Braid Review XBLA’s Brilliant Platformer

Too often we’re preoccupied with the destination & forget the journey.

by Sutton Dagger

©2008 Steve Sutton:

“`How do you begin to critique an experience like Braid, based on puzzle/platforming elements, yet with far more profound connotations? At its core, Braid is a puzzle/platforming game and has no hesitation in  paying homage to its roots (“Im sorry, but the Princess is in another castle”, is a classic line your all familiar with).

The gameplay handles like you would expect from a traditional 2D platformer, you are able to move both left and right, whilst jumping up to, or descending down to higher/lower levels respectively. Though there is certainly more to Braid than this simple premise, for those who wish to explore such avenues.

Essentially, you control the protagonist Tim, through a series of worlds with varying time manipulation themes. At a base level, you are simply asked to reach the next door to progress through each sub-stage, though puzzle pieces are scattered throughout and present the real challenge, obtaining them all is no small undertaking.

This time manipulation theme begins with the simple feature of being able to reverse time, missed jumps or premature death can instantly be reversed, you might think this diminishes its difficulty but this is not the crux of Braid.

Each progressive world has a spin on this time manipulation idea, It might be reversing time only to find a shadow of your former self mimicking your previous actions or the creation of a ‘time bubble’ to slow the flow of time within its radius.

All these time control elements are used to solve the various puzzles you are faced with, acquiring a key to open a locked door might not be as straightforward  as it seems.

Braid does a sensational job of presenting you with new and unique challenges as you progress through the different worlds, throwing in concepts such as, objects that don’t get effected by the reversal of time and even stretching this to involve the character himself.

Locked doors may be irreversibly opened and keys permanently damaged, all these ideas make for a brain straining challenge, though the pay-off is well worth the mental involvement. If you’re after a pure platforming experience Braid will certainly please, though beyond this superficial exterior you will find a game with insightful suggestions that are unmatched in the interactive entertainment medium.

The story is presented in books as beautifully crafted prose pieces, writings about the intimate thoughts and feelings of the protagonist, Tim. These are viewed, at your own discretion, in the space between the world doors and sub-stages. From the outset we can gather that Tim is looking for his princess (not very original, though this adds to its brilliance) and that he once had her, but his “mistakes” drove her away.

From there, Braid is a personal experience, it’s startling that a game can outwardly project its core ideas and involve the player in its message. Some people will be completely enthralled by the tale, while others may find nothing but a decent platformer, its all about ‘Perspective’.

Flowing on from the strong gameplay mechanics and inspiring story, Braids graphics are as equally competent. A wash of watercoloured backgrounds provide a clear distinction between the backdrops and the sprites of the main character and his opponents. The backgrounds fluctuate in colour as time is revered or fast forwarded, dulling and brightening to add a visual flare to your actions.

The sound undergoes the same transitions, effectively mimicking the process of reversal, with notes becoming warped under the strain of time manipulation. Unlike most platforming musical scores, Braid has a sweeping soundtrack, incorporating string instruments (especially the violin and cello) to enhance the flow and mood of the gameplay.

Perhaps (unfortunately)  Braids most talked about factor, is its price point. At 1200 MS points, roughly $18 Australian dollars, Braid is one of the more expensive Xbox Live Arcade releases, though is this price point justified? Though the game might not take long to finish, the whole experience is worth every cent.

To put it in perspective, a trip to the cinema to see the latest Hollywood blockbuster would set you back approximately the same amount of money, though comparing  their value on monetary price is folly.  Others will have varying opinions, as they should, though how can you put a price point on something that defies the usual boundaries of where a game can take you. Perhaps the most profound and rewarding gaming journey in years, Braid is a masterpiece.

©2008 Steve Sutton:

“9.8/10

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