Portal: Still Alive

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 320 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 274 out of 320
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 320
  3. Negative: 21 out of 320

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  1. CodaHensley
    Apr 25, 2023
    8
    Wasnt expecting Portal to hold up as well as everyone says it does, but this is genuinely a very fun time with some very well designed mechanics. This first entry does feel like a bit of a demo, with only the last chapter having any sort of challenge or interesting story beats, but its a very long chapter as well, and takes up what feels like 25 percent of the game compartively.
  2. GrossBurger5
    Apr 5, 2023
    10
    The main story is jam packed with exciting adventures and I definitely recommend this game for anyone who has an hour or two on their time to go through with this adventure.
  3. Mastereed
    Mar 7, 2023
    9
    LUCKILY… STILL ALIVE

    BEFORE WE BEGIN: The game was tested in the Still Alive version, 100% completed and the platinum trophy has been obtained. A WILD PORTAL APPEARS!: Portal, as a typical Valve title, features impeccable level design and attention to detail right from the start. From the first minutes of play, everything is structured to create an exponential learning curve;    LUCKILY… STILL ALIVE

    BEFORE WE BEGIN:
    The game was tested in the Still Alive version, 100% completed and the platinum trophy has been obtained.

    A WILD PORTAL APPEARS!:
    Portal, as a typical Valve title, features impeccable level design and attention to detail right from the start. From the first minutes of play, everything is structured to create an exponential learning curve; initially the player will find himself inside a closed cell as Chell, a young girl who has been hired to test some new Aperture Science technology. Apparently, the capsule in which Chell lingers would appear to have no way out, but after a few seconds, thanks to the appearance of a portal, the player will be free to begin testing the various chambers of the Aperture facility. From there on, the player will be faced with several tests, and when he or she has mastered the potential of the blue portal, he or she will also unlock the orange one, kicking off the full potential of the game.

    A NEW CUBY FRIEND:
    As can be inferred from the name of the game or the introduction of the reviews, it is all about using portals, mainly two, one blue and one orange. These portals do not have different characteristics, but are actually unlocked at different times so that the player can figure out how to use one at a time. Several other mechanics are present, which in the same way as the portals are explained right from the start, namely the use of cubes to press buttons; obviously it is very intuitive as a mechanic, but combined with the use of portals to reach tricky buttons makes it more fun and complicated. Other mechanics rely on dodging and destroying deadly turrets, or repelling energy orbs in order to activate passages. Plot-wise, the first chapter does not hold a candle to the second, with a rather simple story with few narrative twists.

    HEY, THAT’S ME!:
    Graphically Portal awakens perfectly to a game of its era; moreover, due to its simplicity the game becomes almost immortal. Obviously, the aesthetics of the logos and the use of colors are excellently done.

    HEARING THE RADIO:
    From an audio standpoint, there is not much to discuss; the use of sound effects to make clear the use of the various game objects and their interaction with the environment is excellent.

    ACHIEVEMENTS:
    The achievements in this title are fairly simple and quick to complete. The Still Alive version of Portal provides several extra levels to tackle and two challenges in the campaign that are rather tough, namely finishing the game without ever being hit by turrets and finishing it by going only through orange portals. The latter is an obvious nod to the Orange Box collection and provides a more thoughtful approach to the game's puzzles.

    BUT WHY 9?

    PROS - CONS:
    All in all, the original Portal does not have much to discuss; all the pros have already been mentioned in the parts above; of negative points, however, I personally struggle to find any, as it really is a near-perfect game. Small appreciable detail in both Portal is the Commentary mode, where the developers explain their approach in the making of this title, useful for young programmers or very curious gamers.

    RATING
    Gameplay: 10
    Music: 7
    Story: 8
    Puzzles: 10
    _    … Expand
  4. hector_bcn98
    Nov 3, 2022
    8
    Original, relativamente corto y divertido. Un ejemplo de cómo hacer un juego indie de gran calidad.
  5. pikachu713
    Sep 7, 2022
    10
    amazing game for logic with good company and good gameplay .
  6. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    8
    Atmosphere: 9
    Enjoyment: 9
    Gameplay: 8
    Graphics: 9
    Music: 6
    Story: 8
    Total: 8.17
  7. Sami_Steen
    May 2, 2021
    10
    best puzzle game I ever played.solving puzzles with a portal gun is amazing,fantastic work from valve.
  8. DieterU
    Apr 1, 2021
    8
    This is a really great puzzle game. I just wish it was longer / more replayable. After you beat it the first time, which you can do in a few days, there's not much left to do. Still great though.
  9. FortniteSteve
    Feb 8, 2021
    8
    Just Portal 2 but with less content, but it is still portal with its fun and challenging gameplay .
  10. Anatoliy_DeVile
    Dec 23, 2020
    9
    Классическая головоломка от первого лица с оригинальным геймплеем, которая вышла в сборнике Orange Box аж в 2007 году, являясь лишь частью вселенной Half Life. Увидев свет и получив массу положительных отзывов и наград, лично для меня стала главной ее частью, а уж с выходом гениальнейшей второй части на века установила эталон жанра. На днях прошёл первую часть, погрузился в ностальгическоеКлассическая головоломка от первого лица с оригинальным геймплеем, которая вышла в сборнике Orange Box аж в 2007 году, являясь лишь частью вселенной Half Life. Увидев свет и получив массу положительных отзывов и наград, лично для меня стала главной ее частью, а уж с выходом гениальнейшей второй части на века установила эталон жанра. На днях прошёл первую часть, погрузился в ностальгическое настроение, жаль конечно не хватило прекрасной озвучки от Буки, сильно не хватило до полного кайфа. Понять все тонкости чёрного юморка GLaDOS на английском мне не удалось, а этот великолепный трёп ии он просто феноменален и значительно так насыщает игровой процесс, который впрочем и без того весьма увлекателен. Вдруг всё же есть кто-то в танке и не в курсе, что в этой игре главная фишка - решение головоломок с помощью прибора, который делает два портала на вход и выход соответственно. Благодаря этой самой портальной пушке изначально мы проходим испытания в различных комнатах в заброшенной лаборатории и, когда всё же нашей жизни начинает угрожать опасность выходим за пределы крысиного лабиринта и пытаемся свести счёты с GLaDOS на территории не предназначенной для использования порталов, впрочем лазейки всегда можно найти. Не смотря на то что игре уже 13 лет она по-прежнему интересна и реиграбельна, учитывая даже тот факт что все головоломки проходишь просто с закрытыми глазами. По прежнему топ уровень! Наконец-то я теперь имею полное моральное право пройти вторую часть - лучшее что когда либо было создано в игровой индустрии.… Expand
  11. Dperks
    Jun 22, 2020
    9
    This is probably one of my favorite games of all times. And i love just coming back to it and quickly playing through it from time to time usually its worth it just to hear the song at the end. I cant recommend this title enough its charming, funny and has some real brain teasers .
  12. kvnd
    Dec 17, 2019
    8
    This is one of the most well written and genuinely funny video games ever made. Not much I can say about Portal that hasn't already been said. You can complete it in a few hours so if for some reason you've never played it, go do it now, you have no excuse
  13. Polaroid300
    Jul 18, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best puzzle game I have EVER played in my lifetime. Yes, I've played other puzzle games, but it doesn't satisfy my needs for a game that you use a "weapon" in. The game usually lasts within an hour, but with that hour comes a whole bunch of puzzle solving. You have turrets, 2 portals, energy pellets you need to insert into slots that activate other objects like a moving platform, cubes that you need to put on buttons to open doors, etc. Hell, there are even short-cuts to beating levels quickly that the developers put in. The most interesting aspect in the game is how you try to escape from death. When that platform is moving into the fire pit, you have to think fast, or you'll die. When you fight GLaDOS, she reveals the reason why you respawn. It's nothing like the usual "magic potion" in the Legend Of Zelda, or some other goofy reason like a save file or a password. The reason why you respawn is because your brain was scanned. Once you defeat GLaDOS, you actually get the cake you are promised in the game early on. This game is perfect, and I can't come up with any situation that seems like something to take off points. Sure, the game lasts an hour or less, but just because it does, doesn't mean you can't enjoy a game. Mario Maker doesn't have any main plot, but you eat it up. Before anyone down-votes this because I said that people eat it up, It's a good game. I had it, and when I played it, it was fun. This is great for people who want to enjoy a puzzle game, but don't want to spend more than an hour playing one.… Expand
  14. Termin8ter
    Jun 10, 2017
    9
    Portal: Still Alive is an overall great re-release of 2007's Portal. The original atmospheric, yet humorous campaign is still there for newcomers and veterans alike to enjoy, but the developers at Valve have added a heap of new challenge maps that will stretch your brain-cells as you desperately scramble to complete them. Overall, these new challenge maps add an hour or two to yourPortal: Still Alive is an overall great re-release of 2007's Portal. The original atmospheric, yet humorous campaign is still there for newcomers and veterans alike to enjoy, but the developers at Valve have added a heap of new challenge maps that will stretch your brain-cells as you desperately scramble to complete them. Overall, these new challenge maps add an hour or two to your playtime, extending the playtime, which is good, because the campaign is pretty short. All in all, I would recommend getting Still Alive rather than the regular version of Portal 1, because it boasts more content to play.… Expand
  15. Xonatron
    Jun 27, 2016
    10
    My other favorite game of the past 10..15 years. (The other is Braid.) I love this game. One of the best indie games ever released. Still replayable too.
  16. jacob4
    Jun 2, 2016
    10
    An unconventional first person shooter/ puzzle game. It combines sharp thinking, atmosphere, and great humor and adventure. But the fun doesn't stop there! Portal bends your thinking skills after you complete the main game with the advanced bonus levels, and there's plenty of achievements to work for as well. A great, spectacular, must play valve game! And if you want more portal fun, playAn unconventional first person shooter/ puzzle game. It combines sharp thinking, atmosphere, and great humor and adventure. But the fun doesn't stop there! Portal bends your thinking skills after you complete the main game with the advanced bonus levels, and there's plenty of achievements to work for as well. A great, spectacular, must play valve game! And if you want more portal fun, play the sequel!… Expand
  17. SuperkenGaming
    Jun 11, 2015
    8
    Portal
    Charming and Challenging
    Portal is easily one of the most charming games ive played period As you make your way through the game solving increasingly difficult puzzles, your progress is being monitored by an unknown character that will effortlessly make you laugh, Playing portal just to hear the commentary is worth the journey through the game alone, but the good news is, the    Portal
    Charming and Challenging
    Portal is easily one of the most charming games ive played period
    As you make your way through the game solving increasingly difficult puzzles, your progress is being monitored by an unknown character that will effortlessly make you laugh, Playing portal just to hear the commentary is worth the journey through the game alone, but the good news is, the game is just as good.
    Portal starts you off slow with one portal gun , you use this portal to hop gaps and move objects, youll eventually get to a point where youre given 2 portal guns which at first feels a bit easier as you feel more free, the only problem is by time this happens, you are already halfway through the game.
    You use one portal to makes an exit, and the other for that exits entrance
    The 2nd half of portal is where puzzles can get a bit tricky and no longer feel all too intuitive,
    It may just be me not used to having to use my brain all too often to play games, but I found the difficulty spike to be just a tad bit too intense.
    The complexity of the levels go too slow in the beginning and too fast at the end making the game feel kind of frustrating, I didn’t really feel clever when I got through levels, it was more guess work, I felt kind of lucky.
    While you may lose some hair over figuring out the perfect way to drop boxes from the ceiling, avoiding lasers, and getting over obstacles, youll feel great going through the gate onto the next floor.
    The feeling of guess work isn’t satisfying, but somehow portal still manages to pull you forward always wanting more., but while I say that I felt like portal gave me just enough.
    Portal will only last you about 3-5 hours, and as a puzzle game of its kind I found this length to be pretty perfect.
    The game kept pulling me forward with its charm, but I wont lie and say I wasn’t fully satisfied when this brain exercise was over.
    For what it is
    Puzzle Platformer 8.5/10
    Overall 8/10    … Expand
  18. squarewindow
    Jan 7, 2015
    10
    The developer commentary featured in the "Still Alive" XBLA version of Portal is incredibly insightful. Well aware that they had created a completely new animal, the first-person puzzle platformer, the guys and girls at Valve explain how each of the 19 puzzle chambers was carefully engineered to gradually "train" the player and equip them with the necessary skills to tackle theThe developer commentary featured in the "Still Alive" XBLA version of Portal is incredibly insightful. Well aware that they had created a completely new animal, the first-person puzzle platformer, the guys and girls at Valve explain how each of the 19 puzzle chambers was carefully engineered to gradually "train" the player and equip them with the necessary skills to tackle the increasingly more complex challenges. Some levels were modified, some cut completely, and additional ones added based on the responses of the playtesters. There's no filler, everything is there for a reason. It really illustrates how impressive the game is - not only refreshingly original, but also constructed to perfection.

    Portal is short. It can be completed in a couple of hours, but it houses more new ideas and memorable moments than most other titles ten times its duration, and that's really what matters. The escape sequence at the end, which all that training has been leading up to, is the highlight, and means that the game is one of very few which continuously builds up all the way through and peaks at its conclusion. The characters are also excellent - the menacing GLaDOS and her chilling dialogue, and player character Chell for the exact opposite reason - because she is silent and almost invisible, giving the player a real personal connection to the villain.

    The sequel, released four years later, was also spectacular, but the first game left a much greater impression on me. Portal 2, while possibly the funniest game I have ever played - largely thanks to Stephen Merchant's portrayal of Wheatley, was understandably an evolution of the first game. It contained some nice innovations and furthered the physics-based puzzling with a handful of new obstacles, but the exploration sections of chapter 6 just dragged far too much for my liking. The success of Portal meant that the budget and scope for the sequel was much greater, and it ended up not quite being as concise and perfectly-formed as the first game, which was perhaps to be expected. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic effort.

    Playing through Portal felt like returning to the early days of videogaming, when everything was new and every game needed to be learned from scratch. A first-person game which didn't involve killing bad guys by shooting at them? Who would have thought? (Shooting a portal onto the floor underneath a turret doesn't count.)    … Expand
  19. LordDeathsama
    May 29, 2014
    9
    A good puzzle shooter that will keep you entertained for a few hours. "Only a few hours" you may say and yes. This game is really short, but it got replay value so no worry. But the average time to beat the story will be 2 hours or less. There are also some Challenge Maps that you can do after beating the story, but this will most likely stretch the playtime to about 6hours. This is justA good puzzle shooter that will keep you entertained for a few hours. "Only a few hours" you may say and yes. This game is really short, but it got replay value so no worry. But the average time to beat the story will be 2 hours or less. There are also some Challenge Maps that you can do after beating the story, but this will most likely stretch the playtime to about 6hours. This is just the only negative thing about this game, the rest of the game is nearly perfect. It's fun, challenging and it's also having a great humor. Buy it… Expand
  20. mazonik78
    Nov 28, 2013
    10
    I have finished portal a hour ago, waw great experience, one of the best puzzle games ever, brain breaking tests for the thinking gamer, great black humor history, and the big motivation to get the cake, i still want to taste it...
  21. drlowdon
    Jun 12, 2013
    9
    Every once and a while a game comes along and takes everyone by surprise with its quality, Portal is one such game. Originally ported to the Xbox as part of Half Life 2: Orange Box collection its clever physics based puzzles and strange sense of humour was like nothing that had ever been seen before. Whether you like puzzlers or not Portal is a game that everyone should experience.
  22. Rox22
    Feb 8, 2013
    8
    I never got the Orange Box (nor do I want to) so I was glad when this was released on XBLA as it was the only title I was interested in. Portal is just a truly great, funny, imaginative and unique game that really does add something fresh to the gaming market. I get that it was never intended as a full release, but the only critique I have of the game is that it is far too short and itI never got the Orange Box (nor do I want to) so I was glad when this was released on XBLA as it was the only title I was interested in. Portal is just a truly great, funny, imaginative and unique game that really does add something fresh to the gaming market. I get that it was never intended as a full release, but the only critique I have of the game is that it is far too short and it leaves you craving more. Overall: A must buy, regardless of your preference in gaming.… Expand
  23. Breegullbeak
    Jan 18, 2013
    9
    AS someone who wasn't going to waste money on the orange box for a single game, this title game is wonderful for those who just want Portal. The extra maps are nice and unlike the achievements in the Orange box, these ones are actually possible to obtain by human beings.
  24. wesker2012
    Aug 1, 2012
    6
    Original good concept, but not much meat to it. Single player can be completed in one hour.
  25. MoCStigma
    Jul 8, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Truly awe inspiring. How Comedy mixes with Platforming and FPS, truly marvelous. It's one of the most memorable games I've ever played. The cake at the end of that game looked delicious and made me want to play it again... and I did.… Expand
  26. Watermelon789
    Jul 10, 2011
    9
    Portal is meant to play only by genius people. People that complained about this is because they cannot handle the puzzles. Never in my entire life thought about some company to put the FPS genre and fuse it with( as already said) puzzle genre. The graphics looks good and bad, but thats not necessary. The controls are great and the puzzles itself are bizarre.
  27. jdogginess
    May 27, 2011
    10
    When I played this the first time, I stayed up all night with my nephew and his foreign exchange girlfriend until we beat it. It transcended the language barrier. It was like nothing we had played before. It was clever, mind blowing, funny, challenging, innovative...just an absolute blast and completely engrossing. There wasn't much reason to play through again, and it only lasted oneWhen I played this the first time, I stayed up all night with my nephew and his foreign exchange girlfriend until we beat it. It transcended the language barrier. It was like nothing we had played before. It was clever, mind blowing, funny, challenging, innovative...just an absolute blast and completely engrossing. There wasn't much reason to play through again, and it only lasted one night (about 6-8hrs) but I will never forget the way it made a portal in my brain when I first stepped through one, saw myself, and went..."Whoa!".… Expand
  28. bashfulberry
    May 9, 2011
    10
    Portal is a great concept, brilliantly executed. Wonderful, intuitive puzzle design, a great visual aesthetic, and some of the funniest dark humor narration you could want. Short but there's not a bad moment to be found and this version of the game comes with a whole new challenge mode where you complete short puzzles under strict time limits to earn medals...this encourages some reallyPortal is a great concept, brilliantly executed. Wonderful, intuitive puzzle design, a great visual aesthetic, and some of the funniest dark humor narration you could want. Short but there's not a bad moment to be found and this version of the game comes with a whole new challenge mode where you complete short puzzles under strict time limits to earn medals...this encourages some really creative portaling!… Expand
  29. Grado
    Apr 17, 2011
    10
    This is one of my all time favorite games, funny lines, puzzles that look hard until you remember you have a portal gun, greatist thing since sliced bread deserved a full release and a sequal
  30. HagenM
    Feb 3, 2009
    8
    Portal is still fantastic and the new Still Alive rooms are nice as well. However, me being a huge Valve fan is why I purchased this. While the Still Alive rooms are very good, they aren't worth 1200 msp if you have The Orange Box, which EVERYONE should own. If you're a huge fan of Portal, pick this up. If you haven't played Portal, buy it now. If you didn't really Portal is still fantastic and the new Still Alive rooms are nice as well. However, me being a huge Valve fan is why I purchased this. While the Still Alive rooms are very good, they aren't worth 1200 msp if you have The Orange Box, which EVERYONE should own. If you're a huge fan of Portal, pick this up. If you haven't played Portal, buy it now. If you didn't really care for Portal on The Orange Box, this won't change your mind.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
33
#33 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
13
#13 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Official Xbox Magazine
    90
    Clever humor that'll have you chuckling for months. [Dec 2008, p.93]
    Read full review
  2. X-ONE Magazine UK
    90
    It's easily the best puzzle game to come along in quite some time and arguably up there with some of the best we've seen within the world of videogames. [Issue#38, p.114]
  3. IGN
    92
    Part of what makes the main Portal experience so successful is that the game draws you in quickly, subtly creates a believable world with every new room and then begins to slowly draw back the curtain. Much like a fine malt liquor, Portal sneaks up on you.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »