Portal 2 Character Concepts, Screenshot Revealed

14
Valve Software has revealed work-in-progress versions of Portal 2 characters to Game Informer--including two "co-op bots"--along with a solitary screenshot.

The concepts see Portal star Chell changing her orange jumpsuit for a utilitarian test suit, while an Apeture Science sentry turret and GLaDOS personality sphere become the basis for two partners in co-op--a feature first hinted at by GameStop's listing.

"This is not supposed to look like a sexy Marvel superhero suit," concept arist Matt Charlesworth explains. "It's supposed to look like it was designed without any thought of making her look attractive. We don't want to make her be unattractive, but we want to balance that out. Chell is a test subject, so she should look like one."

Portal 2 was announced earlier this month following a cryptic ARG and a teasing change to Portal's ending. Valve has hired a student team from DigiPen--the college where students created Portal's inspiration, Narbacular Drop--seemingly to work on the game, apparently drawing inspiration from their project Tag: The Power of Paint.

The first-person puzzler sequel is due on PC, Mac and Xbox 360 this holiday season.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    March 23, 2010 6:58 AM

    She looks different, and not just the suit: http://www.pcgameshardware.com/screenshots/418x627/2008/01/2007_Chell.jpg

    Changing the character is a bad idea perhaps?

    • reply
      March 23, 2010 7:03 AM

      I'm sure these are just concept images. Not sure about the Tron look though.

    • reply
      March 23, 2010 7:11 AM

      Agreed, Mystery. In the original, she appears vaguely asian--further reinforced by the asian sounding name of her mother as mentioned by GLaDOS during one of the early levels. The concept and early model certainly look more caucasian.

      I don't know that it really makes a difference other than it jars the continuity a bit.

      • reply
        March 23, 2010 12:15 PM

        What mother's name? The only mention of a name in-game is a computerized voice saying "subject name here".

        • reply
          March 23, 2010 2:40 PM

          I thought it actually said a name ... "subject *garbled name*, offspring of *longer garbled name*"

          Maybe I'll go back an listen to that part again. But who knows, Valve may have changed it already.

          • reply
            March 23, 2010 2:42 PM

            Sounds like ... "offspring of subject gwon tong" But maybe that's just what I want to hear.

    • reply
      March 23, 2010 9:26 AM

      a lot can happen in 100 years

    • reply
      March 23, 2010 2:59 PM

      wut? I had no idea I was a girl until the 2nd time I played the game and decide it would be fun to try to see my face.

      • reply
        March 23, 2010 5:27 PM

        You see her straight away in the opening scene because of how the first 2 portals are arranged to look inside the "prison" room.

Hello, Meet Lola