Braid - Review

Braid, XBLA

Review by LewieP








Braid is the most unique, memorable, emotionally engaging and fun experience I have had with a game in a long time.

Forgive the hyperbole. I am still in shock at how much I loved Braid.

There are no bullshit cut scenes, there is no repetition, there is no filler. It never ever wastes your time, which is a design philosophy I have nothing but respect for. I can definitely see myself replaying this in 6 months time, and I am already a solid chunk into the post-game.

The art is stunning, and the setting and narrative perfectly synchronised with the gameplay. You could just ignore the story and still thoroughly enjoy the game, but in doing so would miss out.

I laughed out loud a bunch of times. The references to other games are intelligent and classy. The puzzles often feel impossible, until you increase you depth of understanding of the rules in the game. Braid is a game about rules, about learning to understand rules, and controlling the world around you with these rules.

There is a direct physical and emotional connection to the game, culminating in a stunning ending sequence, akin to the Team ICO games.

Jonathan Blow has put the rest of the games industry to shame. They have budgets massively greater than he had, access to far more resources, and far more numerate teams of staff. Yet he has pretty much single handily created something which will stand out as one of the most unique gaming experiences I've ever had, and outclassed most big budget blockbuster games in recent memory. I will now buy, sight unseen, anything he puts out.

I only wish I could rewind and play it for the first time again, but sadly, some things can just never be undone.

It is short. I completed it in pretty much one sitting, stopping only to eat. I didn't keep track of the time, but 5 hours feels about right.

If you like video games, you will love Braid. If you don't like video games, it's because you have yet to play a game like Braid. Bitch about the price being more than most XBLA games all you want, but if you do so you are forfeiting your right to ever complain about games being unoriginal, repetitive and homogeneous.

Pick up some cheap MS Points and buy it. Please.