Tertris, Bust-a-Move, and Bejeweled. These were the games that people thought of as “puzzle games” before Portal was released.

Portal, developed and published by Valve Corporation, was a groundbreaking game that redefined the puzzle game genre. While Tetris, Bust-a-Move, and Bejeweled were popular puzzle games before Portal, they didn’t focus on puzzles and problem-solving using physics and the environment like Portal did.

One of the biggest ways that Portal invented a new type of puzzle game genre was by introducing conflict without violence. Most games that allow players to control a character involve using violence as the main conflict to overcome, but Portal took the conventional First Person Shooter controls and built an entire game around solving puzzles. This unique approach to puzzle solving helped to set Portal apart from other puzzle games of its time and attracted a wider audience.

Another way that Portal improved the puzzle game genre was by giving players a sense of satisfaction when they solved a puzzle. Instead of relying on twitch reflexes or muscle memory, Portal left players feeling clever when they solved a puzzle. This sense of satisfaction is unique to Portal and is one of the reasons why it became such a popular and beloved game.

Portal also popularized the use of physics and the environment in puzzle games. The game’s use of portals to solve puzzles was innovative and unique, and it inspired many other games to incorporate similar mechanics into their puzzle designs. Additionally, the game’s focus on physics and the environment allowed players to experiment and explore the game’s mechanics in new and exciting ways.

In conclusion, Portal was a revolutionary game that changed the puzzle game genre forever. By introducing conflict without violence, giving players a sense of satisfaction when they solved a puzzle, and popularizing the use of physics and the environment in puzzle games, Portal set a new standard for what a puzzle game could be. Its influence can still be seen in puzzle games today, and it will always be remembered as a groundbreaking game that pushed the boundaries of what video games could achieve.

While Beware is not a puzzle game, it’s our upcoming 2D platformer that’s story-driven and full of meaningful themes! Inspired by games like Donkey Kong Country with a cyber space setting. Add it to your Steam wishlist today!