"Portal 2" was a triumph

Originally published in the April 27, 2011 issue of the Coast Report
By Ethan Hawkes, Staff Writer

Rarely does a game come around that is completely satisfying from beginning to end. Valve’s “Portal 2” is just that kind of rare game.
I’m usually a very critical person and love finding the flaws in pieces of entertainment and blowing them out of proportion. Unfortunately, this is a game provided me with nothing to complain about.
It turns out it was actually one of the most enjoyable parts of my life.
“Portal 2” is the sequel to the 2007’s surprise hit “Portal,” which was included in a pack of Valve games called “The Orange Box.”
The main idea of “Portal 2” is similar to the original -- players solve puzzles with a gun that has the ability to shoot two portals that connect to each other to reach the goal. This gives the player one of the most unique and engaging ways to solve puzzles ever conceived in video games.
I should also mention that these puzzles are actually tests, run by the most cynical and passive-aggressive robot ever, GLaDOS (genetic life form and disc operating system). The humorous story in “Portal 2” is filled with fantastic dark humor and many fleshed out characters, keeping me engaged until the dramatic conclusion.
The polish and the amount of time that went into making this game is apparent at every turn. Everything from the voice acting to the layout of the puzzles is top notch.
Gameplay in “Portal 2” is very much like its predecessor with a few new mechanics and extra polish thrown in. For example, propulsion gel, which has the potential to launch the player to great heights to reach goals, is a great example of the many ways the developers have freshened up the puzzle solving formula.
Furthermore, the game does not disappoint in the graphics department. It doesn’t boast the highest quality graphics on consoles but the art style of the characters and levels are visually stunning.
In addition to the single-player story, a co-op campaign is available that takes place at the same time as the main game .
The puzzles are significantly harder and it is not as entertaining as the single player story but games are always more fun when played with a friend in my opinion.
After completing both campaigns, players can go back through each level and listen to commentary from several of the game’s developers. These commentaries offer insights into how the game was made and even yield some secrets for very clever players.