Braid

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1013 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 830 out of 1013
  2. Mixed: 129 out of 1013
  3. Negative: 54 out of 1013
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  1. Shadran
    Dec 27, 2022
    8
    Sad puzzle game with beautiful art and nice relaxing music. There are few hiccups in difficulty that can make you mad, but other then that its pretty good. I especially liked the shadow levels and chandeliers fights.
  2. Topoide
    Feb 18, 2022
    8
    Juego con muy buena jugabilidad, muy buenos puzzles y una historia interesante.
  3. CactusChest
    May 21, 2021
    10
    To be honest, probably the best puzzle game I have ever played, maybe even more than Portal 2. I love this game, it’s vague “up to interpretation” story, it’s fantastically designed puzzles, everything about this game is great.
  4. damaso7
    May 10, 2021
    9
    This game is a piece of art. The soundtrack, the background, the different levels of difficulty, everything is well tuned to achieve a really original game with the seal of Jonathan Blow
  5. naufri27
    Mar 5, 2021
    8
    Aventura bonita y encantadora de las que siempre recordarás y tendrás un grato recuerdo, pese a ser demasiado corta. Con un mérito especial para la única persona que lo hizo posible: Jonathan Blow.

    No es un juego de plataformas corriente, se sirve de jugar con el tiempo en numerosas vertientes para transmitir al jugador una historia de amor fuera de lo común en entornos coloreados con    Aventura bonita y encantadora de las que siempre recordarás y tendrás un grato recuerdo, pese a ser demasiado corta. Con un mérito especial para la única persona que lo hizo posible: Jonathan Blow.

    No es un juego de plataformas corriente, se sirve de jugar con el tiempo en numerosas vertientes para transmitir al jugador una historia de amor fuera de lo común en entornos coloreados con estilo acuarela. En cada mundo, el tiempo será usado de diferente manera para recoger las piezas de rompecabezas necesarias para completar y darle sentido al fragmento de historia que nos va contando poco a poco. Hace reflexionar al jugador o jugadora sobre las relaciones y los miedos que todos arrastramos. Y es que, como clara referencia a Mario Bros., es muy posible que nuestra princesa ideal siempre esté en otro castillo.

    Añade además una banda sonora sobresaliente que redondea esa ambientación cautivadora, cuyo tema principal está basado en la canción tradicional de origen gallego-celta llamada O son do ar.    … Expand
  6. kezzyhko
    Aug 5, 2020
    8
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  7. 65daysofleon
    Feb 9, 2019
    10
    This is the first game review I ever write on Metacritic because Braid is the one game that haunts me artistically, years after finishing it. I finished it in 5 hours, this was 6 years ago, I haven't played it since but the ending still pops up in my memories every once in a while. I will replay it soon and can recommend it to anyone with a fondness of cleverness, creativity, and profoundThis is the first game review I ever write on Metacritic because Braid is the one game that haunts me artistically, years after finishing it. I finished it in 5 hours, this was 6 years ago, I haven't played it since but the ending still pops up in my memories every once in a while. I will replay it soon and can recommend it to anyone with a fondness of cleverness, creativity, and profound meaning in the plot. Beautiful game. Absolutely beautiful.… Expand
  8. Mpbpl
    Nov 13, 2018
    10
    The game that started the Indie industry!
    This game is beautiful, it is a simple aesthetic for a 2D game but everything in it feels detailed, like a painting. The music of this game is amazing, and even if you hear it for a long time, it won't make you tired of it.
    It has so many creative puzzles, the difficulty is progressively building up to the later stages that will make you stop and    The game that started the Indie industry!
    This game is beautiful, it is a simple aesthetic for a 2D game but everything in it feels detailed, like a painting. The music of this game is amazing, and even if you hear it for a long time, it won't make you tired of it.
    It has so many creative puzzles, the difficulty is progressively building up to the later stages that will make you stop and think for a very long time. There are so many creative ways to mess with time.... Time in this game is EVERYTHING, from the story to the puzzles and items and everything else.
    Amazing!!!    … Expand
  9. curzon_dax
    May 9, 2018
    8
    Overrated for a 10, but it deserves an 8. The game is relatively original, though not extremely; there are various other puzzle games though this one is at least older than most of the similar ones. The puzzles can be often irritating not because they are inherently hard to figure out per se, but hard to perform. I doubt this game can get any awards for smoothness in gameplay mechanics ofOverrated for a 10, but it deserves an 8. The game is relatively original, though not extremely; there are various other puzzle games though this one is at least older than most of the similar ones. The puzzles can be often irritating not because they are inherently hard to figure out per se, but hard to perform. I doubt this game can get any awards for smoothness in gameplay mechanics of movement so I think it should have limited the need for acrobatics and it should have limited the hardness in mind games mostly. But anyway, in overall the game is good, the story ok (not stellar), the gameplay good, all in all it's good, it's almost a 7 but due to its originality at the time an 8 it deserves.… Expand
  10. BarkingDoggy
    May 1, 2017
    9
    A great puzzle game with a cool time-manipulating mechanic that is used in many creative ways. The way these mechanics also complement the story and their philosophical meanings is brilliant. This painted world is a joy to explore and piece together. The puzzles are simple yet oh-so complex. Brilliant.
  11. thealexmott
    Mar 26, 2017
    9
    Sometimes frustratingly difficult, but it feels SO GOOD when you finally solve those puzzles. A genius and thought-provoking platformer. A memorable creepy vibe with a great ending.
  12. ornichola
    Oct 14, 2016
    9
    One of the greatest games - truly representative of independent development based on game passion. Johnathan Blow and his team created really cool puzzle with interesting game mechanic. Moreover, it is bear out by great art and story. I really love this game and recommend it to play.
  13. Leoka
    Aug 19, 2016
    9
    Este juego podría ser catalogado como un Mario Bros para adultos, no solo por la historia sino también por los gráficos y una resolución de puzzles que a veces puede ser demasiado frustrante. El arte de este juego es hermoso y si bien el personaje casi no tiene animaciones, no son necesarias ya que el juego en si es lo importante y la relación del tiempo es crucial para resolver cadaEste juego podría ser catalogado como un Mario Bros para adultos, no solo por la historia sino también por los gráficos y una resolución de puzzles que a veces puede ser demasiado frustrante. El arte de este juego es hermoso y si bien el personaje casi no tiene animaciones, no son necesarias ya que el juego en si es lo importante y la relación del tiempo es crucial para resolver cada pantalla.… Expand
  14. Basquilly
    Mar 14, 2016
    8
    I'll be honest, I cannot pinpoint why this game evoked so much emotion in me. Looking back it seems pretentious and dull. However, thinking back to how I felt when I actually played the game, I recall that I was engrossed in the subtle yet meaningful story, the innovative gameplay and the unique style of the game. I cannot deny that playing this game was one of the most memorableI'll be honest, I cannot pinpoint why this game evoked so much emotion in me. Looking back it seems pretentious and dull. However, thinking back to how I felt when I actually played the game, I recall that I was engrossed in the subtle yet meaningful story, the innovative gameplay and the unique style of the game. I cannot deny that playing this game was one of the most memorable experiences I've had in gaming.… Expand
  15. beardi
    Feb 4, 2016
    10
    Braid is a master piece. Took me a while to try it, because I thought most people was overreacting. Once I tried it the game totally got me. The way puzzles, story, music, mechanics, etc. work together is something that I rarely see in other games. Great game.
  16. boobins
    Jan 3, 2016
    9
    Great platform puzzle game. Some of the puzzles are really hard which I like. :o) .
  17. Praseidimio666
    Nov 24, 2015
    9
    Adds a third dimension to bidimensional games. So many new ideas in a genre that barely offers something new since 20 years or more. Graphics have a nice, simple style and the role of sound creates an almost psychedelic experience. You rarely have an impression of bland repetition or pointlessness that plagues most games
  18. everin
    Oct 1, 2015
    8
    Tier 2
    + For the most part expertly conceived
    + Good examples of gameplay informing theme, aesthetics, and story
    + Excellent visuals
    ? Somewhat disjointed and overwrought narrative
    - Some puzzles are more annoying than fun due to weird time mechanics
    - "Secret Stars" not particularly well designe
  19. asfj
    May 30, 2015
    10
    Braid is the most inspiring game I've ever played. Not to mention its brilliant merge of gameplay and story telling, I certainly receive some important messages from the subtle but eloquent story that could direct my life into better way. I really appreciate the authors' sensitive insight into the very minutiae of life, vivid and inspiring. Thanks. For me, the story, the truth and theBraid is the most inspiring game I've ever played. Not to mention its brilliant merge of gameplay and story telling, I certainly receive some important messages from the subtle but eloquent story that could direct my life into better way. I really appreciate the authors' sensitive insight into the very minutiae of life, vivid and inspiring. Thanks. For me, the story, the truth and the philosophy it reveals achieve the game maybe because I have similar experience as the author as I am always doing sth I think are more important than others, but maybe I am wrong. Time and young never stop elapsing, sth missed and abandoned because of my inexperience and stubbornness will never come back again, but I have to grow from that. Do right thing in right time, you will live longer and happier. And remember those minorities devote their whole life doing the 'WRONG ' things for a better future of all of us. God bless them.… Expand
  20. Amandaklop
    May 9, 2015
    8
    A very challenging and engaging game with interesting time mechanisms and commentary on relationships. Right up until the pretentious and unrelated ending.
  21. Wergez
    Oct 28, 2014
    10
    Dies ist einer der besten Indies, die ich jemals gespielt habe.
    Ich liebe das Konzept. Der Entwickler versteht auch Rätsel zu machen - mit Aha-Effekt am Ende.
    Man musste mal die gleiche Map auf verschiedene Arten lösen, was ich ganz genial finde.
    Mit der Geschichte und der melancholischen Hintergrundmusik hat mir das Spiel emotional zugesetzt.
  22. carlosgtardon
    Jun 10, 2014
    8
    Visualmente interesante y con unas mecánicas de juego sobre el control del tiempo que lo hacen una referencia en el campo de los juegos indies, pero tal vez la historia queda un poco desvinculada de la mecánica. Vale la pena comprarlo, sobre todo en rebajas.
  23. TheLagbringer
    May 2, 2014
    9
    Braid is a simple puzzle platformer, or at least at the first glance. Gameplay is incredibly smooth and well done along with all the time tricks you get to experience throug the levels. You'll love the relaxing "classical" music and overall soft and chill appeal in whole design.
    The trick is the first glance of simplicity wears off quite fast and you are going to get stuck. Often. Braid    Braid is a simple puzzle platformer, or at least at the first glance. Gameplay is incredibly smooth and well done along with all the time tricks you get to experience throug the levels. You'll love the relaxing "classical" music and overall soft and chill appeal in whole design.
    The trick is the first glance of simplicity wears off quite fast and you are going to get stuck. Often. Braid is by far the hardest puzzle game I've ever played. This is truly going to test how patient and clever you are. You are going to be frustrated at times, but at the same time each puzzle is going to give you a great feeling of accomplishment if you are patient enough to solve it on your own. None of the puzzles are dumb or repetitive and each brings a new pattern to uncover and understand.
    About the story - I must say I enjoyed the sentimental style and slow uncovering of it, but most of the time I was quite confused and had no idea what it was all about. Well, I definitely experienced better storytelling in games, but this game won my gaming soul just by its crisp gameplay.    … Expand
  24. CaKeS
    Apr 26, 2014
    10
    An ABSOLUTE masterpiece. This is a puzzle platformer with incredible artwork, a delightful soundtrack, and an amazing storyline. The puzzles are perfectly put together and are VERY well done and creative, I can't even imagine how someone would come up with most of these puzzles. Throughout the game you're given different powers, whether they can slow down time in a specific region, orAn ABSOLUTE masterpiece. This is a puzzle platformer with incredible artwork, a delightful soundtrack, and an amazing storyline. The puzzles are perfectly put together and are VERY well done and creative, I can't even imagine how someone would come up with most of these puzzles. Throughout the game you're given different powers, whether they can slow down time in a specific region, or rewind the world, they are given to you at perfect times to keep you interested, and are incorporated into each puzzle professionally. Braid was an absolute delight to play through, and there's no reason why it should be rated even below an 8, I honestly can't find any flaws in it's design. People that rate Braid bad probably aren't that good at puzzle games or got fed up with it. I know there were a few points where I felt like giving up because some puzzles aren't obvious in the slightest, but when comparing Braid to other games of the puzzle platformer genre, it is clearly the king. The storyline is told by text for the most part, and a few cinematic-like scenes. The ending is breathtaking, and I HIGHLY recommend Braid above even most triple-A production quality games. The sincerity and heart put into Braid is incredible, and you can feel it radiating with every step you take. I can't recommend Braid highly enough, I think it's an experience any gamer should partake in. The asking price of $9.99 is very fair, as Braid is lovingly crafted and has a very good playtime given it's genre.

    I don't give out many 10's. Only about five so far and I've played hundreds of games. Braid deserves this ten, as it's flawless and is up there in my top 10 games of all time, as well as being near the pinnacle of my favorite gaming experiences.

    BUY BRAID!    … Expand
  25. iseeall
    Mar 30, 2014
    10
    This game certainly deserves a 10, no doubt, even though I'm not really a great fan of puzzles. What this game basically offers is 4 different mechanics, for each of which you have to solve 5-8 levels. The game is about time and rewinding time. In World 5, for example, you have your double doing your last actions somewhat like in "A company of myself" or "Robotron". In world 4 the timeThis game certainly deserves a 10, no doubt, even though I'm not really a great fan of puzzles. What this game basically offers is 4 different mechanics, for each of which you have to solve 5-8 levels. The game is about time and rewinding time. In World 5, for example, you have your double doing your last actions somewhat like in "A company of myself" or "Robotron". In world 4 the time goes forward when you character moves right, and backward when the character moves left. In world 3 you see keys and doors (and other objects) which are unaffected by time rewinds. Finally, in world 6 you have a ring around which time slows when you drop it on the ground. This whole game is mind-blowing, extremely innovative and interesting. My only regret is that it's just a puzzle game - a genre which I don't really like much because the gameplay is basically about thinking hard, torturing yourself, to finally find the solution (also partly by randomly doing things on the level) - without any replay value later because the puzzle has already been solved.
    Artistically, the game is great as well. The music is good, too - and the feature of the music playing backwards when time goes backwards is also unique.
    This game is worth playing by all hardcore gamers, even if they aren't into puzzles. At the time it was released it was a major step forward in gaming. And even in 2014 it still remains an excellent game.    … Expand
  26. reinaldocfilho
    Feb 28, 2014
    10
    Amazing game, it's also the most beautiful poetry, Jonathan Blow definetively made it, one of the best games ever.

    The unique stuff that I don't like about the game, is the lack of graphical options, I.E., changing resolution, changing and other stuff, I managed to turn off Vsync and increase FPS by command line settings.
  27. ns0l
    Feb 27, 2014
    10
    Braid is a game that will never get old. It's like a beautiful dream of an outstanding magical painting. A masterpiece that should be in my good stuff collection.
  28. Hunnoycombe
    Jan 21, 2014
    8
    As i have entered this game much later than others, oblivious to both hype and hate, i can really see both sides to the below reviews.
    On the one hand, it can seem a rather generic platformer at first (But it isnt) and is much too short, but on the other hand, if one feels it is short, its because you want more... and i certainly wanted more of Braid.
    the puzzles, the time mechanic, the    As i have entered this game much later than others, oblivious to both hype and hate, i can really see both sides to the below reviews.
    On the one hand, it can seem a rather generic platformer at first (But it isnt) and is much too short, but on the other hand, if one feels it is short, its because you want more... and i certainly wanted more of Braid.
    the puzzles, the time mechanic, the hand drawn art (especially the intricate backgrounds ) all fit together nicely enough to leave you wondering why Jonothan Blow didn't make any sequels (or even just more)    … Expand
  29. JoaoRodarte
    Jan 20, 2014
    9
    I can't beleive it, I paid U$ 1,90 for one of the best games I have ever played in my life. If you like that limbo puzzle + platform style, this game is going to blow your mind.

    After completing it (it took me 5 hours without looking at any walkthroughs), you can keep playing searching for alternate endings, getting stars and doing it faster on time trial mode. I just loved it. What    I can't beleive it, I paid U$ 1,90 for one of the best games I have ever played in my life. If you like that limbo puzzle + platform style, this game is going to blow your mind.

    After completing it (it took me 5 hours without looking at any walkthroughs), you can keep playing searching for alternate endings, getting stars and doing it faster on time trial mode.

    I just loved it. What a beautiful piece of work.    … Expand
  30. stefrank
    Jan 18, 2014
    8
    Although it's not a perfect game as many reviewers appear to believe, Braid is certainly above average. The puzzles are challenging enough to be fun without feeling overwhelming, the art (specifically the backgrounds) are quite pretty, the music is nice, and the game-play in general is unique. While this game does suffer from rather strange enemy hit-boxes, the virtual invincibility ofAlthough it's not a perfect game as many reviewers appear to believe, Braid is certainly above average. The puzzles are challenging enough to be fun without feeling overwhelming, the art (specifically the backgrounds) are quite pretty, the music is nice, and the game-play in general is unique. While this game does suffer from rather strange enemy hit-boxes, the virtual invincibility of manipulating time usually makes it easy to fix ensuing mistakes.
    The worst part of this game is actually the plot, with some of the text bordering on cringe-worthy. This, however, is of little consequence as the plot can be skipped entirely if desired.
    All things considered, if you're interested in a 2-D platforming puzzle game, braid is a great choice (especially during a steam sale).    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PC Game of 2009
18
#18 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
12
#12 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Total PC Gaming
    90
    360 gamers were frothing at the mouth for good reason: it’s an instant indie classic.
    Read full review
  2. IGN
    88
    In an age when many games feel like clones of one another or are designed to be easy to beat, Braid sticks to its guns and delivers a rewarding and memorable experience that's definitely worth checking out. It's like an invigorating breath of fresh air, and proof that a handful of independent developers can create games that raise the bar for others.
    Read full review
  3. Thunderbolt
    80
    It doesn’t just copy a certain plumber’s early adventures verbatim like so many before it – some of them excellent in their own right – did, but seeks to plant the seeds of growth that the genre has lacked for so many years in showing that, by imprinting its own identity on a well weathered template, incredible things can happen.
    Read full review
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