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. JimmyRecard8
    Jul 11, 2011
    10
    Such a breathtaking and beautiful game. It is truly a work of art. The music and the graphics were stunning and genuinely emotive. Amazing to play and I loved it. I would really like to know what Jonathan Blow was trying to convey with the paintings and what the character was truly seeking/running from. Part of me wonders if it might be something sinister from childhood, judging by theSuch a breathtaking and beautiful game. It is truly a work of art. The music and the graphics were stunning and genuinely emotive. Amazing to play and I loved it. I would really like to know what Jonathan Blow was trying to convey with the paintings and what the character was truly seeking/running from. Part of me wonders if it might be something sinister from childhood, judging by the subject of the paintings.… Expand
  2. oblivion2011
    May 26, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fresh, unique, puzzle game; one of the few things that have perished since Tetris. But not for Braid. The mechanic of time-warping is very perplexing, and the use of it will change the thinking methods of players as each level progresses. Highly recommended for players who have yet to discover a good indie puzzle game.… Expand
  3. johntkucz
    May 22, 2011
    10
    right this game is WEIRD. I see the resemblance to mario,, and while it has soothing music the whole "forgiveness...princess...non-manipulable" rubbish wehre it tries to be deep, is preposterous, annoying, silly, and stupid. The character looks EXTREMELY odd, his skull is 1/3 the size of his body. That's not a problem, just odd. The trying to be deep and philosophical part was rubbish andright this game is WEIRD. I see the resemblance to mario,, and while it has soothing music the whole "forgiveness...princess...non-manipulable" rubbish wehre it tries to be deep, is preposterous, annoying, silly, and stupid. The character looks EXTREMELY odd, his skull is 1/3 the size of his body. That's not a problem, just odd. The trying to be deep and philosophical part was rubbish and quite annoying. Played a few levels for like 20 minutes. I'll remember to always check the demo on games as I most likely won't be wasting my time with this odd game. HOW this got 10/10 on eurogamer I HAVE ZERO idea. people are probably idiotic stoners or into pseudo-philosphical games. The weirdness I don't mind. It just isn't something really fancy tha tmuch. couldn't get into ti. maybe the days of me playing the rubbish "save the princess" games are over.
    All I could think about was how BAD of a case of One-itis this programmer probably had for some chick that dumped him or that he got dumped by! The whole intro of the game wreaked of "forgiveness and getting back some princess and manipuable blah blah" the main character even looks like a chump. Blegh. Didn't like this much at all.
    One thing I noticed and really would like to remedy is it's CHALLENGING for me buy games I actually really want to play (like portal 2 and assass 2 have been on my top wishlist for AGES). Granted they're more expensive, but it's useless to me to waste money on crap titles like this. I may revisit this game later but highly doubt ever getting into it because it wreaks of some programmer getting dumped and then making an entire mopy game out of it! WTF!! How eurogamer gave this piece of slinky odd crap a 10???!!I have no idea. My respect for eurogamer plummetted upon hearing that. If you're into the extremely odd graphics, zen-elevator-muzak, and a game coded by some programmer who obviously had serious one-itis, well, then buy this game! If those aren't your preferences (and they aren't mine), then don't. I think I'm also realizing that if I put time into playing and beating a game these days I want to be a REALLY quality top-notch game, a to-be-classic game (portal series DEF falls in that category) and bioshock 1 did as well, assass sort of did. Anyways cheers.    … Expand
  4. 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.
  5. misterhaan
    Apr 20, 2011
    9
    This game looks like an impressionist painting. You get to warp time in various ways to collect puzzle pieces and find your lost princess. I played through it in under 6 hours with a couple hints on how to collect certain pieces. There are 6 worlds, each with its own method of controlling time. I don't intend to play it again, but it's worth checking out especially if you can get itThis game looks like an impressionist painting. You get to warp time in various ways to collect puzzle pieces and find your lost princess. I played through it in under 6 hours with a couple hints on how to collect certain pieces. There are 6 worlds, each with its own method of controlling time. I don't intend to play it again, but it's worth checking out especially if you can get it for $5 like I did. If you get the steam version there are achievements you can collect for playing through the game plus one more for playing through it again more quickly.… Expand
  6. MOGEnrique
    Apr 10, 2011
    7
    Braid is an ingenious little puzzle/platformer, its core element is time manipulation in which each chapter has its own unique twist. The flow of the game is balanced, though sometimes depending on your platforming skills it can become a bit of a trial and error challenge, which may be tedious. The plot is a bit vague and confusing at first but the outcome is simply brilliant and wellBraid is an ingenious little puzzle/platformer, its core element is time manipulation in which each chapter has its own unique twist. The flow of the game is balanced, though sometimes depending on your platforming skills it can become a bit of a trial and error challenge, which may be tedious. The plot is a bit vague and confusing at first but the outcome is simply brilliant and well executed, exploiting the capabilities of the medium it's in. The visuals are aesthetically pleasing and the soundtrack is glorious. With roughly 10 hours of gameplay, its unique puzzles and mind-blowing epilogue, Braid is a must play.… Expand
  7. Itsapaul
    Mar 31, 2011
    8
    I usually hate puzzle games like this, but for a while it was pretty intriguing. The time mechanic keeps changing enough to keep up, and the boss fights are definitely fun. I guess I'm just not cut out for puzzles, since I just look up all of them in other games because I don't care about solving them.
  8. 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
  9. homestar4000
    Mar 14, 2011
    10
    Braid is yet another fine game I have played. I love the character design, the sytle, the story, the gameplay, the level design, and most of all the reversing feature. That feature became the most innovative feature on a platformer in my opinion.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. Jgibson2
    Jan 22, 2011
    4
    Braid is like getting a beautiful present, and opening it to realize youâ
  13. radman
    Jan 11, 2011
    10
    Braid is Super Mario Brothers out for a bender and high on a hefty dose of Acid. The Acid trip starts slowly; the first few levels are quite normal and conform to the basic platform idea. Then some weirdness starts to sneak up on youâ
  14. Mikester7
    Dec 22, 2010
    10
    Challenging, fun and a beautiful few hours of game play. For the price it is a game everyone should play. It could be longer, but it is only a cheap indie game and a stunning one at that.
  15. not_good
    Dec 15, 2010
    6
    What these guys aren't telling you is the controls are non customizable (you NEED a 3rd party app to use a controller or to change buttons). The graphics, while stylized and a neat direction, end up washed out and blurry, and the platforming is as generic as the story. Yes there is a "twist" to it, but if you played Prince of Persia, you won't be seeing anything new.

    The music is good,    What these guys aren't telling you is the controls are non customizable (you NEED a 3rd party app to use a controller or to change buttons). The graphics, while stylized and a neat direction, end up washed out and blurry, and the platforming is as generic as the story. Yes there is a "twist" to it, but if you played Prince of Persia, you won't be seeing anything new.

    The music is good, the controls tight, the game itself is decent, but this is not the second coming of platformers everyone is making it out to be. It is a generic indie game that reached circlejerk overhyped status; this is not a bad game or a great one, it is an average platformer.    … Expand
  16. VAFranky
    Nov 8, 2010
    9
    The art style of this game is incredible. The music is great and neatly rewinds and fast forwards along with your time controls. Some of the puzzles in this game are CONFUSING! Which I think is a good thing, after sitting there for 10 minutes and you finally figure one out you'll have a "son of a **** moment but it should be worth a good giggle. I only gave it a 9 because the game is aThe art style of this game is incredible. The music is great and neatly rewinds and fast forwards along with your time controls. Some of the puzzles in this game are CONFUSING! Which I think is a good thing, after sitting there for 10 minutes and you finally figure one out you'll have a "son of a **** moment but it should be worth a good giggle. I only gave it a 9 because the game is a little short even with the speed trials you can unlock when you complete the game.… Expand
  17. RMW_Critic
    Sep 24, 2010
    9
    A great game, plays without a single flaw. Why give it 9 then? Well it has not got a great story, and can get a bit confusing on your first play through. It has great replay value, takes away all of the annoying niggles that are present in a lot of platformers and is practically just pure fun!
  18. Olly
    Aug 24, 2010
    10
    Most of this score is dedicated to how thoughtful the game's 'plot' was, but how unobtrusive that plot was for those that just wanted the gameplay. It's guaranteed to make you think, and while the last level is a bit ambiguous in how it works, it is still a genius twist that really questions the heroics of every game character out there.
    The puzzles are absolutely genius, must've taken so    Most of this score is dedicated to how thoughtful the game's 'plot' was, but how unobtrusive that plot was for those that just wanted the gameplay. It's guaranteed to make you think, and while the last level is a bit ambiguous in how it works, it is still a genius twist that really questions the heroics of every game character out there.
    The puzzles are absolutely genius, must've taken so long to come up with, but they provide you with much head-scratching, and a cheeky grin once you've solved them. If you can't, you might eventually feel like beating someone, since the last level requires you beat every puzzle, but if you're anything like me you'll just use an FAQ if something eludes you for so long it frustrates you. An in-game guide wouldn't have gone amiss really.
    But this game is still exceedingly clever, and very satisfying to play as long as you can work out the puzzles fairly competently, thus I dub it 'Best Indie Game Evar'.
    Oh, and I'd give it a 9.5 except I can't and I didn't think 9 was ample justice, so I rounded it up to 10 :).    … Expand
  19. 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.
  20. mh
    Jan 9, 2010
    10
    the perfect time killer; fun, puzzling, great music, and very well put together.
  21. KyleH.
    Jan 8, 2010
    10
    Simply a masterpiece. Although, I admit that this game is extremely difficult to beat. In fact, I am still working on it at the moment.
  22. 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.
  23. NashenO
    Dec 31, 2009
    9
    Beautiful game, music that draws you in, and a game play mechanic that really makes you think; this game feels as though an exercise in logic/creative communication within the brain. The story had hidden depth that you may not realize until you examine it forwards and backwards, with interpretation left largely to the reader. In a word, this game is poetic. The only reason this does not Beautiful game, music that draws you in, and a game play mechanic that really makes you think; this game feels as though an exercise in logic/creative communication within the brain. The story had hidden depth that you may not realize until you examine it forwards and backwards, with interpretation left largely to the reader. In a word, this game is poetic. The only reason this does not receive a 10 is the amount of challenge presented in some areas. I ultimately had to look up hints for some areas -- and if you must get help, search for HINTS, not a walkthrough. You will enjoy it better that way. This game will NOT be rewarding for the impatient. If you can't slow down enough to think deeply, there are many aspects of this game that you simply won't enjoy. But if you can calm yourself and let your mind relax, especially when things get too hard, you can find a way through and feel a sense of pride for it. You know, kind of like life.… Expand
  24. StephenM
    Dec 30, 2009
    10
    This side-scroller is one of the most mind expanding (and best) experiences I have ever had from a computer game. Be sure to give it the attention it deserves; just because you reached some sort of conclusion does not mean you have seen everything this work of art has to offer.
  25. [anonymous]
    Dec 28, 2009
    10
    Is this game a platform? Maybe, but for me was be one of the most best experience of my gamers (long) life. Simply poetry!
  26. IruH
    Dec 28, 2009
    10
    I loved the game. It's design is adorable and the story is awesome.
  27. ErichvonE
    Dec 25, 2009
    10
    Absolutely remarkable. The time and effort that has gone into such a simple, yet amazingly complex platform like this is amazing. I am completely enchanted. Braid has succeeded in reviving the wonder and captivation I had for the early video games when I was a young boy. Beautiful in every way.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. AnthonyB
    Dec 1, 2009
    10
    Pure genius! Jonathon Blow has created a truly remarkable piece of entertainment!
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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.
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  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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