Let me start off by saying that I am usually too skint to go buying millions of games every month even X-Box Live Arcade ones.
In fact it’s rare I buy one game per season. I’m saying this to put into context how much I enjoyed the demo of this game and now the full game as well. Braid is so well put together that it becomes overwhelmingly charming. It’s gameplay mechanics are complimented by it’s presentation and this is a must play.
Braid is a 2D puzzle platformer that uses another dimension of time. So really it’s 3D. There are numerous worlds each with levels containing puzzles based around your ability to rewind time. Solve the puzzle element and you get a piece of a jigsaw that you later put together. It sounds like it should get messy but it doesn’t. The game has an appropriate learning curve and doesn’t throw you in the deep end too quickly. The way the world’s are constructed you could just run through each level ignoring the puzzles and jigsaws and just carry on straight to the end, but then of course, you’re missing the game. This isn’t a survive the level platformer, this is a solve the level platformer. And there are bosses too. Cool.
The gameplay is superb. Each puzzle is different and feels fresh. Each world incorporates a unique element for example, in one level if you move your character right, time goes forward and move him left time goes backwards. In another world you can drop a time stone thing that dramatically slows down time around it. Each level incorporates it well and you have the option of skipping any part of the game you’re stuck on and coming back later.
The presentation of this game is almost jaw-dropping. I have to start off with the graphics. The artwork is so beautiful it’s on par with the likes of Okami and Wind Waker. It has to be seen. Secondly the music is amazing and accompanies the relaxed undertone to the game. This game makes you feel very at ease almost from the off.
In terms of “Will this game keep me coming back again and again?” is where Braid loses a few points unfortunately. Some of the puzzles are quite difficult so you’ll keep coming back to try and crack it, but, once you’ve solved all the puzzles (which is what all the achievements are based on too) then there’s nothing really to bring you back, unless you fancy doing the same puzzles you already know how to complete. Saying that though, this is a unique experience and a breath of fresh air for the X-Box 360 and definitely worth it’s 1200 point price tag. A welcome addition to any collection.
Presentation:
3/3
Gameplay:
3/3
Lastability:
2/3
Gold star 1/1 -For gameplay and presentation
Overall: 9/10
Bought it tonight, Fantastic game. Spot on review score too in terms of it’s not quite 10/10 on our scoring ssystem as I doub’t ill go back to it once finished. Best gameplay in a long long time though.
GiantHaystax, Gameplay should be 3/3 not 2/3
Oops, another “rare” slip.