If you just finished PORTAL(s) you will need a little "recovery" time, as this game, while the same premise, will not feel right at first. But once you look at QC as a new game in itself and not a constant habit to "compare it to PORTAL" , it really takes off.
In short you are a nephew that visits (sorta) your estranged mad scientist like uncle, who somehow got zapped into another dimension, but is able to still communicate with you. He needs you to fix the generators in order for him to get back.
The mansion is nothing short of maybe DR. WHO style phone box, where it seems bigger inside than out. The game is HUGE both in environment, and game play. You have to make your way out of each room by solving a series of puzzle - that I found made sense where you are at. It really felt like you were trying to get out of a room, than solving a series of puzzles. By the end of the game, you are really on a roll with the 4 dimensions you have to work with. If you are a wiz at math, some of these logic puzzle will work out nicely.
Mechanically, its perfect and simple. The usual WSAD+SPACEBAR and your good. Q,E,1,3 control your dimensions and that is it. The game does a perfect job of introducing you to the different dimensions that you can control, which is great, as it allows you to enjoy both the scenery as well as the story without fumbling over keys. But at the same time, there is no room for error. Many routes through the room require precision timing, fast on the keys, and multiple dimensions within just a few seconds. Half way through the game you will find yourself white-knuckling through the game with the Mario-Mentality - "Lemme try that again..." as you pound the space bar for the redo.
I thought John De Lancie's voice acting was a perfect fit. Most of you Trekie fans know him as Q, and he is just as cynical here, with that sour sense of humor that makes you wonder through the game, is he helping you help him, or is he really testing you? Or is he fiendishly leading you to your demise... Finish it and find out.
Maybe Prof Quadwrangle and GlaDoS should get together :-)
