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. 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
  2. lb90
    Aug 9, 2012
    10
    I joined Metacritic to write reviews for several games that I really, really liked. Braid is one of them. I played this over at a friends house (I don't have an XBOX) one weekend and fell in love with it. The time thingie was really fun to play around with and Braid is very beautiful. I didn't like the look of the main character much, I thought he was kind of like a kid character, but thenI joined Metacritic to write reviews for several games that I really, really liked. Braid is one of them. I played this over at a friends house (I don't have an XBOX) one weekend and fell in love with it. The time thingie was really fun to play around with and Braid is very beautiful. I didn't like the look of the main character much, I thought he was kind of like a kid character, but then the story was quite serious. Other than that it's my favorite game in terms of looks and style. Collecting jigsaw was cute and appealed to me on a personal level because I used to do puzzles when I was little. Beautful, fun and difficult gameplay, and a really, really appealing story.… Expand
  3. SilentDrop
    Oct 5, 2012
    10
    One of the greatest games I have ever played. It mixtures art, music and puzzles in a way i have never seen before. There is an incredible number of references to other games (i interpreted them as homage). The story, the music and the challenges will keep you involved until you find an amazing, twisted and mind blowing ending .
  4. D4rkTee
    Oct 2, 2012
    10
    I think all the wonderful things I'd tell about this game to be already among these other review, so I'll jump that part.
    I just wanted to tell about those negative reviews' writers: did you really play the game?
    Pardon, did you really FELT the game? That just because Braid isn't just nice graphic good music and jumping around, we wouldn't write those words just for a simple mix of    I think all the wonderful things I'd tell about this game to be already among these other review, so I'll jump that part.
    I just wanted to tell about those negative reviews' writers: did you really play the game?
    Pardon, did you really FELT the game?
    That just because Braid isn't just nice graphic good music and jumping around, we wouldn't write those words just for a simple mix of Prince of Persia and Super Mario.
    This is a game with an its own philosophy, where each puzzle represents a challenge of life (do you remember, the castle made of experiences?), where EVERYTHING has a reason to be here (both for gameplay and conceptual reason), where there are so many meanings, theories and interpretations that you'll never find in any triple A game.

    That said, if you just played it to get to the end, or worst you read solutions around the web, I think you lost the chance to remember it as one of the best game ever. For ever.    … Expand
  5. Jacomus
    Oct 6, 2012
    10
    One of the few games that one can play even in 2020 or 2050. Why? Because the story doesn't get old. Because the puzzles are challenging. Because the creator, mister Blow, put his heart into it and shows a fragile piece of thoughts we humans might have when in relations with other people. Music, colour and the written pages of an excellent writer makes this a timeless game! 10!
  6. 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
  7. N1ghtshade3
    Feb 12, 2013
    9
    Those who give this a low rating most likely haven't completed the first world. It's true that in the first few levels, the time-manipulation does nothing more than rewind the game. At first, it appears just to be a Mario spin-off that could have been a free online Flash game. However, as you get deeper into the game, you'll encounter objects (including enemies) that aren't affected byThose who give this a low rating most likely haven't completed the first world. It's true that in the first few levels, the time-manipulation does nothing more than rewind the game. At first, it appears just to be a Mario spin-off that could have been a free online Flash game. However, as you get deeper into the game, you'll encounter objects (including enemies) that aren't affected by time, forcing you to prioritize the order you do things like obtain keys. On other levels, time is affected by the direction you move, forcing you to plan carefully. The reason I'm giving this only an 8/10 rather than 10/10 is because it's quite short in my opinion. The entire game and all its achievements can be completed in an hour or two. I got this on sale for $2.50 and I'm glad I didn't pay the full ten bucks, because although it's beautiful and innovative and all that, you could get a lesser but similar challenge over on any free games site.… Expand
  8. stranglehold
    Dec 24, 2013
    8
    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.
  9. herznerm03
    May 31, 2013
    9
    The Game has a some what though provoking "Story"
    despite it not really using this story as well as they could have it was still enjoyable
    Braid has some interesting and some thought provoking mechanics its worth $9.99 (Or $10) but the two best things were the soundtrack and the objects immune to time travel That made this truly puzzling to me when i tried it Also the story is again    The Game has a some what though provoking "Story"
    despite it not really using this story as well as they could have it was still enjoyable
    Braid has some interesting and some thought provoking mechanics
    its worth $9.99 (Or $10) but the two best things were the soundtrack and the objects immune to time travel That made this truly puzzling to me when i tried it
    Also the story is again mostly a metaphor and i love it
    9/10 for innovation
    -1 for not using the 'story' as well as it could have been used    … Expand
  10. andresvicunat
    Jul 10, 2013
    10
    This game has the best story line I have ever seen, as simple as that. very challenging, great music. When played I advice to play it to the end and and get to understand how deep the game is.
  11. Stormsson
    Aug 21, 2013
    10
    Impressive graphic design, impressive and unique gameplay, a challenge that needs you to think the time as a real dimension,related to the space.
    A fantastic soundtrack makes this game really beautiful.
    I almost never give 10, but this game makes its things perfectly.
    A piece of Art.
  12. Access
    Oct 21, 2013
    9
    A vulnerable intense personal experience that plays with the passage of time not only in mechanics but especially in narrative flow. The game lures the audience peacefully into a hero's quest to rescue a damsel deliberately draped with corruptions of classic video game tropes boxing the universe into finite stages to remind us that this is indeed a game. The universe is unnerving as aA vulnerable intense personal experience that plays with the passage of time not only in mechanics but especially in narrative flow. The game lures the audience peacefully into a hero's quest to rescue a damsel deliberately draped with corruptions of classic video game tropes boxing the universe into finite stages to remind us that this is indeed a game. The universe is unnerving as a deeply personal edge reminds us that nothing is possibly what it seems. Unapologetically sincere drama expressed coldly through text are used as allegories for game play, disturbances in memories symbolized as puzzle pieces being assembled foreshadow a clouded story out of order reminiscent of Memento or Pulp Fiction.

    The games culmination is one of the best seen in gaming, thrusting the developers feelings and perhaps personal history directly into the players path to cast judgement. This is deliberate, and a brave step for any Artist to release work highlighting their own personal short comings.    … Expand
  13. 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
  14. CILIZ
    Jan 17, 2014
    10
    This game is a brainraper. But your brain will enjoy it. Braid is one of the most brain working puzzle games ever made. Everthing is so well designed that it is impossible for you not to be amazed by it.
    10/10
  15. Nevrose
    Jan 5, 2014
    10
    I like everything! Gameplay. music, story, ambiance, etc. You should play this game if it is not already done!

    An essential game if you are beginning to play to indie games.
  16. Jwv
    Jan 9, 2014
    9
    Beautiful, enchanting artwork, a simple concept and truly ingenious puzzles. This game was also featured in Indie Game: The Movie, so watch this if you're interested.
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. boobins
    Jan 3, 2016
    9
    Great platform puzzle game. Some of the puzzles are really hard which I like. :o) .
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. Topoide
    Feb 18, 2022
    8
    Juego con muy buena jugabilidad, muy buenos puzzles y una historia interesante.
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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
See all critic reviews »