I received a free demo of Portal when I nabbed my 9600GTX video card but I wasn’t willing to start a game I wouldn’t complete. My mistake! A close friend just gave me the Orange Box and I must say this: Portal Roxxor!

When I cancelled my WoW subscription I didn’t think I would be able to replace the joy of gaming with anything, but Portal has shown me that not only do I enjoy video games, but I can enjoy a video game that doesn’t require a grind or a gun! Portal is a puzzle! You get a gun, but it’s used to teleport. You can die, but only if you set up your portal incorrectly. I haven’t seen any NPCs, but there is a nice robotic overlord who coaches you through the first few mazes and then tells you s/he isn’t going to lie to you anymore. I am not sure if I believe him/her since I have already died twice. But my deaths are similar to the deaths I suffered while playing “The Floor is Lava! Game” as a child. You only die if you touch the floor!

I will continue to work through levels and will keep you posted if I decide the game sucks, but for now, if you have Portal, Steam, the Orange Box or a new video card you should DEFINITELY check out Portal!