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Braid
Innovation is expensive, apparently...
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“Braid” is one of the rare games that require a grade 9 education just to properly understand the level of language being used, and it’s for that reason that I immediately snapped it up. I’m a sucker for good story, especially ambiguous and trippy narrative. Make no mistake, this IS a trip game.
There have been quite a few time-based platformers already so it’s not that alone which makes Braid so interesting. For the first few worlds I kept thinking to myself: “Yeah? So? “Blinx” was doing this over 5 years ago. What’s the big deal?” Well, the big deal is when you get to the later worlds. I’d describe some of the hilarious and innovative things that have been done in “Braid” but I would consider that spoiler material. Probably the best part of the game is discovering the next way that they let you manipulate time. I laughed for the first 5 minutes of playing the 6th world.
People complain about the price, which has been discussed to death all over the Internet. In writing this out I’ve come to disagree with the prevalent viewpoint, which is that if you think $15 is too much to spend on a work of art that cost its creator over $180k (which he still has not made back) then you either have greater priorities than video games or you are unable to properly perceive the value of the games you play. The fact of the matter is a person can pay $60 to buy CoD4, Halo 3, or any other high-end multiplayer game and will get 100 times the playtime out of it than they will out of “Braid”, which costs 25% of the price. It’s just not a good dollar to hour ratio compared to some games, but for a guy like me that will spend $60 on a game he plays for 20 hours and think that’s a good deal “Braid” falls into the category of a good purchase.
Hey, a fucking movie costs $12 ($25 if you’re getting food) and that only lasts 2 hours. Do the math. There’s probably just one movie a year that I enjoy as much as every game I play.
I wish the story in “Braid” had actually said something of relevance. It’s possible that some of you will glean some philosophical insight out of what was said, particularly if you’re looking at what could be the tail end of a relationship, but all-in-all I did not find it to have much to say. I enjoyed the trip, for sure, but the ambiguity should have lessened as it progressed, not increased. |
Graphics
No it isn't the latest and greatest technology, but it's a work of art.
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8.5 |
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Sound
I really enjoyed the classical music, especially the solo guitar sections. Some of the sounds could be a little piercing and annoying.
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8.5 |
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Gameplay
Interesting ways to manipulate time present in every level. The core platforming gameplay is solid as well.
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8.5 |
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Originality
One of the most innovative titles to hit in a while. Each world will surprise you will how they've managed to create unique puzzle concepts.
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9.0 |
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Interface
I am a huge fan of the cyclical and engrossing menu system that was chosen. I think they did a great job in this regard.
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10.0 |
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Fun
Not the most fun I've ever had, but for a puzzle game it was a blast.
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8.5 |
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Lasting Appeal
Unfortunately I don't see this one lasting very long for you, nor do I see you replaying it much. Time trialing offers some replayability, but since the whole world has become one's competition instead of just friends it kinda gets hard to compete.
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3.0 |
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Overall
As a puzzler “Braid” is one of the best to come along in a while, if not a little short. As a platformer it also comes into its own right. The best reason to play it, though, is just to have the experience. It won’t take long, but you’ll feel good afterwards, I promise.
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8.0 |
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