Game/Publisher/Developer
Portal 2, Valve, Valve. Released 19 April, 2011.
The Trailer
My Reaction
Valve had been working on a full-length sequel to its award-winning, mind-bending puzzle-action game and after an earlier delay this year left a lot of people. Although, the wait turned out to be more than worth it. Portal 2 is a masterpiece.
Overview
Portal 2 sends Chell back into the ruins of Aperture Science, using the portal gun to solve escalating physics puzzles while GLaDOS and later Cave Johnson’s old recordings. The well-meaning robot Wheatley, narrate the descent into Aperture’s history. It expands hugely on the original with new mechanics like light bridges, tractor beams and gel, plus a full cooperative campaign built around a pair of robots solving puzzles together.
What I Liked
- The puzzle design is smarter and more varied than the original, layering in new mechanics without ever feeling overstuffed.
- The writing is sharp and consistently funny, with GLaDOS, Wheatley and Cave Johnson all standing out.
- Co-op adds an entirely separate campaign that’s just as well-designed as the single-player story.
- The scale is far bigger than the original, without losing what made Portal work in the first place.
What I Didn’t Like
- Some of the pacing in the Aperture history sections slows the momentum built up earlier in the campaign.
Verdict
Portal 2 takes everything that made the original a surprise hit and builds it into a fully realized, consistently brilliant sequel. It was worth every bit of the wait.
Rating
83/100