When you make a sequel to a game loved by millions, you're going to be stepping into everyone's yard at the same time; people will complain and moan if you make any small mistake. Valve clearly took the time to make Portal 2 with perfection.
It's impossible to explain Portal 2 without revisiting its predecessor, Portal: Still Alive. Go ahead and play Portal first before Portal 2; if you don't like it, you likely won't like Portal 2. But if you play through the short three hour campaign, you'll quickly realize that the unique and powerful gameplay mechanic is matched with an unrivaled narrative. I'll admit it: I started Eddy's Choice Awards when I played Portal: Still Alive. The only thing I wanted to do was tell everyone how much I loved this game and that it is so much more than just a game.
It's a story; it's imagination at its fullest; it's dark humor squeezing for your smiles. Portal 2 takes off immediately after the original and absolutely surpasses it by introducing new puzzle mechanics, extending and revisiting the story, and still keeping just the same wit in writing to make you laugh out loud. Literally.
Portal 2 stands tall on its own, with enough references to the first game to make you smile. The moment I began to recognize the levels that were introduced previously, I was stuck staring at the smallest details that Valve put into the game. How the puzzles changed due to… the events that transpired… in the first game, makes the new introduction to portals feel much more polished and concepts easier to understand.
The new characters in the game are simply captivating! I loved everything about Wheatley's character and his dialogue was perfectly voiced. This truly breathes life into these fictional characters, and fully immerses the player into the universe of Portal.
I'll admit, though, that there was a minor disappointment. I realize that the enjoyment of the game is made purely for the puzzles, but it felt that the linear story was too aligned with putting you into the test chamber, rather than solving real puzzles similar to that of the second half of Portal 1.
While the game's story is unbelievably believable, there is credit to be given; the game was purely about making the player happy. From the humor in dialogue, to the moments you figure out each of the puzzles, Portal 2 does an amazing job of entertaining you. This, alone, is enough to call this game a success.
Portal 2 is the top of its class in gaming and is easily one of my top 3 favorite games of all time; I would definitely nominate this game as the best game of 2011.
-Eddy.
ps: Samuelsson shot from the point tipped by Kesler to score and win in overtime Game 3; no, I still don't like Samuelsson.
~ by elouie82 on May 3, 2011. Posted in Bleep Bloop