One of the biggest surprises of last
year was a clever little Xbox LIVE Arcade title called Braid. The game took a
compelling narrative, charming aesthetic, and great time-based puzzles to make
for an experience that truly stood out against any other game, downloadable or
otherwise. Since it has released, it has sparked countless debates on its
meaning, with the storyline metaphorically eliciting everything from a failed
relationship to the atomic bomb. While Xbox 360 owners have been eating this up
for over a year now (and PC gamers for a little less than that), PS3 owners have
been unfortunately left in the dust for the time being. That is, until now.
Courtesy of Hothead Games, Jonathan
Blow’s instant classic is now available for download on the PlayStation Network.
The game has been left unchanged from the Xbox 360 version, meaning that if you
played through that one then there isn’t really much incentive to pick up this
one. That being said, this is still a truly phenomenal gaming experience, and if
this is your first time with Braid, be prepared for one of the most engaging and
endearing stories you’re likely to experience in a video game.
The game doesn’t really provide you
with much background or explanation, but that’s a good thing and lends itself
well to the narrative. You play as a young man named Tim as you work your way
through various worlds collecting puzzle pieces. In order to collect each piece,
you have to solve a different time manipulation-based puzzle. At the beginning
of each world, there are books that will provide you with vague stories meant to
provide you with another piece of the story, and the puzzle pieces that you
collect in each world form a picture that also provides a clue to what is
driving the plot.
Braid’s gameplay blends
time-shifting puzzles with platforming to a great effect. Each stage has a
different time changing device, starting with you having the ability to simply
rewind time, and getting gradually more complex as you play. Some challenges
have you working in tandem with a ghost of your former actions, or using a small
sphere that slows down a small area of the world and so on. Each puzzle element
feels pretty different and requires you to use your brain in varied ways in
order to solve them. After you’ve solved all of the puzzles in levels 2 through
6, you’ll unlock the first level, which boasts an ending that will keep you
thinking for weeks afterwards.
Writing about what makes Braid such
a great game is a Herculean task to say the least, as you won’t be able to
really gauge the game through someone else’s words; it’s really something that
you have to see in action for yourself. The game pays homage to the platforming
genre while completely turning it on its head with challenging and unique puzzle
mechanics. The experience stays fresh throughout and the narrative is one of the
most well-written around.
Graphically, Braid is quite simple,
offering up 2D sprites on static backgrounds, but the look is really quite
impressive. The stages have a nice artistic look to them, and the characters are
nicely animated and have a great sense of style.
The sound effects themselves are
actually quite simple, but used to great effect. The game’s score is superbly
done, and rewinding time will result in the music and sound effects running
backwards, which is a nice effect that helps keep the ambiance.
This PS3 port doesn’t add in any new
features and comes in well over a year after the game first debuted on the Xbox
360, but that doesn’t make it any less of a recommendable experience. If this is
your first chance to check out Braid, then give it a download; you won’t be
disappointed.
Review Scoring Details for Braid |
Gameplay: 9.0
One of the most original puzzle platformers in years, Braid is an engrossing
experience from start to finish. While the game is pretty short, it’s still not
one to be missed.
Graphics: 8.5
The game’s use of sprites is simple, but done to very good effect. The
environments almost look like a painting, and do a great job of keeping with the
game’s overall themes.
Sound: 8.5
The game’s score is very well done, adding to the game’s atmosphere.
Difficulty: Medium/Hard
Concept: 9.0
An original and engaging storyline coupled with brilliant puzzle gameplay make
this a great package.
Overall: 9.0
While it may be a year late to the party, the PS3 version of Braid is
certainly worth a look from any Sony fan.
