Reviews

Portal 2 Review

By Ron Burke

Posted on May 3, 2011

But the brilliance of Portal 2 isn

Oh yeah, the co-op campaign is a wholly separate campaign from the main game. Whereas the single player focuses on Chell as the protagonist, the co-op game focuses on two robots specifically designed by GlaDOS as test subjects. She takes perverse pleasure in tormenting the machines throughout the campaign, and much of your enjoyment is figuring out how to work in tandem to solve some of the most devious mind benders you

But in addition to the dazzling puzzles and intricate storyline, the game is astonishingly funny. The MVP for voice acting is a toss-up in my mind due to the note-perfect tone evinced by each of the actors. Stephen Merchant may wind up being the fan favorite as a British-sounding robot aiding Chell throughout the game, but my personal favorite is J.K. Simmons (J. Jonah Jameson in Spider-Man) who is as blistering in his energy and passion for science as he is while tormenting his test subjects. Simmons roars through his role and he chews up and spits out every bit of scenery that he can to glorious, gut-busting effect. Merchant though also brings his A-game and is consistently hilarious as his character Wheatley is by turn nervous, insecure, heroic, and more.

But the real star of Portal 2 is Ellen McLain as GlaDOS. Her performance in this game is one for the record books. Not only does she pick up where she left off in the original Portal, but as the story twists and turns she undergoes a series of new emotions. I

You bet I just played the

Then you have to jump over everything to escape.

Thank God I don

Ron Burke

Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief | [email protected]

Ron Burke is the Editor in Chief for Gaming Trend. Currently living in Fort Worth, Texas, Ron is an old-school gamer who enjoys CRPGs, action/adventure, platformers, music games, and has recently gotten into tabletop gaming.

Ron is also a fourth degree black belt, with a Master's rank in Matsumura Seito Shōrin-ryū, Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do, Universal Tang Soo Do Alliance, and International Tang Soo Do Federation. He also holds ranks in several other styles in his search to be a well-rounded fighter.

Ron has been married to Gaming Trend Editor, Laura Burke, for 28 years. They have three dogs - Pazuzu (Irish Terrier), Atë, and Calliope (both Australian Kelpie/Pit Bull mixes), and an Axolotl named Dagon!