Portal’s price disappears in free game promotion

Written by Jack Allin — May 13, 2010 at 15:39

If you've been wondering whether Portal deserved all the accolades it received a few years back, there's no reason to wonder anymore, as Valve's genre-blending, physics-defying puzzler is available free until May 24th.

The one-of-a-kind Portal sends players through a series of tests in the lab-like Aperture Science obstacle course armed only with a portal gun. In order to overcome the increasingly more complex environmental challenges, you'll need to master the ability to instantly transport yourself from one portal opening to another to reach places you'd never be able to access otherwise. Monitoring your progress, ostensibly to help you succeed, is the enigmatic GLaDOS, a computerized voice whose eerily conflicted messages begin to cast doubt on the nature of these tests.

To play Portal, you'll first need to create an account, then download and install Steam, Valve's distribution system, though there is no charge or obligation involved in doing so. With Steam installed, simply follow the download instructions for the game and you'll be jumping through walls and ceilings in no time.

For more information about Portal, be sure to read our review of the game. A sequel has been announced for later this year, though no firm details have yet been revealed.