Greg Recommends Portal

Price : $10.00

Website : STEAM

Portal, in my opinion, is one of the greatest games ever created. Originally released in 2007 by Valve Portal is a physics puzzler with more than a few twists. I won't spoil it for you, but I will explain what the game is generally about and what sort of fun can be had with it.

You are a volunteer test subject for the Aperture Science computer-aided Enrichment Centre. Your job is to test out the new portal gun technology by completing various tasks and puzzles with the physics bending tech under the instruction and encouragement of GLADoS, the artificial intelligence in charge of the facility. How much fun could this possibly be? Lets just say this game racked up the awards, continues to get overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and gamers, and is most definitely in my top 5 best games ever played list.

Of course the game isn't just about puzzling with portals, that might be interesting but it doesn't get the incredible amount of praise that this game gets. No, there is more going on than what originally meets the eye, and the game unfolds its hidden plot one tantalizing string at a time. You clue in pretty early that something isn't entirely right with GLADoS. Random static, fade outs, and some verbal queues make you wonder if she's maybe due for an upgrade. A few levels in and the tests start becoming hazardous. While GLADoS assures you that it is only the appearance of danger meant to provide you with a more enriching experience you begin to wonder if something's a bit off with her morality core. A few more levels in and you begin to wonder if GLADoS just has no concept of what qualifies as 'hazardous' to human beings or if she has no regard for your life at all. Then there are the hidden messages and secret nooks and crannies that GLADoS does not seem to know about. She offers you cake if you complete all of the tests, but the places GLADoS can not see spell out a different story...

From the physics engine to GLADoS dialogue to the humour spread throughout this game is brilliant. It also features some very well executed reveals, definitely above and beyond what you would expect to find in a game about physics puzzles. The game also features some of the best deadpan dark humour you will ever encounter.

Seriously, if you haven't played this game yet then buy it now and play it. This is the best $10 PC game in existence. And once you've played it go buy Portal 2... you'll understand once you play the first one.