A third post on the Switch port of the classic video game Portal. What have you all done to deserve such punishment?

If you are just joining us in this self inflicted madness you can read the last post where I start to look at the Switch version, or the very first post of ramblings down memory lane.

I love the little touches scattered throughout the game such as the radio that plays the “Still Alive” music, or the humorous graffiti. Yes I’ve mentioned this previously. But these little touches that you are left to discover are such a great example of using the environment to help tell the story.

Is the game too short? It’s certainly one of the criticisms I’ve read recently when I was checking facts. Back when I first played the game I don’t remember feeling that it was.

But how do I feel about the length of the game now? I’m currently on test chamber eighteen as I write this third post. With nineteen test chambers plus two “levels” in total. You could say I’m almost finished playing the game.

I have to admit I’m a little surprised I’ve progressed so quickly through the game. Admittedly some of the early test chambers are very short and quick to complete.

Then again I haven’t been rushing to complete the game. I’ve been savouring my time playing it. Especially as my play sessions have been snippets grabbed here and there.

But Jeff after seeing me bang on about Portal bought it on Steam, and completed it the morning of purchase. Whilst his son has bought the Switch version and done the same.

This kind of took me aback a little that they completed it so quickly.

So there is no denying that Portal is a short game. Whether it’s too short is very subjective. I can understand players wanting more.

The game leaves you desiring more.

But I’d argue it’s better it leaves you feeling this than over staying it’s welcome.

Besides in the Switch version we have the bonus test chambers. Which adds another fourteen test chambers to solve. Plus for those curious or addicted to the game, you can replay it with the designer commentary.

Are these enough to answer the criticism?

For me the game is the perfect length to tell what story the game has. I think from the story point of view there is only so much foreshadowing etc that you can give. I think things would start to feel stretched, even forced if told over more “levels”.

Plus I don’t think that the story is strong enough to support being told over more levels. But I’ll look into the story in the next post!