I'd just like to point out that the visual style of the portals (large, colourful amd simplistic) does not suit the gritty world of Half-Life. So all this "I want the portal gun" nonsense is irritatingly stupid and childish. Besides, other than the fact that it would completely destroy the...
I preferred Half-Life 2's atmosphere. I think the subtlety accounted for a more immersive experience overall. It's all about the mystery for me. The first Half-Life was designed around dated technology...they had to over-compensate a little. I have to say though, that Big Mama thing...