Pros:
+ the setting is a respectful homage to the first game
+ graphics and assets have been greatly upgraded
+ handling of objects has been much improved
+ facility level designs are as great as ever
+ portal creation is now a guided, seamless mechanic
+ orientation after entering portals is much quicker
+ the new puzzle elements change up the gameplay
+ the writing is still funny and memorable throughout
+ Weasley is a good addition to the plot
+ the credits song is surprisingly good
+ the lore has been greatly expanded upon...
Cons:
- ...but the story is basically a repeat of the first game
- GLaDOS has been relegated to a supporting role and...
- ...only interacts with Chell at set, bite-sized moments
- the pacing is off and the increased length is noticeable
- middle act veers greatly from the core design of the game
- middle act puzzles are often cumbersome pixel hunts
- long sequences of inaction, listening, and walking
- new mechanics are clumsily or not at all introduced
- white gel introductory puzzle is probably the worst in the series
- the credit sequence is jarring deviation from the rest of the game
Playtime: 9 hours for the single player, with roughly 60% of achievements. No guide usage except for one level.
Magic Moments: Learning about the background of Aperture Science and understanding the relationship between its creation and present moment of the facilities. The final fight and creation of the final portal.
Blahgic Moment: Doing the first white gel puzzle over and over again until looking up a solution and finding that there actually isn't a genuine one. What were they thinking?
Verdict:
Coming to this game for the first time since its release and right after playing the original, Portal 2 is a peculiar experience. All the elements that made its predecessor an instant sensation are present: the seamless puzzle mechanics, the smart and funny writing, the clean visual design. However, the team behind its creation seem to have been more interested in expanding on the lore and characters of the Portal world than in extending the vocabulary of its puzzle design. The gels add up to some expansive, vertical sequences based on quick movement, but it does feel like fan mods and custom levels provided more fresh new applications of the Portal mechanics over the years than this actual sequel. For being an "impossible sequel" to a classic, widely beloved game, though, Portal 2 is a perfectly fine addition to this universe that offers hours of head scratching and plenty of genuine laughs.
Play it and enjoy it, but do not expect giant leaps in new directions - or a satisfying conclusion.
+ the setting is a respectful homage to the first game
+ graphics and assets have been greatly upgraded
+ handling of objects has been much improved
+ facility level designs are as great as ever
+ portal creation is now a guided, seamless mechanic
+ orientation after entering portals is much quicker
+ the new puzzle elements change up the gameplay
+ the writing is still funny and memorable throughout
+ Weasley is a good addition to the plot
+ the credits song is surprisingly good
+ the lore has been greatly expanded upon...
Cons:
- ...but the story is basically a repeat of the first game
- GLaDOS has been relegated to a supporting role and...
- ...only interacts with Chell at set, bite-sized moments
- the pacing is off and the increased length is noticeable
- middle act veers greatly from the core design of the game
- middle act puzzles are often cumbersome pixel hunts
- long sequences of inaction, listening, and walking
- new mechanics are clumsily or not at all introduced
- white gel introductory puzzle is probably the worst in the series
- the credit sequence is jarring deviation from the rest of the game
Playtime: 9 hours for the single player, with roughly 60% of achievements. No guide usage except for one level.
Magic Moments: Learning about the background of Aperture Science and understanding the relationship between its creation and present moment of the facilities. The final fight and creation of the final portal.
Blahgic Moment: Doing the first white gel puzzle over and over again until looking up a solution and finding that there actually isn't a genuine one. What were they thinking?
Verdict:
Coming to this game for the first time since its release and right after playing the original, Portal 2 is a peculiar experience. All the elements that made its predecessor an instant sensation are present: the seamless puzzle mechanics, the smart and funny writing, the clean visual design. However, the team behind its creation seem to have been more interested in expanding on the lore and characters of the Portal world than in extending the vocabulary of its puzzle design. The gels add up to some expansive, vertical sequences based on quick movement, but it does feel like fan mods and custom levels provided more fresh new applications of the Portal mechanics over the years than this actual sequel. For being an "impossible sequel" to a classic, widely beloved game, though, Portal 2 is a perfectly fine addition to this universe that offers hours of head scratching and plenty of genuine laughs.
Play it and enjoy it, but do not expect giant leaps in new directions - or a satisfying conclusion.