Review :: Braid

Braid, a puzzle game created by Jonathan Blow, was the darling of the games press for quite some time. Combining simple, Mario-esque platforming with mind bending puzzle mechanics, it became the epitome of an indie game. A shining beacon in the sea of downloadable titles. Hothead have finally brought the game to the PlayStation Network. You know what? It’s still brilliant.

Everything about Braid is great. The art style, it’s occasionally infuriating puzzles and even it’s simple facade are fantastic. At a glance, you might think this is just another 2D platformer with a quirky art style made by people on acid. It’s this, rather trippy, art style that first drew me into the game. If it was any different, I think many would have a hard time making their way through. Not only did I want to finish the puzzles, I wanted to progress and see the next environment.

The game’s soundtrack is really good too. The combination of quirky aesthetic and this sonic masterpiece is perfect. What really makes it, is that all the songs are licensed tracks from a variety of artists and yet it still feels original.

Of course, besides Braid being an amazing audio/visual experience it’s a bloody good game too. With Braid, Blow took the puzzle game to a new level. With the power to manipulate time, players must navigate your way through a series of 6 worlds. Each world requiring a different time-based mechanic for you to finish it. More importantly, you need to get those puzzle pieces to ultimately “solve” the level. That’s as easy as it sounds, believe me.

My only problem with the game is that it’s a tad short. Sure, the puzzles are hard, but, if you’re on the ball, you could be done with it in a few hours. However, that’s quite unlikely.

On the whole, Braid is a great take on the puzzle/platforming genre and one that everyone should, at least, take a look at. PS3 owners might have waited a year to play it, but it was certainly worth it.

8.5/10

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