Score
Gameplay:	10
Graphics:	9
Sound:	9
FunFactor:	9
PlasmaFactor:	9
Overall:	9.2

Braid Review
September 6, 2008 by Beau King

Professional critiques and user reviews are separate entities that, when combined, can give one a fuller picture of what’s in front of them. Sometimes they offer a similar opinion and other times they can be so different one wonders if they are covering the same game, movie, show, etc. Movies like Juno, Napolean Dynamite, and No Country for Old Men are often touted as masterpieces to the professional eye. When dispersed among the masses however, they don’t get it. Braid is a lot like that. Undoubtedly the title deserves the recognition and high praise it has received. The only question is should everyone make it a part of their library.

Gameplay

Everything this game throws at the player is unique and vastly interesting. From the outset no start menu or anything is used. The little character, Tim, is set against a gorgeous backdrop that illuminates as he progresses toward the first level. Pressing B or O, depending on the console, will open a door leading to level one’s lobby. Each lobby contains books on pedestals and a various number of doorways leading to subsequent challenges. The books are ingeniously the narrator’s of this story. Each gives insight into Tim’s troubles and the background behind needing to find the princess. They also allude to the type of challenge at hand for each level.

The starter challenge in level one is aptly named “Three Easy Pieces”. Basically each challenge revolves around gathering a number of puzzle pieces that are later put together to complete a picture. Sounds easy enough, but what ensues is one of the most challenging experiences ever made in a game. The first level is bearable, but as time goes on things get downright insane. The mechanic behind obtaining these pieces is a time warp type thing out of the Twilight Zone. Bullet Times and Prince of Persia’s time altering capabilities are laughable compared to this. Not only does the main character manipulate time, each level interacts with his motions. Some objects will travel back in time while others will move and flow as nothing happened. One level not only uses the need to move back in time, but is paired by a carbon copy of the character that will perform the same function just made in order to access another area.

A NY Times crossword puzzle pales in comparison to what logical thought processes must go into this game. Einstein himself would seem to have trouble finding his way around some of the obstacles. Heck, MENSA could use the game as a screening tool. In a word, everything about the game play is ingenious.

Graphics

Not only is the game masterfully strung together, it is beautiful to look at. It lacks somewhat in the variety of objects set against the backdrop, but that’s to help from causing the player’s brain to explode. Almost mockingly, the game’s visuals are simple yet elegant. It is as if someone painted a picture one could easily play in. The unique and abstract style is something game developers can look to benchmark from in the future.

Sound

If the visuals weren’t enough, an original score helps paint a picture of mystery and mockery. Imagine a child’s music box, the kind with the ballerina dancing atop, paired with an eerie overlay constantly interrupted by the rewind button as the character completes each challenge. It’s stunning and almost beautiful.

PlasmaFactor

Playing this game for the challenge is what will drive many to purchase it. As short as it may be, taking the time to actually complete the gathering of every puzzle piece takes time depending on the skill level. Ultimately this is the game’s biggest downfall. Giving a lower score due to its difficulty would be silly, but the type of play may only appeal to a certain type. Any smart bloke will revel in their ability to master each level, but many others will find the game bland as they get what they can and finish the game incomplete.

Conclusion

Curiosity may not kill the cat here, it’s just that at 1200 MS points one is paying 15 dollars for a game they’ll try or beat and never pick up again. Surely this could be said for any game. However, with Braid’s notoriety one should be aware of what they’re getting into.