Multimorphic Portal Pinball Machine
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Portal Pinball is a physical pinball game developed by Multimorphic, Inc. for the P³ Pinball Platform. Released in 2024 as an official collaboration with Valve, it represents a significant departure from traditional pinball design by integrating a 1080p dynamic floor display with a modular physical playfield.
The machine is notable for its use of Aperture Science-themed hardware, including 10 RGB-illuminated physical portals and a unique "Momentum Jump" ramp system that mimics the physics of the video game series.
Technology and "Portal" Mechanics
The defining feature of Portal Pinball is its ability to simulate the "instantaneous travel" seen in the video games. While traditional pinball machines use a single ball that must travel across the playfield, the P³ platform utilizes a sophisticated 16-ball storage system located directly beneath the upper playfield module.
When a ball enters a physical portal on one side of the machine, the game "captures" that ball and simultaneously launches a new ball from a hidden trough at the "exit" portal. This creates the illusion of a single ball traveling through space at impossible speeds. This system allows for:
Momentum Conservation: The game tracks the entry speed of the ball and uses high-speed solenoids to launch the "exit" ball at a matching velocity.
Simultaneous Portals: The large ball count allows for multiple balls to be "in flight" through different portal pairs during complex multiball modes.
Seamless Transitions: The floor screen provides a digital trail that connects the physical entry and exit points, maintaining visual continuity.
Gameplay
Gameplay centers on navigating the Aperture Science Enrichment Center via "The Hub." The game uses the P³'s ball-tracking sensors to trigger interactive artwork on the lower playfield, allowing for virtual "gels" to affect the ball's movement in real-time.
Test Chambers
The primary progression involves completing seven distinct Test Chambers. These are timed missions that introduce specific puzzle-solving mechanics:
The Big Fling: Requires the player to build speed to clear a high-velocity aerial jump.
Encouragement via Discouragement: Focuses on the Thermal Discouragement Beam and rotating mirrors.
Proactive Energy Redirection: Challenges players to manipulate ball paths to hit specific sensors.
It Takes Two: A co-operative-themed mode involving the Companion Cube.
Shortcuts: A speed-running mode focused on utilizing portals for efficiency.
Gels: Introduces Propulsion (blue) and Repulsion (orange) physics to the display.
Rat Man's Den: A hidden challenge mode based on the graffiti-covered safe rooms from the series.
Hardware and Editions
The game is available as a swappable "Game Kit" that can be installed in any P³ cabinet in under 60 seconds.
| Feature | Portal Standard | Portal Extended |
|---|---|---|
| Flipper Configuration | 3-flipper layout | 4-flipper layout (Left Side-Target Flipper) |
| Ball Locks | Companion Cube LOFT | Companion Cube LOFT |
| Hardware Toys | Rotating Sentry Turret | Turret + Hard Light Bridge + Spinner |
| Exclusive Mechs | N/A | Dynamic "Glass Ramp," Gel Tube Kickback |
The LOFT Upper Playfield
The "Library of Failed Tests" (LOFT) is the centerpiece of the upper playfield. It features:
Aerial Faith Plate: A high-powered solenoid that launches the ball into a dedicated landing zone on the back grating.
Sentry Turret: A motorized, rotating sculpt that features synchronized lighting and "fires" digital bullets at the ball as it passes.
Lift Ramps: Both the left and right ramps can physically lift to reveal hidden illuminated portals underneath.
Production and Audio
The game was developed by a team including Ian Harrower and Michael Ocean (Software), Trey Jones and TJ Weaver (Mechanicals), and Brad Albright (Art).
Voice Cast: The game features original dialogue recorded for this production. Ellen McLain returns as GLaDOS, while Marc Silk provides the voice for Reggie, a new Personality Core designed specifically for this title.
Music: The audio package, designed by Scott Danesi, includes dynamic industrial-techno tracks and remixes of iconic songs like "Still Alive."