Portal 2
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Puzzle, FPP, science fiction, humorous, arcade elements, for 2 players, PlayStation Move, co-op, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
Steam
The second part of an outstanding first-person logic game from Valve Software, powered by the improved version of Source Engine, mainly known from Half-Life 2. The story starts a few hundred years after the events of the original game. Once again you play as Chell, who is awaken after having spent a long time asleep in a hibernation chamber.
Portal 2 is an outstanding logic game created by Valve Software. Its story starts several hundred years after the events of the first game. Your actions in the first Portal awakened dozens of personality cores. One of these AIs is Wheatley. Bored with the monotony of Aperutre laboratories, he decides to get outside. In order to do this he wakes up Chell (the protagonist of the first game, who has been remaining in hibernation) and offers her a chance to escape. Unfortunately, not everything goes according to the plan and the two bump into GLaDOS, a hostile artificial intelligence, who has been asleep since the events in the first game. As she awakens, the AI decides to forgive Chell and resume testing, as we know it from Portal.
Players have much more freedom of action than in the first game. Previously, the game locations were rather straightforward as to what can or cannot be done. Now, this has changed. Players are free to transform properties of rooms and make use of advanced physics engine, which allows gravitation to act through portals. For instance, a vacuum tube can suck a sentry turret through an open portal. You often come across devices that generate gravitational beams or bridges made of pure energy. Combined with open portals, such environmental elements help you solve logic puzzles. Another important innovation are gels, able to transform properties of a surface. Another example here – walking across a floor covered with orange gel causes acceleration, so you can use it to gain supernatural speed. On the other hand, surfaces painted blue work like trampolines. Another novelty are objects that reflect light, letting you change the direction of a laser beam.
Portal 2 sports an extensive cooperation mode, which offers a separate campaign with its own story and puzzle. Players assume the roles of two robots existing as an evolution of the technology used for sentry turrets. Each one has its own portal gun (up to four portals can be open at the same time). In order to enhance teamwork between the players Valve offered split-screen mode, as well as mini-camera showing your partner’s actions. There are also visual commands, i.e. icons that can be placed in a particular spot in the game to inform the other player what you are expecting them to do there.
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Videos and Screens
[0:49] Portal 2 Chapter 8 Swdzenie part 16
[0:34] Portal 2 Chapter 8 Swdzenie part 15
The main pros of the game
- Innovative Gameplay: Users praise the clever use of the portal gun mechanics, which allow for creative problem-solving and engaging physics-based puzzles. New elements like gels and excursion funnels enhance the gameplay experience.
- Humor and Storytelling: The game features witty dialogue and memorable characters, such as GLaDOS and Wheatley, which contribute to a humorous yet engaging narrative that deepens the lore of the Aperture Science facility.
- Visuals and Atmosphere: The graphics are described as polished and beautiful for a game released in 2011, with well-designed environments that create an immersive experience.
- Co-op Mode: The cooperative gameplay is highlighted as a significant feature, providing unique challenges that require teamwork and communication, making it enjoyable to play with friends.
- Replayability: Many users mention the game's replay value, thanks to community-created content and the ability to revisit puzzles and challenges.
The main cons of the game
- Difficulty and Frustration: While many appreciate the challenge, some users find certain puzzles to be frustratingly difficult, leading to moments where they feel stuck or overwhelmed.
- Minor Bugs: A few reviews mention encountering minor bugs during gameplay, though these do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
- Length of Gameplay: Some players felt the game was slightly longer than necessary, leading to a feeling of burnout, especially when playing both Portal and Portal 2 back-to-back.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Open World Exploration: Some users expressed a desire for a more open-world experience, suggesting that the game could benefit from more freedom in exploration beyond the test chambers.
- More Depth in Mechanics: A few players noted that while the game introduced new mechanics, they wished for even more innovative gameplay elements to keep the experience fresh.
- Clarification on Story Elements: Some players found certain aspects of the story confusing, particularly regarding character continuity and plot points, indicating a desire for clearer narrative connections.
Summary
- Overall, Portal 2 is celebrated as a timeless classic that excels in puzzle design, humor, and cooperative gameplay, though it has minor issues that some players feel could be addressed for an even better experience.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 6585 votes. 800 players anticipated the game.
4
GAMES
in Portal Game Series
Game Series
Portal Series
Portal is a series of platform puzzle games, the action of which is set in the universe of the Half-Life series. The brand enjoys great popularity and is one of the most important in the publishing portfolio of the Valve corporation.
4 video games
Portal 2 Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Developer: Valve Corporation
Publisher: Electronic Arts Inc.
Portal 2 System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Pentium IV 3 GHz, 1 GB RAM (2 GB RAM - Vista/7), graphic card 128 MB (GeForce 7600 or better), 7.6 GB HDD, Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7
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