CAZine

by: Columbo

*text*= Spoiler alert

For all who have not heard of this game, here is the premise: you are a ‘test subject’ named Chell, who has been chosen to partake in an Aperature Science computer aided enrichment center activity. At the start of this game, you are in an Aperature Science Relaxation Chamber and are given a briefing of your stay at the Center. You are soon sent into the world of Portal where you have to solve puzzles using the ASHPD (Aperature Science Hand-held Portal Device, or “Portal Gun”, if you will) where you must solve puzzles and get from point A to point B. You must solve complex puzzles such as opening a door by pushing a button but not being able to touch the floor, or knocking a turret off a ledge without being able to reach it. 19 ‘test chambers’ or levels of puzzles where you are given a few funny terms from the computerized female voice named GLaDOS. (Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System) She aids you through the test chamber and tells you how to solve the puzzles with hints such as. “The floor here will kill you, try to avoid it.”

Gameplay: 5 out of 5 Stars.  The controls itself are amazing, It’s hard to find a level of Portal where you don’t end up dizzy. Its graphics are very detailed. If you shoot a portal at a wall and one at the other wall and look through it, you will be able to see yourself, like in a mirror. I have played through Portal at least 20 times, and I have not found any issues with the over all gameplay.

Level Design: 5 out of 5 stars. The level designs in this game are incredible. The miles of solid concrete wall and endless texture recycling really give this game a lab rat feeling, which is what they were going for. *After you get out of the testing chambers and into the underbelly of the facility, levels take on a rusted and neglected feeling.*

Story: As far as story goes for this game, there really isn’t much. It’s a game that you create your own story as you go. Maybe it was ‘bring your daughter to work day,’ or maybe Chell is a clone of many Chells who have failed to complete the test (these are a few theories of gamers I have spoken to).  I give the story 4 out of 5 stars because of the ability to create your own but it still lacks its own real story.

The ASHPD and several portals shot.

Chell from the point of view from an Orange portal.