This week on XBLA in Brief, we take a look at Portal: Still Alive. Sure, it seems like an easy choice for those wanting to try Portal without paying for The Orange Box. 15 bucks for the original Portal and 14 new challenge maps? Sounds pretty good to us. The only real question is whether or not the 14 additional maps are worth it to Portal fanatics. At a buck a map, we're inclined to say yes. Check out the latest installment of XBLA in Brief to see what's new in Still Alive.
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Just a word of advice, but for the two people under a rock that you mentioned in the video it might not have been a good idea to put Still Alive in the credits.
Then again, I doubt there's someone who hasn't heard it by now.
It was nice getting these maps free on PC, and also the maps from the Portal: Prelude mod for free as well. While they aren't quite as enjoyable without Glados, the actual design and puzzles are as good as any of the ones in the original game. I'd say their alone worth 5 - 10$, and they should really offer them alone.
i have the orange box, but i have this downloading right now. it's a great pick up and play game, and it'll be grand to have it at easy access all the time
Anyone else notice that this is the first XBLArcade game that you can't play on an Arcade unit? The game is 600+mb. Fine for me, but not if all you have is a 512 Memory Card.
Does this mean that full retail releases will be available for download soon, as Microsoft is selling Core/Arcade owners hard drives?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
10-22-2008 @ 4:57PM
Michael Paul said...
So, no sign of JUST the extra maps as cheaper DLC for Orange Box owners? Dang...
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 4:57PM
AshTR said...
So the maps really are the Portal Flash addon ones. Nothing new that PC gamers didn't already get then.
So the only good thing about it is that it's the same price as the PC version and you don't have to get The Orange Box just to get Portal.
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 8:26PM
PerfectStrategy said...
The PC version is $20 actually.
10-22-2008 @ 11:42PM
AshTR said...
Hmm...The money to point converter I used must have been off.
10-24-2008 @ 9:53AM
Ethan795 said...
And it's only 14 of around 40 of the maps freely available on the PC...
Still it's great to see maps get bought by Valve...
http://portalmaps.wecreatestuff.com/
10-22-2008 @ 5:12PM
rip off said...
Yet more rip off DLC...
Ok so you dont HAVE to buy it but there should have been the option to grab just the new maps.
Ive already bought orange box so I why would I buying something ive already paid for?
Big mistake Valve.
Reply
10-23-2008 @ 9:28AM
joeybeast said...
Not everyone's got the Orange Box.
10-23-2008 @ 11:29AM
offday said...
Yeah. Big mistake Valve. This guy already has the Orange Box. Why didn't you contact him first?
10-22-2008 @ 5:12PM
Aero said...
Just a word of advice, but for the two people under a rock that you mentioned in the video it might not have been a good idea to put Still Alive in the credits.
Then again, I doubt there's someone who hasn't heard it by now.
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 5:30PM
NukeAssault said...
Id be all over this if i had the space... =(
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 5:44PM
Xiphias said...
Make space! It's worth it :)
If you don't already have portal...
Or at least if you like portal a lot, the new maps are cool
10-22-2008 @ 5:58PM
NukeAssault said...
I could totally clear up like 7 gigs exactly... but that specific content cant be downloaded again... ever. >_>
10-22-2008 @ 6:59PM
john paul said...
Why can't you download them? There is a download history in account management in the marketplace blade.
10-22-2008 @ 7:26PM
NukeAssault said...
It wouldn't matter. Those items aren't on the market place any more period. W/e though. I plan on getting a bigger HDD soon anyways.
10-22-2008 @ 5:55PM
Chris said...
So for a relative Portal noob. If I already complete a challenge stage, I can't go back later and get a lower time? Otherwise it tells me I Cheated?
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 6:13PM
ogvor said...
It was nice getting these maps free on PC, and also the maps from the Portal: Prelude mod for free as well. While they aren't quite as enjoyable without Glados, the actual design and puzzles are as good as any of the ones in the original game. I'd say their alone worth 5 - 10$, and they should really offer them alone.
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 6:32PM
AjDaChipmunk said...
Aww man! Portal is about the only thing I play in Orange Box. Oh well... might go play some Rock Band 2 because of the credits though... Still Alive!
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 7:54PM
Jody Anthony (gamertag and psn: JodyAnthony) said...
i have the orange box, but i have this downloading right now. it's a great pick up and play game, and it'll be grand to have it at easy access all the time
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 8:00PM
dicknjane said...
watching this made me get soo excited. thanks Richard. another $15 spent. lol
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 9:16PM
zebwinz said...
Anyone else notice that this is the first XBLArcade game that you can't play on an Arcade unit? The game is 600+mb. Fine for me, but not if all you have is a 512 Memory Card.
Does this mean that full retail releases will be available for download soon, as Microsoft is selling Core/Arcade owners hard drives?
Reply