Portal
Main game
4.45 average rating based on 14274 ratings
- Developers
- Valve
- Publishers
- Electronic Arts, Valve
- Franchises
- Portal
- Series
- Portal
- Platforms
- Android, Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Genres
- Adventure, Platform, Puzzle
- Themes
- Action, Comedy, Science fiction
- Steam
- View on Steam
Release Dates
User Stats
How Long Is Portal?
Related Content
The Cake is NOT a Lie
(Disclaimer: I am only reviewing one little aspect of the game, if you want a full review, this is not the review for you)
Yesterday was my birthday and a friend baked me a Portal cake.
That got me thinking about the appearance of the cake in Portal. Everyone is saying that the cake is a lie. And I don’t argue with that. The Ratman warned us about this. The cake is only a cruel motivator for Chell to get through the test chambers. But at the very end of the game we see that the cake does exist after all. Does that mean the cake was not a lie? No, it was a lie, for Chell anyway.
The cake at the end is a reward for the player. After playing through the game once, it now awaits you in the main menu.
Thank you for reading my review and enjoy your cake. 🧡💙
Ricci
(Here is a picture of my cake)
A puzzle game with personality
I love the two Portal games so much. I am a big puzzle head but sometimes the games in that genre do get boring and dull along the way. This is not the case with Portal, it keeps you focused with very laugh out loud dark humor and the puzzles are not too strict so you get to be creative. The gameplay mechanics are very fast and there is no deadweight. I found the setting and environments to be very simple and clean, which worked in favor of the story but did hurt it visually once the hours started to pilled on. The puzzles also do get more challenging as the very simple yet engaging story evolves, which made it even more engaging and thought-provoking. Portal is one of the best puzzle games ever made and its sequel is even better! A lot of love for this series, I do however wish it was more accessible to play in different platforms, my PC is not that fast for a replay.
Portal
Really enjoyed playing this classic game. Even though I just played it now in 2019, the game mechanics are still very polished and intuitive, just like in Half-Life 2. Some levels really boost your creativity and make you think outside the box (and inside the portal ;) . Also liked the dark, morbid humor and creepy story. For me, the CAKE definitely wasn't a lie, because this game worth it's price. Wish it were longer though. Can't wait to try out the sequel!
Playthroughs: 1x
pluto13x's review of Portal
I don't think there's anything I could add to the discussions about this game that hasn't been said. Peak game design. Naturally integrated tutorial. Other puzzle games are often just brute force, this one actually requires thinking. Loved it
It’s great, but it’s no portal 2
This review is for the PC (Microsoft Windows) version
It’s still brilliant on so many levels - a perfect game mechanic, great writing, and level design. But, replaying this and Portal 2, I was surprised how much the original has aged. It’s pretty short, graphically it’s aged quite a bit. But still, it is an amazing game, especially for its time, and laid the groundwork for the sequel.
Lygodesma's review of Portal
First time walking through a portal and seeing yourself walking into it from the other side felt AMAZING. The whole thing is just great game design.
Everyone should play it
The game has it all. Puzzles, setting, good mechanics and a most curious story. It is short, but it lasts. It also has some bonus phases and challenges to round it out. I think everyone should play it.
Essential. 9/10
Regards.
A Mind-Bending Masterpiece Filled with Puzzles
Portal has carved out a unique place as one of the extraordinary and unforgettable works in the gaming industry. Created by Valve Corporation, this masterpiece offers gamers an unforgettable experience with its ingeniously designed puzzles, immersive story, and memorable characters.
Portal transports players to the mysterious Aperture Science Enrichment Center, a research facility filled with test chambers. Here, players attempt to solve various challenges filled with puzzles by using a handheld device to create portals. These puzzles not only test reflexes but also challenge logic and creativity.
One of Portal's greatest strengths lies not only in its clever puzzles but also in its deeply woven narrative and striking atmosphere that draws players in. Memorable characters like GLaDOS and the mysteries that unfold throughout the game further immerse players, providing an unforgettable experience.
Additionally, Portal's minimalist style and carefully crafted world are noteworthy. The game draws players into its atmosphere with its simple graphics and impressive sound design, emphasizing the claustrophobic and mysterious atmosphere of each test chamber.
Portal is not only a milestone in the gaming industry but also a reference point for creativity and originality in game design. This flawless game offers players an unforgettable experience and leaves a …
Portal has carved out a unique place as one of the extraordinary and unforgettable works in the gaming industry. Created by Valve Corporation, this masterpiece offers gamers an unforgettable experience with its ingeniously designed puzzles, immersive story, and memorable characters.
Portal transports players to the mysterious Aperture Science Enrichment Center, a research facility filled with test chambers. Here, players attempt to solve various challenges filled with puzzles by using a handheld device to create portals. These puzzles not only test reflexes but also challenge logic and creativity.
One of Portal's greatest strengths lies not only in its clever puzzles but also in its deeply woven narrative and striking atmosphere that draws players in. Memorable characters like GLaDOS and the mysteries that unfold throughout the game further immerse players, providing an unforgettable experience.
Additionally, Portal's minimalist style and carefully crafted world are noteworthy. The game draws players into its atmosphere with its simple graphics and impressive sound design, emphasizing the claustrophobic and mysterious atmosphere of each test chamber.
Portal is not only a milestone in the gaming industry but also a reference point for creativity and originality in game design. This flawless game offers players an unforgettable experience and leaves a lasting impression with its puzzles that challenge their intellect for a long time to come.
"Portal" my favorite puzzle game series!
This review is for the PC (Microsoft Windows) version
The Portal game series is one of my favorite game series, although Portal 2 is miles better than Portal 1 but I still have a lot to say about this game, because this game, like its sequel, is a masterpiece.
The principle of the game is very simple, you have a weapon that shoots 2 portals and you have to fight your way through the puzzles with it.
The thing is I don't like games that are too complex and complicated, a game doesn't always need a lot of mechanics to be fun, just give me a damn weapon and I'm happy :D
Here is a photo of the game.
Wonderful Experience
This review is for the PC (Microsoft Windows) version
What is there to say? It's just a wonderful gaming experience. The portal gun and GLaDOS have become iconic
It's a pretty short game, but I found the length to be fine as far as what it set out to do
I'm not much for the puzzle genre, but with Glados constantly roasting me with her dark humor, I was up to the challenge to figure out how Portals worked.
The game holds your hand a bit in the beginning, which at least for me, was necessary. After that the difficulty is ramped up and I was on my own
Also, it goes without saying, that the game ends with the greatest end credits song ever
Spectacular
When Valve was viewed as a darling of the gaming industry
This review is for the PC (Microsoft Windows) version
It's a shame that Valve has fallen into cruise control with maintaining Dota 2 (I do love this game) and not really pursuing new game development. There is Alyx, which I have heard great things about, but I cannot justify buying VR for it. Valve has a history of innovation and artistic direction with Half-Life and the beloved Portal series for good reason. If only they could revive the artistic spirit.
Portal is a darkly humorous experimental puzzle game that is clever and engaging. The design starts simplistic, introducing concepts incrementally and slowly intensifying the complexity. The last few chapters of the game are a sharp increase in difficulty but not a jarring spike. I think they could have intensified the complexity sooner and people wouldn't have complained. It uses a combination of physics, portals and objects (such as the beloved friendship cube) to maneuver through an environment in a series of challenges. Framing the game around a cold, calculated, dystopian science experiment was a brilliant way to make the video-gamey elements feel natural and clever. It likely radically reduced development time since it results in these barren and highly sterilized environments meant to test you.
There isn't a whole …
It's a shame that Valve has fallen into cruise control with maintaining Dota 2 (I do love this game) and not really pursuing new game development. There is Alyx, which I have heard great things about, but I cannot justify buying VR for it. Valve has a history of innovation and artistic direction with Half-Life and the beloved Portal series for good reason. If only they could revive the artistic spirit.
Portal is a darkly humorous experimental puzzle game that is clever and engaging. The design starts simplistic, introducing concepts incrementally and slowly intensifying the complexity. The last few chapters of the game are a sharp increase in difficulty but not a jarring spike. I think they could have intensified the complexity sooner and people wouldn't have complained. It uses a combination of physics, portals and objects (such as the beloved friendship cube) to maneuver through an environment in a series of challenges. Framing the game around a cold, calculated, dystopian science experiment was a brilliant way to make the video-gamey elements feel natural and clever. It likely radically reduced development time since it results in these barren and highly sterilized environments meant to test you.
There isn't a whole lot more to say given the short run time (2-3 hours) of the game, which was a limitation of a restrictive development. The team behind portal was never larger than 10 according to Wikipedia (take it with a grain of salt), thus they were limited on resources and scope. Given how much they did right with such restraints is impressive.
This was my first time playing the game and I felt like it lived up to the hype. It's short and sweet and now I'm curious about Portal 2.
What just happened?
That was what I found myself saying form time to time, when I would launch through one portal, and come out the other one completely discombobulated! Did I advance or what just happened? Well, I made it through main story and I'm "Still Alive" to have my cake and eat it too! I really enjoyed this game! I don't think I'd play it again, but I would sure recommend it someone who has not played it. And I'll play the sequel, because I've read that it's better than the first. Awesome concept, I'm sure it was Tough to program... thanks Valve/Steam!
A Great Simple Puzzler
This review is for the PC (Microsoft Windows) version
There's not much to say about this game that hasn't been said before. It's an amazing puzzle title that can make you think outside the box. The concept of connecting two points in reality is creative and addicting. The puzzles start from simple, and gradually expand to complex, though the game doesn't take long to beat so unless you play the additional Still Alive courses, the game never becomes overly challenging. I played this game for the first time on switch, but I have played Portal 2 and I think this is a perfect intro to the series.
I also cannot do the game justice if I do not note the writing. While this game is short, and doesn't get as in depth as its sequel, the clever and memeable writing is simply amazing. It really takes this game from just a basic puzzle game to something worth revisiting many times. It is short, but it is a great test game that expands in the sequel.
Great 8/10 Game.
Funny, intriguing, creative, inflential, groundbreaking but... I didn't enjoy the gameplay
- Year played: 2015
- Playtime: about 4 hours
- Completion level: Finished main story
I was late to this game, and so I knew quite a bit what to expect. It still managed to entertain and surprise me, and I can see why it is so highly praised.
But well, games are about gameplay, and I just didn't really enjoy it. My motor skills are pretty shit, I'll be honest, so I'm not much into first-person action, and some of the puzzles here were just frustrating. It wasn't tough to figure out how to solve them, but executing was sometimes a huge pain. Often I'd fail trying to launch a portal accurately while flying through the air and wouldn't be sure if I was taking the wrong approach and was trying to do something impossible, or if I was on the right track and just sucked at aiming. In the end I mostly just felt like the levels were annoying and frustrating barriers in between the interesting story and dialogue.
I know most people loved the gameplay, but yeah, I'll be the first to acknowledge that I'm just bad at games, so this had a looooot of frustrating moments …
- Year played: 2015
- Playtime: about 4 hours
- Completion level: Finished main story
I was late to this game, and so I knew quite a bit what to expect. It still managed to entertain and surprise me, and I can see why it is so highly praised.
But well, games are about gameplay, and I just didn't really enjoy it. My motor skills are pretty shit, I'll be honest, so I'm not much into first-person action, and some of the puzzles here were just frustrating. It wasn't tough to figure out how to solve them, but executing was sometimes a huge pain. Often I'd fail trying to launch a portal accurately while flying through the air and wouldn't be sure if I was taking the wrong approach and was trying to do something impossible, or if I was on the right track and just sucked at aiming. In the end I mostly just felt like the levels were annoying and frustrating barriers in between the interesting story and dialogue.
I know most people loved the gameplay, but yeah, I'll be the first to acknowledge that I'm just bad at games, so this had a looooot of frustrating moments in it for such a short game. I see it recommended frequently on lists like "top games to introduce non-gamers to" and couldn't disagree more - if you're unfamiliar with basic first-person controls, camera, and aiming, you will probably be just as frustrated as I was.
But still, at the end of the day, it's fucking Portal. It'd be a crime to rate this lower than a 4. Even despite not enjoying a lot of the gameplay I could never in a million years call this a bad game. There's a reason it is so highly acclaimed - my issues with it were mostly a "me being bad at games" problem.
Since I catch myself in analysis-paralysis when deciding on a game to play (and then feeling like I should play another game after I've chosen), I decided to start playing through all my Steam games in order of when I got them. That system consistently feels fair for me to stick with, mainly just as a way to prevent wasted time stalling.
That said, with my first game being Portal, I've already played through it countless times. So I figured that the moment I'd be sick of it, I'd move on to the next game on the list. Instead tho, I ended up trying the radio achievement challenge... missing 1 radio in the end. Ah well, it was a nice excuse to play through it all again (only a couple hours). I just wish I could mute the dialog -- that's the least replayable aspect of this game imo.
Also, as inventive as this game is objectively, its style, themes, and focus don't really captivate my interests all that much personally. I come out of it feeling kinda gross tbh (as opposed to playing hours of any good NES/SNES or 2D-indie game).
Anyway, I'll probably continue making status updates for …
Since I catch myself in analysis-paralysis when deciding on a game to play (and then feeling like I should play another game after I've chosen), I decided to start playing through all my Steam games in order of when I got them. That system consistently feels fair for me to stick with, mainly just as a way to prevent wasted time stalling.
That said, with my first game being Portal, I've already played through it countless times. So I figured that the moment I'd be sick of it, I'd move on to the next game on the list. Instead tho, I ended up trying the radio achievement challenge... missing 1 radio in the end. Ah well, it was a nice excuse to play through it all again (only a couple hours). I just wish I could mute the dialog -- that's the least replayable aspect of this game imo.
Also, as inventive as this game is objectively, its style, themes, and focus don't really captivate my interests all that much personally. I come out of it feeling kinda gross tbh (as opposed to playing hours of any good NES/SNES or 2D-indie game).
Anyway, I'll probably continue making status updates for each game as I continue down my list.
Just finished a playthrough for steam's spring cleaning event. Still great.
This was an innovative game and probably still is. I can't think of another game that's similar to it (well besides Portal 2). Using a portal gun to solve puzzles was genuinely new and exciting to me. The premise and story was also well done and added nicely to the experience. The sequel is just as good if not better in some ways.
SUch a great game. How did i miss it all those years ?
I can't criticize a game for being "too short", especially considering it was originally part of a bundle. This is a must-have gaming experience. Fun gameplay, hilarious monologue, an interesting story and very clever mechanics. The combination of first person ("shooter", loosely said), platforming and puzzle make this game as innovative as it gets. Even if this game had turned out average, the concept alone would've made it important. It's so fresh, no one has even managed to copy it succesfully. Plus, the difficulty curve is very well achieved and extremely satisfying.
This is a game I had in my mental backlog (before I was on Grouvee) for like half a decade. I wanted to play it out of intrigue for the genre mishmash, but I was missing out on a true classic. Don't make that mistake.
Not exactly sure when I started and finished the game, but I do know it was near when it was given away for free on OS X. The time played probably includes more than one play through, but I can't be sure. I don't really remember if I played this game more than once. I might have? This is all before I started tracking my play through information.
After hearing so much about this game, I've decided to purchase and play it.
Gameplay was amazing, but I think 3 hours to complete is pretty short... However, if it were longer, the puzzles might get boring at some point.
At least those were 3 hours I've really enjoyed... also very funny.