Portal was just one part of a massive package that included Half-Life 2, Episode 1, Episode 2, and Team Fortress 2. Little did people know that Portal was actually the best part of the Orange Box. It's offbeat and quirky humor has already embedded itself into gamer lexicon, popularizing phrases such as "the cake is a lie" and unleashing an onslaught of companion cube related art and comics. What makes the game so great is its refreshing take on the first-person genre.Portal is first and foremost a puzzle game. Challenges are solved with a gun that shoots portals that are connected to each other. One of the first things that every player does is shoot a portal on the ground, on the ceiling, and then jump in an infinite loop. It's a simple mechanic that the level design takes full advantage of, utilizing concepts such as momentum and inertia to make for some truly mind-bending challenges.
While the meat of the game comes in solving the puzzles, Portal also portrays an excellent narrative. The plot is nothing to write home about, but the main villain GLaDOs is sure to be one of the most memorable characters in recent history. Personable, insane, and charming, GLaDOS is a super-computer AI gone mad. Her quips and comments will put a smile on your face as you try to navigate obstacles designed to kill you. As you go through each stage under the guise of an "experiment," you'll find traces of past test subjects, such as messages etched into the walls that reveal GLaDos' true objective.
With its brilliant blend of first-person puzzle solving and unique narrative, Portal is one of the most exhilarating and innovative experiences in quite a while. So what are you waiting for? Jump in and...fall down forever.
