Half-Life 2: Portal could very well be the most entertaining game I have played yet. No monsters, no weapons, heck there isn’t even a HUD! Why? Because it would have just distracted from the goal of the game, which is to solve puzzles, using portals (and thus the title).
The game takes place in the Aperture labs. Followers of the Half-Life series will realize this is the same place mentioned in Half-Life 2: Episode 2. You play a test subject and are supposed to solve a series of puzzles using the new portal technology developed at Aperture.
Along the way, you get to hear the computer announcer make remarks that are at times humorous. These serve to progress the story, and make you realize how sadistically you’re being treated. I won’t give away the ending, but its worth having to play the game through, which by the way isn’t too long. The length of the game is in the sweet spot that recent Half-Life installments have been occupying. Not too short to leave you wanting more, and not too long to frustrate.
I must say the end credits are also the best I have seen, and the end song is pretty cute. Here’s a quote from the song “Still Alive”,
Go ahead and leave me…
I think I’d prefer to stay inside…
Maybe you’ll find someone else
to help you?
Maybe Black Mesa?
That was a joke! HAHA!! FAT CHANCE!!
This game is not just for fans of Half-Life, but for all gamers who like a good brain-bash.
