Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

10 to 20 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Just plain fun"

Portal 2 is a remarkably incredible puzzle game, and a sequel to a brilliant first-person game from 2007. The first Portal wasn't exactly a full-length title, but this extraordinary sequel improves upon every detail. This time around, Portal 2 takes the original formula and improves on the overall length of the game, the story and introduces a few new lovable characters. Not only that, but the new puzzles are more challenging and creative than ever and new ideas craft a unique and fresh experience.

All the new additions, the clever script and fantastically engaging puzzles all merge into one of the greatest puzzles games ever made. This time the game is around ten hours long, with a new cooperative mode which is about five hours long. Replay value may be alarmingly low, but upon finishing the game you can go back to each chapter for a Developer Commentary mode which features notes left behind by the creators. This still doesn't prevent the only issue with the game, which is the replay value, but it's a small problem which doesn't ruin the experience.

The story starts where Portal left off, where the main character Chell is still locked up in the facility owned by Aperture Science. After a brief introduction you are thrown into a series of puzzles which you must complete. It isn't necessary a story-based game, but it still has a decent plot involving countless memorable moments thanks to the characters. The story isn't the best part obviously, but the ending is satisfying and compelling, even if it leaves you wanting a little more.

Many new characters make a appearance which I won't spoil, but one of the best features is the introduction of a new character: Wheatley. This quick-talking sphere is hilarious and the dialog is thoughtful perfection. Many may remember GLaDOS from the first Portal, who returns with the previous humor so many gamers loved as well.

The graphics may not be revolutionary, but they are colorful and cheerful. All textures look good and it manages to keep a steady frame-rate even during the most complicated puzzles in the game. The art-style is pretty basic, but I couldn't help but love the atmospheric moments when things felt quiet and dark.

The overall voice-acting is unbeatable! GLaDOS returns with even more clever dialog and Wheatley is equally hilarious. However, in original Valve fashion: Chell still remains literally speechless. Other than some short moments when Smooth Jazz and Classical Music plays, most of the soundtrack is mysterious, and other themes help you think on a hard puzzle even if some of them get a bit repetitive. Each of the character's voice-acting is tremendous and the soundtrack does a great job at creating a timeless atmosphere.

For people unfamiliar with the first Portal, the basic concept is you shoot portals on walls. If you go in an orange portal, you come out an blue one. It also works in reverse, and even items can travel through these portals. The first Portal had this basic concept, and while Portal 2 sticks with the original idea, it adds many new elements which keeps the pacing unpredictably exciting.

First off, you may remember a small issue from the first Portal where shooting portals in the exact area you wanted to was a bit difficult. Thankfully, a new zoom feature addresses and eliminates the problem in Portal 2. This makes creating portals precisely a breeze and is a welcomed and needed feature.

You may have to assembly a laser bridge to cross dangerous obstacles, or redirect a harmful laser beam towards a door. Different kinds of gels allow you to bounce, slide and even paint walls so you can create a portal in an area you wouldn't normally be able to. There's even a funnel which forces you through gravity.

These entries may not create much on their own, but once it all blends together the complexity requires unique thinking. The puzzles are rather easy from the start but as you advance they get more difficult and time consuming. It isn't overwhelmingly hard though, so even if you aren't good at puzzles you will probably find Portal 2 to be enjoyable.

You may be turned off when you hear about the new cooperative mode but I can happily say it's creative brilliance! Adding four puzzles to the equation opens up even more possibilities than before. You can highlight areas of interest with a simple button, or give your partner a well-deserved high-five! A interesting points system encourages friendly rivalry between you and your partner and the robotic characters are spectacular. The questionable cooperative mode is actually one of the best additions to this sequel.

Mind-bending gameplay, and a unquestionably masterminded journey blends with complex puzzles and hysterical characters to create a flawless adventure known as Portal 2. Even if the replay value is limited, it's still worth a purchase because of the originality of the gameplay. The new cooperative mode is shockingly fun and the new features keep the game from feeling stale. It really is one of the most creative adventures you can find in a game, and more than delivers as an improved sequel.