Portal 2 is one of those rare times that a sequel is better than the original game - but that is not to take anything away from the original Portal which was by Valves own admission a test for what the Source engine was capable of and to test with a new type of first person shooter.

Portal 2 builds upon an inspiring universe that the Half-Life series is set in and creates a deep, clever and meaningful storyline that many games today lack, especially first person shooters. I mention Half-Life as there is a clever link between Portal 1/2 and the Half-Life series, which if you have played will have picked up on while playing Half-Life 2 Episode 2 and when you play Portal 2. I say when, because you will play this game as there is no dissatisfaction on any level of the quality of this game.

What they have done with this sequel is too create a deep story line based on a few concepts and ideas from the first. Of which I must insist, no demand that if you decide to buy this to play the original Portal FIRST. There are links which you will miss and you may not appreciate as much if you do not play the original then wish you played the original. Both can be picked up cheaply so please do not hesitate.

I am being very careful not to give much away of the story along with the clever concept of using portals to solve puzzles as it is best kept fresh with no inkling of what is about to happen for the best experience. When you finish each level there is a feeling of accomplishing something, especially when inevitably you are stuck on a puzzle for a long time and finally realise that the answer is staring you in the face.

The icing on the cake (no pun intended) is the sense of humor Portal 2 has that comes through GLaDOS (continued from Portal) and the introduction of the brilliant voice acting from Stephen Merchant. Granted your character is silent but that adds to the game in some weird way that I am not 100% how they managed to do that - like they do with Dr. Freeman.

If you are on the fence, you are in safe hands in investing in this game. The only downside is the length of the game, this may be down to the fact I couldn't stop playing it so it didn't seem to last as long as others or that it is a bit shorter than some titles. But if it is shorter, it is of a high quality story telling game play experience that you will not regret.