Woah that's like, trippy and stuff.

Portal, which comes in The Orange Box, is a brain-bending puzzle game that involves getting from point A to B. It's everything in between that causes the laws of physics to bend until they cry uncle. The test subject wakes up in a cell located in Aperture Laboratories, and a computerized voice encourages her to start running through mazes. Players then immediately set out to solve all nineteen puzzles (not including the bonus master levels) that involve doorways that instantly transport players from one area to the next. All that's needed is a flat surface to create an entryway.

The first few levels introduce players to instant transport and go by quickly. Gamers don't even get a gun to create their own portal until almost halfway through, and don't upgrade their weapon to create two entryways (one blue, one orange) until level 11. As expected, puzzles become increasingly difficult, complicated and life threatening with each successive level. The computer monitoring the test subject's progress also happens to go insane. So, players will need to learn all the tricks of their portal gun and use a combination of well-placed openings and split second timing to get through each challenge alive. Along the way, players discover that there were other test subjects before them, and find clues to decipher what is going on.

After a few levels of this your brain starts to ooze out of your ears. All in good fun, of course!

While creating portals, players should watch out for gun turrets and force field barriers. The latter automatically erases previously created portals, making one's life even more difficult. With that said, gamers need to employ all their skills and know-how; especially with the portal jump, which converts the inertia from a fall into horizontal movement when an entrance gets placed on the ground and an exit goes up on a wall. If the two stand close enough together, gamers can create a loop to power up the jump even more.

Skilled players will portal their way through the nineteen levels in just a few hours, but this little puzzle game / tech demo provides plenty of entertainment and makes a great addition to The Orange Box.