Portal-themed levels have been added to Steam’s “Potato Sack” games, courtesy of GLaDOS.
After starting small, GLaDOS of Portal and the upcoming Portal 2 has fully hacked her way into Steam’s “Potato Sack” bundle of 13 games. Portal-themed levels have mysteriously appeared in these games, and there’s a rumor that playing them could get Portal 2 released early.
It’s all part of the Portal 2 alternate reality game (ARG) that has involved strange symbols, code breaking, concept art, and more. That ARG is coming to a head with the addition of these new Potato Sack levels.
In Audiosurf, the player becomes Chell riding a surfboard while GLaDOS sings “The Device Has Been Modified.”
In Killing Floor, players have to take on waves of specimens in Portal test chambers. Doesn’t it look strange to see monsters in a Portal level?
In The Ball, players must roll their ball through test chambers and turrets:
In AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! — A Reckless Disregard for Gravity players are treated to messages from GLaDOS as they hurtle towards the ground:
BIT.TRIP.BEAT features a taunting GLaDOS background:
And how about a “Still Alive” level for 1… 2… 3 Kick It!?
*Update* Amnesia: The Dark Descent also received free Portal-inspired DLC called “Justine.” The following video is part 1 of a walkthrough, so those wanting to play it without spoilers should not click.
As for the rumor, Gaijin Games, developer of BIT.TRIP.BEAT writes: “Heck, just by playing the games, you might even help to get Portal 2 released early.” A phrase extracted from the ARG hinted at a date of April 15, 2011, so we’ll see what happens there. Kindly enough, Dejobaan Games was kind enough to post a full explanation of the ARG up to this point here, just so you can get caught up.
Everything is fine.
