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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. boobins
    Jan 3, 2016
    9
    Great platform puzzle game. Some of the puzzles are really hard which I like. :o) .
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. Slayer
    Jun 7, 2009
    8
    Very nice little game, should be a little longer but it is nice at all.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. OliverC.
    Jul 15, 2009
    8
    Game reminds me of portal, you feel like a genius when you beat it and the story telling and atmosphere were great. Be warned that this is a puzzle-platformer not a puzzle game disguised as a platformer. Because of that, a lot of the later levels end up being more a problem of timing rather than intelligence. The storytelling really shines in the epilogue, i wont give it away but the Game reminds me of portal, you feel like a genius when you beat it and the story telling and atmosphere were great. Be warned that this is a puzzle-platformer not a puzzle game disguised as a platformer. Because of that, a lot of the later levels end up being more a problem of timing rather than intelligence. The storytelling really shines in the epilogue, i wont give it away but the ending race is mindblowing. Still, I'm not sure I got quite 15 dollars worth of gameplay but i'm very impressed overall.… Expand
  13. Karlw
    Sep 13, 2009
    8
    Great game, very good puzzles, but it's plot was a bit too vague to be compelling. While it was absolutely interesting, there's a point where a game can just be a little bit too incoherent. I paid $5 for this game on steam, and I got about 4 and a half hours of play time from it. While I couldn't exactly justify a $15 purchase, it's a charming, entertaining puzzle Great game, very good puzzles, but it's plot was a bit too vague to be compelling. While it was absolutely interesting, there's a point where a game can just be a little bit too incoherent. I paid $5 for this game on steam, and I got about 4 and a half hours of play time from it. While I couldn't exactly justify a $15 purchase, it's a charming, entertaining puzzle game/platformer that's worth experiencing.… Expand
  14. Nathanc
    Apr 19, 2009
    8
    Not gonna lie, this game is a complete mind Fu** in many ways. On some of the worlds i literally exclaimed WTF? I really enjoyed the innovative puzzles that I have never seen before, but was very dissapointed that they didn't combine some of the "powers" together is later worlds, such as Using the ring, and the alternate universe trick. That would have been really satisfying. The Not gonna lie, this game is a complete mind Fu** in many ways. On some of the worlds i literally exclaimed WTF? I really enjoyed the innovative puzzles that I have never seen before, but was very dissapointed that they didn't combine some of the "powers" together is later worlds, such as Using the ring, and the alternate universe trick. That would have been really satisfying. The story in it, almost makes no since whatsoever, and i feel as if some of it was just thrown in at random. another thing I have to complain about is that it was uber short. I beat the game in an afternoon, which i feel makes the game slightly overpriced. Despite my gripes, this is a very fun indi game that should not be overlooked. It way by far the most fun I have had in a while. I eagerly look forward to a (hopefully longer) sequel.… Expand
  15. 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.
  16. Marcio_Miranda
    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.    … Expand
  17. keefbaker
    Oct 17, 2013
    8
    Intelligent, clever, beautiful and a really honest game the like of which is rarely seen. Takes old school 2D platformers to the level of art with its amazingly balanced gameplay and world of secrets it shows only to the most dedicated player.
  18. Chroma
    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.    … Expand
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. curzon_dax
    May 9, 2018
    8
    Overrated for a 10, but it deserves an 8. The game is relatively original, though not extremely; there are various other puzzle games though this one is at least older than most of the similar ones. The puzzles can be often irritating not because they are inherently hard to figure out per se, but hard to perform. I doubt this game can get any awards for smoothness in gameplay mechanics ofOverrated for a 10, but it deserves an 8. The game is relatively original, though not extremely; there are various other puzzle games though this one is at least older than most of the similar ones. The puzzles can be often irritating not because they are inherently hard to figure out per se, but hard to perform. I doubt this game can get any awards for smoothness in gameplay mechanics of movement so I think it should have limited the need for acrobatics and it should have limited the hardness in mind games mostly. But anyway, in overall the game is good, the story ok (not stellar), the gameplay good, all in all it's good, it's almost a 7 but due to its originality at the time an 8 it deserves.… Expand
  23. 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
  24. Hunnoycombe
    Jan 21, 2014
    8
    As i have entered this game much later than others, oblivious to both hype and hate, i can really see both sides to the below reviews.
    On the one hand, it can seem a rather generic platformer at first (But it isnt) and is much too short, but on the other hand, if one feels it is short, its because you want more... and i certainly wanted more of Braid.
    the puzzles, the time mechanic, the    As i have entered this game much later than others, oblivious to both hype and hate, i can really see both sides to the below reviews.
    On the one hand, it can seem a rather generic platformer at first (But it isnt) and is much too short, but on the other hand, if one feels it is short, its because you want more... and i certainly wanted more of Braid.
    the puzzles, the time mechanic, the hand drawn art (especially the intricate backgrounds ) all fit together nicely enough to leave you wondering why Jonothan Blow didn't make any sequels (or even just more)    … Expand
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  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. kezzyhko
    Aug 5, 2020
    8
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
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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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