Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Amiga, Apple II, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Mac
- Developers: Nexa Corporation
- Publishers: Activision
Portal (1986): A Pioneering Interactive Fiction Masterpiece
Released in 1986, Portal was a groundbreaking interactive fiction game that pushed the boundaries of storytelling in video games. Developed by The Magnetic Scrolls, Portal was one of the first games to attempt to tell a complex and engrossing story with the depth of a novel, while still maintaining the interactivity and player agency that are hallmarks of the medium.
Gameplay
Portal is played from a first-person perspective, and the player controls a character who is exploring a vast and mysterious dungeon. The game world is described in rich and evocative text, and the player can interact with objects and characters by typing in commands. These commands can be used to explore the environment, solve puzzles, and advance the story.
One of the most innovative aspects of Portal is its use of a “natural language” parser. This allows the player to type in commands using everyday language, rather than having to learn a specific command syntax. This makes the game much more accessible and immersive, and it helps to create a more natural and realistic feel.
Story
The story of Portal is complex and engaging, and it unfolds as the player explores the dungeon. The player character is on a quest to find a magical artifact that can save the kingdom from a terrible evil. Along the way, they will encounter a variety of characters, both friendly and hostile, and they will have to make choices that will affect the course of the story.
Portal’s story is not simply a matter of good versus evil. The characters are complex and well-developed, and their motivations are not always clear-cut. This makes for a more nuanced and thought-provoking story that stays with the player long after they finish playing.
Graphics and Sound
For a game released in 1986, Portal’s graphics are surprisingly good. The text descriptions are vivid and evocative, and they create a strong sense of atmosphere and place. The game also features a simple but effective sound system that helps to enhance the immersion.
Legacy
Portal was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the most important interactive fiction games ever made. It helped to pave the way for future story-driven games, and its influence can still be seen in many modern games.
In addition to its critical and commercial success, Portal has also been praised for its literary value. The game’s story is well-written and engaging, and it has been compared to the works of classic authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Ursula K. Le Guin.
Conclusion
Portal is a groundbreaking interactive fiction game that tells a complex and engaging story with the depth of a novel. Its innovative use of a natural language parser makes it accessible and immersive, and its well-developed characters and nuanced story keep players hooked from beginning to end. Portal is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction and story-driven games, and it is a game that continues to inspire and entertain players to this day.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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