Review: Braid

Re-imagining the Puzzle/Platformer

        It's somewhat difficult to explain a game like Braid to someone that isn't familiar with the concepts that have been used in video games since before Super Mario Bros. If you don't know about these gameplay mechanics, then it's possible that you might miss out on all of what Braid is trying to say. Although, Braid says so much that it's probably impossible for anyone to understand all of what it says, and that is what makes this game what it is.  

        Braid is a fascinating indie game developed by Number None, Inc. that throws a curve ball in the way games are made. The player plays as Tim who has made a mistake and now must go on a journey to find the princess. The gameplay revolves around your standard puzzle/platforming elements except there is one little twist. Almost all of the puzzles are impossible to solve, unless you have the power to manipulate time. Tim has the ability to reverse the order of time that he can use to cheat death, solve puzzles, and other things that can't be done in the normal flow of time. Other features are thrown in that make rewinding even more complex like a ring that slows down time or objects that are not affected by the irregular time flows. This twist to the traditional puzzle solving formula allows for the creation of unique puzzles that are challenging and rewarding.

Braid features a wonderful storybook art style.

           

        Braid's seemingly generic story of an average guy on a quest to save the princess might actually be the greatest thing about this game. It plays out like your average platformer even going as far as hitting a flag at the end of the castle and having someone come out and tell you that the princess is in another castle. Things start to change towards the end, and the game goes all Memento on you and offers up a pretty surprising plot twist. This, along with the gameplay, seem to present themselves as a suggestion to change the way video games are made by offering up something unique instead of just playing by the rules. There may be more out there like this, but this is the first video game I have ever played that tried to say something about the industry. 

        Braid is a very small, unique game that is just as or more complex than its disc-based big brothers. Since, it is a downloadable only game, some may feel that it is to short. Also, with the exception of unlockable speed runs, there isn't much of a reason to replay it. Despite these small shortcomings, Braid is fantastic and changes how we perceive a video game.

Final Verdict: 9/10