Gateways

About

Gateways is a 2D platformer where you navigate a cluttered lab as Ed, an inventor trapped by his own experiments. The core gameplay revolves around gateway guns that let you place portals on surfaces, teleporting between them to bypass obstacles. Early tools let you shrink or grow Ed, altering his reach and interactions. Later abilities add time manipulation, stepping through a portal meets past versions of yourself, and gravity shifts that let you walk on walls. Each new gun expands the puzzles, requiring creative use of space and timing. The lab is filled with hazards like spikes, moving platforms, and lasers, balanced with collectibles and hidden areas to unlock. What sets Gateways apart is its tight integration of physics-based puzzles with a single interconnected map that evolves as you gain tools. The time-based portal mechanic introduces layers of complexity, forcing you to coordinate past and present actions. While the art style and sound design feel dated by today’s standards, the core loop of experimentation and problem solving remains satisfying. With a runtime of around 5, 7 hours and a Steam rating of 75% positive, it’s a lean but clever package for fans of methodical platforming. The inclusion of a map torch and laser-deflecting mirror adds minor variety, though the focus stays firmly on the gateway mechanics.