While the atypical action may dissuade some, the pacing is exquisite for a puzzle title, maintaining the thrilling flow of a first-person shooter by injecting several new gameplay appendages that nestle comfortably between the established fundamentals.

And while Chell is the voiceless hero, Valve has taken measures to create an intricate backstory to GLaDOS, as well as delving deeper into the history of the scientific facility itself. Each puzzle exudes depth and nuance, tying in subtle notes about the larger narrative. It’s a winning formula translated from the original and suitably expanded for the sequel, fuelling exploration and providing an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. Used within the mysterious chambers of Aperture Laboratories, you solve a huge selection of brain-pummelling puzzles, all the time hilariously guided/goaded by resurrected android antagonistic GLaDOS (think HAL 9000 with a singing voice). The setup couldn’t be simpler: you’re handed a Portal Gun – a device which fires two portals onto surfaces, transporting the player through three-dimensional space as you walk through one hole and out the other. Portal 2’s design is meticulously crafted to such a startling degree of sublime ingenuity that from the moment the returning protagonist – Chell – awakens from her century-or-so slumber, you’ll find yourself hurtled through one of the most bold, funny and darned challenging games ever produced.

Portal 2 conversion gel