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. Matt
    Mar 8, 2008
    10
    The most pleasant gaming experience in 10 years.
  2. 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.
  3. GuyN.
    Mar 6, 2008
    10
    AMAZING!!!! One of the best games I played ever. Loved the song in the end.
  4. 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.
  5. AlexanderG.
    Mar 3, 2008
    10
    It is a long loong time i have ever played a more entertaining and suprising game. Love it!
  6. MichaelUrban
    Mar 3, 2008
    4
    Very overrated. First of all, this game is unbelivably short. I kept waiting for all the training missions to end so i could play the game, but the training levels WERE the game. After that, there is just a long escape level which has barley any puzzles and is more about jumping and taking out turrets. The final boss was way too easy and the only thing motivating you to beat it was theVery overrated. First of all, this game is unbelivably short. I kept waiting for all the training missions to end so i could play the game, but the training levels WERE the game. After that, there is just a long escape level which has barley any puzzles and is more about jumping and taking out turrets. The final boss was way too easy and the only thing motivating you to beat it was the timer. Their attempt to make the game funny and put in jokes just makes the game look worse. This game was meant to be an extra toy included in the orange box. Definatley not worth buying seperatley.… Expand
  7. RosaS.
    Mar 3, 2008
    10
    The best puzzle game I ever played. I wait for the next episode!!
  8. JarettE.
    Mar 1, 2008
    9
    I hear the gameplay is short over and over again. Sure it was short but getting the acheivments takes time and practice. The campaign type thing was tight but it didn't take that long to compleate. It's worth compleating though, and the advanced maps and challenges take up the biggest part of the game really. I would say it's worth buying if you like things that are trippy I hear the gameplay is short over and over again. Sure it was short but getting the acheivments takes time and practice. The campaign type thing was tight but it didn't take that long to compleate. It's worth compleating though, and the advanced maps and challenges take up the biggest part of the game really. I would say it's worth buying if you like things that are trippy and just plain weird. The challenges are a bit annoying though because the steps one is really hard.… Expand
  9. BrandonR.
    Mar 1, 2008
    10
    Of all the games I've ever played, Portal is my all-time favorite right now.
  10. JohnHammarberg
    Feb 27, 2008
    9
    It would be a 10 if it just continued with a few more harder levels. Amazing game, funny computer personality and I still crack up laughing when thinking of the companion cube and the cake. One of the best games I've played, just too short. Make Portal 2 (I expect it!) longer and I will pay full price for it alone.
  11. Petaire
    Feb 26, 2008
    10
    Enfin un jeu original, avec un humour très fin. Still aliiiiiiiive!
  12. JonH.
    Feb 25, 2008
    10
    Flawless in every way, shape, and form. With the sequel scheduled I hope we see a lot more of portal. The cake is still a lie
  13. PeterS.
    Feb 25, 2008
    10
    Best game of the year in my opinion. Yes its only 3 hours long, but they will be a great 3 hours!
  14. BradK.
    Feb 24, 2008
    10
    Really great, a lot of fun. Look forward to the sequel, hope I get to go outside.
  15. KitrinaY.
    Feb 24, 2008
    10
    Way too short, but for the intensity of the puzzles and being forced to think outside of the box.. brilliant! Simply brilliant! I'd love it more if it had a sequel.
  16. AnselT.
    Feb 23, 2008
    9
    awesome game, cant wait for the next one. best ending song ever!
  17. JennaH.
    Feb 23, 2008
    10
    I thouroughly enjoyed this game. short but sweet id love to see what else they could do with this.... watch is space.
  18. LordW.
    Feb 22, 2008
    10
    Fooking brilliant game. Perfect down to the exit song! Shame it wasn't longer. How about combining Half-Life with Portal? You could make the enemy shoot at themselves. You could sneak up behind the enemy and twat them. Could be interesting, no?
  19. AllyD.
    Feb 21, 2008
    7
    Would of been a TEN but for short life span! this game is amazing and simply genius, but i completed it about 3 hrs total. they better make a part 2. I loved this game, but this is more like an intro. speed test add more life but the 1st player was so good. i was gutted it was so short. comforted myself with a big real cake, and played again. To Valve, don't be scared, make it big Would of been a TEN but for short life span! this game is amazing and simply genius, but i completed it about 3 hrs total. they better make a part 2. I loved this game, but this is more like an intro. speed test add more life but the 1st player was so good. i was gutted it was so short. comforted myself with a big real cake, and played again. To Valve, don't be scared, make it big and hard, we can handle it!!!the potential for this game is huge.… Expand
  20. DaveH.
    Feb 20, 2008
    9
    A mini masterpiece. Must be experienced at least once.
  21. CE
    Feb 18, 2008
    10
    This game is for those who like more of a challenge than a simple shoot em up. The game has a type of dark humor that I find delightful and though it may be short I think in a way it was almost the perfect amount of time. Heed this warning though you fan boys of Halo and other games of mindless violence, this isn't for you and might be too complex for you.
  22. ChrisT.
    Feb 18, 2008
    10
    Amazing game, and one of the best endings to a game ever.
  23. MikeD.
    Feb 17, 2008
    9
    Sahame we have to pick whole numbers or I would have given it 9.5 instead of 9. I can't wait for Orange Box 2! Fantastic stuff.
  24. MaximC.
    Feb 17, 2008
    10
    Oh, yes! It's really the Best Game!
  25. PatrickW.
    Feb 16, 2008
    10
    Wonderful! Intelligent! If all games were like this. Someone make me a companion cube.
  26. MiMiselphaneye
    Feb 15, 2008
    10
    Awesome. Deserves less than a 10, more than a 9. So it gets a 10.
  27. WilliamA.
    Feb 14, 2008
    10
    Started and did not stop. game is one of the best I have ever played. Really makes you think.
  28. ConnorS.
    Feb 12, 2008
    10
    Portal is a game that has the best of everything. Concept, writing, execution, graphics, gameplay, humor, suspense, challenge. There is no flaw in this game. It is the most mind-bending, heart-stopping, side-aching experience I've had on a PC; I rate it eleven!
  29. KennyP.
    Feb 12, 2008
    9
    I had much entertainment from this game. I've played a couple puzzle games and this is ultimately my favorite. With a new type of gameplay and way of solving I couldn't resist beating it in 1 day. Although it's basically 2-3 hours of playtime, the challenges add to it. The humor also kept me giggling through every room.
  30. JamesT.
    Feb 11, 2008
    10
    I think this game was beautiful every class was great as well as it makes you properly use teamwork to win on big servers. I just loved it.
  31. JayT.
    Feb 11, 2008
    10
    Portal is a no#1 game because there is no other game like it, its not like being killed and you respawn, its using your brain and physics to get yourself through the game.
  32. KPRook
    Feb 9, 2008
    10
    Loved the game, and the story, and the cube. I want that cake!
  33. 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.
  34. ChrisJ.
    Feb 9, 2008
    10
    Whilst this game is relatively short, it is probably one of the most important games ever made. The puzzles are sublime and the script often had me in tears of laughter. I only wish it was longer.
  35. FranciscoS.
    Feb 9, 2008
    10
    An excellent game, full of mystery and action but with the use of your brains too. My favorite single player game.
  36. DougV.
    Feb 8, 2008
    10
    Can't wait for Portal 2, although it's hard to imagine what could be done to maintain the atmosphere of the first offering.
  37. JaredG.
    Feb 7, 2008
    10
    This game proves you can have fun in a FPS without actually shooting anybody.
  38. MRBunny
    Feb 5, 2008
    10
    So scared were we all that the fps genre would die away, because of a lot of repetitiveness. Valve has proven even us greatest critics all wrong. Good on them i say, good on them. Best game I have played in a long time. Though short, a major challenge. 11/10 From MR Bunny
  39. AImeeG.
    Feb 4, 2008
    10
    One of the best games I've played, and one of the few first-person 'shooters' I truly enjoy. Short, yes, but making it too much longer put the quality of the game at risk. Let's hope for a sequel of some form!
  40. NickD.
    Feb 3, 2008
    10
    Excellent game. Although it is very short it is full of surprises and great game play. 'Twas also very funny. A joking computer? How great is that? Sarcasm is the best. I'm glad i got his one!
  41. 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.
  42. RyanS>
    Feb 3, 2008
    10
    Portal is a great game. It's challenging in the later levels, but do-able. Yes, the main game may be quite short, but while it is there, its brilliant. Some of the challenges seem almost stupidly difficult, i.e the step limit, but there's so much satisfaction from getting the vanilla crazy cake at the end of the 6th advanced map. Best thing is, my lousy graphics card can run it Portal is a great game. It's challenging in the later levels, but do-able. Yes, the main game may be quite short, but while it is there, its brilliant. Some of the challenges seem almost stupidly difficult, i.e the step limit, but there's so much satisfaction from getting the vanilla crazy cake at the end of the 6th advanced map. Best thing is, my lousy graphics card can run it on high! So pretty.… Expand
  43. CaseyY.
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    A short but perfect game. Some of the challenges seem too difficult, but for those with that urge to never give up. It is ultimately satisfying.
  44. HenrikH.
    Jan 30, 2008
    10
    Fantastic game. First is the innovative gameplay, Portal is the first game in over a decay that actually delivers a new kind of gameplay to game. Second is the humor, GLaDOS sarcastic, ironic lies about cake is well placed through the hole game and it gets better by the time. A little minus is the lenght but the overall game is fantastic.
  45. MariuszM.
    Jan 29, 2008
    10
    The game is great but the idea is even better, finish level 14 in 50, 10, 4 seconds? yes, thats called thinking with portals, Challenge maps are almost as fun as the game itself.
  46. AaronY.
    Jan 27, 2008
    10
    Paired down to a short blazing game, every second is great puzzle sleuthing and hillarious GLaDOS dialouge. I doubt there will be another game this phenomenally good for many years. I do hope that Valve continues to connect the "Aperture Science," and "Black Mesa," worlds. Their sum would be greater than their parts.
  47. melindawyers
    Jan 27, 2008
    10
    The Orange Box should have been labeled "Portal and Friends"
  48. ChrisL.
    Jan 25, 2008
    7
    If you don't have excellent reaction times and precise jump puzzle skills, Portal is an exercise in frustration. It's excellently constructed, with good in-context hints as to how you should proceed. But in my case, it took me over two hours to get through what I assume was meant to be ten minutes of gameplay.
  49. PaulS.
    Jan 25, 2008
    9
    9 out of 10 rather than 10 because nothing is perfect. BUT generally wonderful. Opens up a new world of gaming possibility with one simple idea. It feels like the creators have only just started to toy with this. I hope they turn the 'tutorial' (this game) into a 'full game'. I had so many ideas about how you could push the ideas in this game. Just all good fun, witty, 9 out of 10 rather than 10 because nothing is perfect. BUT generally wonderful. Opens up a new world of gaming possibility with one simple idea. It feels like the creators have only just started to toy with this. I hope they turn the 'tutorial' (this game) into a 'full game'. I had so many ideas about how you could push the ideas in this game. Just all good fun, witty, clever and beautiful. Obviously too short, but then it is kind a freebie in the orange box. well done to Valve. genius… Expand
  50. NickC.
    Jan 24, 2008
    10
    Kickin' game. short, but much longer could have made the game a little repetitive. innovative. i was describing it to my wife as a first person puzzle game.
  51. HáriB.
    Jan 23, 2008
    10
    I got this game, installed and played until am finished it without a sign of life... then started again... when finished again, go to bed... next day mornin' am played over again... that game simply great! the women's noise, the style, the homour and of course the CAKE is a great work from Valve!
  52. Jociline
    Jan 22, 2008
    7
    I look at all those people who beat the game in three hours and say WHY DID YOU DO THAT? The game, PROUDLY, took me 5-6 hours to beat. Not because it was difficult... but I took in every second of portal I could get. The "This test is impossible" took all of 5 seconds to figure out... but the commically pessimistic humor was too much to miss. I expecally loved all the chatter about the I look at all those people who beat the game in three hours and say WHY DID YOU DO THAT? The game, PROUDLY, took me 5-6 hours to beat. Not because it was difficult... but I took in every second of portal I could get. The "This test is impossible" took all of 5 seconds to figure out... but the commically pessimistic humor was too much to miss. I expecally loved all the chatter about the companion cube. Even replaying some of the more "enjoyable" puzzles. But portal quickly falls into what I consider one of valves weakness'. Level design. Valve has the tendency of making levels that lead to the "core objective" without ever telling you what the core objective is... or even giving good reason as to how you know how to get there... or how it leads there. One thing I can say is good is valve DID answer far more questions in Portal then in any other game they've made. (or rather raised far less questions)… Expand
  53. TrustMe
    Jan 22, 2008
    9
    Pros: Good Start, innotative, great puzzles, funny humor on ending, makes you think, easily a game of the year award. Cons: Short. Headaches.
  54. DarwynR.
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    Very impressive... no violence and keeps the brain engaged.
  55. AndrejL.
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    If you asked me what's my best game before this game came out I couldn't be able to give you straight anwser... After playing Portal it became by far the best game I have ever played (sorry HL). The whole experiance of playing through this game was amazing. Trully an epic classic!
  56. JohnnyC.
    Jan 19, 2008
    10
    Amazing. Funny, artistic, not much if any downsides in the game. Great game.
  57. PeterU.
    Jan 19, 2008
    9
    I've been following portals from Narbarcular Drop, and its greatness all around, ending inclusive ;) For the ppl who say the levels are too simplistic, LISTEN TO THE INGAME COMMENTARY (for gods sake), they did it on purpose, for you. There are two reasons i didn't gave it a 10/10. First: The long loading times. When you've to press 'quick reload' alot, you've I've been following portals from Narbarcular Drop, and its greatness all around, ending inclusive ;) For the ppl who say the levels are too simplistic, LISTEN TO THE INGAME COMMENTARY (for gods sake), they did it on purpose, for you. There are two reasons i didn't gave it a 10/10. First: The long loading times. When you've to press 'quick reload' alot, you've to wait such a long time that i felt like quitting. Luckly the game's made so that you don't have to do that often, but I personally like to play around with it. The second reason I gave it a 9, is because 9.99 is not avaible :)… Expand
  58. AnthonyY.
    Jan 15, 2008
    10
    For the good of all of us, except the ones who are dead! I think this was an amazing game. Perfect length, wonderful challenges, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Valve has in store for us next in this genre.
  59. KennethP.
    Jan 15, 2008
    10
    Portal is easily my favorite game of the year possibly of all time. It has amazingly fun portal based puzzles topped with the best pitch black humor you could ever find. People say it is too short but if it were much longer it would outstay its welcome. If you could rate games on a fun per hour ratio it would easily top all games this year.
  60. ChrisD.
    Jan 15, 2008
    10
    Simple consept, amazing game play, mind expanding consepts, fantastic ending song, great humour. Such a good game!
  61. MikeM.
    Jan 13, 2008
    5
    The Portal gun idea is great. Why didn't they make more levels or more puzzles for this? The game is shorter than a movie, verry dull atmosphere, boring and drab. They practically hold your hand through the beginning which makes the rest of the game pretty simple, and far too short unless you're just renting it. It is not worth the price tag IMHO, but if you haven't tried The Portal gun idea is great. Why didn't they make more levels or more puzzles for this? The game is shorter than a movie, verry dull atmosphere, boring and drab. They practically hold your hand through the beginning which makes the rest of the game pretty simple, and far too short unless you're just renting it. It is not worth the price tag IMHO, but if you haven't tried it yet you should rent it.… Expand
  62. Nable7
    Jan 11, 2008
    10
    Just an an amazing game, all the way through. I know everybody loves it, and I hate that I agree with them, but that's how it is sometimes. Great level design, style, feel, only thing is, not very replayable.
  63. NickS.
    Jan 11, 2008
    10
    How can reviewers give this less than a 10/10. I grew up playing games developed for the Atari ST / Spectrum and Amiga among many other retro consoles and 28 years later, i still find myself playing emulators rather than new releases. It is very rare that a newly published game catches my full undivided attention for more than half an hour, but Portal (more of a demo than a game) was a How can reviewers give this less than a 10/10. I grew up playing games developed for the Atari ST / Spectrum and Amiga among many other retro consoles and 28 years later, i still find myself playing emulators rather than new releases. It is very rare that a newly published game catches my full undivided attention for more than half an hour, but Portal (more of a demo than a game) was a revelation and I urge everyone to buy the Orange Box just for it (it also doesn't hurt havign Half-Life Ep 1 and 2). Its true that the game has simplistic level designs and can appear repetitive but I assure you its innovation alone makes it the best game of 2007 - even if its only 2 to 3 hour game play. Its simply pure genius and it has effectively opened the door for game developers to come up with more games based on the game design.… Expand
  64. JohnH.
    Jan 10, 2008
    10
    Seriously, this is quite possibly the most entertaining three hours I have had in years of video game playing.
  65. NicholasM.
    Jan 10, 2008
    10
    Completely awesome game! Great graphics and original idea. I found the humor to be exactly what I've been looking for in a game, but haven't found it till this. Very Douglas Adams like. The game was short but sweet, taking me only about 2-3 hours and leaving me wanting more. There definitely needs to be a sequel.
  66. 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!
  67. AdamS.
    Jan 8, 2008
    10
    Probably the best game I've ever played. The only flaw is that it's too short, and the challenge levels, achievements, and the fact that it's part of a compilation more than makes up for it. GLaDOS is hilarious, and the gameplay is brilliant.
  68. 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
  69. Urthow
    Jan 5, 2008
    10
    Doesn't keep you doing the same level from start to finish 30 times when it gets hard and never seems to be completely impossible. also constant black humor references in contrast to the style of game make it an extremely refreshing taste to the gaming societies palate.
  70. ConfigS.
    Jan 5, 2008
    10
    Ingenious and funny - great entertainment.
  71. 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.
  72. AaronM.
    Jan 4, 2008
    10
    Outstanding game. Truly original, and will be remembered as a pioneering experience. When do we get Portal 2?!
  73. DanielY.
    Jan 3, 2008
    10
    This is the single greatest PC game of 2007. It is creative and original. The commentary alone would be a great game. If I didn't get to look at what was happening on screen the game would rate higher than 90% of the rehashed garbage of 2007. In an industry which promotes money-making as priority one and entertainment as a bi-product of a standardized game Portal makes a statement. This is the single greatest PC game of 2007. It is creative and original. The commentary alone would be a great game. If I didn't get to look at what was happening on screen the game would rate higher than 90% of the rehashed garbage of 2007. In an industry which promotes money-making as priority one and entertainment as a bi-product of a standardized game Portal makes a statement. It dares to be bold and different, do not let the length of the game dismay you. It's long enough to keep you entertained for a few hours and as a part of an essential game package (orange box) is a definite must have.… Expand
  74. D.L.
    Jan 3, 2008
    9
    (This rating is really 8.5) Portal is a very good single-player game with more puzzles than any game I know today. The puzzles are very hard, requireing more than a couple "God Mode" and "Kill Everything" cheats here and there. However, the game could be longer (Portal 2?) and the lack of enimies and weapons is a little weird for a Valve game. That aside, though, if you fell in love with (This rating is really 8.5) Portal is a very good single-player game with more puzzles than any game I know today. The puzzles are very hard, requireing more than a couple "God Mode" and "Kill Everything" cheats here and there. However, the game could be longer (Portal 2?) and the lack of enimies and weapons is a little weird for a Valve game. That aside, though, if you fell in love with hard puzzle games and futureistic settings this game is a must-have.… Expand
  75. JoshU.
    Jan 3, 2008
    10
    A refreshing break from the hardcore, mindless violence of most other titles, Portal manages to create a deep and believable world with only a short amount of gameplay. In-game characters like the android turrets and faithful companion cube, although they play relatively small parts in gameplay, are nonetheless among the most memorable of all game characters from this year. The ending A refreshing break from the hardcore, mindless violence of most other titles, Portal manages to create a deep and believable world with only a short amount of gameplay. In-game characters like the android turrets and faithful companion cube, although they play relatively small parts in gameplay, are nonetheless among the most memorable of all game characters from this year. The ending credits took me completely off guard, but cemented the fact that this game was very deliberately and perfectly made.… Expand
  76. 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.
  77. RogerD.
    Jan 3, 2008
    6
    An interesting concept..although brutally simplistic and almost completely devoid of plot. There are some interesting twists, but nothing that really got me that involved...plus it wasn't really that funny. Hopefully the modding community plays around with this one.
  78. AngusS.
    Jan 1, 2008
    10
    THE BEST GAME I have played all year. Admittedly it was over all too quickly, I think 8 hours total play time to complete the standard 19 environments, but the game itself is outstanding. Totally original, excellnt atmosphere and feel, and very very involving. I have never played anything quite like it, and on originality alone it deserves 10 out of 10. The game is an 'environmental THE BEST GAME I have played all year. Admittedly it was over all too quickly, I think 8 hours total play time to complete the standard 19 environments, but the game itself is outstanding. Totally original, excellnt atmosphere and feel, and very very involving. I have never played anything quite like it, and on originality alone it deserves 10 out of 10. The game is an 'environmental puzzle game' where you use judgement, skill and 'portals' to pass through the levels. All I can say is buy this game and enjoy the most original game in a VERY long time.… Expand
  79. 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!
  80. 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.
  81. TakeshiJ.
    Dec 28, 2007
    7
    Highly original. Very fun game that involves quick thinking. Nice use of the originally perfect source engine, yet I did find it extremely short and quick to finish. A multiplayer qould be awesome too, but that would be hard to play, but tossing each other into portals that lead to deep pits of fire would be fun! But no, theres no such thing. Oh and by the way, it's quite funny too :D
  82. BenS.
    Dec 27, 2007
    7
    Terribly overrated. I couldn't believe some of the reviews about its great "innovation" after playing it to completion in a matter of hours. I kept waiting for the "training levels" to end so I could get to the real game. Little did I know that the "training levels" were the actual game. 19 levels of using your portal "gun" to get to high places, which is really more of a tool than a Terribly overrated. I couldn't believe some of the reviews about its great "innovation" after playing it to completion in a matter of hours. I kept waiting for the "training levels" to end so I could get to the real game. Little did I know that the "training levels" were the actual game. 19 levels of using your portal "gun" to get to high places, which is really more of a tool than a gun. That's it. Don't expect the after-game achievements to make up for it. 2 of them can be completed simply by putting a portal above and below you and falling straight down. It's more a challenge of patience than anything. By that point it feels like work. Don't believe everything that you read. Must be a lot of HL2-engine fanatics who are also reviewers. Or maybe they aren't FPS fans at all, and are pleased to see an FPS engine used for a game where you don't shoot anything.… Expand
  83. JasonS.
    Dec 27, 2007
    9
    Completely awesome, except too short, although I hope they make a longer one!
  84. AdamK.
    Dec 26, 2007
    10
    Not only does the game have an epicly fun and innovative mode of transit (portals), but the amount of depth they create in the simple charicters and levels is amazing. Not to mention what's going on behind the scenes.
  85. TomW
    Dec 24, 2007
    9
    Myst meets Half Life!
    I want to give Portal a 10 but I cant. The game is far to short (about 4 hours). This is offset by some challenge levels following the end of the story line. A non-serious approach makes the game fun and light, and the distinct lack of things jumping at your face is a nice break. Helluva game, not your typical FPS.
  86. 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.
  87. EvanS.
    Dec 23, 2007
    10
    Great game! As many of the people know, this game isn't long, but it is innovative and is a lead-in to HL2:ep3 where you get the portal gun. The only reason why this game was released was to test the reaction of the gamers to the portal gun and to help the gamers understand what the portals are. Portal is a VERY unique game and fun to play. Though it is not long and has almost no Great game! As many of the people know, this game isn't long, but it is innovative and is a lead-in to HL2:ep3 where you get the portal gun. The only reason why this game was released was to test the reaction of the gamers to the portal gun and to help the gamers understand what the portals are. Portal is a VERY unique game and fun to play. Though it is not long and has almost no replay value, it is a game that everyone should experience. Also it comes in the Orange Box, so it is almost intended as a side game and not a full one.… 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. ColbyA.
    Dec 21, 2007
    10
    This game is absolutely amazing. Great graphics, and COMPLETELY unique gameplay - something you won't see in any other game except maybe Narbacular Drop. In addition to it's creative, unique gameplay, it had a fun storyline with amusing characters. Only complaint, like others', is that the game is too short, but I suspect that it is because it ties in with the Half-Life 2 This game is absolutely amazing. Great graphics, and COMPLETELY unique gameplay - something you won't see in any other game except maybe Narbacular Drop. In addition to it's creative, unique gameplay, it had a fun storyline with amusing characters. Only complaint, like others', is that the game is too short, but I suspect that it is because it ties in with the Half-Life 2 storyline, so it is more of a lead-in in my opinion, a taste of what's to come, instead of a separate full-length game. I recommend this strongly.… Expand
  90. DavidJ.
    Dec 21, 2007
    10
    There are a lot of "eight" ratings out there that sound like they'd have been a 10 if the game were longer. Weighing in from the "been a gamer since Pong" demographic, with a job that leaves little time for gaming, I am absolutely thrilled for an outstanding, innovating, SHORT experience. Perfect value for $20. The best game I've played in 2 years.
  91. Mikhail
    Dec 20, 2007
    9
    A 10 is no easy score and Portal is, IMO, very close. As far as gameplay goes I can't think of anything that should be changed/added/removed. The pacing is superb and I do not believe that it is a bad thing that Portal tends to leave players wanting more game time. I have only one issue with this game: Portal had a chance to push more then just gameplay mechanics but actaully be A 10 is no easy score and Portal is, IMO, very close. As far as gameplay goes I can't think of anything that should be changed/added/removed. The pacing is superb and I do not believe that it is a bad thing that Portal tends to leave players wanting more game time. I have only one issue with this game: Portal had a chance to push more then just gameplay mechanics but actaully be interactive commentary on games. The path towards that goal branched off at the end of test #19. Precisely the moment the player survives what could be seen as the "end of the game".… Expand
  92. 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!
  93. JoesbkS.
    Dec 17, 2007
    10
    Refreshingly different. preeminent voice acting. flawless build-up of the malicious atmosphere. and most importantly, the cake was delicious =).
  94. AdamL.
    Dec 14, 2007
    9
    Danny V., what the hell are you talking about? "Only good for renting, definately not worth the buy." Portal comes in the Orange Box and isn't even AVAILABLE to buy or rent on its own. Get a clue the next time you decide to tap that keyboard again. You're giving a bad name to all the "Danny V's" of the world.
  95. 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
  96. 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!
  97. 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. ;-)
  98. Alex
    Dec 8, 2007
    10
    My only complaint about portal is that it's too short ... but only if you don't try doing the challenges and trying to get all the acheivements. Easily one of the most fun games I have ever played.
  99. NickR.
    Dec 6, 2007
    10
    Its about time someone realized humor, originality, and fresh gameplay is needed and executed it.
  100. PeterB.
    Dec 5, 2007
    10
    Very good, it feels like the strategy genre re-invented, crossed with an FPS! highly recommend to anyone interesting in gaming of any genre!
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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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