Thinking With Portals Hits 10,000 Votes

 

  • Thinking With Portals Hits 10,000 Votes

    Posted by atkinsar, 13 Jul 2012 16:10. Filed under Cuusoo.

    The next Cuusoo project to hit 10,000 votes and enter the review stage is Thinking With Portals! by Brickthing.  Based on the videogame Portal 2, it's taken just a little over two weeks to hit the magic number which is pretty impressive given that there hasn't been much noticeable hype about it on the internet that I've been aware of.

    The project was no doubt helped along by a very high level of presentation and seems to be well thought out.  Whether it passes all of the Cuusoo team's criteria remains to be seen and we won't find out for quite some time given that the next review is not scheduled until October (I think).

    Let us know what you think, do you think Portal would make a good LEGO product, does it fit with their brand values, would they want to consider yet another licenced set?


    70 comments, latest one posted 10 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)
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Comments

Posted by Nightshroud99 in Canada, 13 Jul 2012 16:57

I didn't know about this project, but I think it could work. Especially that LEGO Games version. The creator did a nice job designing these.

Posted by skipper1011 in United States, 13 Jul 2012 17:12

When will the announcements for the Modular Western Town, BTTF, and so on be announced? Any news on that?

Posted by timmyt15 in United States, 13 Jul 2012 17:18

im not sure that this theme will work they might be able to sell a few sets maybe?

Posted by atkinsar in United Kingdom, 13 Jul 2012 17:21

^^ nothing yet, they're certainly taking their time to review those.

Posted by copperwonder96 in United States, 13 Jul 2012 17:49

The quality of renders is top notch! Cool concept. A custom minifig would interest me but other than that it's a meh for the set since I don't get into the licensed themes too much unless they have more than a few sets to collect.
I am looking forward to BTF. I would love to see those in a series.

Posted by Isabella and Lego Liker in United States, 13 Jul 2012 17:50

Let's see.
Videogame rating E10+ (good)

Sets: From what I saw: Few or no new pieces being needed

Price: One looks like $25, a amount that would be a just fine with fans.

Pass or Fail: Pass, with mostly flying colors.

Posted by bricks_n_more in United States, 13 Jul 2012 18:05

@Isabella and Lego Liker the only potential snag would be licensing with the Portal 2 publisher.

I have never played the game so I can't comment on anything other than that.

Posted by Legolover9531 in United States, 13 Jul 2012 18:11

I thought it was a great idea, glad to see it get to 1000! I also think Valve will approve since they posted this on their FB

Posted by Bobszaar in United States, 13 Jul 2012 18:18

Definitely going to pass. If the publisher spread the word about this, they approve of licencing. Everything else could pass about it (look at @Isabella and Lego Liker for details). Good job, Brickthing! You've done it!

Posted by thomsedavi in New Zealand, 13 Jul 2012 18:21

I would love for this to happen, but I don't think that it will. Too many custom parts required, at the very least the Portal device. Although looking at it now, the portal device is the same as the turrets, so that's quite clever. But still, isn't it one of the rules not to have new pieces created?

Posted by Darth Bionics in United States, 13 Jul 2012 18:22

^^^ Portal is one of the most popular franchises in the games industry today, Minecraft is ALMOST on the level that portal is.

Not that one is better than the other, but Portal is in no way some small, insignificant, thing that Lego fans seem to think it is...

Glad to see this get the votes. Pretty sure that this will go through since Valve is usually supportive about these things.

Posted by Dash Justice in United States, 13 Jul 2012 18:56

@thomsedavi LEGO states that the project should not rely solely on new molds. (I'm looking at you Wild Encounters) Since this requires a minimum of one new mold (for the Portal gun and Turret) I'm sure it will pass. But if that's a deal breaker, then I'm sure LEGO can create a brick built version, sure it wouldn't be as cool, but it would work.

Posted by typo in United States, 13 Jul 2012 18:57

I have no idea what Portal is, but those designs look nice...This should pass...

Posted by Dash Justice in United States, 13 Jul 2012 18:58

@Tilius If I recall, the Minecraft set reached 10,000 in two days.

Posted by Balthazar Brannigan in United States, 13 Jul 2012 18:58

I've seen (and built myself) Lego portal gun designs that use regular pieces, but not in "legal" ways. I'm really excited about this idea though, and I hope it passes. I think it would come down to the parts issue, as I imagine Valve would (if they don't already) avidly support the idea.

Posted by mkrey in United States, 13 Jul 2012 19:00

There is no cake!!

Posted by devilhead in United States, 13 Jul 2012 19:06

I've never heard of Portal, so I can't really comment too much on it. As quickly as it gained support, I would have to think it would be successful if it passes review.

Posted by Brickmatic in United States, 13 Jul 2012 20:00

Oh this got exposure on Steam. It popped up in the news feed. The original stories were from PC Gamer and Rock Paper Shotgun. I don't think Valve will have a problem with this; I don't see IP rights being an issue for this release.

http://store.steampowered.com/news/?appids=620

Posted by the_big_cheese in United States, 13 Jul 2012 20:05

This did get a lot of notice on the internet. I voted for it myself, and I think that there is no way that this theme/set won't pass review. It better!

Posted by UtarEmpire in United States, 13 Jul 2012 20:48

Wow, this project actually has a decent chance of passing. Exciting few days for LEGO news.

Posted by Brickbuilder0937 in United States, 13 Jul 2012 20:55

The next review cycle starts September 3rd.

Posted by sarlacc98 in United Kingdom, 13 Jul 2012 21:04

Looks awesome I'm going to buy it if it gets approved. But my only question is where's a Lego atlas and pbody?? It shows pbody behind chell in that picture.

Posted by sarlacc98 in United Kingdom, 13 Jul 2012 21:08

Wait I just realized that's Glados.

Posted by LegoC10 in United States, 13 Jul 2012 22:13

This is the greatest Cuusoo set I've yet to see! Portal 2 is one of my favorite video games, and adding in LEGO with special pieces is incredible! I really think this will pass the review, if Valve gives them the rights. Plus, they were smart to use both the legs of the turrets and the portal gun as the same piece, so LEGO wouldn't have to make too many pieces. Also, the turret head and portal gun body are the same piece! I really can't wait to see if this passes review! But LEGO, just go ahead and take my money!

Posted by The Reviewer in United States, 13 Jul 2012 23:10

I never imagined a Lego Portal theme, The game Portal isn't that fun, but okay

Posted by timmyt15 in United States, 13 Jul 2012 23:15

^ exactly i agree.

Posted by itsaturkey in United States, 14 Jul 2012 00:19

YES! Finally! I think this fits all of Lego's categories. Granted it is somewhat of a dark game, but it's E10. All the kids in my Boy Scout troop who play video games play and or know about Portal, and half of those own and collect Lego's. I think this will do very well if it's accepted. Also it fits with Lego's 'learning can be fun' aspect, as Portal has a lot to do with accomplishing tough puzzles using physics.
P.S. I don't think getting Valve's license will be hard, they're not a 'stuck up' company, so to speak.

Posted by nadnerb112 in United States, 14 Jul 2012 03:24

If Lego does make a Portal set, this will be lego's golden year.Too bad Team Fortress 2 is rated M, because if we got a TF2 set there's nothing more I could ask for.

Posted by deskp in Norway, 14 Jul 2012 03:39

I can see this set having the same popularity as the minecraft set. but Not really much appeal for the general lego fan.

Presumably it would be a vignette set mainly for display.

Posted by King of Bricks in United Kingdom, 14 Jul 2012 04:14

Looks cool

Posted by LegoLisa in United States, 14 Jul 2012 05:10

Portal 1 and 2 are actually very popular games in America. They involve quick thinking logic puzzles, involving "portals", to move from one level to the next. Did you all notice that that idea was posted on 6-28-12 and it took hardly any time at all to get 10,000 supporters? That is pretty phenomenal. I think that these sets will be very popular if they do approve them and if they are able to get the licensing. :) Personally, I am more excited for the Old Western Town, but since my family is a fan of LEGO and the portal games, if this is approved, we will be picking some of these Portal sets up too.

Posted by Mickitat in Germany, 14 Jul 2012 06:37

Please no. No more videogame adaptions.

Posted by timmyt15 in United States, 14 Jul 2012 08:20

Good call Micki

Posted by deathwatch in Hong Kong, 14 Jul 2012 09:20

Huw, you will know all the hype about it if you go on reddit.

Posted by mysteriouspi in United States, 14 Jul 2012 09:41

If I were to guess right now, this project has a good chance to pass review. Valve is a very energetic and open company, and like Mojang, I think that they would enjoy partnering with LEGO even for a single set.

Posted by Gandalf1 in United States, 14 Jul 2012 11:14

^^^^What's wrong with video game adaptions? I mean, you don't have to buy them.

Posted by CapnRex101 in United Kingdom, 14 Jul 2012 11:39

I am not in to the game at all, but the model looks to be well designed by the maker! I will be passing on this one if it is approved for sale however in favour of something a little more Star Wars-ish.

Posted by lippidp in United States, 14 Jul 2012 11:52

This is uninteresting to me, but if it makes Lego tons of money so they can continue making my favorite themes then I am all for it.

Posted by vexorian in Bolivia, 14 Jul 2012 14:26

I think that in this case, the key factor would be whether Valve want to do it or not.

Posted by jamzee44 in United Kingdom, 14 Jul 2012 18:33

Easy answer - DONT go there, we truly should stop all this nonsense before it drags TLG down again, these weird ideas Space Skulls, and the far more recent Minecraft which largely nobody is interested in post lauch - no disrespect to the submitter of this and I'm sure alot of work has gone into it but to be fair and as I'm sure I've read on another comments link, I feel we should look forward to TLG's *own* imagination.

*Uninteresting*, *no flare*, I'd like to see and welcome back some classic space, castle, building fun and adventure back in a new product range...

Posted by jamzee44 in United Kingdom, 14 Jul 2012 18:35

boring, no relevance and not interested - please folks stand tall

Posted by vexorian in Bolivia, 14 Jul 2012 19:33

jamzee44: Minecraft sold quite well.

Posted by audiobean in Singapore, 14 Jul 2012 20:12

I agree with jamzee44. A 'digital' rendering of computer games into blocks is totally uninspiring and it serve no purpose of being a Lego except for making sales and reaching to wider audience.

Posted by legomaniac in United States, 14 Jul 2012 20:20

Sets seem kinda boring. It's more like a display piece than a play set.

Posted by WolfboyTheMasterofTheSword in United States, 14 Jul 2012 22:22

THIS LOOKS AWESOME!!! now just a Fallout set to win and IM GOOD!

Posted by legoguy2805 in United Kingdom, 15 Jul 2012 08:32

Haters gonna hate. I for one love both Minecraft and Portal and if some AFOLs have grown out of videogames, sucks to be them. I'm not a kid, but kids worldwide love these two games like I do, and that's why the Minecraft Micro World set has sold so well and I expect Portal to pass. AFOLS are not LEGO's target audience so you don't really have a right to moan about it anyway.

Posted by pstrickler27 in United States, 15 Jul 2012 09:00

I usually judge how "popular" or "well-known" a video game is on whether or not my non-gaming family has heard of it - my family ranges from ages 10 through 65 - none of them play video games and none of them have heard of Portal or Minecraft - I even own Portal 2 and play it a lot - so I believe both games are pretty obscure in the average American household (IMO)

I consider myself a pretty classic gamer - born in the 80s - grew up on Mario and Nintendo - owned (and still own) an NES, Sega Genesis, SNES, N64, Gamecube, Playstation, Wii, Xbox 360, PS3 and a few gameboys - so when it comes to games - I've usually heard of it or played it - I of course have heard of Portal 2 and I love the game - it's the first game that really challenged my brain and my girlfriend loves the co-op mode - the voice acting is the best I've seen in a video game and the story is pretty top-notch - it's no wonder it has a pretty big cult following - just look at all the items sold on thinkgeek.com for proof

As far as minecraft is concerned - I had heard very little about it until I saw it on Cuusoo and decided to research it - I'm not big into PC titles so that's probably why it doesn't interest me - games that take over your life are not for me - I already have LEGO for that :} - I could see how some people would like it, but I still believe Portal is a better game for the average person to enjoy - I also believe it is more popular here in the states

Needless to say - I am very excited about this set and hope to Christ that it is made - I already own 4 Minecraft sets and I'm sure I would buy 10 of these!!

Forgot to mention that I also own a virtual boy (oh yeah!!)

Posted by BIONICLEGuy in United Kingdom, 15 Jul 2012 09:16

/\ You have my respect, fellow Virtual Boy owner!

Portal is amazing, and it has little to no violent content, so it should pass. I voted for this, and am very happy it got 10,000. Licensing from Valve, though? Maybe not.

DOTA 2 sets would be awesome, though.

The cake is a lie.

Posted by Anomaly24 in United States, 15 Jul 2012 09:35

My 4 and 6-year old will be so excited, they both realize that maybe you'll find someone else to help you, maybe Black Mesa; that was a joke, ha ha, fat chance.*

This opens up another interesting possibility: a "LEGO Portal" game, similar to the partnership that created LEGO Rock Band. A simplified version of the Portal game, maybe, to help hone the puzzle-solving and spatial-awareness skills of kids? My daughter would love that...as long as GlaDOS is in it.

For those who said these ideas are more of a display item than a "play" set...isn't that what all of Cuusoo is? I can't see too many kids playing with a Hayabusa set...any more than a UCS model, the old Darth Maul bust and Yoda statues, or the mini-modular set.

* From the song "Still Alive" that runs during the end credits of Portal, part of the charm of a game that has entertained millions.

Posted by razorwolf111 in United States, 15 Jul 2012 12:40



what is portal 2.

Posted by MrSeatle in United States, 15 Jul 2012 13:37

I believe Portal and most puzzle games are boring, but i'd buy the Lego set!

Posted by sarlacc98 in United Kingdom, 15 Jul 2012 14:05

I just noticed the potato. Lol that's awesome.

Posted by cjg in United States, 15 Jul 2012 14:53

@razorwolf111 http://lmgtfy.com/?q=portal+2

Posted by Psymon in United Kingdom, 15 Jul 2012 17:47

Very gimmicky, little to no playablity, nice design though, doubt it would sell more than Minecraft sets.

Posted by sinfanti in Taiwan, Province of China, 15 Jul 2012 20:37

Wow! Hadn't been to Cuusoo in a while so I didn't even know this was out there. All I can say is: Dear Lego, just tell me where to send my money.

Posted by Delatron in United Kingdom, 16 Jul 2012 07:25

@pstrickler27 - very nice collection, but you could do with a Sega master system and an Atari 2600 too like mine ;) My friend's collection is even better - Neo Geo, PC Engine Turbo Grafx, Bandai Wonderswan. Just need time to play them all!

Back on topic, I don't actually play the Portal games but I understand the popularity and the quality of the Cuusoo submission was superb. I agree with lippidp above, if it makes money for Lego so they can keep churning out Monster Fighters and so on them i'm happy. Good parts and a reasonable price might even see me buy the set if released, but it's not a must buy for me. Now Zelda, that would make me interested.....

Posted by Thecoolestgriffin in United States, 16 Jul 2012 20:28

Wow! Can`t wait!

Posted by WolfboyTheMasterofTheSword in United States, 16 Jul 2012 20:59

guys I found a way to make Legend of Zelda without new Pieces!

Posted by scifiantihero in United States, 17 Jul 2012 01:04

Both games are utterly boring. Doesn't mean the legos can't look cool . . .

Posted by Mickitat in Germany, 17 Jul 2012 07:17

@legoguy2805 - stupid interwebs slogans are not going to help, since this is not an issue of AFOL nerd rage. I am just A LOT more interested in other sets - and not because I have outgrown my videogames - but just the opposite. I'd rather prefer my hobbies not to mix in this kind of way (I don't play the Lego-games either). I own more consoles than Lego sets, but not quite as many games as blocks.

Posted by TheCahleySlash in United Kingdom, 17 Jul 2012 10:49

Im quite supriesed there isn't more video games projects on Cuusoo, as a lot of communitys usually know straight away if there are project regarding their franchise and support it immediately, e.g Portal/Minecraft.
A few future projects spring to mind:
Sonic
Mario
Zelda
Pokemon
Final Fantasy?
Halo ? (M***B**** already has this)

Hey! at this pace of projects reaching 10,000 maybe we will even get Warhammer 40k Lego?!?! :D

Posted by Legozrool in United States, 17 Jul 2012 11:26

The sets look cool but If they pass the review I probably will pass on getting them:(

On cuusoo there are a few models I would like to suggest supporting:

http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/12475
http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/6582
http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/5127
http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/2388

Posted by vexorian in Bolivia, 17 Jul 2012 12:59

If you don't want your hobbies to mix, just don't play portal or don't buy the portal sets. I mean, really. This project got 10000 votes, there are people interested on it, and that's how CUUSOO works, it not only allows you to get the new sets you want, it allows other people to get the sets they want.

"interweb" is a stupid interweb slogan by itself...

Posted by alexfig8 in United States, 17 Jul 2012 16:32

The game idea looked cool. I Don't know much about the series, but the turrets and figs looked cool!

Posted by aau in United States, 17 Jul 2012 16:35

Valve doesn't release sales numbers, but current estimates are that they have sold 7 million copies of the Portal games worldwide. It seems perfectly reasonable that 10,000 of them are Lego fans as well.

Posted by orwellian in United States, 18 Jul 2012 11:26

To the people who are saying "you don't have to buy it:" this kind of statement completely misses the point of the discussion here. Everyone knows that there's no compulsory purchases (literally, at least. Some of us come close to true addictions, though). What we're talking about are philosophical differences about what "Lego" is and what it should be.

I'm waffling back-and-forth on this Portal entry. For one thing, it looks like the creator is promoting more of a "theme" than a single specific set and I'm fairly certain that other projects have been dismissed for this before. There's the question of the new mold, but the limited number and flexible use seems to give this one more credit. The subject matter itself seems to be all right, certainly no more violent than PoTC.

I'm curious what everyone here thought the first time they saw the Halo sets from M*** B***** in the aisles. And now the collectible "minifigs" for them. Was your first reaction that it was cool and you wish Lego had done it? Mine was more of an eyeroll. It felt gimmicky and like reaching to get a license. I still don't like the idea and would be truly disappointed if I saw Lego take that license over. Halo has a huge audience, way bigger than Portal without question. The size of the audience or the prominence of a IP in pop culture shouldn't be what decides whether it's okay to build it as a set, though.

I know Portal is a great game, but I hope Lego passes on this. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I don't think this is what Cuusoo is for. Show me some more imagination there! I liked the Modular Western because it has a lot of playability and lots of room for imagination for all ages 6-60. Why can't we see more in that spirit rather than just more "Hey, let's make a Lego version of my favorite movie/game!"

Posted by Roger Workman in United States, 18 Jul 2012 13:53

I love Portal, but I don't know that it agrees with LEGO's values, what with the homicidal AI and all. That said, if the Portal set was approved, I would definitely buy it.

Posted by diedye101 in Canada, 19 Jul 2012 16:57

As much as I love this theme, I don't think LEGO will release it because of "Violence".

Posted by Isabella and Lego Liker in United States, 20 Jul 2012 00:55

@Diedye: Lego wants the things geared to be 6-12. The game is E10+, right in the middle for the passing.

Posted by MoonKnight in United States, 20 Jul 2012 13:57

I'd rather see a Legend of Zelda theme than a Portal theme.

Commenting has ended on this article.