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Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror vs Portal

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror
Broken Sword: The Smoking MirrorA globe‑trotting mystery where ancient myths collide with modern intrigue
Portal
PortalChallenge your mind with the ultimate first-person puzzle game.
Overview
Description

George Stobbart and Nicole Collard return for a thrilling adventure that takes them from the streets of Spain to the jungles of Central America. Unravel a conspiracy tied to the Mayan god Tezcatlipoca while solving intricate puzzles and uncovering hidden secrets.

Portal is a first-person puzzle game developed by Valve. Players take on the role of Chell, a test subject who awakens in the Aperture Science computer-aided enrichment center. Guided by the sadistic artificial intelligence system GLaDOS, Chell must navigate through increasingly challenging test chambers using the 'portal gun,' a device that can create two portals that allow for instant transportation between them. As Chell progresses through the game, she uncovers the dark secrets behind Aperture Science and must use her wits to escape the crumbling facility.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Puzzle Adventure
Puzzle Adventure
Best for
Fans of classic adventure puzzles
Gamers and puzzle enthusiasts
Specifications
Spec source
AI-estimated
AI-estimated
General
msrp
$19.99
$19.99
release date
1997-10-17
2007-10-10
Specifications
developer
Revolution Software
Valve
publisher
Crave Entertainment, Virgin Interactive Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment
Valve, Electronic Arts
age rating
PEGI 12, ESRB T
ESRB M, PEGI 16+33%
multiplayer
Single player
Single player
critic score
85/100+6%
80/100
platforms
PlayStation 3, Linux, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Stunning hand‑drawn visuals
  • Engaging and witty dialogue
  • Complex, rewarding puzzles
  • Rich historical and mythological storyline
  • Challenging and addictive gameplay
  • Immersive storyline with a sadistic AI antagonist
  • Mind-bending puzzles that require critical thinking
  • Unique gameplay mechanic with the portal gun
Cons
  • Outdated interface compared to modern games
  • Occasional slow pacing in dialogue sections
  • Limited save system flexibility
  • Short gameplay experience
  • Limited replay value
  • Some players may find the puzzles too challenging or frustrating
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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Secrets of the Ark: A Broken Sword Game
Secrets of the Ark: A Broken Sword Game

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Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon
Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon

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Portal 2
Portal 2

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Cat in the Box

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Portal is the safer, more modern sci-fi action puzzle default for cross-platform gamers, whereas Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror is a higher-rated, classic 2D point-and-click historical adventure.

Key differences

  • Genre & Setting: Portal is a 3D first-person sci-fi puzzle game set in a decaying Aperture Science facility, while Broken Sword is a 2D point-and-click historical adventure blending Mayan mythology and modern conspiracy.
  • Critical Reception: Broken Sword scores higher at 85/100 compared to Portal's 80/100.
  • Platform Availability: Portal is available on a vast range of modern and legacy platforms (PC, Mac, Linux, PS3, Xbox 360, Switch, Android), while platform specifications for Broken Sword are not specified.
  • Release Era: Portal launched in October 2007, a decade after Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror released in October 1997.
  • Gameplay Mechanics: Portal centers around a portal gun for physics-based transportation and object manipulation, whereas Broken Sword relies on inventory-based item combination and dialogue trees.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Portal offers a unique first-person portal gun mechanic and a sadistic AI antagonist, compared to Broken Sword's inventory puzzles and dialogue trees.

Portal

Platform availability

Portal supports PC, Mac, Linux, PS3, Xbox 360, Switch, and Android. Broken Sword's platform availability is not specified.

Portal

Price & value

Both games cost the exact same MSRP at $19.99 as a one-time paid purchase.

Tie

Multiplayer / co-op

Both games are strictly single-player experiences with no multiplayer components.

Tie

Content & replayability

Portal features a sci-fi mystery uncovering Aperture Science secrets, but notes limited replay value and a short gameplay experience.

Portal

Difficulty & accessibility

Portal has an ESRB M / PEGI 16 rating. Broken Sword has an ESRB T / PEGI 12 rating, but Portal notes puzzles can be challenging or frustrating.

Portal

Graphics & performance

Broken Sword features hand-drawn 2D artwork and animated cutscenes, whereas Portal focuses on a decaying 3D sci-fi facility.

Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror

Choose Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror if…

Fans of classic 2D point-and-click adventure puzzles and historical mystery thrillers.

Choose Portal if…

Gamers and puzzle enthusiasts wanting a first-person sci-fi challenge with a portal gun.

Common questions

How much do Portal and Broken Sword cost?

Both games are priced at $19.99 as a one-time paid purchase.

Which game has a higher critic score?

Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror has a critic score of 85/100, while Portal has an 80/100.

Can I play either game in multiplayer?

No, both Portal and Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror are strictly single-player games with no multiplayer components.