Portal 2 - Thoughts So Far
In my spare time, besides knitting, I actually like to play computer games. Mainly role playing games, first person shooters (in the style of Left for Dead, Bioshock and such - not deathmatch nonsense), and some platformers and strategy games. About a year ago I was introduced to Portal - BEST. GAME. EVER. Possibly apart from World of Warcraft. Actually, maybe not even apart from World of Warcraft. The main problem with the game that it was too short.
Portal?
The premise of Portal is... oh, well, here:
That was a trailer for the original Portal. Just this morning, however, Portal 2 was released! A much anticipated sequel to a game they didn't imagine to be as popular as it was. Probably the only video game release I've anticipated besides World of Warcraft since Final Fantasy X-2 in 2004 (which was, by the way, a total pile of crud).
So, Portal 2...
Portal 2 is set some hundreds of years after the original game, and introduces a new co-op mode of play. I jumped out of bed at an obscenely early time, and dragging my housemate with me, loaded up Portal 2 at 8:30am - just early enough to play for half an hour before I started work. So, this first impressions post is going to be based on co-op.
The characters you and your friend play are Atlas (blue) and P-body (yellow) - the inviter gets to be Atlas, and the invitee P-body. You are robots who display rather human characteristics, which GLaDOS--just as evil-mannered as always--seems to observe. You have to advance through levels co-operating together (duh!) for example, casting portals for each other, guiding each other around mazes, passing objects to each other, and pressing buttons in synchronisation. Not always the easiest of tasks - I couldn't imagine doing it without voice comms!
.jpg "P-body helping Atlas over toxic waste with a laser directing cube.")
Oh, and by the way... don't jump on the springboard without a portal above you...
.jpg "Splat!")
Want To Play Portal?
One more thing: I do have one remaining spare copy of the original Portal game that I can gift to anyone who has an email address - you download it online (approx. 5GB). If you'd like to play and have never played before, just let me know in a comment. It will come from Portal on Steam.
I don't imagine many people haven't played this game, and this is no formal giveaway. I received it originally for free myself, and have been given two free copies since in special offer game bundles. I may gift it to the first person who displays interest, or otherwise pick someone at random. :) I don't mind if I don't know you, so don't feel shy - ask away. I'd rather it go to someone, anyone, than sit in my Steam account unplayed. But I'd love to know what you think when you've played it!
Since nobody displayed any interest in receiving my Portal game, I gave it to my little brother who to my shock and awe actually wanted to play it.
Looks interesting! I know my friend has played, and already completed portal2, but I haven't played portal at all.
He also complained about it being too short lol.