Interestingly enough, while I would assign the same rating to Portal 2 that I gave to the first entry, it is a step back in some ways (though certainly a step forward in others.) I found some of the "sequely" aspects to be a detractor from the strengths of the first's sparse, but intriguing world & storyline. The constant wisecracks from your new companion are humorous, but sometimes grow annoying. And the story itself, while fleshing out the world more, doesn't seem to ultimately stick the landing as well as the first game does. The added complexities of the puzzles and other quality-of-life improvements, however, are a welcome step forward.