Braid Reviews

It brought back my old memories. I really enjoyed playing it again.

Seems so basic and randomly cobbled together to me but maybe it was unique 16 years ago

better eat bread than play braid

good gameplay! a classic

Played through it for missing achievements nothing more. As exciting as stubbing my toe.

I first learned of Braid from the “Mario is too Mainstream” sketch by Dorkly. It didn’t color my opinion because I unsubbed from Dorkly years ago when they started pushing “Kevin the Assistant,” but when I read some of the flowery language used in the lore dumps, I was worried that maybe they had a point when they made Braid out to be pretentious Mario. However, Dorkly was too busy projecting their own smugness onto the game and equating inspiration with copying to stick any real jabs to Braid. That isn’t to say Braid isn’t a little smug. The writing is self-indulgent, the twist is telegraphed so early, that it doesn’t come as much of a shock, as the possibility had been planted in my head from the start. As subversive as it once was, it feels its age, considering what it’s deconstructing (Super Mario Bros.) and how it characterizes its protagonist (romantic, melancholic, probably alcoholic). It’s not unintelligent, it has something important to say, it’s just little on the nose and navel-gazy, outdone in narratology by countless successors in the indie scene it helped shape. The presentation is generally good. The painterly graphics are nice and colorful, but occasionally get a bit cluttered with some of the puzzle layouts. The music is peaceful and unobtrusive, while the sound effects are… odd. The not-Goombas sound like ordinary guys and jumping on enemies sounds like an elastic band, but what really got me were the turtle-bunnies’ annoying stock cat noises, and the “strum” death sound effect makes me think of the Taco Bell “bong” for some reason. I think it’s the rewind reverb. Ultimately, it’s the puzzles that really make the game worthwhile. The platforming is a bit underwhelming, and the game doesn’t make the most out of all of its mechanics, but the rewind ability and the other effects surrounding it are really fun to play with, and the puzzles are rewarding to figure out. The last level, though it didn’t shock me from a narrative standpoint, also played fantastically. The rougher elements might make you want to wait for a sale, or maybe consider checking out the anniversary edition; I don’t know how improved it is. Considering how it's aged, I can't say Braid is a masterpiece, but I'd say it's still worth playing after almost two decades.

Fantastic puzzle game centered around a unique gimmick that can be a real tough head scratcher at times. The music and art are wonderful, and the story is beautiful. Do yourself a favor and play this game.

A wonderful puzzle game! Great soundtrack and beautiful art. Quite a challenge on the first play. Play the remaster instead of this one! It is well worth it

A great puzzle game with a story that will leave you thinking about it for a long time to come.

"Super Mario Brothers" for the few truly intellectual individuals. The Run Back in Time Potion is a deceptively simple mechanic that ingeniously recontextualizes how challenges are engaged with. It may seem at first that there is no point to the game, as the man is simply going "around", but once you realize the secret reason for his run back, you will feel ashamed of your words and deeds. This is but a glimpse of gaming from the future, and we are blessed to be alive at the same time of its release. Thank you Phil Fish