Cross the portal, if you can
Instead of playing an RPG or FPS, consider playing this game. Besides its use of real-world physics, it’s a game that provides little background, but you know you have one goal, escape using a portal gun. However, that is easier said than done.
First person puzzle game
Mastering linear momentum, pretty much how your mass and velocity will affect your speed and direction coming out of another portal, is vital to success in the game.
Originally featured as part of a box set known as The Orange Box, Portal is a first-person puzzle game where you have to navigate through a variety of levels. Although the premise sounds easy, users have to be attentive of hazards such as turrets and lazers, as well as puddles of murky water.
Arguably the most interesting aspect of the game is the level of detail. There isn’t a lot of decoration or art, but this is probably to reflect that you aren't playing on a world, but rather in a testing facility being monitored by an AI unit. To navigate each stage, users have to think about the physics behind their actions.
This title is also cool because it's just not dropping one portal and going, but there are times where you have to drop multiple portals to navigate obstacles. Since players are limited to only one blue port and one orange portal at any point in time, this requires people to shoot portals mid-jump. Users can also find and carry weighted companion cubes through portals, and these are good for solving puzzles.
Where can you run this program?
This title is available on computers running Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. Additionally, it is available on PS 3 and Xbox 360.
Is there a better alternative?
Yes. Portal 2 is better than the original. Also, Antichamber, Quantum Conundrum, The Ball and Magrunner are worth mentioning as games that are similar to Portal.
Our take
This is a great way to kill a couple of hours. It has a mix of puzzle-solving and physics attached to it and does a good job of forcing you to think critically.
Should you download it?
Yes! Overall this is a great puzzle game, although it is short, it’s worth downloading and playing.
