The dark horse of the Q1 2011 gaming calendar has been pushed back 2 months with a new release date of April the 18th. The first Portal was bundled in alongside Half-Life 2: Episode 2 and Team Fortress 2, inside the Orange Box. It was planned as an experimental mini-title to show off the game engine’s conceptual physics, but Portal was so popular that Valve is giving it a fully fledged sequel. Portal 2 will include a longer campaign, that follows on from the disturbing story on the first title, introduces brand new gameplay elements, and a brings in a ground breaking online co-op mode.
A delay like this is a big bummer for fans everywhere, but Valve is trying to make a light joke of it by saying:
“This two month slip not only marks the shortest delay in Valve’s proud tradition of delays, it represents the approaching convergence of Valve Time and Real Time. Though this convergence spells doom for humanity, it will not affect the new Portal 2 release date.”
It’s nice to see developers tackling the problem of disappointed fans by accepting it is going to annoy folks but then trying to make it comical, creating a sense that they are on your side. To be honest, it saves us lot plonking together a corny one liner, so it has its benefits. I’ve always been fond of Valve and absolutely love the whimsical, clever, and slightly sinister Portal experience.
The new features on Portal 2 (aside from the co-op) include a range of sticking gels that can be sloshed onto surfaces to give them different properties, weird zero gravity tunnels, and spring pads. We’re sure Valve won’t disappoint with Portal 2. It’s set to expand on the hugely successful and modest template of the first game, and give it some space to truly innovate for the good of gaming.
I can’t believe I’m going to say this but, we forgive you Valve.
Published: Nov 18, 2010 07:57 pm