Portal Review @ Shacknews

**MIG-31** · Oct 10, 2007, 11:41 AM

Review: Shacknews
_______________
As the only part of Valve's Orange Box package that isn't a proper sequel or expansion, Portal can be played without any prior knowledge of the Half-Life series. That's a plus in the sense that it makes this portion of the box more accessible to a general audience, as the title is without a doubt the most interesting take on the puzzle genre in years. It's essentially a combat-free game--having been spawned by a now Valve-employed team at DigiPen, which mandates its students game be nonviolent--though it features the first-person view and play mechanics most commonly associated with shooters. There are a few tweaks; weapons are replaced with the titular portal "gun," and levels require careful thought rather than twitch reactions. Perhaps most impressive for a puzzle game, Portal actually features a substantial narrative of skillfully subtle execution.

***Zardon*** · Oct 10, 2007, 03:44 PM

quite an ingenious title. not sure ill play it much but its well executed.

Oct 10, 2007, 11:41 AM	#1
MIG-31 DH News MOD Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Nottingham,UK Posts: 42,597 Rep Power: 186 System Specs	Portal Review @ Shacknews Review: Shacknews _______________ As the only part of Valve's Orange Box package that isn't a proper sequel or expansion, Portal can be played without any prior knowledge of the Half-Life series. That's a plus in the sense that it makes this portion of the box more accessible to a general audience, as the title is without a doubt the most interesting take on the puzzle genre in years. It's essentially a combat-free game--having been spawned by a now Valve-employed team at DigiPen, which mandates its students game be nonviolent--though it features the first-person view and play mechanics most commonly associated with shooters. There are a few tweaks; weapons are replaced with the titular portal "gun," and levels require careful thought rather than twitch reactions. Perhaps most impressive for a puzzle game, Portal actually features a substantial narrative of skillfully subtle execution. __________________ Please Post Your News Submissions Here How you can help DriverHeaven by using Digg!

Oct 10, 2007, 03:44 PM	#2
*Zardon* enchanted Join Date: May 2002 Location: Driverheaven Posts: 32,275 Rep Power: 3150	quite an ingenious title. not sure ill play it much but its well executed.