Via developing an elaborate mod for Portal 2, fans are effectively making a whole new game with an original story and new puzzle gameplay solutions. After several years in development, the mod is close to completion and will probably distract players from the fact that Valve hasn’t announced anything Portal-related for years.
Last January, it was revealed that Valve had a Portal prequel in development somewhere in the late 2000s. Called Aperture Camera, the project was eventually canceled, but thanks to an initiative by LunchHouse Software, the community was able to see what this game could’ve looked like. The studio revealed some gameplay concepts and basic mechanics from Aperture Camera, which allowed players to duplicate and scale any surrounding objects to solve puzzles.
Portal 3 might not be included in Valve's plans for the immediate future, but the absence of a long-awaited sequel does not prevent fans from continuing the legacy of the series. A group of players is currently working on a Portal 2 mod called Desolation, which is directly tied to the established Portal universe but won’t feature any familiar faces. Instead, the mod will tell an original story, a darker and potentially more compelling one compared to the official installments. Players will embark on a journey as Diana Mendez equipped with an integrated portal gun. Called ARM, it is part of a wider BRACE cybernetic system, which is designed to replace certain body parts. This portal gun, in particular, replaces Diana’s forearm while several other augmentations further enhance her abilities. Desolation is said to feature 40-50 test chambers, a thrilling narrative, and new gameplay mechanics. One of the test chambers present in the mod can be explored via the gameplay teaser below.
While Desolation looks promising and ambitious, fans would love to see a proper sequel from Valve. Unfortunately for the community, the company seems to be indifferent to developing Portal 3. The lack of enthusiasm comes from the fact that Valve is not interested in developing single-player games anymore. Steam has been the focus for years now, but most importantly, the original masterminds behind Portal and Portal 2 are no longer employed at Valve. It basically means that a potential sequel, if it indeed happens, will drastically differ from what fans might expect.
Portal 2: Desolation looks like the best opportunity to enjoy a deep and sophisticated Portal experience. While Valve is silent regarding a possible sequel, passionate fans are taking the fate of their favorite franchise into their own hands. Judging by the recent gameplay reveal, Desolation has all the chances to become a solid chapter in the Portal universe. If the mod team manages to deliver all the puzzles and the narrative fans have come to expect from the main games, then the community is in for a rare treat.
Source: Emberspark Games/YouTube