Summary
A fan demake of the groundbreaking first-person platformerPortalfor the Nintendo 64, the aptly namedPortal 64: First Slice, is now available to the public. The faithful conversion, which was developed over several years by a single person, covers only part of the original game and is planned to be just the first release of the project.
Portalreceived universal acclaim when it was released back in 2007 as part ofThe Orange Boxbundle. Legendary developer Valve ofHalf Lifefame had masterfully crafted a title that featured a wonderfully twisted original story, unique gameplay, and memorable characters. An equally impressive sequel,Portal 2, was released a few years later in 2011, further expanding on all the elements that made the first game great. Like many of Valve’s hits,Portalattracted a dedicated community of fans that breathed life into the games for years to come via mods and other developments. One fan, an American programmer named James Lambert, spent years creating a version of the firstPortalthat would run on the Nintendo 64.
In a recent video posted on YouTube, Lambert announced that this project,Portal 64: First Slice, has finally left the beta phase and is now available for download. Outlining the demake’s contents on the project’s GitHub page, Lambert said that the conversion featured around a dozen of the original game’s test chambers, a fully functioning version ofPortal’s iconic gun, as well as a working physics engine, among other things.
To markPortal 64: First Slice’s release, Lambert thanked his supporters and he also showed off a fewPortal-themed items that he received from backers over the course of the project, including acustom Nintendo 64 system, controller, and an actual cartridge. This release is just the tip of the iceberg as there will be succeeding versions of the demake that will include more test chambers and other improvements, according to Lambert.
AsValve is hesitant about making a thirdPortalgame, developments for the series likePortal 64: First Sliceare always welcomed by fans. There have been a few licensed collaborations betweenPortaland other IPs, so it is at least apparent that companies know that there is still demand for the beloved puzzle platformer franchise in any form.
Those who are itching to playgames that are likePortalbut cannot wait for a new release from Valve can always try the countless titles the series spawned. Meanwhile, fans who want to experience thePortalseries in a completely new light can wait for the announced film adaptation helmed by renowned director J.J. Abrams that is still reportedly in the works.
Portal
WHERE TO PLAY
Portal is a new single player game from Valve. Set in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories, Portal has been called one of the most innovative new games on the horizon and will offer gamers hours of unique gameplay.The game is designed to change the way players approach, manipulate, and surmise the possibilities in a given environment; similar to how Half-Life 2’s Gravity Gun innovated new ways to leverage an object in any given situation.Players must solve physical puzzles and challenges by opening portals to maneuvering objects, and themselves, through space.
