Portal 2: is it actually a good idea?

by Richard Mitchell { Jan 10th 2008 at 3:15PM }

MTV's Multiplayer poses an interesting question: does Portal need a sequel? Hailed by many as one of the best games of 2007, and hailed by some as the best game of 2007, Portal represented a truly unique and engaging experience rarely seen in the video game industry. As Multiplayer puts it, the game was satisfying; it didn't leave you wanting more. Of course, we all know that one-off gaming creations are less than common in video games, as the ultimate goal of publishers and developers is to create a game that can be turned into a successful franchise. The question is not whether or not Portal will receive a sequel, but if it should.

Our answer: yes. Because GLaDOS is still alive, and she's got to go. But what do you think? That's what we want to know. As such, we've drummed up a poll asking that very questions. Submit your answer below and tell us why you picked it in the comments.

[Via Joystiq]

Tags: ea, electronic-arts, orange-box, portal, portal-2, valve

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Tony @ Jan 10th 2008 3:20PM

There simply isn't enough to do in the game to have it just end there. I don't know that it necessarily needs a sequel per se, but I think most people would at least enjoy additional puzzles.

I have to imagine they'll be using technology similar to this in future Half-Life 2 episodes anyway. Someone already hacked the portal gun into the PC version.

Cass-D @ Jan 10th 2008 3:20PM

I would like to find out why the hell you in the facility to begin with. Then where the hell did you go after you left. I mean common you still have the portal creator, man talk about an expert thief with this gadget.

pandlcg @ Jan 10th 2008 3:20PM

I was under the impression that they were going to work the portal gun and the main character into the half life universe in the next episode. Not sure if i just made that up in my head, but i'm pretty sure i read it on the intertubes.

MrMuggs @ Jan 10th 2008 3:23PM

I thought there were going to be tons of user created add-on levels for Portal. I enjoy the game for the puzzle and mechanics. The story is great but I'm happy with more levels. Why doesn't Valve create some DLC levels for Portal? I would be happy with that.

Larry not allowed to say cheevo @ Jan 10th 2008 3:25PM

Portal was just a fantastic game. I would be very disappointed if there wasn't another game in the works. The idea was awesome, the gameplay is totally fun, and this game appeals to a wide variety of gamers. Portal is a winner, big time.

Larry not allowed to say cheevo @ Jan 10th 2008 3:25PM

Michael Paul @ Jan 10th 2008 3:26PM

The type of surface that supports a portal wasn't everywhere in the first game, so hopefully whatever they do lets you get around some in the fresh air and not shove you into some new rathole in a quest for cake...

GoldenPie @ Jan 10th 2008 3:32PM

Portal was a great game but it was too short. I would love if they did a sequel. Hell, even a few DLC levels or something would be good.

GoldenPie @ Jan 10th 2008 3:33PM

Portal was a great game but it was too short. I would love if they did a sequel. Hell, even a few DLC levels or something would be good.

GoldenPie @ Jan 10th 2008 3:34PM

Ugh, what is up with the commments today? Meh, it's probably just my computer. Sorry for this..

Flash2000 @ Jan 10th 2008 3:35PM

It'd be great to make it more of a story as well. GLaDOS is a great villain, you could do a lot with her. She's basically Hal9000 in charge of a very scary testing facility. Nothing worse than a homicidal , all seeing, robot.

Etchasketchist @ Jan 10th 2008 3:47PM

Two words: Dual wielding.

Etchasketchist @ Jan 10th 2008 3:48PM

Two words: Dual wielding.

DemonGSides @ Jan 10th 2008 3:52PM

Two words.

Double post

Etchasketchist @ Jan 10th 2008 5:29PM

Not my fault.

Nick @ Jan 10th 2008 3:53PM

I think a sequel would be nice with a larger variety of puzzles and problem solving scenarios. I feel like the first game was just scraping the ice with the possibilities. Not too mention multiplayer, which I think, if done tastefully and well, could be awesome and refreshingly different. Imagine a tag type game of some sorts where there a few people chasing each other around a level with the portal gun. Player A creates an orange hole and jumps through and quickly attempts to shoot another orange hole to close his/her escape, but player B from across the map shoots a portal through Player A's portal and then dives through a secondary portal catching up with player A and then blam, he shoots, tags, kills, whatevers the person. The possibilities really are quiet infinite when it comes to the unique scenarios that could be formulated in a multiplayer portal setting. So basically, count me in, one order of Portal 2 please.

-Nick

autochthonous @ Jan 10th 2008 3:57PM

I like cake. I would love to see some real-world type puzzles in a Portal sequel. You've got the Portal gun, take it out into the world and have a ball!

ogvor @ Jan 10th 2008 4:01PM

I think you should have had more options on the poll. I would like to see (and expect to see) the Portal gun in Half Life 2: Episode 3, but a direct Portal sequel would probably just end up sullying it's reputation. Chell (character you play) could even end up meeting up with Gordon, or perhaps Gordon must go into Aperture science to defeat GLaDOS. Hmmm.... I might have just convinced myself of wanting a sequel.

James @ Jan 10th 2008 4:04PM

I gotta say: I chose the PC version of Orange Box because I thought I'd be downloading a ton of user TF2 maps. I haven't been, but I'm *thrilled* to be able to download custom Portal puzzles.

Sorry, guys. I love my 360 (well, loved -- I'm sure I'll love it again once it gets back from the RROD repair depot), but it's the worst possible platform for user generated content. Even the PS3 gets the UT3 "mod cooker" some time this month...

James @ Jan 10th 2008 4:05PM

intRvenous @ Jan 10th 2008 4:09PM

Just imagine the Portal gun against live enemies - the possibilities are endless. Oh... and it would be sweet to have the story converge with the Half-Life series and have some cross-game coop.

intRvenous @ Jan 10th 2008 4:11PM

( + Half-Life coop ) one player: gravity gun, the other: portal gun. Mix in tons of enemies...

George Arauz @ Jan 10th 2008 4:20PM

Definitely a good idea... its a great game.

akatsuki @ Jan 10th 2008 4:45PM

No. They should just release DLC level packs. Then stick the portal gun in HL3, maybe grenade launcher style so you don't have to switch weapons. The only problem with the portal gun is that the levels have to be sort of designed to work well with it, and that might make HL3 seem a bit "fake" in layout.

Etchasketchist @ Jan 10th 2008 5:30PM

Half life levels already feel fake.

J @ Jan 10th 2008 4:52PM

Yes! Let us eat cake!!

As far as the story goes, it would make most sense to either make the sequel begin exactly where Portal leaves off, or a prequel.

Adding new content and maps would, although not a huge deal, not jive with the original, because there were a certain number of actual levels that were numbered. How would they explain just adding more maps? It is a severely nitpicky point, but it makes the idea of simply additional maps seem forced.

Or, at the very least, give the portal gun to Gordon in Episode 3.

carll @ Jan 10th 2008 4:58PM

Of course there should be a sequel. No question.

AnOffday @ Jan 10th 2008 5:24PM

My question is what does MTV know about video games? Aren't they too busy creating fake shows like the Hills and Laguna Beach to worry about games?

matt mcclard @ Jan 10th 2008 5:27PM

i say yes. and make good and make it quick!

bigmac375 @ Jan 10th 2008 5:56PM

it doesn't need one, it will be blended into the main half- life game

Bill @ Jan 10th 2008 6:07PM

Doing more test chambers is out of the question, and I doubt Valve would take you from the isolated environment of Aperture Science and dump you right into armed combat with the Portal gun. Portal is at its heart a puzzle game, and you can't just change it to a shooter and call it the same thing. But moving it into the "real world" seems like the next step. Anyone who's seen this video should realize how crazy/cool it could be:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKg3TUPQ8Sg

Oh well, we should all just be happy that Valve is in charge of this decision. I have faith they'll do it right.

Rufus @ Jan 10th 2008 6:11PM

No, no, no... I say sure to a second Portal game, but they should make it a prequel. Perhaps even including the former 'slave' to Aperture.

It's evident the entire facility went a little weird after the initial person's presence as it's completely empty bar GLADOS 'herself' so why not be the one who leaves the messages (it would also fit into the feel not to have a great winning ending too.)

Hey Apples @ Jan 10th 2008 6:21PM

The real question: How can Portal 2 actually be a bad idea?

Mr Television @ Jan 10th 2008 8:51PM

Portal is proof that video games are a true modern art form. Here is a game whose story seams are so well disguised that as players we forget we are playing.

Why would you want a sequel? To follow this argument through, I would have to reveal Portal's plot, but I will say that the game is absolutely a complete experience that should be enjoyed on its own terms and dwelled upon like a good meal. People talk about extra levels in the form of downloadable content. What a mistake that would be. The puzzles, the level design - they were a means to an end. The physics were delightful and I was pleased when I got the long jump achievement, but please leave Portal alone. It was perfect.

fleethefactory @ Jan 11th 2008 9:23AM

Agreed, I adored Portal, and wouldn't mind seeing another game in the series, but is it necessary? No. And it definitely could ruin our opinions and images of the game being as great as it is. Some of the greatest pieces of art/media are what they are because of how the consumer is left, and Portal left me in a good place.

fleethefactory @ Jan 11th 2008 9:23AM

Jonman @ Jan 11th 2008 12:01AM

Quite simply, it needs a sequel because I wasn't anywhere near bored of the it when it ended. In fact, the puzzles only got *really* interesting towards the end.

Jonman @ Jan 11th 2008 12:01AM

Quite simply, it needs a sequel because I wasn't anywhere near bored of the it when it ended. In fact, the puzzles only got *really* interesting towards the end.

Boff @ Jan 11th 2008 8:21AM

I'll second that

theblahblahblah @ Jan 11th 2008 2:56AM

Yes, please! That was a great game, I couldn't put it down.

theblahblahblah @ Jan 11th 2008 2:57AM

Yes, please! That was a great game, I couldn't put it down.

theblahblahblah @ Jan 11th 2008 2:58AM

Yes, please! That was a great game that I could not put down.

theblahblahblah @ Jan 11th 2008 2:58AM

Yes, please! That was a great game that I could not put down.

theblahblahblah @ Jan 11th 2008 3:05AM

Yes, please! That was a great game that I could not put down.

Boff @ Jan 11th 2008 8:29AM

I thoroughly enjoyed Portal, and Portal 2 would be DEFINITE purchase unless they fundamentally changed the gameplay mechanics.

I think a prequel would work really well. Finding the 'hidden' areas in Portal with the graffiti and pictures on the wall really intrigued me. I wanted to know how they got the, who put them there, and how long were they living behind the test chambers?

We'd get to see the story of Chell's predecessor and how he/she found out 'The cake is a lie'. Not to mention bringing back the companion cube! (For more than one level this time.)

I have to stop writing now cos I'm getting excited.

thisguyrighthere @ Jan 11th 2008 8:39AM

Seeing as how Episode 3 will at least be in part taking place on the Aperture Science ship the Borealis where you must go to retrieve some "new" and "powerful" technology before the combine do I think it's pretty safe to say that within the confines of a ship there will be some portal popping. Just don't hit the hull with it!