Portal RTX

During the holiday break, I finally took some time to play the RTX version of Portal.  Portal is a first-person puzzle-platformer developed and published by Valve. It really holds up from when it was originally was released in 2007.  With the ray tracing graphical enhancement, this was a perfect time to revisit the game.

In Portal, you play as a test subject in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories, where you are tasked with navigating through a series of increasingly complex and dangerous test chambers using a mysterious device known as the "Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device," or simply the "Portal Gun." This unique weapon allows you to create two linked portals on any flat surface, allowing you to transport yourself and objects between them instantly.

As you progress through the game, you'll encounter a series of increasingly challenging puzzles that require you to use the Portal Gun in creative ways to overcome obstacles and reach your goal. But as you delve deeper into the twisted world of Aperture Science, you'll begin to uncover a dark and sinister plot lurking beneath the surface.

One of the things that sets Portal apart from other puzzle games is its rich, immersive story. The game is set in the same universe as Valve's Half-Life series, and features a cast of memorable characters, including the enigmatic AI entity GLaDOS. The story is told through a series of audio recordings and environmental clues scattered throughout the test chambers, and as you piece together the story, you'll uncover a deeply disturbing and thought-provoking tale of corporate greed, scientific experimentation, and artificial intelligence gone awry.

But it's not just the story that makes Portal so memorable - it's also the gameplay. The Portal Gun is an incredibly versatile weapon, and as you progress through the game, you'll discover new ways to use it to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. Whether you're using portals to fling yourself across gaps, redirect laser beams, or create makeshift bridges, there's always a new and creative solution waiting to be discovered.

The puzzles in Portal are deceptively simple at first, but as you progress through the game, they become increasingly complex and challenging. Each test chamber is a self-contained puzzle that requires you to use your wits and the Portal Gun to find a way to the exit. Some puzzles require precise timing and aim, while others demand creative thinking and outside-the-box solutions.

But the real beauty of Portal is the way it encourages player experimentation. There's no right or wrong way to solve a puzzle - it's all about finding the solution that works best for you. Whether you're a seasoned puzzle-solver or a newcomer to the genre, there's something in Portal for everyone.

Portal RTX is available for free for anyone that Portal in their Steam library