Portal Still Alive

Are you new to the whole Portal phenomenon? Then stop reading this and go buy Portal: Still Alive right now. It’s safe to say it’s the definitive version, and will only set you back 1200 Microsoft Points.

If you’re still not convinced, or have already played through Portal, then by all means read on.

A quick sum up: Portal is a first person puzzle game. You’re trapped in a sterile laboratory, and must navigate through a series of mind-screwing puzzles using the titular portal gun. This device lets you attach portals to walls, through which you can then walk through. At a basic level, imagine coming across a chasm, then creating two doors on either side of it. You can then walk through, and you’re safely over the other side.

Portal is obviously so much more than that. It combines a number of simple, yet effective, gameplay elements to create puzzles that will have you scratching your head for ages, before you have one of those “aha!” moments and wonder how the hell anyone ever came up with puzzle designs so devious.

But what really made Portal stick in your head was the ever-present voice of GLaDOS, the computer that guides you through the levels. She’s extremely well written, by turns creepy, funny, supportive, and right back to creepy again. This addition elevates Portal to greatness, and makes it a really, really good title for those who want to exercise their brain, yet have little time for a huge, epic adventure.

Naturally, the game was a hit – and now here we are with Portal: Still Alive, exclusively for the Xbox 360. It basically gives you the original Portal, and whacks on another 18 or so levels for you to get frustrated over. You’re encouraged to replay the levels to get better times and so forth, but that’s really about it – so while it’s a no brainer for those new to the scene, those who already own Portal may want to hold off.

The levels themselves are as good as you’d hope – they’re suitably cunning, and the later ones in particular will have you stumped for a good while. Unfortunately, GLaDOS doesn’t make a return here – you’ll have to play through the original adventure to hear her dulcet tones.

So are you a diehard nut who can’t get enough Portal action? Then you’ll probably already own this one. And if you’re new to the whole thing, Still Alive is easy to recommend. But everyone else in between, you may be better off saving your pennies for the inevitable Portal 2.