Review: Braid - Generation: Gamerz

Review: Braid

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Written by Matt "snorkle256" Nolan

Monday, 18 August 2008

Hint: A review written about a game that reverses time may not be exactly what you expect.

Summary - 87.5%
If you were to mistake Braid for the word “brain”, I doubt that even I would stop to correct you. Simply put, Braid is one of the most unique games that you will ever play. The mash of genres and the throwbacks to retro gaming are extraordinary.

Braid is the near-perfect compromise between challenging gameplay and a forgiving system. The puzzles were implemented correctly with regard to architectural integrity. With all this well-structured, above par, refreshing gameplay, Braid is both addictive and brain-warping. After playing this game for a few days, I began replaying it, soundtrack and all, back in my head, which I found is not very conducive to sleep. But I can’t blame Braid. I believe that I instigated the visions listening to classical music before bed.

That being said, I can think of no other game that has left me this mentally stunned. Now that I've truly been initiated into the Braid culture, I cannot wait to play more games of this style.

Controls/Interface – 90%
Braid really lulls you into a false sense of security with its simplistic controls - only one thumbstick and three buttons are used. Of course, it's not how many buttons you have, but how you use them.

The overlay provides just the right amount of info, and if anyone was to call it "intrusive", I would wonder what game he had played. Showing you how many puzzle pieces are left and just exactly how fast you are rewinding time, it may not seem like much, but it’s perfect. I liked these specifics, because I never left a level feeling like I forgot something.

Gameplay – 90%
If you thought Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time was cool with all its time rewinding powers, prepare to meet its match. Braid's gameplay revolves around several different uses of time-warping. Whether it’s rewinding to undo your character's demise or to re-position elements (like bridges, platforms and walls), Braid has time to spare.

But it's not only time reversal that will prove useful, but also slowed time, protected time, and parallel time. Thankfully, you don’t have to use them all at once; I don’t think I could cope. With all these skills in hand, you set about tackling each level, while trying to find pieces to solve the big puzzle that makes up the game as a whole. And don't forget this is also a platformer, so you will also be running, jumping, and climbing through each level, as well.

Sound – 80%
I imagine it was difficult to select music for a game that completely warps the audio every time you make a wrong move. Classical never sounded so good in reverse, and I think that is most likely why the score was chosen. I can't imagine listening to repeated lyrics while struggling through a puzzle.

Graphics – 90%
First, this is an incredible looking high-definition game with what looks like hand painted visuals. While not superbly realistic, Braid is beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, the world sucked me in, and I was hooked. From your first look at level one, the visuals set the mood for what Braid has in store. Just be sure to not use your powers too quickly, or the visuals will become blurry. Don’t worry – give it a few seconds for the warping to stop. If it stays blurry, you may need to setup an appointment with an optometrist.

So here you are all the way at the bottom of the page and you are actually reading what is supposed to be the introduction. Yes, this review is completely in reverse, but you will never appreciate why until you’ve played Braid.

This is a puzzle-platformer so not only are you practicing your old-school Mario hops, you are also trying to manipulate time to ultimately reach your goals. In Braid, it’s quite possible that the beginning is the end and vice versa, and the whole time the solution is in the middle. Sounds easy right? Yes and no. I will explain later - or maybe I've already covered it.

Readers have left 2 comments.

1. Untitled
LFR, Registered

OMGosh! Great review. ^_^ This game has totally impacted my life. Bizarre.