[9.5/10] A Puzzle game that will blow your mind from its clever puzzles and beautiful Story.
So, the patented Aperture Science portal gun is back once again, and if you thought some of Portal's test chambers were convoluted, then you're in for a rude awakening with Portal 2, as there are some real brain-melting doozies awaiting in the numerous test chambers of Aperture Laboratories. Portal 1 feels like it was a dry run for this, the main event, which not only tells a killer story with more twists and turns than an Excursion Funnel (more on those later), but it takes the core portal concept and throws in a whole load of new mind-bending mechanics.
It's the gameplay that really makes Portal 2 such a joy though and everything else is just the icing on the... - we had to say it at some point – cake. That's before you even consider co-op, which is a whole separate campaign on its own, starring the most endearing droid duo since C3PO and R2D2. Playable in local split screen – vertical or horizontal: your call – or online with a friend or a random, Portal 2's co-op is pure genius, encouraging communication and actual, proper co-ordination. Playing without a headset really isn't an option, despite being able to project markers and start countdowns via the in-game HUD, and playing with someone you don't know proves remarkably difficult, if not nigh-on impossible. Even Valve knows this, as it even thought to include a warning disclaimer telling you that the game won't be as fun if you try and play with a person not on your friends list.
A riveting journey from start to finish, Portal 2 is yet another unmitigated triumph for Valve, building upon an original concept that was incredible to begin with and making it even more incredible. At times it might have you tearing your hair out, but ultimately if you loved Portal 1 (and who didn't?), you're going to eat up Portal 2 like a big old piece of vanilla crazy cake.
* Audio - 100/100 - With great voice work, music and atmospheric sound, Portal 2 is the complete package from an audio standpoint. Plus there is an Super Awesome Credits song.
* Gameplay - 95/100 - An absolute, unadulterated pleasure to play, Portal 2's frustrations are countered by the exuberance you'll feel upon completing a troublesome puzzle. It's wall-to-wall goodness in gameplay terms and that goes for both co-op and single-player.
* Multiplayer/CO-OP - 90/100 - There is 5 Co-Op Courses which can provide you up to 5 hours of fun.
* Visuals - 90/100 - Those sterile slick white walls give way to all manner of concealed nastiness behind their facade and it all looks great. Textures do tend to suffer slightly when scrutinised close up, however.
* Story - 100/100 - in Short Phrase: Play it and Epic Ending.
Final Score - 9.5/10 - Valve has worked its magic yet again with Portal 2, creating a mind-blowing game that's simply superb in both single-player and co-op. In other words, it's a Must-Buy.