Backlog Club: Have You Seriously Not Played Portal Yet?

I seriously HAVE played Portal yet, but hopefully, it'll be interesting to get some insight from people who haven't tried it out yet.

I've played bits and pieces of both 1 & 2 with friends but never sat down to play the entirety of either game. I also would like to get a physical edition for my Switch so I'm gonna have to pass.

Played both years ago on Steam, and replayed the first on Switch (including all the Bonus levels) again about two weeks ago. It really is one of the best puzzle games ever. There are just so many rewarding ah-haaaa! moments. Looking forward to going through 2 again.

Conclusion: this really is a game no body should miss. I just can't imagine anyone not enjoying it. If these games were films they'd be considered cult-classics.

I played these games long long ago, so this isn't my first go around.

I had about $25 in eShop funds, and I was trying to decide between Neon White & Portal Collection. I went for Portal, and despite kicking myself to favoring the well-trodden path instead of branching out to new experiences, I'm having a blast playing it again.

I've also let friends who were over play it for their first time*, which honestly is worth the price of admission all over again.

(*I'm secretly tricking them both into playing so that they'll get good enough to play the multiplayer co-op with me, which I have never played before)

I tried to play it on Switch but I kept dying to enemies and the loading times after a death are aweful

Just waiting for the inevitable physical release.

I haven't played Portal 2 yet. Don't judge me!

I got the Switch ports, a few years ago I did consider getting the 360 versions (it's on XB1 via backwards compatibility) but at that point Switch was starting to become the ultimate 360 port machine so I held off in the hope for Switch ports.

They're fantastic games and I hope their success leads to more 360 ports on Switch.

The Portal games are top-notch. Nintendo-tier in terms of their polish and fun factor.

I've beaten the first game twice but still have probably a third of Portal 2 left to complete. The game is brilliant but I also find it mentally draining to the point I can't play for long stretches of time.

I definitely want to play these games. I just have to buy them first.

I can say that for several games I have on my wish list. I guess instead of a backlog I have a "broke-log."

Just don't give Cave Johnson any lemons.

To anyone that hasn't played Portal, get it on steam instead. You'd have a better experience.

Playing it. Probably 2/3rds through portal 2.
Thought portal 1 was amazing. Found the story in portal 2 a bit forced, but the atmosphere of portal 2, particularly the older sections with Cave Johnson’s monologues, were superb. It really creeped my kids out which was unexpected.

But thinking back to when this game first dropped, I can’t help but think how amazing it would have been. Such a simple concept, done exceptionally well. This really is a unique puzzle game and I don’t think there is anything else quite like it.

I’ve played it back on the Xbox 360 but I’ll wait till the game is on sale first then I’ll buy it

I remember I tried the first one back on PS3 but got bored pretty quick honestly. Strictly puzzle only games aren't my thing.

I am indeed one of the ten people who hasn't played Portal or its excellent sequel yet. The question is, do I want to try it on Switch or Steam? The latter dumps both on sale every so often....

Believe me, this would be an instant yes regardless of its sale status if I didn't already have a measurable backlog. I might put it on my Switch wishlist though.

Man the new Aperature Desk Job has that same environment ambience but very short. It's free and I think the main point is entry level understanding of Steam Deck Contols.

POrtal is a masterpiece but I'd say portal 2 goes a little long in those last parts through the endless pipes and wasn't worth finishing for me at least.

“The portal collection is a real surprise, with tragic consequences, and real confetti this time, the good stuff.”

Bought it a couple weeks ago in preparation for this month’s backlog club, couldn’t wait and played through the whole thing
Oops

Have both, played neither. I should at least get after the first. I'm not too bright, though, which might be a problem

Nope. Can see why its loved, though

Fantastic game and not that taxing either. Everyone should play both.

Hi, this is incredibly random, but I discovered there is a games collection tab now! So naturally, im interested in adding Portal to the collection, but I was confused. Why is there a “Have” and “Owned”? I feel like they’re the same thing, but I could be wrong. Could someone explain this to me? Thank you!

Not playing Portal is like not having played Super Mario 64 or Doom. One of the most important, industry changing and fantastic games that has ever been released. Both games are masterpieces to this day. Play them.

What makes both of these games is not just the ingenious puzzles but the story and narration. Brilliant writing and laugh out loud funny.

I have played Portal and Portal 2. Still have my 360 copy of The Orange Box (seriously, port it to switch!) as well as a copy of the sequel. I am ashamed to say I have yet to beat either game. I intend to buy the switch collection and remedy this, but alas, I am broke as of now.

I had never played any of the Portal series, but I’ve always heard the acclaim the games get so I picked up the Companion Collection on Switch… and I recently finished Portal 1. T’was an awesome game with intriguing, clever puzzles and surprisingly cool writing/banter whilst solving them, not to mention also a truly epic end credits roll lol.

Going to start Portal 2 probably next weekend! I’ve heard great things over the years!

… Wun can only hope.

@Darkwario1 if you sold it you owned it but don’t have it.

I think most gamers with common sense realize that at the end of the day, you just can't play everything. Unless there's that one person in the world, somewhere with all the time and money in the for endless gaming, you are bound to miss out on something. Whether its by circumstances or by choice.

I've played Portal. Actually, I played Portal 2 first and then Portal after. They are really excellent games.

Arg! I am finishing up with Tropical Freeze, which was my previous back log game. Although I am not a fan of first person, this game looks so good.

I love backlog club, I am glad other people share my problems in life…..

I tried out the demo on PC, but it never stuck. I am open to playing the games, though.

@UmbreonsPapa I have come to this realization. I really need to stop buying video games. I have far more than I can possibly play. I have turned into a game hoarder. Thankfully most digital.

I’ve not played a Portal game and unless it gets a physical release on Switch I won’t be anytime soon.

I think I played the first Portal way back when the Orange Box came out but that was a million years ago and my memory is straight up bad. Been playing around with grabbing the collection on Switch but I really only have patience for platformers and Animal Crossing currently.

I played the games when they came out on PC and Xbox 360, but these were a great price for the Switch so I bought this collection. Definitely worth it.

I have never played Portal, but sadly this is new game month (finishing up Live A Live now and I'll then dig into XC3), so the backlog will have to wait. Also, I haven't bought Portal, so it's not really part of my backlog either (though I suppose I really should play it at some point, I've heard it's a seminal work in the novel genre of first-person puzzle games).

Please please please play these games. These are classics and still hold up today, the engine is a bit dated by today's standards but I'm glad a lot more people have the chance to play these games on switch.
Both are perfect ports in comparison to the pc versions, the only exception being a tad longer in the load screen (the switch isn't very powerful)

Been playing it since I got The Orange Box on PS3 back in 2009 and Portal 2 when it launched in 2011. Absolute masterpieces. Love them on Switch and brings back alot of memories.

Played both on PS3. Really enjoyed the experience, but since they are puzzle games, it's not worth it to double-dip IMO. Once you solve a puzzle, there's not much reason to go back.

Seriously great games. Would really like to see a new one, or see the titular device show up in another series.

Have not played them yet and honestly I'm not really in a rush. First-person perspective games rarely if ever interest me regardless of what kind of game it is otherwise. That said, if it ever releases physically, and I find it for a good price then, I may get it. So long as it doesn't require a ton of download space. Hate when physical games require an additional hefty download.

I never understood why these are so highly praised for a pair of alright puzzle games with an alright story/sense of humour, but I did play the first one. It was a nice ride and even if I’m not a big fan, they go for so cheap on steam that it’s a no-brainer unless you really despise every aspect of puzzle games.

I never finished Portal 1 or Half-Life 2, and both are still on my backlog. I did finish Portal 2 twice.

I have both Portals on Steam and Switch, so I have enough hardware choice to play it on. (PC, Steam Deck, Switch)

I own the Orange Box on PC, and Portal 2 on PS3.
I won't buy the Portal Companion Collection until there's a physical retail copy, hopefully via Limited Run Games.

Indeed, I seriously have not played Portal. There are many games to play, and even things to watch, hear, do, etc. I recently picked up a bunch of games during the Steam summer sale and and working on a bunch of those. I got the urge to play the first Final Fantasy game. I'm totally going to beat it this time(take that, early 1990s). But feat not! I have seen clips of Portal, and it looks like the kind of thing I'd enjoy, so it is on my list of games to get to.

Portal 2 is one of my all time favorite video games.

I rented it for 360 over a decade ago in a halfway house with this 17 year old kid who had a 360. His mom drove us to Blockbuster and we rented it, binged on it all weekend.

I've been desperately waiting for a handheld version. Then a week before I got my Steamdeck, it released on Switch. And wow, these games look and play incredible on Switch OLED.

These are games you simply cannot miss. In fact, you're not even really a gamer until you've played the Portal games. Hey, I don't make the rules.

I love this experimental series. Someday when I’ve finished with my insane backlog I will fully participate. For now I will continue to enjoy reading!

@dugan Did you like Tropical Freeze? It’s one of my favorite platformers.

I have never played this, but I really want to hold out for a physical collection.

@Rkulaski Yes! I just got to world 6. Honestly I started out playing Funky, because I heard about the difficulty. But that was too easy, so I went back to start with DK. It is hard, but so satisfying when I clear a level. The visuals, the creative design of the platforming, the music all make it great. I understand why it’s one of your favorites!

@mjharper saaaame

Someday one of these games will be a true backlog game for me. I grapple with buying games to participate in backlog club even though I read them all.

I know there are seasonal/themed groupings of games which I like. I wonder though is there a survey opportunity to collect everyone’s backlog games throughout the year to use for those groupings? I love this feature so I guess I just want it to keep on keeping on.

@dugan Yes love the game for all of the reasons you listed. Glad you’re enjoying ! Would love to see a sequel soon. I know there’s been talk of one.

I'm another one of those people who just don't enjoy puzzle games that much. As such, I've started both games but never finished them. Happy for those who do enjoy puzzles, though, and get to experience these classics!

Played them both to death on Xbox360 back in the day, some of the finest gaming experiences out there. So I have no need to rebuy them although if they do go to $9.99 some day I might pick them up again just to try with gyro but I doubt it.

@mariomaster96 That's not the Switches fault, that's just how the game loads. It does use a really really old engine.

I have played it years ago and I will not play it again when I have other things to ho through. But it's okay, I haven't played Stray and probably won't for years to come. Same with Final Fantasy 7.

I have to organize my log. Too much, so little time.

Yes i have played the originals on the PS3 as they are amazing, but am holding out on switch just in case there is a physical release

I’ll get right to it after another 250 hours of Xenoblade Chronicles 3

@Ryu_Niiyama Ahhhh, that totally makes sense. Thank you so much

@Darkwario1 not a problem. Have a great day!

I truly feel as if I willed this franchise into the Nintendo Switch. Truly some of the best games ever made period. I played through both of them as quickly as I heard they were available and loved every second of it. I’m thrilled you are encouraging in t yourself and others to play through these jewels and can’t wait to hear those fresh reactions to a game that still plays as great as it did then. The commentary is absolutely CLUTCH. Don’t talk through the credits if y’all are twitching or streaming y’all. Enjoy!

yeahhh, I haven't played this yet
it looks like fun tho

My 8 yo is playing through them and it's been fun to watch, and occasionally help. I had to lay down the line when he kept asking me about later parts of the game or telling me how he was going to make Portal 3 without actually finishing playing Portal 2 though. "Do. You. Want. Me. To. Ruin. The. End.???!"

I was a pre-orderer of Portal 2 on steam back in the day. If these ever get a physical copy I'd be open to buying them again, not so much on digital I can just go play the digital copies I have. Never the less, they are a great time if you've never played them before.

My best friend and I spent so many hours playing the multiplayer in Portal 2.

I played through both and loved them.

@dugan Glad you are enjoying! I rarely replay games but this is one that I’ve replayed and will again at some point for the reasons you’ve listed.

@Ashunera84 get mad!!! I don't want your lemons, in fact I'm going to make a combustible lemon and blow your house up with lemons!!!!

@DreamlandGem I played the both the portal games through their entirety of the story line and in portal 2 the puzzle still feel fresh I don't remember half of them, In fact I thought the valve developers added new levels! LOL😅

@dugan did you say world 6?? 🧐 we have come to the conclusion that this is a lie... just like the cake