Portal is the best game ever.

Since 6254 Days

Posted by LEBATO

and once you are done with the puzzles, you are..........done.

Once you are done with bioshock...you're done. Once you are done with a nobel prized book...you're done.
Now, if it's good it will linger in your mind somehow...And for me Portal did that, and maybe because my girlfriend keeps singing ad nauseum the song from the end also helps a bit :D

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TheBeagle

Since 6429 Days

Woosh.

Damn it Grift. WTF was that ?

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Strange memories on this nervous night in Las Vegas. Has it been five years? Six? It seems like a lifetime.

LEBATO

Since 6945 Days

Posted by mt_sabao

Once you are done with bioshock...you're done. Once you are done with a nobel prized book...you're done.
Now, if it's good it will linger in your mind somehow...And for me Portal did that, and maybe because my girlfriend keeps singing ad nauseum the song from the end also helps a bit :D

Uh no. If you are done with Bioshock after close to 20 hours you can replay it because of the replay value of the game, every situation can come out differently thanks to the varied gameplay. You get an actual and entertaining story, one of the best in the last years of gaming.

I just don't think Portal has any replay value at all. You know what to do and there is nothing else you can do. The only reason to replay it is for the "joy" of it, but that can be said of all games.

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Mods, stop changing my SIG! I'm going to end up banning you!

KORNdog

Since 6227 Days

Posted by LEBATO

Uh no. If you are done with Bioshock after close to 20 hours you can replay it because of the replay value of the game, every situation can come out differently thanks to the varied gameplay. You get an actual and entertaining story, one of the best in the last years of gaming.

I just don't think Portal has any replay value at all. You know what to do and there is nothing else you can do. The only reason to replay it is for the "joy" of it, but that can be said of all games.

i agree. while portal was a blast first time through, re-visiting it lost 90% of that original charm. and the fact valve threw in those added re-run stages where things are harder indicates to me that they knew it wasnt the most replayable game in the world.

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TheBeagle

Since 6429 Days

Posted by KORNdog

i agree. while portal was a blast first time through, re-visiting it lost 90% of that original charm. and the fact valve threw in those added re-run stages where things are harder indicates to me that they knew it wasnt the most replayable game in the world.

You say that as if it is a bad thing. Personally, I would have loved it just as much if it came without any of the extra modes. Any longer and I would have grown tired of the puzzles. I think it was the perfect length for what it is.

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Strange memories on this nervous night in Las Vegas. Has it been five years? Six? It seems like a lifetime.

KORNdog

Since 6227 Days

Posted by TheBeagle

You say that as if it is a bad thing. Personally, I would have loved it just as much if it came without any of the extra modes. Any longer and I would have grown tired of the puzzles. I think it was the perfect length for what it is.

so do i, and the added puzzles where a nice addition (especially since the main game was about as easy as games come). im just saying the replay value isnt very good at all (mainly cos there is no challange in the game at all). its something i wouldnt mind going back to in a couple years time, but as for genuine replay value its pretty non-existant.

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deftangel

Since 6691 Days

Since when did a game have to have replay value for it to be good? Personally I think it's got quite a bit, advanced maps, challenges and finding all the cameras. I'll certainly be trying those but it's no pre-requisite to it being a good game per se.

Portal is perfect for what it is, a fun 2-3 hours and extras for those who want them. I don't want to diminish replay value as clearly it has it's place and is important in many ways but there is room in this medium for a variety of games, game lengths and experiences. Anything that explores that and produces something that works gets my vote.

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XBL/PSN: deftangel. Views are my own and not representative of my employers. Boulets aren't the end of the world, you will get over them! Reading and constructive discussion classes are available, enquire via PM :)

KORNdog

Since 6227 Days

Posted by deftangel

Since when did a game have to have replay value for it to be good? Personally I think it's got quite a bit, advanced maps, challenges and finding all the cameras. I'll certainly be trying those but it's no pre-requisite to it being a good game per se.

Portal is perfect for what it is, a fun 2-3 hours and extras for those who want them. I don't want to diminish replay value as clearly it has it's place and is important in many ways but there is room in this medium for a variety of games, game lengths and experiences. Anything that explores that and produces something that works gets my vote.

replay value isnt a requirement by any means. but for a game thats so short and especially one that falls under the "puzzle" genre, you expect it to be there. imagine if tetris had the replay value of portal. it wouldnt be anywhere near as popular as it is now. since portal was basically an added, almost "free" addition. its not so much of an issue, but puzzle games typically need to have more replay value then any other genre out there...and portal simply doesnt.

In reply to

[quote=deftangel]Since when did a game have to have replay value for it to be good? Personally I think it's got quite a bit, advanced maps, challenges and finding all the cameras. I'll certainly be trying those but it's no pre-requisite to it being a good game per se.

Portal is perfect for what it is, a fun 2-3 hours and extras for those who want them. I don't want to diminish replay value as clearly it has it's place and is important in many ways but there is room in this medium for a variety of games, game lengths and experiences. Anything that explores that and produces something that works gets my vote.[/quote]

replay value isnt a requirement by any means. but for a game thats so short and especially one that falls under the "puzzle" genre, you expect it to be there. imagine if tetris had the replay value of portal. it wouldnt be anywhere near as popular as it is now. since portal was basically an added, almost "free" addition. its not so much of an issue, but puzzle games typically need to have more replay value then any other genre out there...and portal simply doesnt.

TheBeagle

Since 6429 Days

It's fine the way it is.

In reply to

Strange memories on this nervous night in Las Vegas. Has it been five years? Six? It seems like a lifetime.

KORNdog

Since 6227 Days

Posted by TheBeagle

It's fine the way it is.

i wish that where true.

In reply to

LEBATO

Since 6945 Days

Like Korn said, it isn't required but certainly it is for a "game of the year". There isn't much to the game really, it's fun, it's original, but it is simple and can and does get old quick.

I think you can get five hours out of it, but that's all. To ME, there's no value in that.

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Mods, stop changing my SIG! I'm going to end up banning you!

Acert93

Since 6794 Days

I am glad others are finally on the Portal Band Wagon... :)

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My Blog: http://www.NextGenThinkTank.com

anm8rjp

Since 7520 Days

My overall favorite WOW game of 2007 was Portal. Really made me think that everything has not been done already in the gaming genre. Fresh.

My overall favorite game was COD4... but Portal suprised the hell out of me. I had the Orange box for about 3 weeks before I even fired it up. I played it one evening and played it for hours till I finished it in one sitting. I coudn't stop playing it. I looked online to see how many levels there were, at about level 13... and the last few levels are LONG compared to the first 10 or so... so needless to say I went to bed dog tired.

COD4 is my favorite, game of the year and did a few new things... but Portal deserves Game of the Year for 2007, because of its fresh, clever, wow factor. Small package, but what a package. I do hope to see some DLC on this game.

Oh and for those who got through this game in under 3 hours, you must be a genius, and I must be a tool, because I know it took me well over 3 hours, from start to finish.

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deftangel

Since 6691 Days

Value should be relative to what you paid for the game. In the case of Portal, that's not a whole lot. 5 hours is probably enough to play through the game twice! If there's no value in entertaining you for 5 hours at the price Lebato then I fail to see how you can possibly value any game that has some degree of linearity, i.e. a beginning and an end.

What game with a linear narrative offered you 5 hours of entertainment at better "value" then? If you got it as part of the Orange box you got it for a lot less than the $20 it is individually.

And comparing it to Tetris isn't a terribly valid comparison either. Tetris is a block puzzle game with a certain design mechanic, it is essentially infinite. There is no beginning or end to Tetris. Portal is a far more linear fixed length experience. It's also short but that's by design.

It doesn't make sense to criticize a short because it's not the same length as a feature film and you wouldn't watch it three times to make up for it. Portal is simply the video game equivalent of a short. As gaming as a medium matures there's room for shorts, episodic games and full blown big budget features and all points in between.

In reply to

Value should be relative to what you paid for the game. In the case of Portal, that's not a whole lot. 5 hours is probably enough to play through the game twice! If there's no value in entertaining you for 5 hours at the price Lebato then I fail to see how you can possibly value any game that has some degree of linearity, i.e. a beginning and an end.

What game with a linear narrative offered you 5 hours of entertainment at better "value" then? If you got it as part of the Orange box you got it for a lot less than the $20 it is individually.

And comparing it to Tetris isn't a terribly valid comparison either. Tetris is a block puzzle game with a certain design mechanic, it is essentially infinite. There is no beginning or end to Tetris. Portal is a far more linear fixed length experience. It's also short but that's by design.

It doesn't make sense to criticize a short because it's not the same length as a feature film and you wouldn't watch it three times to make up for it. Portal is simply the video game equivalent of a short. As gaming as a medium matures there's room for shorts, episodic games and full blown big budget features and all points in between.

XBL/PSN: deftangel. Views are my own and not representative of my employers. Boulets aren't the end of the world, you will get over them! Reading and constructive discussion classes are available, enquire via PM :)

LEBATO

Since 6945 Days

Posted by deftangel

It doesn't make sense to criticize a short because it's not the same length as a feature film and you wouldn't watch it three times to make up for it. Portal is simply the video game equivalent of a short. As gaming as a medium matures there's room for shorts, episodic games and full blown big budget features and all points in between.

I agree with that.

So if Portal is the equivalent of a movie short, why the hell is it being considered a full lenght movie?

Movie shorts have their own awards, they never win "best picture". There is no way in hell I would even begin to consider best game of anything. It has nice mechanics but by the time you finish it is already pushing the limits.

It deserves special recognition such as "best new game mechanic" and that's it.

What Portal does could easily be implemented in a full length game, say Half Life 3. There has to be more than just the concept of portal. To see "best game ever" or "GOTY" I believe those are exaggerations. Portal does not excel in anything other than a clever gameplay mechanic.

EDIT: I did not come up with the critic comment if you were talking to me, and I don't have the game nor the orange box. But I have played enough (I would even say all levels).

In reply to

[quote=deftangel]

It doesn't make sense to criticize a short because it's not the same length as a feature film and you wouldn't watch it three times to make up for it. Portal is simply the video game equivalent of a short. As gaming as a medium matures there's room for shorts, episodic games and full blown big budget features and all points in between.[/quote]

I agree with that.

So if Portal is the equivalent of a movie short, why the hell is it being considered a full lenght movie?

Movie shorts have their own awards, they never win "best picture".  There is no way in hell I would even begin to consider best game of anything.  It has nice mechanics but by the time you finish it is already pushing the limits.

It deserves special recognition such as "best new game mechanic" and that's it.

What Portal does could easily be implemented in a full length game, say Half Life 3.  There has to be more than just the concept of portal.  To see "best game ever" or "GOTY" I believe those are exaggerations.  Portal does not excel in anything other than a clever gameplay mechanic.

EDIT:  I did not come up with the critic comment if you were talking to me, and I don't have the game nor the orange box.  But I have played enough (I would even say all levels).

Mods, stop changing my SIG! I'm going to end up banning you!

deftangel

Since 6691 Days

When you say all levels do you mean all Testchambers? ;)

I was replying in general though I did pick up on your comment on value...whether you like Portal or not is one thing but given that most people will be playing it as a pack in to the Orange box I'd say it's a pretty good game to be getting for $10-$12.

It's one of my games of the year purely because I think it's a unique experience and a very polished 3 hours of game. More good short games with pricing that reflects exactly what you're getting is a good thing I think.

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XBL/PSN: deftangel. Views are my own and not representative of my employers. Boulets aren't the end of the world, you will get over them! Reading and constructive discussion classes are available, enquire via PM :)

GriftGFX

Since 6823 Days

Posted by TheBeagle

It's fine the way it is.

Yup. And custom (and official) maps will add plenty of replay. The only thing that could match the charm of the actual game though, as I said previously, is a proper sequel.

Posted by LEBATO

It deserves special recognition such as "best new game mechanic" and that's it.

What Portal does could easily be implemented in a full length game, say Half Life 3. There has to be more than just the concept of portal. To see "best game ever" or "GOTY" I believe those are exaggerations. Portal does not excel in anything other than a clever gameplay mechanic.

Uh, no. It's got great writing, character, atmosphere, humor, and.. well.. pretty much excels at every little thing it attempts to do. No one will deny that it's a short experience, but for the two or three hours that it lasts, it doesn't get much better than portal. The game is terribly clever, and it's not simply the implementation of portals or we'd just have Narbacular Drop with a Valve skin.

Portal is so much more than that.

In reply to

[quote=TheBeagle]It's fine the way it is.[/quote]

Yup.  And custom (and official) maps will add plenty of replay.  The only thing that could match the charm of the actual game though, as I said previously, is a proper sequel.

[quote=LEBATO]It deserves special recognition such as "best new game mechanic" and that's it.

What Portal does could easily be implemented in a full length game, say Half Life 3.  There has to be more than just the concept of portal.  To see "best game ever" or "GOTY" I believe those are exaggerations.  Portal does not excel in anything other than a clever gameplay mechanic.[/quote]

Uh, no.  It's got great writing, character, atmosphere, humor, and.. well.. pretty much excels at every little thing it attempts to do.  No one will deny that it's a short experience, but for the two or three hours that it lasts, it doesn't get much better than portal.  The game is terribly clever, and it's not simply the implementation of portals or we'd just have Narbacular Drop with a Valve skin.

Portal is so much more than that.

NeoNemesis

Since 6535 Days

Posted by deftangel

I'm pretty much at the end I think. I've just gotten to White Mountain, which has been attacked so I'm fighting my way out of the Silo's.. Will try and do it tonight if I can ever get out of work, grrr.

Ohh that part is amazing. Have fun. I hope we get more details of Episode 3 soon, I can't wait!

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Wii60!

"We've said that Gears of War was graphically the best game have ever been made, well it looks like Pong compared to Crysis and some of the DX10 titles."

-Gary Whitta (Venting on the NG podcast after Coming back from the Games for Windows)

mt_sabao

Since 6254 Days

Posted by LEBATO

EDIT: I did not come up with the critic comment if you were talking to me, and I don't have the game nor the orange box. But I have played enough (I would even say all levels).

uh?! You're not even sure you played all the levels, and you are criticizing it?!?!
You do know that the game is more than just a bunch of puzzles to solve?

Posted by LEBATO

Portal does not excel in anything other than a clever gameplay mechanic.

That's because you didn't play the entire game, and didn't get it as a whole and just see it as a bunch of puzzles...

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ManThatYouFear

Since 6767 Days

Portal is fantastic, people are allowed there opinion on other games, just not this one :D it ruled so shhh

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STREET FIGHTER 4, BRING IT ON!

Phaethon360

Since 6669 Days

Hmm...the only person protesting the quality of the game is a person who did not own or even complete the game? Irony?

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If I haven't banned you atleast once, I'm not doing my job.

SimonM7

Since 6846 Days

The only reason anyone refers to it as a concept is because it's played within a familiar genre and a familiar GAME even. Nobody would claim EXIT is just a "concept" that needs to be made into a "full game", because that doesn't have that Half Life 2 shadow cast over it.

I'd even go so far as to say it's in some ways a disservice to Portal to build it within Half Life 2, and even more to sell it as little more than a "bonus" in a package where Episode 2 is arguably the main attraction and every game feels virtually the same on a core level. Next to them, of course Portal will come across for some as the other games stripped of their other common components.

How you feel is prolly largely depending on how you approach it, but I definitely can see how it's too similar to HL2 to completely shake the feeling that it's a "new gravity gun mod", while I can also see how if that isn't even a factor when you sit down with it, it is utterly brilliant.

I'm taking forever with my GOTY2K7 list but Portal gets some mentions that I think anyone will find hard to contest. :)

In reply to

The only reason anyone refers to it as a concept is because it's played within a familiar genre and a familiar GAME even. Nobody would claim EXIT is just a "concept" that needs to be made into a "full game", because that doesn't have that Half Life 2 shadow cast over it.

I'd even go so far as to say it's in some ways a disservice to Portal to build it within Half Life 2, and even more to sell it as little more than a "bonus" in a package where Episode 2 is arguably the main attraction and every game feels virtually the same on a core level. Next to them, of course Portal will come across for some as the other games stripped of their other common components.

How you feel is prolly largely depending on how you approach it, but I definitely can see how it's too similar to HL2 to completely shake the feeling that it's a "new gravity gun mod", while I can also see how if that isn't even a factor when you sit down with it, it is utterly brilliant.

I'm taking forever with my GOTY2K7 list but Portal gets some mentions that I think anyone will find hard to contest. :)

deftangel

Since 6691 Days

I still need to start Mario Galaxy to do mine so it's going to be a while. I've Assassin's Creed and COD4 SP to finish as well :S Finished Ep2 yesterday.

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XBL/PSN: deftangel. Views are my own and not representative of my employers. Boulets aren't the end of the world, you will get over them! Reading and constructive discussion classes are available, enquire via PM :)

SimonM7

Since 6846 Days

For me, AC (with due respect to all who enjoyed it) was ultimately a matter of going "AAAAAAH!!" and just running through it the way you'd throw yourself through a glass window if chased by a group of rapists. The game was essentially the bit I'd already played and enjoyed repeated 5 times onward, so I didn't really feel bad about it.

I will go back to it some time to finish up the achievements I think, with flag collection and templar killings being inherently collectathon fun to do anyway.

My list is taking so long because I had a template for 2K6 that I was happy with, but the categories (albeit good categories) are sort of difficult to fill up this year. Sooooooo many sequels cock up half of them.

In reply to

deftangel

Since 6691 Days

Assassin's Creed is nowhere near my Games of the Year It's just that I want to finish it before playing Galaxy otherwise I never will. Not because it's not a good game but if I get immersed in something else I probably never will. Mass Effect and Orange Box already put paid to getting it done before. It's kind of a Gaming New Year resolution :)

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XBL/PSN: deftangel. Views are my own and not representative of my employers. Boulets aren't the end of the world, you will get over them! Reading and constructive discussion classes are available, enquire via PM :)

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