Braid, put simply, is a gem. Not everyone will like Braid, but those that do like it will like it a lot. It's a beautiful game. Period. From it's visuals to its soundscape to its wonderfully clever puzzles, Braid is something that really should be experienced by anyone who considers him or herself to be a gamer. That said, 1200 points is a hefty price for an XBLA game. Chances are good that by the time you finish the trial version you will already have made up your mind one way or another. Frankly, we think Braid deserves all the love it can get.
[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon). [RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly.
Again, I found Braid unfun and very bland. However, I respect other's opinions. As long as I'm happy with what I have, I will be Okay with them having fun with what they have.
Yeah, I agree. I tried the demo, maybe it gets better deeper i? But, what I played was not nearly enough to justify the 1200 point price. I'll save up for Castle Crashers.
Gameplay definitely gets deeper, especially with the unique twist they add to each of the last three levels (out of five), but you can already have a pretty good idea from the first level, if you actually bother getting all the jigsaw puzzle pieces (which are not here as bonuses, but rather as the real goal of each level).
Chances are that most unconvinced people didn't realize the potential of this game, because they just rushed through every screens. Most of the rest probably just doesn't dig platformers and puzzle games or gave it a try in order to just complain about the price.
As for the lucky remaining ones who bought the game and enjoy it, they keep getting struck by its ingenuity the more they play.
Agreed, i thought the same thing. The time aspect looked interesting, but with no real limits on it (like there are in the previous Prince of Persia games, not the new one obvously) it seems there are no real repercussions for any mistakes you make. The visuals were nice, looked like a pretty childrens storybook, but i'm not forking out 1200msp, i got bored during the trial.
"it seems there are no real repercussions for any mistakes you make."
The game actually makes a point to mention that. The point is that you are rewarded for learning from your mistakes instead of punished for making them.
Durr this game has platforming (in addition to a super-blatant SMB reference, "Sorry, your princess is in another castle) so it must be exactly like Super Mario Bros., durr.
Just because there are mario references (along with a bunch of other 2D platformers) doesn't make it a mario game. This game puts its emphasis on its puzzles. If you're playing it like a mario game, you're simply missing out almost everything in a rather ignorant way.
I wish I could have seen the price of Braid coming a few weeks ago. I would have set aside more money for it. As it stands, yeah..it's an amazing game and a gem in it's own right but my points are set aside still for Castle Crashers and Bionic Commando Rearmed..if I can even afford them..
So would you want to play again once you've beat the game? Usually if I remember how the puzzle works, it wouldn't be as fun as the first time going through.
I don't understand what there is to like about this game. This game would be much better on PSN. At least they wouldn't overcharge for it. This game should be no more than 400 points. It doesn't even deserve to be 800 points. XBLA is starting to be a joke yet again. And yet people defend the price point. Sure, I won't buy the game, but no-one should. Anyone that does is just another shill for M$ in my opinion.
Just something else that makes me want M$ to fail and get out of consoles all together.
The demo was fun, but I doubt I'll buy it for that price. The sprites are cheap and vanilla, whereas the backgrounds are gorgeous. The music is beautiful. Maybe when it comes down to 800 points. I can get Tomb Raider Anniversary for 1600 points, yet this is 1200? No thanks.
Just finished the demo. Great demo and awesome time travel concept, but it's not worth my 15 bucks. maybe later though. I hope other developers implement the time travel into other games too. it would be awesome!
I didn't find it boring but I didn't fall in love with it. I really like art style and music and the puzzles are nice but I think once I play through it I'll never touch it again. Maybe I'm just cheap and that is why I'm hesitating to spend the 1200 points.
I found it fun and interesting. Some puzzles were fun and you do get a little sense of accomplishment after figuring it out -- like using the table in the almost completed puzzle to get the guy off one platform to jump on him.
I'm interested in the game, but I fear it is too short. I gotseveral games, like cloning clyde, which was fun, but way too short. Any info on the length?
I finished the first world -- all pieces in about 20 minutes. I played the other worlds (which were interesting) and finished most of the boards in another 10 minutes.
Unless this game is 10 hours long, I don't think it is worth 1200 points.
Wow. I played the demo and just skipped the puzzle pieces I couldn't jump to. Now that I've seen the video I find the game extremely unique and creative. But I'd rather buy GeoWars2. I'll buy it around Christmas.
How long is this game? I see its broken up in Worlds. I completed the 2nd World which is the demo. It took me about 30 min or so + playing around a bit. Depending how the # of hours the game is rated on average will determine if I pay 1200 pts.
Caution though, if this game becomes popular at 1200 pts, then by by 800 pt games...
I really don't think ignoring good games that are slightly more expensive because of some random fear that they'll all become that price makes much sense.
We're talking about $15 dollars here. It costs me $10 to each at most restaurants.
If you don't enjoy the game and don't feel it's worth it based on that merit, then that's cool. But don't skip it because you think there will be some conspiracy to rip you off.
People buying $60,000 cars hasn't brought about less $20,000 cars.
Like a cat, you feed them they'll keep coming back in this case at that price.
Somewhere people are laughing asking themselves..."wheres the roof on this thing?" seriously.
Braid just isn't worth the price. Puzzlequest was about the only game that released at 1200 points that was actually amazing but even that game is 800 now. Nomatter what gimmicks this game has it is still a 2d platformer so lets look at another 2d platformer in the arcade like Cloning Clyde how much does that game sell for?
Its not like braid just blows you away playing it either. This game never should have been priced over 10 bucks. A game better be damn good to sell at that pricepoint like Portal Still Alive or the Duke.
Can you honestly tell me that you or anyone feels this game is worth 5 dollars more than Ikaruga, Rez, Commando 3, Castlevania, Pac Man CE, Geometry Wars 2, N+, Pokersmash or Soul Caliber? You have to be nuts to think it should be valued higher no matter what genre any of those mentioned games are.
This trend is growing and growing and from an indi developer? Come on I think not. This should have been an 800 point game at best then noone would have said anything.
wow ok... so does everyone forget everything that has happened in gaming in the last 15 some years or something?
braid royaly sucks.
So if i call it "art" we can be blind sided by it's game play and act like everything is new?
the platforming is hella mario, i'm not just talking the stupid princess comment either. the only main enemies are sospsitcated goomba's. the other enemy is a flower that comes out of a pot uh.... kinda like mario..
You say time feature... i saw Prince of Persia on the xbox 1. We've done this for less and for better.
People nowadays act like just because a game is on XBLA, PSN, or Wiiware we have to look at it like it's a cripple.
oh look at it, it's walking and jumping that's amazing for the retarded xbla game.
I'm tired of reviewers giving crappy games high freaking scores.
You are trying to tell me you will seriously buy this over Geometry Wars 2?
This is nothing but a adventure where Mario decided to slip a little acid and get wasted. Guess what... this isn't the first time he's done that.
I'm sorry you feel that way. This is a brilliant game. It does indeed pay homage to Mario, but the gameplay is almost *nothing* like Mario and it is definitely *nothing* like Prince of Persia. In Prince of Persia, the only purpose of rewinding time is if you die.
In Braid, the time mechanic is a principle part of solving the game's puzzles. If you're basing your assumptions on the trial version -- or worse, on just watching this video -- then you have no idea what the full game has to offer. It's not like the high scores are some kind of conspiracy. It's just a great game.
In my opinion, it's a great game, but the timing and the pricing are somewhat off. 1200 points just seems like a lot of points after having the majority of XBLA releases priced at 800 points. I might be willing to spend the points, but there's a lot of good games coming out very soon (including Castle Crashers) and right after a big XBLA release (GeoWars 2) most people probably aren't willing to spend the points.
the concept is great but i dont like the style of it. the music just bores me and it reminds me of mario a little bit so when i compare it to Braid this game is kind of ugly. the puzzles are clever i'll give the game that, but i wish it felt more alive (better art style and music). also the pricing is terrible and there is no one else to blame but MS fot it, even the producer didnt agree with it. $15? seriously...
Wow, I guess this game really is not for everyone. I brought it after playing the demo for less then 5 minutes - I find the atmosphere incredible. But I'm a sucker for games who combine game conventions and mechanics with thematic elements; to me, that's one of the most interesting thing going on in the indy game scene at the moment.
It is looking like it's going to be short - I'd guess 3 or 4 hours, but that's longer then a film, and I'm not sure I'd want it to be longer - I think the basic idea would wear thin, and you'd start to ignore the artwork if it went on.
Tried the demo last night and have to say I enjoyed it. I definitely wanted more by the end of it.
Enjoyed the 4th world where time moved backwards and forwards when you walked left or right.
I think there are 6 worlds in total. I read a review of it yesterday and they gave it the full 10/10.
It's a welcome change when playing games these days where you have to stop and think about what you need to do next. The last game to do that was Portal (for me anyway).
Big thumbs up! May well purchase it this weekend. Christ that'll be 2 in 2 weeks! That's a first for me!!
I really enjoyed the demo and if my wife had not just lost her job I would have seriously considered purchasing the game. My only gripe is that I cannot go buy it at game stop I have to use Microsofts corrupt points system. Where do they get off saying 100 of their points is of higher value then a dollar. They are crooked I tell ya! I wish castle crashers was coming out in hard copy form as I really don't want to but those points ever!
I can understand that this game is not for everyone, but saying that it outright sucks is just beyond me. This game is a stroke of brilliance, and I absolutely love it. The clever time mechanics, mind-bending puzzles, GORGEOUS hand-drawn artwork and atmospheric music all add up to an addictive game that oozes production quality. I can barely fathom how this game was produced by two people. TWO PEOPLE.
Based on the reception this game is getting from fans (not critics, who universally love it), I'm almost ashamed to say that this would have been a better fit for PSN, where more artistic, thought-provoking, and unique titles seem to thrive (echochrome, flOw, Eden, etc..)
Seriously this game is not even in the top 500 best 2d hand drawn games. That comment is insulting.
You want to see something that took real effort look at Guilty Gear x2 reload or Street Fighter 3 3rd Strike.
Not A fighting fan? Thats ok try playing the first Rayman on the Saturn that crushes any artwork braid has going for it and that game is over 10 years old.
Why not try Pokersmash another indi game made by one guy. Really polished and really nice. Braid is average at best in delivering the goods and gives you what 3 or 4 hours of play? LMAO! for 15 bucks? I'd rather have 3 gallons of gas for that price. People really do have this sympathy for arcade games like they were retarded and we gotta give them a break heh.
You're pretty upset about this title. Can't afford it, eh?
When I said that the game had beautiful 'hand-drawn' artwork, I meant that the graphics resembled more traditional artwork rather than 2D digital graphics. The games mentioned in your post look great, sure, but they certainly look more like the latter. Braid resembles a watercolour or gouache painting in motion, with hand-drawn sketches populating the foreground. It's fine to disagree, however, so I respect your opinion.
I just cleared the game and discovered how profound and intriguing the storyline becomes. The ending is very clever, and reveals a much more mature side of the game. For those of you that are passing on it, you really are missing out on something special.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
erico316 @ Aug 6th 2008 6:16PM
brain remind me of Mario for snes which i love.this game is great.huge thumb up to the developers.
erico316 @ Aug 6th 2008 6:51PM
opps i meant braid
StLouisRibs7734 @ Aug 6th 2008 6:28PM
Again, I found Braid unfun and very bland. However, I respect other's opinions. As long as I'm happy with what I have, I will be Okay with them having fun with what they have.
Fire Fawkes @ Aug 6th 2008 6:51PM
Yeah, I agree. I tried the demo, maybe it gets better deeper i? But, what I played was not nearly enough to justify the 1200 point price. I'll save up for Castle Crashers.
magicmoo @ Aug 7th 2008 7:11AM
Gameplay definitely gets deeper, especially with the unique twist they add to each of the last three levels (out of five), but you can already have a pretty good idea from the first level, if you actually bother getting all the jigsaw puzzle pieces (which are not here as bonuses, but rather as the real goal of each level).
Chances are that most unconvinced people didn't realize the potential of this game, because they just rushed through every screens. Most of the rest probably just doesn't dig platformers and puzzle games or gave it a try in order to just complain about the price.
As for the lucky remaining ones who bought the game and enjoy it, they keep getting struck by its ingenuity the more they play.
webster1990 @ Aug 7th 2008 8:56AM
Agreed, i thought the same thing. The time aspect looked interesting, but with no real limits on it (like there are in the previous Prince of Persia games, not the new one obvously) it seems there are no real repercussions for any mistakes you make. The visuals were nice, looked like a pretty childrens storybook, but i'm not forking out 1200msp, i got bored during the trial.
Richard Mitchell @ Aug 7th 2008 9:54AM
"it seems there are no real repercussions for any mistakes you make."
The game actually makes a point to mention that. The point is that you are rewarded for learning from your mistakes instead of punished for making them.
michael @ Aug 6th 2008 6:34PM
This is a revised version of super mario bros. i'd still get it though.
Magic Whiskey @ Aug 6th 2008 6:54PM
Braid is so unlike Mario Brothers it's like calling Call of Duty 4 a Doom ripoff. Try the demo and you'll see.
michael @ Aug 6th 2008 7:02PM
will do. when i get the chance.
Ben! @ Aug 6th 2008 10:27PM
Durr this game has platforming (in addition to a super-blatant SMB reference, "Sorry, your princess is in another castle) so it must be exactly like Super Mario Bros., durr.
*Drools*
Exo @ Aug 7th 2008 1:56AM
just about everything inthis game is a rip or refrence to mario, dont even deny it, even the enemies are complete rips
magicmoo @ Aug 7th 2008 7:21AM
Just because there are mario references (along with a bunch of other 2D platformers) doesn't make it a mario game. This game puts its emphasis on its puzzles. If you're playing it like a mario game, you're simply missing out almost everything in a rather ignorant way.
Richard Mitchell @ Aug 7th 2008 10:01AM
Yeah, the killer rabbits are probably my favorite enemy in the Mario series.
Tiptup300 @ Aug 9th 2008 2:41PM
I remember all the good time travel abilities in Mario. Good times...
Magic Whiskey @ Aug 6th 2008 6:51PM
I wish I could have seen the price of Braid coming a few weeks ago. I would have set aside more money for it. As it stands, yeah..it's an amazing game and a gem in it's own right but my points are set aside still for Castle Crashers and Bionic Commando Rearmed..if I can even afford them..
therza2169 @ Aug 7th 2008 1:19PM
If you are looking for discounted points Target will have 1600 points cards on sale for $14.99 starting Sunday. A Pretty good time to stock up.
Magic Whiskey @ Aug 7th 2008 3:55PM
online or in store?
Jeff @ Aug 6th 2008 7:04PM
This might be my GOTY so far. Love it! Worth every penny or MS point.
DM89 @ Aug 6th 2008 7:09PM
So would you want to play again once you've beat the game? Usually if I remember how the puzzle works, it wouldn't be as fun as the first time going through.
Intangible 360 @ Aug 6th 2008 7:14PM
I'm hooked, I love this game and I went into the demo thinking I would have no interest at all.
ABACAB72 @ Aug 6th 2008 7:22PM
I don't understand what there is to like about this game. This game would be much better on PSN. At least they wouldn't overcharge for it. This game should be no more than 400 points. It doesn't even deserve to be 800 points. XBLA is starting to be a joke yet again. And yet people defend the price point. Sure, I won't buy the game, but no-one should. Anyone that does is just another shill for M$ in my opinion.
Just something else that makes me want M$ to fail and get out of consoles all together.
Jeff @ Aug 6th 2008 7:37PM
LOL. Fanboy much?
Eddie @ Aug 6th 2008 8:04PM
We thought ABA was just being honest and calling it like he saw it. You guys are a bunch of bullies.
Regards,
Fox News
Metoo @ Aug 6th 2008 7:23PM
The demo was fun, but I doubt I'll buy it for that price. The sprites are cheap and vanilla, whereas the backgrounds are gorgeous. The music is beautiful. Maybe when it comes down to 800 points. I can get Tomb Raider Anniversary for 1600 points, yet this is 1200? No thanks.
Mr.U2 @ Aug 6th 2008 8:00PM
Just finished the demo. Great demo and awesome time travel concept, but it's not worth my 15 bucks. maybe later though. I hope other developers implement the time travel into other games too. it would be awesome!
Graham @ Aug 6th 2008 8:20PM
I didn't find it boring but I didn't fall in love with it. I really like art style and music and the puzzles are nice but I think once I play through it I'll never touch it again. Maybe I'm just cheap and that is why I'm hesitating to spend the 1200 points.
Fierod @ Aug 6th 2008 8:35PM
I love this game, and can't stop playing it! Now I just wonder how this would work in 3D =P
ZEBRA NINER @ Aug 7th 2008 12:18AM
Timeshift! Same price, time bending puzzles, and guns! Not to mention full retail.
Jonman @ Aug 6th 2008 8:59PM
Fantastic game. Steeply priced though.
I put it in the same mental bucket as Portal. Revolutionary concept, incredibly well executed. Short, but oh-so-sweet.
I can't condone the price point, and I slightly hate myself for buying it, but I'm throughly enjoying it.
ccc @ Aug 6th 2008 9:01PM
would have got it for a cheaper price, not worth 1200 points.
Jcarpio @ Aug 6th 2008 9:16PM
first of all.. this is work done by an independent dev, if the demo is any good i'll buy it.
I don't mind supporting independent game development at 15 bucks. It's not like they're charging 30-40 dollars for it.
on aside, do PC users bitch about prices on Steam?
do Wii users when paying 10 bucks for an emulation of a game?
if you can't afford it, then sorry, you can't buy it. it's not going to be 5 bucks (although some will still bitch) nor will it be free.
Play the demo, decide whether it's worth your money and move on.
Daniel Lipetz @ Aug 6th 2008 9:30PM
I found it fun and interesting. Some puzzles were fun and you do get a little sense of accomplishment after figuring it out -- like using the table in the almost completed puzzle to get the guy off one platform to jump on him.
I'm interested in the game, but I fear it is too short. I gotseveral games, like cloning clyde, which was fun, but way too short. Any info on the length?
I finished the first world -- all pieces in about 20 minutes. I played the other worlds (which were interesting) and finished most of the boards in another 10 minutes.
Unless this game is 10 hours long, I don't think it is worth 1200 points.
Tegolin @ Aug 6th 2008 9:56PM
Wow.
I played the demo and just skipped the puzzle pieces I couldn't jump to.
Now that I've seen the video I find the game extremely unique and creative. But I'd rather buy GeoWars2.
I'll buy it around Christmas.
monkeymonkeymonkey @ Aug 6th 2008 10:19PM
How long is this game? I see its broken up in Worlds. I completed the 2nd World which is the demo. It took me about 30 min or so + playing around a bit. Depending how the # of hours the game is rated on average will determine if I pay 1200 pts.
Caution though, if this game becomes popular at 1200 pts, then by by 800 pt games...
Tony @ Aug 6th 2008 10:46PM
I really don't think ignoring good games that are slightly more expensive because of some random fear that they'll all become that price makes much sense.
We're talking about $15 dollars here. It costs me $10 to each at most restaurants.
If you don't enjoy the game and don't feel it's worth it based on that merit, then that's cool. But don't skip it because you think there will be some conspiracy to rip you off.
People buying $60,000 cars hasn't brought about less $20,000 cars.
ccc @ Aug 7th 2008 12:02AM
Tony don't be so simple.
These people want money our money.
Like a cat, you feed them they'll keep coming back in this case at that price.
Somewhere people are laughing asking themselves..."wheres the roof on this thing?" seriously.
Braid just isn't worth the price. Puzzlequest was about the only game that released at 1200 points that was actually amazing but even that game is 800 now. Nomatter what gimmicks this game has it is still a 2d platformer so lets look at another 2d platformer in the arcade like Cloning Clyde how much does that game sell for?
Its not like braid just blows you away playing it either. This game never should have been priced over 10 bucks. A game better be damn good to sell at that pricepoint like Portal Still Alive or the Duke.
Can you honestly tell me that you or anyone feels this game is worth 5 dollars more than Ikaruga, Rez, Commando 3, Castlevania, Pac Man CE, Geometry Wars 2, N+, Pokersmash or Soul Caliber? You have to be nuts to think it should be valued higher no matter what genre any of those mentioned games are.
This trend is growing and growing and from an indi developer? Come on I think not. This should have been an 800 point game at best then noone would have said anything.
Merehorseplay @ Aug 6th 2008 11:36PM
woot
Aeikozz @ Aug 7th 2008 12:18AM
wow ok... so does everyone forget everything that has happened in gaming in the last 15 some years or something?
braid royaly sucks.
So if i call it "art" we can be blind sided by it's game play and act like everything is new?
the platforming is hella mario, i'm not just talking the stupid princess comment either. the only main enemies are sospsitcated goomba's. the other enemy is a flower that comes out of a pot uh.... kinda like mario..
You say time feature... i saw Prince of Persia on the xbox 1. We've done this for less and for better.
People nowadays act like just because a game is on XBLA, PSN, or Wiiware we have to look at it like it's a cripple.
oh look at it, it's walking and jumping that's amazing for the retarded xbla game.
I'm tired of reviewers giving crappy games high freaking scores.
You are trying to tell me you will seriously buy this over Geometry Wars 2?
This is nothing but a adventure where Mario decided to slip a little acid and get wasted. Guess what... this isn't the first time he's done that.
joey @ Aug 7th 2008 9:43AM
You know what, buy both.
Richard Mitchell @ Aug 7th 2008 10:07AM
I'm sorry you feel that way. This is a brilliant game. It does indeed pay homage to Mario, but the gameplay is almost *nothing* like Mario and it is definitely *nothing* like Prince of Persia. In Prince of Persia, the only purpose of rewinding time is if you die.
In Braid, the time mechanic is a principle part of solving the game's puzzles. If you're basing your assumptions on the trial version -- or worse, on just watching this video -- then you have no idea what the full game has to offer. It's not like the high scores are some kind of conspiracy. It's just a great game.
http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/braid?q=braid
ccc @ Aug 7th 2008 4:35PM
@Aeikozz
I love your post made me laugh good point.
RomeoDude @ Aug 7th 2008 12:32AM
In my opinion, it's a great game, but the timing and the pricing are somewhat off. 1200 points just seems like a lot of points after having the majority of XBLA releases priced at 800 points. I might be willing to spend the points, but there's a lot of good games coming out very soon (including Castle Crashers) and right after a big XBLA release (GeoWars 2) most people probably aren't willing to spend the points.
Flakundenga @ Aug 7th 2008 2:46AM
the concept is great but i dont like the style of it. the music just bores me and it reminds me of mario a little bit so when i compare it to Braid this game is kind of ugly. the puzzles are clever i'll give the game that, but i wish it felt more alive (better art style and music). also the pricing is terrible and there is no one else to blame but MS fot it, even the producer didnt agree with it. $15? seriously...
gabbble @ Aug 7th 2008 3:38AM
Wow, I guess this game really is not for everyone. I brought it after playing the demo for less then 5 minutes - I find the atmosphere incredible. But I'm a sucker for games who combine game conventions and mechanics with thematic elements; to me, that's one of the most interesting thing going on in the indy game scene at the moment.
It is looking like it's going to be short - I'd guess 3 or 4 hours, but that's longer then a film, and I'm not sure I'd want it to be longer - I think the basic idea would wear thin, and you'd start to ignore the artwork if it went on.
Boff @ Aug 7th 2008 5:22AM
Tried the demo last night and have to say I enjoyed it. I definitely wanted more by the end of it.
Enjoyed the 4th world where time moved backwards and forwards when you walked left or right.
I think there are 6 worlds in total. I read a review of it yesterday and they gave it the full 10/10.
It's a welcome change when playing games these days where you have to stop and think about what you need to do next. The last game to do that was Portal (for me anyway).
Big thumbs up! May well purchase it this weekend. Christ that'll be 2 in 2 weeks! That's a first for me!!
Tatsukishi @ Aug 7th 2008 8:42AM
I really enjoyed the demo and if my wife had not just lost her job I would have seriously considered purchasing the game. My only gripe is that I cannot go buy it at game stop I have to use Microsofts corrupt points system. Where do they get off saying 100 of their points is of higher value then a dollar. They are crooked I tell ya! I wish castle crashers was coming out in hard copy form as I really don't want to but those points ever!
Ithilis @ Aug 7th 2008 9:15AM
I can understand that this game is not for everyone, but saying that it outright sucks is just beyond me. This game is a stroke of brilliance, and I absolutely love it. The clever time mechanics, mind-bending puzzles, GORGEOUS hand-drawn artwork and atmospheric music all add up to an addictive game that oozes production quality. I can barely fathom how this game was produced by two people. TWO PEOPLE.
Based on the reception this game is getting from fans (not critics, who universally love it), I'm almost ashamed to say that this would have been a better fit for PSN, where more artistic, thought-provoking, and unique titles seem to thrive (echochrome, flOw, Eden, etc..)
ccc @ Aug 7th 2008 4:45PM
"GORGEOUS hand-drawn artwork"
Do you take crazy pills?
Seriously this game is not even in the top 500 best 2d hand drawn games. That comment is insulting.
You want to see something that took real effort look at Guilty Gear x2 reload or Street Fighter 3 3rd Strike.
Not A fighting fan? Thats ok try playing the first Rayman on the Saturn that crushes any artwork braid has going for it and that game is over 10 years old.
Why not try Pokersmash another indi game made by one guy. Really polished and really nice. Braid is average at best in delivering the goods and gives you what 3 or 4 hours of play? LMAO! for 15 bucks? I'd rather have 3 gallons of gas for that price.
People really do have this sympathy for arcade games like they were retarded and we gotta give them a break heh.
Ithilis @ Aug 7th 2008 5:22PM
You're pretty upset about this title. Can't afford it, eh?
When I said that the game had beautiful 'hand-drawn' artwork, I meant that the graphics resembled more traditional artwork rather than 2D digital graphics. The games mentioned in your post look great, sure, but they certainly look more like the latter. Braid resembles a watercolour or gouache painting in motion, with hand-drawn sketches populating the foreground. It's fine to disagree, however, so I respect your opinion.
I just cleared the game and discovered how profound and intriguing the storyline becomes. The ending is very clever, and reveals a much more mature side of the game. For those of you that are passing on it, you really are missing out on something special.