Of all the places a portal can take you, there are sadly a few places it can’t. One of those happens to be an exclusive appointment-only viewing of Portal 2, courtesy of E3. That’s where my fellow writers, editor in chief Christian Ponte and editor Joey Levin, and I were privy to seeing the latest from Portal, which has gone from mere programming school demo to full scale game in a just few short years.
Portal 2 takes place about 30 years after the original, with protagonist Chell having been held in statis since Aperture Science Lab’s end. Upon release, you awaken a dormant GlaDOS, who begins to piece together the fractured remains of the facility through the forest overgrowth that has infiltrated the ruins while plotting your demise. Joined by new companion Wheatley, who accompanies you through the initial stages of your escape, you make your way through what remains of the lab. Expect to solve puzzles in a variety of new ways, using effects from neighboring rooms that can now travel through portals, and various paint-like substances that will enhance your character’s abilities when applied to the floor (i.e. a streak of blue causes the player to bounce, red gives them speed). The sequel will also feature test chambers designed to acclimate new players to the various means and methods of using portals within the game. You will also see new companion objects, including Weighted Storage Balls.
The teaser above will give you somewhat of an idea of the new aesthetic as well as set the stage for drama. Portal 2 is expected sometime in 2011 for PC, Mac, XBOX 360, and PS3.
