puzzles. The bonus levels helped a bit but I wanted more unique levels. I hope they make a portal 2 and find a way to do some co-op and multiplayer. The ending was the best .
  38. EdmundW.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Funniest game I've ever played.
  39. MattH.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    This is the most innovative game I have ever played and I highly enjoy it. The graphics are good, the game play is amazing, and I personally find the narrator to be hilarious.
  40. VenomousClaw
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Portal is, although only resonably short, an innovative step forward. I can't think of another game that challenges the player to think about the effects of force, speed and gravity in a 360 degree way. "Speedy thing goes in, speedy thing comes out." It's easy to get to grips with right from the beginning, the lab computer 'GLaDOS' leads you onward towards your final Portal is, although only resonably short, an innovative step forward. I can't think of another game that challenges the player to think about the effects of force, speed and gravity in a 360 degree way. "Speedy thing goes in, speedy thing comes out." It's easy to get to grips with right from the beginning, the lab computer 'GLaDOS' leads you onward towards your final goal, while saying sinister and sometimes pure comedy genious lines. "Please note, we have added a consequence for failure. Any contact with the chamber floor will result in an unsatisfactory mark on your official testing record, followed by death. Good luck." Oh, and the level with the Companion Cube has the funniest pictures and quotes I've seen in a Valve game.… Expand
  41. ConnorL.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    The sick and twisted humor in this game was incredible, and although some of the end puzzles were lacking, I never stopped loving how creative you had to get with the portal gun and how the AI never ceased to make me laugh in a sort of twisted way. The rooms where the previous test subjects had gone also gave it a very eerie feeling, but kept me going all the time.
  42. RobinW.
    Oct 12, 2007
    9
    Polished and Slick, with a twisted computer voiceover. Fairly short, but fabulously entertaining. Limited replay value though I suspect, but it's exactly the kind of game where fan created content will rule.
  43. GeorgeG.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Portal is an extremely brilliant game. While I think the learning curve was too gentle, the puzzles began often tricky. I haven't enjoyed a game this much for quite a long time. My only regret is that I already beat it, or at least the main story. There are still 2 additional sets of bonus maps, plus a feature to import maps, which a fantastic mod community will grow around, and the Portal is an extremely brilliant game. While I think the learning curve was too gentle, the puzzles began often tricky. I haven't enjoyed a game this much for quite a long time. My only regret is that I already beat it, or at least the main story. There are still 2 additional sets of bonus maps, plus a feature to import maps, which a fantastic mod community will grow around, and the number of puzzles will be enormous!… Expand
  44. MatthewH.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    This game, though short, was done exceptionally well. It's a great play and an even better laugh. The story, the vocals, and the soundtrack are all magnificently done. 10/10 by me.
  45. KyronD.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    One of the most amazing original and unique games I have ever played, sure i completed it in roughly 3 hours, but it was the greatest 3 hours I have spent playing a game, and it had hints of humour and witiness all the way through, Brilliance.
  46. SarahG.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    This game witty, creative, and more intellectually-stimulating than most video games. Honestly, I think I enjoyed this game more than any game I've played in 10 years.
  47. MopeyN.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    One of the most innovative and funniest games, ever. When I first played it, I thought it'll be some kind of beta and no real story behind it. That's the idea you got from all the trailers and pics. But it's not true: The game is very entertaining and the idea amazingly cool. I always wanted to shoot my own portals. Prey was a good (third party) start and Portal made it One of the most innovative and funniest games, ever. When I first played it, I thought it'll be some kind of beta and no real story behind it. That's the idea you got from all the trailers and pics. But it's not true: The game is very entertaining and the idea amazingly cool. I always wanted to shoot my own portals. Prey was a good (third party) start and Portal made it legendary. The few bad things about the game itself, at least the "campaign", is that it's very very short. Personally, it took me 3 to 4 hours - and I call myself a good player. After that, you might want to replay it with commentary on - very informative stuff! Challenges, as in beating the levels in an advanced style or time/portal/step-challenges rescues the game. And eventual level-editor and community-support will round it up to a very good 10. Go get it if you didn't, yet!… Expand
  48. DavidL.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    I Love this game! While in retrospect it does feel kinda short but I did think it was going to end sooner then it actually did so I'm glad for that. I really love the 3D puzzles and situations. The humor too is great. This might be my favorite game.
  49. DavidK.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    What a great game, stylish, funny, and although short none the worse because of it.
  50. JarrodL.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    This is probably the most unique and refreshing games I have ever played and brings thought and puzzles as contrast to the intense and fast paced HL2:EP2 along with team fortress this presents a great alternative to the other two when you just need a little break. Totally awesome and completely fun even if it is a little short. (3 hours)
  51. 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
  52. RichardR.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    This was a great game, fairly easy to solve the main game but then you get to the challenges and the advance stages and it makes everything you have done up to that point as childsplay.
  53. Peter
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Incredible idea, beautifully crafted, and impeccably executed. I would give it a 9.5 if I could only because of the length of the campaign, however, the pure ability and setup to be expanded by developers and users alike keep this game in the highest ranks in my book.
  54. TreyK.
    Oct 10, 2007
    9
    Excellent gameplay, concept, and execution. Awesome and humorous ending. Only falls short of perfect for being a very short play. Well worth the money though, cannot wait to see what players create for it.
  55. ExodusC.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Portal is now one of my favorite games. It starts out slow, but holy crap. This game is EPIC.
  56. AriK.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    I have never before played a puzzle game as fun as this. And when you think the game is about over, it's only about halfway through. It has an amazing plot twist that turns the game completely around. Even the ending is one of best endings I've ever seen for any game. I will never forget my experience playing Portal.
  57. SteveL.
    Oct 10, 2007
    2
    This game is based on one giant gimmick. It's an unoriginal idea. The producer of this game should just quit now.
  58. [Anonymous]
    Oct 10, 2007
    7
    This is a very original, ingenious game, and as far as that goes, this game DESERVES a 10 out of 10. It had great graphics and sound, and an completely unique story and concept of portals. However, I found the brevity of your experience in the "Aperture Science Center" to be a complete buzzkill. I felt like I was just getting started when the game abruptly came to a screeching halt. The This is a very original, ingenious game, and as far as that goes, this game DESERVES a 10 out of 10. It had great graphics and sound, and an completely unique story and concept of portals. However, I found the brevity of your experience in the "Aperture Science Center" to be a complete buzzkill. I felt like I was just getting started when the game abruptly came to a screeching halt. The puzzles were not that difficult, even in the advanced mode (except for the last one... that one is hard!) The game takes a truly brilliant original concept and delivers it extremely well, but only delivers for about 3 hours with some pretty simple puzzles. I hope this is just a teaser of what is going to come next, because if this is all we get, it is a great disappointment.… Expand
  59. LukeD.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    This game is fantastic. The puzzles give you an amazing sense of achievement and the characterisation is the best I have seen in any game recently.
  60. IsaacW.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Holy crap, I've never been so addicted to a game in my LIFE, and I've played hundreds of 'em! I literally could not leave my computer until I had beaten it and figured out all the puzzles for myself.... AMAZING gameplay, and quite humorous as well, I might add! (listen to "Still Alive" during the credits....lol!).
  61. 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.
  62. LaurensS.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Great game with fantastic ideas, and expert maps for those of us which finished the game after an hour ;).
  63. MichaelD.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Amazing game, it's full of suprises and it never stops.. and best ever is, if you beat the game.. you can still play with the extra bonus maps included. It has challanges in it, like the least footsteps, least portals, or least time.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. IGN
    82
    The idea behind Portal ends up being more brilliant than Portal itself. Regardless, we definitely had a lot of fun with what is there and appreciate the level of polish and thought that went into the presentation.
    Read full review
  2. PC Gamer UK
    92
    Portal is a magnificent puzzle game. The titillating wrongness of every solution and the wonky thinking required to get there make you feel like a space-folding genius, and yet you'll almost never get stuck.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    90
    One of the most interesting and delightful things Valve's ever done, but also one of its least fulfilling. If only we had our own portal gun to bridge the gap to the first infusion of new content, perhaps we could forget it.
    Read full review
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