Arts&Entertainment Portal2 changes enough from its predecessor, makesfor a solid sequel between dimensions

By matt vinsko interesting, challenging puzzles. Many rooms, for example, now combine the sleek metal of ven though it was released as part of a a science facility with the lush green of trees compilation series (Valve’s The Orange and nature. Navigating in, out and even under E Box), the original Portal was a land- Aperture Sciences does enough to differentiate mark game that combined humor and heart in Portal 2 from its plain-looking predecessor. a way very few puzzle games manage to do. The game’s aesthetics aren’t the only In case you have not experienced the thing to get an upgrade. Portal 2 introduces a original Portal, gameplay involves firing two ton of new gadgets at Chell’s disposal, includ- different portals through an environment in ing propulsion and repulsion gels, which help an effort to reach the end of each test. After the player move faster and jump higher. Even a few trial runs, the play- though the majority er was introduced to the of puzzle solving still charming, yet evil GLa- involves the use of the DOS (voiced by Ellen OnTheShelf portal gun, these new McClain), a villainous AI additions do a good job who wanted nothing more keeping gameplay in- than to treat the player like teresting. the lab rat he or she was. If the single-player Four years later, Por- isn’t enough, Portal 2 tal 2 puts players back in also incorporates a two- the shoes of Chell, the player mode in which protagonist from the origi- players take the role of nal Portal. After defeat- two quirky little robots ing GLaDOS and (almost named Atlas and P- escaping) the Aperture Body. Though it offers Sciences facility, Chell little in terms of story, finds herself dragged back co-op play is amazingly into the testing chambers addicting and humor- by a silly little AI named ous for players looking Wheatley (Stephen Mer- to tackle Portal-style chant). gameplay with a friend. After a few tests that Video Game Review Online co-op is avail- help the player get back able for those without a into the swing of things, friend at hand. Chell accidently reani- Portal 2 My only com- mates GLaDOS. Once plaint with Portal 2 again, Chell must survive involves its short-play gravity-defying illegal ex- time (single-player can periments (and GLaDOS) be beaten in roughly to escape the facility and discover Aperture 10 hours, whereas co-op takes about half that ****RETIREMENT AUCTION**** Sciences’ true intentions. time) and its lack of replay-ability. Once a Despite featuring the same hero and vil- puzzle is beaten, it’s a cinch to go back and COMPLETE LIQUIDATION OF lain, Portal 2’s one-player campaign expands beat it again, even if you want another dose of HATHORN WELL SERVICE on the original, and in doing so, provides for the game’s magnificent story. Allowing com- May 7, 2011 - Saturday - 9:00am a solid story that expands on the themes of the petitive play online or even the ability to cre- 1403 W. Hwy 66 - Milan, New Mexico original. ate user-generated puzzles would add more Not only is Portal 2’s writing top-notch depth; hopefully Valve releases a patch some- Exit 79 off of I-40, north to Hwy. 66, east two (2) block to Auction site! (full of the zings that kept matters light amid where down the line to cater to these needs. Watch for signs! Consignments being accepted! the grim story of the original), but the game’s In the end, Portal 2 is an amazing game beautiful graphics tell a story in their own that will both challenge and amuse gamers. For further information call right. Set years after the original Portal, Ap- Through slick writing and solid gameplay fu- Charles F. Dickerson, Inc. International Auctioneers erture Science has been torn down follow- eled by Valve’s Source Engine, Portal 2 will Ofc: 575-526-1106 Cell: 575-644-7445 ing GLaDOS’s destruction. Portal 2 features keep most players firmly entrenched in GLa- Photos/Lists/Directions/Webpage: www.cfdauction.com a plethora of environments that help create DOS’s clutches until the final credits role. April 28 - May 4, 2011 | The Lumberjack 27