Valve have confirmed the release of Portal 2 for “Holiday 2010” (read: Christmas), according to IGN. The sequel to the 2007 cult favourite was always considered a dead cert, but has now been cemented as a full price, stand-alone product.
Although current news is thin on the ground, players can expect “a cast of dynamic new characters”, and “a much larger set of devious test chambers”, according to Gamestops product page. Also, cult favourite GLaDOS is set to return (although this will come as no surprise to anyone who listened to the fantastic ending song from the original Portal), as well as new puzzle elements and never-before-seen areas of Aperture Science Labs.
No current news exists regarding Half-Life 2: Episode 3, which was expected to be tied to the Portal sequel, sending forums wild with a combination of excitement and anger. Portal 2 will also only be available on PC and Xbox 360.