(Screencap Credits: Ember)
Portal opens with your character, Chell, waking from stasis to music and the voice of the artificially-intelligent computer that runs this facility, GLaDOS (Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System). As it turns out, the facility was built to research and test experimental portal technology, and Chell is a test subject. As such, GLaDOS will lead your character through 19 test chambers, and reward you with cake upon your success.
…Or not.
As you you make your way through the series of progressively-more-challenging tests, it becomes clear that there is more going on than first appeared— and the final test will change your role completely. From that point on, the game is transformed into something far more creepy in atmosphere, and even more creatively fun for the player.
(Screencap Credits: Ember)
When you combine that with the game’s slightly-surreal, sequel-set-up finale and the utter hilarity and brilliance of the credits 
, the only real reason we have to rate this game at 5 & 1/3 Stars rather than a full 5 & 1/2 is its length (or, rather, the lack of it)— it takes just a few hours to complete the main portion of the game (if you’re not specifically going after any ‘Achievements’ at the same time). Admittedly, however, that might actually be a good thing, as people who normally don’t play video games may enjoy it for that very reason; and people who do normally play video games will simply be eager for more (a desire that can be satisfied with the full-length sequel, Portal 2).
In all, this is an excellent game, and we highly recommend it.
Our rating for the Portal video game: 5 & 1/3 Stars. 