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. VinceK
    Apr 25, 2009
    8
    Everything Seamus said was wrong about the game is the reason why I love it. Yes, there is trial and error, and you have to rewind many times, but the game made it so easy and seamless that the payoff and satisfaction you get when you finally nail it at the end is immense and genuine. I think the only way your gaming experience will be hurt is if you consult gamefaqs or some other guide, Everything Seamus said was wrong about the game is the reason why I love it. Yes, there is trial and error, and you have to rewind many times, but the game made it so easy and seamless that the payoff and satisfaction you get when you finally nail it at the end is immense and genuine. I think the only way your gaming experience will be hurt is if you consult gamefaqs or some other guide, and rob youself of that satisfaction. Some of the hardest puzzles in the game had the easiest answers, none of them were "vague," it was just a matter of looking at it in a different light (except for the stars, but those are not integral to finishing the game (wait, can the game be finished?)). The only flaw I saw with the game is its short length and nil replay value,,,,but that has changed with the implementation of the level editor, which I hope will create a thriving Braid level-making community.… Expand
  2. AnthonyB
    Dec 1, 2009
    10
    Pure genius! Jonathon Blow has created a truly remarkable piece of entertainment!
  3. RamonR.
    Sep 17, 2009
    10
    Wonderful story, and great mix of classic and new elements.
  4. BrandonH
    Dec 20, 2009
    10
    Braid is an unforgettable experience with its unique art-design, fantastically original puzzles, simple yet captivating story, very responsive gameplay, and its absolutely amazing soundtrack. This games soundtrack is in my top 10. Definitely buy this game you will not regret it.
  5. PcTran
    Dec 28, 2011
    10
    This is one of the few games I would consider as art. It makes you feel all kinds of emotion for optimism to sorrow. This game is truly life changing.
  6. joshxdr
    Dec 26, 2013
    8
    Braid is a 2-D puzzle platform game where time control is the key game mechanic. There are a few places where quick reflexes are required, but for the most part solving the puzzles just requires figuring out the right sequence of actions. Most of the puzzles are intuitive yet difficult and require a lot of thought to solve. A few puzzles were so difficult that I had to consult a videoBraid is a 2-D puzzle platform game where time control is the key game mechanic. There are a few places where quick reflexes are required, but for the most part solving the puzzles just requires figuring out the right sequence of actions. Most of the puzzles are intuitive yet difficult and require a lot of thought to solve. A few puzzles were so difficult that I had to consult a video walkthrough. The goal of the game is to collect puzzle pieces, and then assemble the puzzle on a canvas. The puzzles are artsy-fartsty paintings which are pretty decent, and it is trivial yet fun to put the puzzle together. There are also books in the game that contain pieces of a story. Just like the paintings, the developer is trying to get artsy-fartsy with this story as well. For me the story was too disjointed and "out there" for me, but this does not really detract from the game. The art and music for the game are very good. I played this game with a game controller on my PC, it is probably a bit harder to play in on a keyboard. Overall it is an excellent game that I can strongly recommend. If you like this game, you might like these 2-d puzzle games: Limbo, Vessel, The Swapper. You might also try 3-d puzzle games Portal, Portal 2, and Antichamber.… Expand
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. KevinZ.
    Nov 10, 2009
    10
    This is probably the most surprising and satisfying game I've ever played. Be prepared though- this game is intensely cerebral, in both puzzles and plot. To those who claim the game is "just trial and error," and that the only challenge comes from controls, I say you are simply playing the game wrong. Once you find the correct solution to a puzzle, it is generally fairly easy to This is probably the most surprising and satisfying game I've ever played. Be prepared though- this game is intensely cerebral, in both puzzles and plot. To those who claim the game is "just trial and error," and that the only challenge comes from controls, I say you are simply playing the game wrong. Once you find the correct solution to a puzzle, it is generally fairly easy to execute. If you don't mind deconstructing the abstract, allegorical plot (which is indeed rather poignant), or not being able to figure everything out right away, this game is for you.… Expand
  11. BlindF.
    May 1, 2009
    10
    Simply one of the greatest games I ever played to this day. Even though it could be longer this game left me absolutely speechless while playing and showed me that you don't need a big budget or a big team to achieve such a wonderful experience.
  12. Bathmat
    Sep 13, 2011
    9
    If you don't love the amazing artwork, the brilliant soundtrack, the ingenious puzzles, the emotionally destroying story and how much care it's been crafted with, you have a heart made of cold granite.
  13. FrancT
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    Braid is not a video game, it is poetry. More words to describe this game: love, growth, beauty. This is by far the best game design I have ever seen.
  14. Rileym
    Dec 17, 2009
    10
    This game is stunning, it creates challenges that out wit & out smart games such as portal. it creates challenges that are actually beautiful (yep that's how i describe them, beautiful) and only few particular deranged people with no lives *cough* Fred X *cough* Seamus B *cough* don't understand or enjoy
  15. DaneilH
    Jan 12, 2010
    10
    This is a wonderful game. Quite possibly the best indie game of all time. Life changing with its genius in gameplay and story.
  16. Slayer
    Jun 7, 2009
    8
    Very nice little game, should be a little longer but it is nice at all.
  17. mh
    Jan 9, 2010
    10
    the perfect time killer; fun, puzzling, great music, and very well put together.
  18. Prantare
    Jan 1, 2012
    10
    This game is perfect. There is not a single thing I can complain about. The story is amazing and creative. In the same manner as Inception and Donnie Darko it really makes you think and leaves a lot of details to your mind. However; I'm positive that more than 50% of the people who play this game will miss the story totally which is sad seeing it is the best story, by far, delivered by aThis game is perfect. There is not a single thing I can complain about. The story is amazing and creative. In the same manner as Inception and Donnie Darko it really makes you think and leaves a lot of details to your mind. However; I'm positive that more than 50% of the people who play this game will miss the story totally which is sad seeing it is the best story, by far, delivered by a game to this date in gaming history. Some people compare this game to Portal, this is however a very bad comparison. This game is way more. Portal was a fresh game but it was not a masterpiece in the sense Braid is. Portal will be remembered as creative and witty. This game will be remebered as so much more with amazing music, graphics, gameplay mechanics AND story. The game can be too hard for a lot of people seeing it requires A LOT of abstract thinking, problem solving and independent mind. This is because the gameplay depends on your mind and the story depends so much on your imagination. Even more so in the later levels of the game. This game can also be very hard at first try because it gives very little information to the player to why the player should solve all these amazing puzzles. And for someone like me who really wants to be "paid" for doing work in a game it was really hard getting the motivation. However I was so wrong. This game rewards the player so much when he finishes the game by revealing story parts and things that have been so apparent all the way but so well hidden. Thanks Jonathan Blow for making the most amazing game ever made.… Expand
  19. rawros
    Apr 29, 2011
    10
    Good and original mechanics, awesome art style, good music, challenging (but not impossible) puzles, nice story with a surprising ending. One of the best, if not the best, indie game I've ever played. It's not a superproduction but it's what a video game should be. In this age of clones of remakes of copies, originality and imagination is not dead yet thanks to games like this one.
  20. 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.
  21. Fredacp
    Feb 23, 2013
    10
    A very simple game, but really challenging.

    The game has strong inspirations on the Mario games, especially on the environment and gameplay, and also on Prince of Persia Sands of Time because you can use the ability to go back in time as much as you want. At first it may seem simple, but a bunch of times you'll see yourself stopping a bit to think on a strategy to get one of the many    A very simple game, but really challenging.

    The game has strong inspirations on the Mario games, especially on the environment and gameplay, and also on Prince of Persia Sands of Time because you can use the ability to go back in time as much as you want.

    At first it may seem simple, but a bunch of times you'll see yourself stopping a bit to think on a strategy to get one of the many puzzle pieces spread all over the game.
    Definitely it's not a game for the weak, but it is really rewarding when you manage to overcome the proposed challenges.    … Expand
  22. Flynwik
    Nov 13, 2012
    10
    To review this game, I had to read other user reviews done on this site. And to be honest, I realized something: every person who gave this game a negative or even mixed review is just not getting the concept of the game or too simple to solve it's puzzles. But let me talk about the game itself. The graphics are real simple yet so beautiful. It really is a soothing game to look at. As forTo review this game, I had to read other user reviews done on this site. And to be honest, I realized something: every person who gave this game a negative or even mixed review is just not getting the concept of the game or too simple to solve it's puzzles. But let me talk about the game itself. The graphics are real simple yet so beautiful. It really is a soothing game to look at. As for the music, it makes me feel lost in the game. Famous developers now a days don't concentrate on music and forget that music is part of the whole experience (Not all though, Music in Skyrim is awesome). The music in Braid just makes me feel like I'm in a different plain all together. Honestly, even if the gameplay was crap I'd still give it a 9 just because of the music (sorry for the exaggeration). But, fortunately, the gameplay is anything BUT crap. I found some people referring to it as a Super Mario clone. That is just WRONG. Some other people say that the game lacks fun. Have fun playing Call Of Duty because this game is not for simpletons like you. I had immense fun playing this game and challenging my brain. And I will be honest. THIS GAME IS HARD. I found myself pounding my head and screaming at the screen at some points of the game where the puzzles get so crazy. But did that ever make me quit? Never. I didn't quit any Point and Click adventure in my life so I am not quiting this. The gameplay is mostly platforming and jumping on enemies. Then it introduces Time Manipulation in a brilliant way. And every world has a theme to it, like one world is all about rewinding time, the other is about stopping and forwarding...etc. The game is beautiful to say the least. As for the story, it feels more or less like a poem. It was MEANT to be misleading and hard to get. Although I still don't fully grasp the story, It still is an interesting one. But If I wanted to rate a story I would review a Point And Click adventure not Braid. Did Limbo have an amazing story? Exactly. I gave this game a 10 because it deserves it. And it is not over-rated at all. This game deserves the support of everyone and to rate it lower than a 9 is saying that you are a Call Of Duty fan. Which means: Don't rate our games you gamer wanna-bes. Collapse… Expand
  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. LucidDream
    Sep 7, 2013
    10
    Puzzle platformers tend to be platform games with a few easy puzzles. Braid is a puzzle games with some easy platform elements. The puzzle mechanic is one of the most innovative I have seen. It involves time manipulation and challenges you to think in new ways to predict the consequences of manipulating time in various ways and use this ability to achieve your goals. It starts out easy andPuzzle platformers tend to be platform games with a few easy puzzles. Braid is a puzzle games with some easy platform elements. The puzzle mechanic is one of the most innovative I have seen. It involves time manipulation and challenges you to think in new ways to predict the consequences of manipulating time in various ways and use this ability to achieve your goals. It starts out easy and the difficulty ramps up at a good pace. Towards the end the game is challenging even for experienced puzzle solvers. The game is also non-linear in that you don't need to solve everything in one part of the game to progress to later parts, if you get stuck on a puzzle you can go somewhere else and come back to tackle that puzzle later.

    The game has an artistic style that feels completely natural and fits well with the unique style of the gameplay. Graphics and sound contribute further to make the game atmospheric. The story is told in various ways, including texts you can read at the start of each level but also, in a way, through the pictures that you need to assemble to complete a level.

    All in all this is the best puzzle platformer I have played (unless you count Portal as a 3D puzzle platformer) and highly recommended to anyone who likes puzzle games.    … Expand
  25. MikePushkin
    Mar 5, 2011
    9
    What is Braid? Braid is well-crafted platformer, which uses a time-manipulating system on which puzzle-solving is based. It also has great music and graphical content, as well as amazing storyline, both inspiring and a food for thought. For me, game was a little bit hard on some of it's parts, but I have to say, even if you are not a fan of this genre (I'm an RPG-player, mostly), youWhat is Braid? Braid is well-crafted platformer, which uses a time-manipulating system on which puzzle-solving is based. It also has great music and graphical content, as well as amazing storyline, both inspiring and a food for thought. For me, game was a little bit hard on some of it's parts, but I have to say, even if you are not a fan of this genre (I'm an RPG-player, mostly), you should try Braid at least for it's story, well-done 2D drawings and music.… Expand
  26. jayrex
    Jan 29, 2011
    9
    A great challenging game with equally great graphics & soundtrack. It was so good I bought it for two of my friends. And at a reasonably price, I can't see no one complaining.
  27. notyourbuddy
    Aug 28, 2013
    9
    Braid is a puzzle game with a classical soundtrack and a van gogh like art direction that makes for a very sublime melancholy experience.

    This may lead you to think Braid is designed for the casual non-gamer market, but don't let it's initial impressions fool you for beneath is a series of devilishly constructed brainteasing contraptions that will have even the most experienced of    Braid is a puzzle game with a classical soundtrack and a van gogh like art direction that makes for a very sublime melancholy experience.

    This may lead you to think Braid is designed for the casual non-gamer market, but don't let it's initial impressions fool you for beneath is a series of devilishly constructed brainteasing contraptions that will have even the most experienced of problem solvers doing a double-take.

    The unique twist of Braid is the puzzles are based around time-travel or in this case time-reversal. Which means there is no fear of death or level restarts. Make a mistake? No problem, just reverse time for as long as you need and correct it. You'd think this might make the puzzles easy, but in fact it screws with your normal way of thinking and actually makes the puzzles more challenging.

    Its probably safe to say you've never experienced any puzzle solving like this before and you probably will never again. Creative, ingenious, satisfying, and one-of-a-kind. A must try. 9/10

    P.S. The puzzles might not require a walk through to complete, but the storyline sure did. In the end that might be Braid's biggest puzzle of them all. Good luck solving that one.     … Expand
  28. vaell
    Mar 30, 2011
    9
    Braid is nice platform game, old school simple yet avantgarde in the way it blends art, gameplay and FUN.

    I think it has been a bit hipped and some have been taken in by the " oh its art i don't have to explain it" It does have some drawbacks as it is not a long enough game yet it already starts to feel repetitive at the end. graphics may confuse you a bit, the combination of apparently    Braid is nice platform game, old school simple yet avantgarde in the way it blends art, gameplay and FUN.

    I think it has been a bit hipped and some have been taken in by the " oh its art i don't have to explain it" It does have some drawbacks as it is not a long enough game yet it already starts to feel repetitive at the end. graphics may confuse you a bit, the combination of apparently bland sprites with breathtaking animations and environments, but you kinda forgive the game for the sprites as this does seem to have been a conceptually delivered choice, and the technical and artistic process are well ratified throughout the rest of the game.    … Expand
  29. FrancisK
    Apr 30, 2009
    8
    Ingenious time mechanics, beautiful art direction and music, fresh take on old gameplay and mind-blowing twist ending makes this a memorable gem among video games. However, the game is too short and storytelling is just too vague and feels disconnected from the game itself. It just looks like the author didn't want to care much about it, so he just put together random metaphors Ingenious time mechanics, beautiful art direction and music, fresh take on old gameplay and mind-blowing twist ending makes this a memorable gem among video games. However, the game is too short and storytelling is just too vague and feels disconnected from the game itself. It just looks like the author didn't want to care much about it, so he just put together random metaphors between the levels and said, "Well, this is good because it's so mysterious." No, it isn't. Even letting players guess he meaning has its limits and Braid is very close to that limit.… Expand
  30. JustinL
    May 10, 2009
    10
    Puzzle/platformers aren't really my thing but I thought this game was amazing. Possibly the first one I've played where it's obvious that the developers were seriously trying to identify and make use of the singularity of the video game medium.
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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

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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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