Portal Still Alive


THE SCOREBOARD

8.2
Great
Gameplay
 9.0
"The definitive version, but only for those new to Portal."
Graphics
 7.0
Sound
 7.0
Value
 8.0

 

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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.



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COMMENTS (12)

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On 6 November 2008, 09:12PM Posted by ChatterboxZombie
Portal.....

It really is good.
 
On 8 November 2008, 02:09AM Posted by Yacolt
Dont you have to get the cake or something?
 
On 8 November 2008, 02:19AM Posted by The Host of Chaos
I'm still tossing up between buying this or just replaying The Orange Box and buying something new. Really hard decision...
 
On 9 November 2008, 10:03AM Posted by ChatterboxZombie
@ Yacolt

*Facepalm*
 
On 9 November 2008, 09:51PM Posted by cute_maori
This game look stupid. Even the name.
 
On 10 November 2008, 07:48AM Posted by Syn-Ryn
^^^

Speaking of stupid names....
 
On 11 November 2008, 03:51PM Posted by Tinman
Portal still alive... sounds more like a question or statement rather than a title.
 
On 14 November 2008, 03:00PM Posted by KravenMore
So any gamers out there actually played this release? Is it worth the cash or really just a rehash of something that was already done well?
Personally I don't think it would be quite the same experience without the voicework...
 
On 17 November 2008, 07:17PM Posted by Mach1_9pants
Glad too see the RRoD guys are finally getting some Portal love ;-) The number of great PC fan creations for Portal is phenomenal!
 
On 19 November 2008, 04:01PM Posted by Spartana
A friend told me that this was good. Eh ill wait for the next one...
 
On 20 November 2008, 05:28PM Posted by cute_maori
This looks really really dumb and the trailer is just stupid, all I saw was just going from portal to another portal.
 
On 23 November 2008, 11:34AM Posted by chinaman71
the trail sucks.... its soooo boring.... my just be me thigh :S
 


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ABOUT THIS GAME

Portal Still Alive Publisher: Vivendi Universal
Developer: Valve
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 1
Platforms: x360
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