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8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1013 Ratings

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  1. RyanB
    Jul 24, 2009
    9
    Very few games deserve 10, which should be left for those certain games which you cannot find any flaws. Braid was one of the first games I'd actually give a 10 to. The story was poetic and compelling, the graphics are spot on, the gameplay is incredible, and the puzzles are some of the most well designed I'd ever seen. My actual score would be something like 9.6 or something. Very few games deserve 10, which should be left for those certain games which you cannot find any flaws. Braid was one of the first games I'd actually give a 10 to. The story was poetic and compelling, the graphics are spot on, the gameplay is incredible, and the puzzles are some of the most well designed I'd ever seen. My actual score would be something like 9.6 or something. The only flaws were minor. First, there are some puzzles (2) where you will lose a key and there is no way to know which door will work so you have to try it all over again. These puzzles are early on so when the tough challenges come around you are going to be annoyed so much. Secondly, the story although incredible is much too abstract and empty. Even through all the bonus puzzles in the final level you still don't get any clear picture of the metaphors presented. Thirdly, the hidden stars which are the hardest in the game to find are only there for the experts of the game. There is very little chance that you'll find one unless you look EVERYWHERE and even then prepare to try EVERYTHING to find them, they are very hard to find. I disliked there design because they were put in places which are just ridiculous. (Watch videos on youtube to find out) Aside from those minor problems the game is a treasure. The demo doesn't do justice to the rest of the game though, so I do recommend buying it! Expand
  2. chad
    Jul 26, 2009
    9
    Briad is the best game I've played in a long time. The unique controls make it challenging without the frustrating exact timing requirements of many games. I gave it a 9 instead of a 10 simple because it was a little short. This game is money well spent.
  3. GeorgeD
    Sep 11, 2009
    7
    Not quite what the hype would lead you to believe. It is an interesting game with several different variations on time control and platforming. The music is excellent but I found the sound effects to be quite poor in comparison. The detailed and stylistic art is beautiful and almost always a nice sight to behold. All in all the game falls short on value with fairly frustrating game play Not quite what the hype would lead you to believe. It is an interesting game with several different variations on time control and platforming. The music is excellent but I found the sound effects to be quite poor in comparison. The detailed and stylistic art is beautiful and almost always a nice sight to behold. All in all the game falls short on value with fairly frustrating game play that doesn't lend well to replay. At 15 USD I feel it is a bit overpriced for what you get. Expand
  4. KeeganB
    Nov 18, 2009
    10
    If I had to convince a non-gamer that games can be beautiful, artistic masterpieces, and I could only give them one game to do so, that game would be Braid.
  5. 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. Dec 27, 2011
    9
    Braid (PC/Xbox360) Brief Review! (A-)

    Braid is a game that appears to be a Mario style platformer. The art/depth/challenge factor of this game is extremely high, so it's like Mario for geniuses. One of the most challenging games I've ever played with a very interesting visual style and backstory, Braid is a relatively short but intense affair that will keep you playing until you solve it
    Braid (PC/Xbox360) Brief Review! (A-)

    Braid is a game that appears to be a Mario style platformer. The art/depth/challenge factor of this game is extremely high, so it's like Mario for geniuses. One of the most challenging games I've ever played with a very interesting visual style and backstory, Braid is a relatively short but intense affair that will keep you playing until you solve it or want to toss your machine out the window. The main gameplay gimmick involves your ability to manipulate time, and this mechanic is used throughout the game to solve its puzzles. The impressionist art style, the highly debated story, and the incredibly soundtrack add a lot of extras. There are challenge modes and "hidden stars" for those who enjoy pain and punishment and want to get replayability. Game costs about $10 and is available on the 360 or on the PC Via Steam. Well worth it.

    Here's the 1UP Review on the 360 version.

    http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3165777
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  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Aug 17, 2011
    8
    Very good Indie game. Graphics, sound, music, controls and story are all well made. Maybe a little over-hyped but definitely good game. And even though it's short, it's also cheap, wich is good since that's not the kind of game I want to play for too long as it can get boring after a while. So I think game lenght is also made right. The game ends before getting tedious. The timeVery good Indie game. Graphics, sound, music, controls and story are all well made. Maybe a little over-hyped but definitely good game. And even though it's short, it's also cheap, wich is good since that's not the kind of game I want to play for too long as it can get boring after a while. So I think game lenght is also made right. The game ends before getting tedious. The time manipulation feature is part of the game mechanic and essential to solve puzzles. There's nothing to compare to the "error correcting" time-rewind from Prince of Persia. And there's nothing that reminded me of any other game (Mario?... Donkey Kong?... had to be someone that don't actually play games to say something like that).

    Worth playing.
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  10. Aug 4, 2011
    9
    Amazing, amazing game!
    One of those you just need to play, and not read about :)
    Try it! It's not your usual side-scroller! ;)
  11. Aug 31, 2011
    10
    Technically, Braid is a 2D platform game, in which you can partially control time to solve each level, collecting pieces of a puzzle. The levels can be played sequentially or not, and you are not blocked if you can't complete a level.
    What makes Braid excellent is the non-repetitive nature of puzzle: each is unique and non-trivial. Some puzzle can be solved by speculation, others by
    Technically, Braid is a 2D platform game, in which you can partially control time to solve each level, collecting pieces of a puzzle. The levels can be played sequentially or not, and you are not blocked if you can't complete a level.
    What makes Braid excellent is the non-repetitive nature of puzzle: each is unique and non-trivial. Some puzzle can be solved by speculation, others by trial-and-error. You will be coming back to starting levels to find out that what you've been playing just taught you how to progress further and solve puzzles you couldn't tackle before. Puzzle layout is in general very ingenious, and the possibility of going ahead without completing all previous puzzles helps to keep interest high; with experience, you will get back and solve everything missing.
    All the puzzles are organized along an inspiring narration. From the beginning, you get the feeling you're helping the character, not just playing him. All texts are well written, style is consistent and the whole storyline is very emotional. The ending was unique, in terms of gameplay and narration.
    Graphics are absolutely lovely: from Braid's official site you can even download the original spritesheets and some game assets. Music is very good, different for each world and well matched to the world's features.
    Playing Braid has been a very rewarding experience, from the start to the end. I would advise to play it to anyone who love videogames. Braid raised the bar for any game to come, thus I give it a 10.
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  12. Sep 16, 2011
    7
    Definitely a great game, it has a deeper meaning and the art and music are extremely well done, it has a nice combination of puzzle, platform and adventure, but the fact is that the game play itself gets boring at some point. Once you're done with world 3, which is the 2nd world as you start in world 2, it gets quite boring and repetitive. The puzzling outside the main play is a very niceDefinitely a great game, it has a deeper meaning and the art and music are extremely well done, it has a nice combination of puzzle, platform and adventure, but the fact is that the game play itself gets boring at some point. Once you're done with world 3, which is the 2nd world as you start in world 2, it gets quite boring and repetitive. The puzzling outside the main play is a very nice touch and a much more fun way to tell the story as most people don't have the patience to read everything, even though it's fairly essential for the game. It has a lot of ups and downs, there were certain levels I did enjoy and once I didn't, it is a very innovative game and I have enjoyed playing it a lot, in the beginning. If you like puzzling and Mario, you might want to give this a try. Expand
  13. 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.
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  14. Oct 31, 2011
    10
    This game is not a particularly amazing game in-and-of itself, but it's beauty is in what it does FOR games as an industry and for the people who play it. This game is filled with all sorts of interesting concepts and magical moments of inspired solutions. While pretty short, each moment of triumph is immensely satisfying. Definitely play this game; it's totally worth it. And do yourself aThis game is not a particularly amazing game in-and-of itself, but it's beauty is in what it does FOR games as an industry and for the people who play it. This game is filled with all sorts of interesting concepts and magical moments of inspired solutions. While pretty short, each moment of triumph is immensely satisfying. Definitely play this game; it's totally worth it. And do yourself a favor: don't be quick to youtube the answers. Solving it for yourself is the whole point of the game and you will definitely not enjoy it if you miss out on that. Expand
  15. Dec 19, 2012
    10
    I didn't like this game at first, mostly because I didn't want to be a little guy in a suit and tie. But once I gave it a chance, it grew on me. The style is distinctive and memorable. The idea of tying a time-rewinding game mechanic to a guilt-oriented storyline worked very well. Each new group of levels presented an interesting new twist. If you like cerebral puzzle games, you'll like this.
  16. Dec 27, 2011
    9
    Played this game a while back, and it's definitely one of the best indie games out there. Not a platformer in the traditional sense, as it is a puzzle solving game, but it's very original, challenging and a lot of fun. The reason I don't give it a 10/10 is due to the story and the soundtrack. The story is super fruity and given through text between maps. The music is some weird ambientPlayed this game a while back, and it's definitely one of the best indie games out there. Not a platformer in the traditional sense, as it is a puzzle solving game, but it's very original, challenging and a lot of fun. The reason I don't give it a 10/10 is due to the story and the soundtrack. The story is super fruity and given through text between maps. The music is some weird ambient stuff that got on my nerves pretty fast so I just turned off the music volume and played some Def Leppard over it. Much better. Expand
  17. 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!
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  18. Feb 15, 2012
    10
    Best game ever made. It is so great in so many ways!
    - Story is probably the best in a platform game ever. Probably one of the best stories in a game ever.
    - The graphics are amazing.
    - The soundtrack may very well be one of the best soundtracks ever made for a game.
  19. Apr 15, 2012
    10
    Very challenging puzzle game, lovely design and very innovative game-play! One of the greatest platformers or even greatest games ever, a real masterpiece.
  20. May 20, 2012
    10
    One of the few games I think could qualify as "Art". This game integrates gameplay and narrative perfectly. The puzzles are some of the best I've seen in a game to this day.
  21. May 30, 2012
    8
    Braid was a game I got in a humble bundle that I hadn't played until now. I had already spoiled myself with the story and with no real plans of buying it. So when I saw in my downloads, I figured I give it a try since I had already bought it. I was surprised that I still managed to have fun playing the game and piecing the story together. You will see what I mean as I talk about Braid.Braid was a game I got in a humble bundle that I hadn't played until now. I had already spoiled myself with the story and with no real plans of buying it. So when I saw in my downloads, I figured I give it a try since I had already bought it. I was surprised that I still managed to have fun playing the game and piecing the story together. You will see what I mean as I talk about Braid.

    Story: This is the big thing you will hear about when people talk about this game. You probably won't understand it your first time through until you play the game again and notice how everything relates. Even then, there are still many discussions about the game story. So to not spoil things, I will tell you the premise your are given, Your trying to save the princess who has gone missing due to a mistake you made. As you go into each world's lobby, you can read books that give you more in site on the story. I personally think the story is very interesting and cleverly told through the game. It uses the world and optional books to tell the story rather then cut-scenes and dialogue.

    Gameplay:

    Braid plays like a 2D side scroller with the addition element of time. You make your way through each level while collecting puzzle pieces needed to reach the ending. You can't jump really high but if you bounce off an enemy you can jump higher. All puzzles are solved using the Speed button. You can rewind or freeze movement. It sounds simple but there are object that are not affected by rewind, objects that need to be recovered using rewind, and guiding enemies using the rewind function. New mechanisms get added to each world that keeps things interesting. Most of the puzzles are simple to figure with only a few can be frustrating if you don't understand a game-play mechanic that was not explained. I did have to use a walk-through to see precisely what to do on those frustrating parts. Many of the levels are short and the game can be completed in 6 hours. I enjoyed the game play and had fun.

    Graphics/Sound:

    The graphics in braid are like a beautiful watercolor paintings. It gives the feeling you are exploring strange worlds and relates to the mood of the story. They are so detailed that you want to play this game on the biggest screen you have. The the foregrounds and character makes me think of a theater using paper puppets. Everything is animated so well that nothing feels unnatural. The art style is perfectly done. The music in Braid is relaxing and atmospheric. You can fall asleep to it and dream. It fits well with the game and the story.

    Conclusion:

    Braid may seam like a simple plat former with a gorgeous atmosphere but it's much more then that. The story is surprisingly deep and deceptive at first. You will have to complete the game once or maybe twice to really understand the story. The game-play is simple and easy to get into but can get quite deep with the rewind mechanics. Most puzzles are easy to figure out but some are frustrating if you didn't figure out a game-play mechanic that was never taught. It can be bought for $10 on a online store or $20 DRM free and works on all Operating systems from the Developers website. Overall, It's a great game that you may enjoy.
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  22. Aug 3, 2012
    9
    Braid is broken. Everything about Braid is a mess. But that is the point and that is the beauty. The game takes everything linear to which gamers have become accustomed and challenges the player to adjust. Music goes forward then backward, breaks then stops and all the while sets a mood that is so very fitting of the nature of the game. It is all classical music but it feels fairly new,Braid is broken. Everything about Braid is a mess. But that is the point and that is the beauty. The game takes everything linear to which gamers have become accustomed and challenges the player to adjust. Music goes forward then backward, breaks then stops and all the while sets a mood that is so very fitting of the nature of the game. It is all classical music but it feels fairly new, because never will you experience a full song. The music is so traditional, but it is not ever traditional. Constantly Braid challenges the gamer to forget what they know about what is linear. Most importantly, Braid wants you to forget what you know about time. In this way, moving backward is commonly the only way to move forward. That is about as broken as a game can be. If you get killed by a goomba-like monster; no worries, you can reverse time. All the while the music reverses with you. The game only moves forward if you move forward. In one world of the game your steps forward or backward decide whether or not time moves forward or backward. The story is also nonlinear. The elements of the story are presented throughout the game but it is never clear exactly what the main character's attitude or mindset is, but all the while it is heartbreaking. There is a message trying to sneak out of the broken remnants, but the character is so engulfed in his fantasies that it is difficult to understand who he is. The game is literary, in a medium which often fails or makes no effort to be. Luckily, Braid does not force it down your throat, but rather leaves you to interpret. And finally, breaks your heart with an ending that forces you to rethink what you thought the story was attempting to purvey. Braid is more art then it is video game. The only aspect which felt off was the length and I personally would have liked to see a few more worlds implemented to push the game to about nine hours or so. But it is difficult to complain about a game so well conceived and thought provoking, as it may have helped create a much more fervent interest in indie games, as it is a perfect example of the passionate heart which can be packed into such a small game. Expand
  23. Jul 11, 2012
    10
    This is what happens when a very intelligent gentleman gets his hands on state-of-the-art gaming technology. The concept of this game is the most unique thing ever to meet my eyes, and that's saying a lot. The art-style of this game is so soothing, it kinda makes you want to... Zzz...
    If you have some money to spare... Buy. This. Game.
  24. Jul 28, 2012
    10
    This game is perfect. An interesting story, nice controls, time puzzles that are well done and a great set of secret stars to find. .@SeamusB. Bad controls? Did you try to play this game with a toaster? A turd? A potato? Are you mentally retarded? People only insult this game because they are too stupid to figure out how to walk and go into a trolling rampage.
  25. 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).
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  26. 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
  27. 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 .
  28. 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.
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  29. 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!
  30. 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.
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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. 360 gamers were frothing at the mouth for good reason: it’s an instant indie classic.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.