Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Miniature Portal gun replica now available at Think Geek]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/miniature-portal-gun-replica-now-available-at-think-geek/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/miniature-portal-gun-replica-now-available-at-think-geek/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/miniature-portal-gun-replica-now-available-at-think-geek/#comments
Think Geek now sells a somewhat downsized version of the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device, which is good news for people that work in super cramped cubicles, as well as tiny baby children looking to perfectly accessorize a Halloween costume that was obviously their parents' idea.

At $60, the bite-sized gun features accurately colored lighting effects, portal-specific sounds and articulating zero-point energy manipulator claws, just like the bigger, sold-out versions. It also includes a display stand, which will be helpful if you're the first type of person we mentioned above. At just 12-inches, however, its cosplay potential is limited to children, as a standard ASHPD measures 30-inches long.

But hey, you know what they say: "It ain't the length of you Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device, it's the momentum cancelling abilities of your Advanced Knee Replacements." Or something.

JoystiqMiniature Portal gun replica now available at Think Geek originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-scienceAperture-Science-Handheld-Portal-Devicemicrosoftminiature-portal-gunpcplaystationportalportal-2portal-gunps3think-geektoysvalvexboxSat, 20 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Avoid murdering all of your test subjects with this Aperture Science gas mask]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/avoid-murdering-all-of-your-test-subjects-with-this-aperture-sci/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/avoid-murdering-all-of-your-test-subjects-with-this-aperture-sci/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/avoid-murdering-all-of-your-test-subjects-with-this-aperture-sci/#comments ImageOne of the only downsides associated with flooding your test facility with a deadly neurotoxin is that everything dies. That may sound like the obvious and desired result, but what if you, in your capacity as a malevolent and cunning artificial intelligence, want to keep a single test subject alive while the rest asphyxiate horribly?

Costume artist Two Horns United may have found a solution to this classic scientific dilemma with his custom built Aperture Science Portal Gun Gas Mask. While the inner workings of the mask's machinations are not fully explained, we assume it uses portal technology to funnel clean, breathable air into your squishy human test subject's dreadfully inefficient lungs. AIs interested in integrating post-traumatic stress disorder into their testing regiments can get on the waiting list by messaging Two Horns United on his DeviantArt page.

JoystiqAvoid murdering all of your test subjects with this Aperture Science gas mask originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-sciencegas-maskportalportal-2portal-guntwo-horns-unitedTue, 29 May 2012 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Replica Portal gun coming from NECA in late spring/early summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/replica-portal-gun-coming-from-neca-in-late-spring-early-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/replica-portal-gun-coming-from-neca-in-late-spring-early-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/replica-portal-gun-coming-from-neca-in-late-spring-early-summer/#comments Portal has been around for about five years at this point, and over the years we've suffered countless fits of unreasonable jealousy due to the multitudes of homemade, replica Aperture Science Handheld Portal Devices floating around the Internet. Many a night have been spent fantasizing about somehow owning our own without taking out a second mortgage, and now the dream can finally become a reality.

Well, not now now, but in a few months. NECA Toys is developing a line of licensed Valve products that include Team Fortress 2, Half Life and Left 4 Dead 2 action figures, but the crowning jewel of the series is NECA's one-to-one scale ASHPD replica. It lights up and everything. The device should be available somewhere around May or June of this year and retail for $130, according a brief video interview with NECA's Randy Falk at The Verge. We predict a mad rush on Repulsion, Propulsion and Conversion gel and Long Fall socks as soon as these things hit the shelves.

Gallery: Portal 2 (NECA Portal Gun)

JoystiqReplica Portal gun coming from NECA in late spring/early summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aperture-ScienceAperture-Science-Handheld-Portal-DevicemacmicrosoftNECANECA-ToyspcplaystationPortalportal-2portal-gunps3replicatoysValvexboxThu, 23 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA['This is Aperture' music video channels The Nightmare Before Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/this-is-aperture-music-video-channels-the-nightmare-before-chr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/this-is-aperture-music-video-channels-the-nightmare-before-chr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/this-is-aperture-music-video-channels-the-nightmare-before-chr/#comments
This past holiday, while we were busy sipping eggnog and chorusing the neighbors with classic holiday tunes, a group of dedicated Steam forum members were creating an incredible Christmas music album featuring Valve characters. "Goodbye Christmas Caroline" spawned more than an album, though, as one especially holiday spirit-filled member then crafted an entire music video around one particular track.

"This is Aperture" takes the characters we've come to know and love fear from the world of Aperture Science and recasts them as singers in a magnificently dorky rendition of The Nightmare Before Christmas' "This is Halloween." Take a look at the rather impressive re-creation above and then compare it against the original just after the break! Consider it a late holiday gift from us to you, but, ya know, one that we totally didn't make.

Continue reading 'This is Aperture' music video channels The Nightmare Before Christmas

Joystiq'This is Aperture' music video channels The Nightmare Before Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-scienceforumsgoodbye-christmas-carolineportal-2steamsteam-forumsthe-nightmare-before-christmasvalvevalve-softwareFri, 27 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See why Portal 2's panels are the 'planks of the future']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/see-why-portal-2s-panels-are-the-planks-of-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/see-why-portal-2s-panels-are-the-planks-of-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/see-why-portal-2s-panels-are-the-planks-of-the-future/#comments In this first of four Portal 2 clips promoting Aperture Laboratories science, we get a look at the motorized floor, ceiling and wall panels that "assist test subjects every step of the way," according to company founder Cave Johnson. And by that, he means "impede and/or kill them."

Continue reading See why Portal 2's panels are the 'planks of the future'

JoystiqSee why Portal 2's panels are the 'planks of the future' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaperture-sciencecave-johnsonmacmicrosoftpcplaystationportal-2ps3valvexboxTue, 22 Mar 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 Achievement invites Half-Life 2: Ep 3 conspiracy theory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/portal-2-achievement-invites-half-life-2-ep-3-conspiracy-theory/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/portal-2-achievement-invites-half-life-2-ep-3-conspiracy-theory/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/portal-2-achievement-invites-half-life-2-ep-3-conspiracy-theory/#comments All fifty of Portal 2's Achievements have been uncovered by Xbox360Achievements.org. In typical Valve fashion, there are some comedic gems in the list, like "The Part Where He Kills You," and some in-jokes, including "Narbacular Drop" and, yes, "Still Alive." But one Achievement is generating some real buzz: "Ship Overboard" has players discovering "the missing experiment."

Some have suggested that this Achievement is a possible reference to the Borealis, an Aperture Science vessel first mentioned in Half-Life 2: Episode Two. In the brief scene (embedded after the break), Isaac Kleiner notes that the Borealis contains some kind of technology that can help humanity. Could Portal 2 tie into the final Half-Life 2 episode? Or are overeager fans simply grasping at nothing? April 20 can't come soon enough.

Continue reading Portal 2 Achievement invites Half-Life 2: Ep 3 conspiracy theory

JoystiqPortal 2 Achievement invites Half-Life 2: Ep 3 conspiracy theory originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsaperture-scienceborealishalf-life-2-episode-2half-life-2-episode-3macmicrosoftpcplaystationportal-2ps3valvexboxMon, 28 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 E3 event cancelled and replaced by a 'surprise']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/portal-2-e3-event-cancelled-and-replaced-by-a-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/portal-2-e3-event-cancelled-and-replaced-by-a-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/portal-2-e3-event-cancelled-and-replaced-by-a-surprise/#comments In one of the most entertaining PR missives we've received recently, an Aperture Science memo (via Valve) has revealed that the Portal 2 event originally scheduled during E3 at Los Angeles' Regal Theater has been canceled. The game itself will still be showcased at Valve's booth, but whatever shenanigans that may have been planned for the event have been put on the back burner.

Of course, E3 won't be completely devoid of Portal 2-themed monkeyshines. The memo promises, "the event will be replaced by a surprise," adding, "the cancellation of the event is not THE surprise," and furthermore insisting, "the time, date and content of the actual surprise will only become available as you experience the surprise." After a build-up like that, whatever this surprise might be, it better be awfully surprising.

JoystiqPortal 2 E3 event cancelled and replaced by a 'surprise' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-sciencecancellatione3-2010Microsoftportalportal-2valvevalve-softwareXbox-360Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 coming to E3; Valve hosting event Monday, June 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/portal-2-coming-to-e3-valve-hosting-event-monday-june-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/portal-2-coming-to-e3-valve-hosting-event-monday-june-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/portal-2-coming-to-e3-valve-hosting-event-monday-june-14/#comments The hints were all there, but a recent invitation from Valve confirms it: Portal 2 will be at E3. Hosting a press event at the Regal Theater in the LA Live Event Center the night of June 14th, Valve will give those lucky enough to have that press card in their wallet (attend 12 events and you get a free sandwich!) a look at the game.

No word on what parts of the game we'll get to see, but anything at this point is welcome ... mostly because we haven't seen anything yet.

JoystiqPortal 2 coming to E3; Valve hosting event Monday, June 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-sciencee3e3-2010fpsMicrosoftportalportal-2valvevalve-softwareXbox-360Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[The long and storied history of Aperture Science]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/the-long-and-storied-history-of-aperture-science/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/the-long-and-storied-history-of-aperture-science/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/the-long-and-storied-history-of-aperture-science/#comments Most of us only know Aperture Science for that, erm, unfortunate happening with the "deadly" neurotoxins (most of the details of which are still suppressed by court order, but of course that "deadly" was surrounded by massive sarcasm quotes -- you could take a bath in the stuff). But did you know that its great facility has tested many products long before the rumored ongoing "Portal" initiative? Since the early '50s, Aperture Science has been working hard on some pretty impressive shower curtain technology, perfecting something called the "Heimlich Counter-Maneuver" (designed to interrupt the commonly known first-aid action) and setting up the Take-a-Wish Foundation, a charity to "redistribute wishes" from terminally ill children. After all, how many do they really need, anyway?

All that and more can be found in this informative history of the company founded by Cave Johnson, posted over on the Game Informer site. Of course, we haven't heard much about the latest Aperture project since all of the chaos at the Black Mesa Research Facility and the arrival of the Vortigaunts and the Combine in our world, but we presume that, even with the Aperture Science lab in lockdown since 1998, the GLaDOS AI is carrying on tests as usual. Because, as we're sure she'd agree, there's still science to do.

JoystiqThe long and storied history of Aperture Science originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 01:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-sciencebackstoryblack-mesa-research-facilitydeadly-neurotoxisheimlich-counter-manuverhumorinitiativeportalportal-2shower-curtainstake-a-wishvalveThu, 25 Mar 2010 01:55:00 EST<![CDATA[How to make a Portal gun replica (hint: it's not easy)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/how-to-make-a-portal-gun-replica-hint-its-not-easy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/how-to-make-a-portal-gun-replica-hint-its-not-easy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/how-to-make-a-portal-gun-replica-hint-its-not-easy/#commentsFiled under:


Harrison Krix describes himself as a "dork," but we consider him very, very cool. He's the graphic designer who created the astonishingly accurate ASHPD (Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device) we first showed you a couple weeks back. Krix built the mock Portal gun for his cosplayer girlfriend -- if that's not devotion, we don't know what is -- and has now revealed the entire process to GameDaily.

The build is detailed in more than 100 steps, should you, ya know, want to try it yourself. There's even a gallery of a very happy Emily (above) showing off the finished gun. Speaking of which, our pals at Engadget recently posted a hands-on video of this most drool-worthy creation. You can check it out here.

Gallery: Portal Gun Replica

JoystiqHow to make a Portal gun replica (hint: it's not easy) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-sciencecosplayHarrison-KrixportalTue, 03 Feb 2009 22:54:00 EST<![CDATA[The amazing fan-made Portal gun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/the-amazing-fan-made-portal-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/the-amazing-fan-made-portal-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/the-amazing-fan-made-portal-gun/#commentsFiled under:


This replica Portal gun was created for Flickr user -- and soon-to-be Portal cosplayer -- emilyskeith by her boyfriend, and is clearly a triumph of prop making. In fact, we consider it a huge success.

We're sure it was hard for Emily to overstate her satisfaction with the finished replica, which features working orange and blue LEDs and was weathered to convey the idea that she wasn't the first Aperture Science subject to use it. To her boyfriend: you've ensured that her love for you will be still alive for years to come. Also, we want one.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqThe amazing fan-made Portal gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-sciencecosplayportalpropsvalveWed, 21 Jan 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Voice actor job posting hints at potential Portal 2 details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/voice-actor-job-posting-hints-at-potential-portal-2-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/voice-actor-job-posting-hints-at-potential-portal-2-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/voice-actor-job-posting-hints-at-potential-portal-2-details/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A Kotaku tipster seems to have stumbled upon a casting call for "a character for a new game in the Portal series from Valve Software" on subscribers-only actors resource Breakdown Express. The posting is loaded with character details for the game's "principal antagonist," including his history, demeanor and general outlook on life. The posting even details how the character's psychology changes as the story progresses, hinting at some intriguing story possibilities for the sequel to our top game of 2007.

If you don't mind having such important details spoiled at least seven months before the game is released, follow the read link and, er, read all about it. Or, if you're a voice actor who can handle "dark comedy ... with occasional dramatic moments" starting next month, why not try out for a piece of video game immortality?

JoystiqVoice actor job posting hints at potential Portal 2 details originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antagonistApertureAperture-scienceHalf-LifePCportalportal-2PS3spoilervalvevoice-actorXbox-360Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Separated at birth: Wii Fit Balance Board and Aperture Science turret]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/separated-at-birth-wii-fit-balance-board-and-aperture-science-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/separated-at-birth-wii-fit-balance-board-and-aperture-science-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/separated-at-birth-wii-fit-balance-board-and-aperture-science-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Is Nintendo an ancestor of Aperture Science? A dummy corporation? We recently recorded the North American voice of the Wii Fit Balance Board, and it bears an uncanny resemblance to Portal's happy little turrets. Even the hierarchy of henchmen follows Portal. Aperture science has GLaDOS, and Wii Fit has a male- or female-voiced personal trainer.

Yes, there are still a few differences. The Balance Board voice -- and we presume nefarious AI -- comes through the Wii and out a TV, while the turrets are all self-contained. Plus the balance board might not be trying to kill us. The verdict is still uncertain, but be warned.

Aperture Science turret


Wii Fit Balance Board

JoystiqSeparated at birth: Wii Fit Balance Board and Aperture Science turret originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-sciencebalance-boardgladosnintendoPCportalPS3voiceWiiwii-fitwiifitXbox-360Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:55:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Aperture Science San Francisco?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-aperture-science-san-francisco/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-aperture-science-san-francisco/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-aperture-science-san-francisco/#commentsFiled under: ,


Imagine our surprise whilst walking the streets of San Francisco during GDC when we saw the images above. The sign out front claimed that the building was some sort of art gallery, but we know better. We know an Aperture Science Enrichment Center when we see one. Judging from the icons depicted here, it looks like test complexity will really be ramping up.

Gallery: Aperture Science San Francisco

JoystiqGDC08: Aperture Science San Francisco? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-scienceGDCgdc08portalWed, 20 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Holidays from Aperture Science]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/happy-holidays-from-aperture-science/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/happy-holidays-from-aperture-science/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/happy-holidays-from-aperture-science/#commentsFiled under: ,


To spread holiday cheer and to prove that the cake was not a lie, team Valve and everyone at Aperture Science sent along this video holiday greeting. And please, try not to be creeped out by the embedded video holiday card. It's just security camera footage of the Companion Cube (with a Santa hat) and a piece of cake sitting in front of a fireplace with a remixed holiday version of "Still Alive" playing in the background. Right? Actually, that is quite creepy ... but we love our Companion Cube so much so we'll overlook that and watch the video knowing that Aperture Science love us. Happy (holiday name here)!

JoystiqHappy Holidays from Aperture Science originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-sciencecakecompanion-cubeorange-boxvalveMon, 24 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST