Braid is hands down the most impressive and original game to release on the Xbox 360 in recent memory. To add on top of that, it’s on the Xbox Live Arcade and only comes at the price point of $15 (1200 Microsoft Points). Sure, it’s more expensive than the $5 entry points for many XBLA titles, but Braid’s value is on par of a full retail Xbox 360 title.
So what exactly is Braid? Braid is a puzzle-themed 2D platformer with the ability to rewind and fast forward time (ala Prince Persia). It’s a complex game with a simple premise of saving a princess. The core gameplay has players figuring out puzzles within the levels to find jigsaw puzzles that are in each level. After collecting the puzzles, players will have to put the jigsaw puzzle together to complete a picture. Players also have the option to speed run through the levels, but players must collect all the jigsaw pieces in order to fully finish Braid.
The gameplay mechanics are very in-depth and multifaceted. Players will have to put their thinking caps on if they want to be successful at completing Braid. Having the ability to rewind time is essential for the majority of the puzzles. A few puzzles will also require to springboard off the top of an enemies head to reach a higher platform. Besides those two main components, the puzzles are comprised of correctly timing jumps, running away from danger (pink bunnies nonetheless), and dodging fireballs from cannons. You’ll be astonished how addictively fun Braid is and how rewarding it is to collect all the jigsaw pieces.
Redefining how XBLA games should look, Braid has a one-of-a-kind visual appeal that no other title currently has. The graphics are reminiscent of watercolors and are gorgeous in motion. When the rewind or fast forwarding time mechanics are being used, the game is even more intense with its graphical representation. It’s a flat out beautiful game from start to finish. While playing the game, a colleague mentioned that the game made him feel as if he was on ecstasy since the time manipulation is quite psychedelic.
If players want a game that has a great musical score, then Braid may be the answer for them. Braid’s music is charming and relaxing; it sets the mood perfectly. In the fourth level, players will encounter the twinkle-twinkle little star theme (or so it seemed) that fits wonderfully with the level.
Braid is a game that everyone needs to experience to judge for themselves. It may not be for everyone since it requires a lot of trial and error with a lot of thought put behind the player’s next move. But it’s recommended that, one way or another, players at least try out Braid to see how brilliant it is.
