Bridge Constructor Portal Review

​Build A Bridge And Get Over It
​By Lee Marcussen
​Reviewed on Xbox One
​Released on February 28th, 2018 on Xbox One, PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch
Developer: ​ClockStone Software
​Publisher: Headup Games

The developers that brought us the past two Bridge Constructors are back with a very unlikely collaboration.... a visit to Aperture Laboratories, the setting from the hit games Portal and Portal 2. Unfortunately, I have not played those two games, but I have played the past two Bridge Constructor entries which is the main focus and style of the game. The added Portal theme is a nice touch and seeing the series still being involved even though Portal was released over 7 years ago is awesome. Let’s see if Bridge Constructor comes out strong with another physics-based puzzle style game with the added Portal theme!

Bridge Constructor Portal starts off with your in-game character who is applying for the head custodian position which is portals version of the bridge constructor engineer. There are little cameos by Glados who is very witty to say the least and explains the basic mechanics of the game. She also explains the materials and how to construct the proper structures to get the test vehicles and test drivers on to the next stage. The test drivers are the normal 2D human figures who are driving forklifts. 

Overall much of the traditional parts of Bridge Constructor are all present in this Portal version, highlighting some parts that are present in Portal but have never been encountered in Bridge Constructor. For one the portals themselves, which are color coded, sometimes make you orient your bridges where the test vehicle might have to cross in two diverse ways. Lasers that need to be deactivated with falling heart cubes or must be avoided have to be taken into consideration as do a few other obstacles. There are turrets, motion sensors, sling shots and more. Many parts are common in Portal but added new obstacles to the Bridge Constructor series. As far as materials to build there are metal supports that can turn into roadway and wire cables that can be used to suspend.

The control system in BC Portal is similar to what previous BC have in the idea that it’s sort of point and click to place materials but what BC Portal does that is a huge upgrade is when placing a section of bridge down it will highlight where it can connect to previous pieces and show when they won’t be able to reach after a certain distance. This is a minor change but super helpful in planning how far sections you must put down. Another significant improvement is the snap controls and how they place your courser to show where you want drop materials. In past BCs there was a very small courser that was slow and not as responsive as it is in BC Portal, making the controls a breeze. After you complete your bridge and send a test vehicle over you can send a convoy of test vehicles over to see if your bridge can withstand multiple vehicles and the weights. If you complete these extra convoy challenges you get more bonus stars.  

Overall, BC Portal is a subtle change to the series that adds improved controls and a nice update in challenges that are present. I really liked the small jabs of humor that are thrown in by the Portal characters (Which makes me want to give Portal a play through). There’s about 6 chapters that have 10 levels each so all in all about 60 playable levels which gives BC Portal a good amount of playtime. My only complaint is when converting the steel pieces down and changing them into roadways can be slightly difficult with smaller sections but besides that I have none! So, take your lemons, return them to the grocery store, and use your funds to pick up this gem!

​Note: A copy of this game was provided for the purpose of this review.

Final Score: 9/10

+Great Concept
+Easy Controls
+Portal Humor

-Swapping Pieces is
​-Sometimes Finicky
​