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. BlindF.
    May 1, 2009
    10
    Simply one of the greatest games I ever played to this day. Even though it could be longer this game left me absolutely speechless while playing and showed me that you don't need a big budget or a big team to achieve such a wonderful experience.
  2. 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.
  3. RamonR.
    Sep 17, 2009
    10
    Wonderful story, and great mix of classic and new elements.
  4. 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.
  5. mh
    Jan 9, 2010
    10
    the perfect time killer; fun, puzzling, great music, and very well put together.
  6. KevinZ.
    Nov 10, 2009
    10
    This is probably the most surprising and satisfying game I've ever played. Be prepared though- this game is intensely cerebral, in both puzzles and plot. To those who claim the game is "just trial and error," and that the only challenge comes from controls, I say you are simply playing the game wrong. Once you find the correct solution to a puzzle, it is generally fairly easy to This is probably the most surprising and satisfying game I've ever played. Be prepared though- this game is intensely cerebral, in both puzzles and plot. To those who claim the game is "just trial and error," and that the only challenge comes from controls, I say you are simply playing the game wrong. Once you find the correct solution to a puzzle, it is generally fairly easy to execute. If you don't mind deconstructing the abstract, allegorical plot (which is indeed rather poignant), or not being able to figure everything out right away, this game is for you.… Expand
  7. 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
  8. JustinL
    May 10, 2009
    10
    Puzzle/platformers aren't really my thing but I thought this game was amazing. Possibly the first one I've played where it's obvious that the developers were seriously trying to identify and make use of the singularity of the video game medium.
  9. SamH
    May 6, 2009
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played, and one of my favorite games I played last year. There's a few things you have to realize before going in, and that it's a deep puzzle game first of all. Don't think it's purely a platformer, because if you do and don't expect to really use your brain and have good patience with the game then you won't like the game One of the best games I have ever played, and one of my favorite games I played last year. There's a few things you have to realize before going in, and that it's a deep puzzle game first of all. Don't think it's purely a platformer, because if you do and don't expect to really use your brain and have good patience with the game then you won't like the game (as some of the puzzles are absolutely clever in their design with intricately simple solutions even if it seems complex). Also the story, while brilliant and more meaningful than many classic 20th century novels for me, is extremely ambiguous in it's presentation and slightly pretentious. It is a story that REQUIRES afterthought and "watercooler discussion" with others to really get anything out of it. If you can deal with the above, then you have probably come across one of the greatest games ever made. No one's seen a progression in game design ideals done so well in a game before since Braid.… Expand
  10. LukasPruschke
    Jun 1, 2009
    10
    I am gaming since 20 years and I have never seen a piece of art like this.
    .sith ekil tra fo eceip a nees reven evah I dna sraey 02 ecins gnimag ma I
    (This was an insider ;-) )

    It's just an awesome experience for both your brain and soul, don't miss the final of this game!
  11. 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.
  12. AnthonyB
    Dec 1, 2009
    10
    Pure genius! Jonathon Blow has created a truly remarkable piece of entertainment!
  13. 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.
  14. IruH
    Dec 28, 2009
    10
    I loved the game. It's design is adorable and the story is awesome.
  15. 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.
  16. GeorgeV.
    Oct 31, 2009
    10
    I love this game. It is fun, original and has brilliant puzzles. Some puzzles are very challenging, some a bit easier. With some patience you will be able to solve them all without having consult a walkthrough. And it's there for a great price. My #1 for this year!
  17. MatthewAustin
    Apr 18, 2009
    10
    This is truly an exceptional game. With its stunning, painted visuals, novel mechanics, and story that borders on literature, it is the kind of thing that could only come from an independent publisher, and a must have if want more from a game than jumping on the heads of little coconuts.
  18. EvanH
    Apr 22, 2009
    10
    Purely amazing the innovation was in the presentation of it and the proof that the little guy with the big idea can make it in the game industry is an inspiration to independent game devs.
  19. CheeseyH
    Apr 28, 2009
    10
    This game is a very special masterpiece. I loved it from the very moment I started playing it. The graphics are beautiful, the music fits totally into the atmosphere of the game. The game-idea itself is awesome. Every riddle you have to solve is unique and so cleverly done. There have been so many moments where I just though, "Ingenious!" Especially the star-hunting was very nice - even This game is a very special masterpiece. I loved it from the very moment I started playing it. The graphics are beautiful, the music fits totally into the atmosphere of the game. The game-idea itself is awesome. Every riddle you have to solve is unique and so cleverly done. There have been so many moments where I just though, "Ingenious!" Especially the star-hunting was very nice - even if I woulndt have found all stars on my own. This game is a very rare piece of art and for now, it's the best game I've ever played. Thank you for creating it! You did a fantastic job!!… Expand
  20. PieterB
    May 20, 2009
    10
    Truly one of the great games off all time. It's not marketing or money that makes it good, it's gameplay in it's purest form.
  21. Zack
    May 6, 2009
    10
    Beyond brilliant, this game makes you a better human being for having played it. Those who rated it 'tedious trial and error' probably were not bright enough to appreciate it. Yes, the puzzles can sometimes be mind-bendingly difficult, but that's the fun. The storytelling is poetic, somewhat contrived, but very beautiful in a quiet way. I would say Braid is one of the best Beyond brilliant, this game makes you a better human being for having played it. Those who rated it 'tedious trial and error' probably were not bright enough to appreciate it. Yes, the puzzles can sometimes be mind-bendingly difficult, but that's the fun. The storytelling is poetic, somewhat contrived, but very beautiful in a quiet way. I would say Braid is one of the best overall measures of both aesthetic and analytical genius one can create: if you love it, you're quite smart, and if you don't, well, then you're no better than Soulja Boy.… Expand
  22. Brendan
    Sep 10, 2009
    10
    Probably the best storyline of any video game I've ever played (Even better than Knights of the Old Republic). It's amazing how well the developer has done all of the aspects of this game perfectly, with no assistance of a big-name publisher. Hour's of fun (And frustration at times, but eh, it's a puzzle game) Definately worth the buy.
  23. 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.
  24. [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!
  25. Felix
    Apr 12, 2009
    10
    Best game of the year so far. Gameplay is innovative and challanging, while never frustrating. Hardcore gamers get their fair share of skill-based puzzles. Puzzle players will of course be satisfied. And just for the thrill of it even casual players could try it. The music is done well, too and the art style is unique and fits the overall atmosphere. Controls work fine on PC. Overall a Best game of the year so far. Gameplay is innovative and challanging, while never frustrating. Hardcore gamers get their fair share of skill-based puzzles. Puzzle players will of course be satisfied. And just for the thrill of it even casual players could try it. The music is done well, too and the art style is unique and fits the overall atmosphere. Controls work fine on PC. Overall a must buy (especially for that price).… Expand
  26. RiccardoQ
    Apr 23, 2009
    10
    Braid is not just a puzzlegame (it's a puzzlegame mates, not a platformer), nor just and indie that crashed with success on the market scene thanks to it's original game mechanics and for the well hand drawn graphics. It's an artpiece and as anything worthy to be so called, it can be read at different levels: 1) a great puzzle game, build around a strong platform gameplay. Braid is not just a puzzlegame (it's a puzzlegame mates, not a platformer), nor just and indie that crashed with success on the market scene thanks to it's original game mechanics and for the well hand drawn graphics. It's an artpiece and as anything worthy to be so called, it can be read at different levels: 1) a great puzzle game, build around a strong platform gameplay. What the author says it's real: there is no filler, every single stage adds something new to the game. Most jigsaw pieces are very easy to pick, but anyway they give you an insight on the game mechanics, so that when facing the hard ones, you have just to figure out how to use the skill you've learned. I can't but applaud the level design. It's very strange how the game develops: nothing seems to be compulsory, no one says you what to do, and the story content is only between a stage and the others written on books that are about glimpses of someone's life, not a real story. 2) A great puzzle game, with a very interesting story, with a shocking ending. In the whole game you read books about a love story between Tim (who it's obviously you) and a misterious princess. It's looks like a very strong, overwhelming love, that confuses both. But somehow it must be true, because you are going to save the princess... what else can a videogame be about? The whole story is oneiric for sure, the impressionist painting, you are in a suit but in a fantasy world, you assemble puzzle pieces togheter and every time you find out something more about this love story...every room is a metaphore of some aspect of life, and both the gameplay and the looks of the rooms reflect this... for sure it's a dream. So what is that about? You live it all just like you are saving the princess but in the end... you find out the real truth: you've lived the whole story backwards. You tough that you were running to save the princess, but the truth is that she was escaping from you. So you a madman whose love was not returned, and you've hidden the truth in the most remote part of your brain (the end of the game). As you arrive in the final stage indeed the last books reveal both the faces of the story: your point of view, and the point of view of the princess. But the story doesn't goes on, you remain in the loneliness of your solitude, the princess out of your reach. 3) At this point it was already a piece of art for me, but then I've played it again from the start, reread all the books with the new knowledge I've had about the story, found all but one of the stars, and noticed more details. For example the flags at the end of every stage are in naval flag laguage and say Tim that he should not go on. And there is some reference about the nuclear bomb, and the outside background seems like a great sunset, but maybe it's a bombed city... and some books describe Tim as a scientist... then I've reached the princess, and the nuclear bomb exploded. After that Tim is really alone in his dream/nighter, realising what he has done, learnt that in life some mistakes can be undone... but some can be not. You are one of those responsible of making the first nuclear warhead, you've lived an experience that can't be described. Maybe music could grasp the mood of this experience, maybe some painting could hint the feelings of it, maybe a movie or a book could tell the story... but Jonathan Blow tried to render the whole oneiric experience with an ambixious videogame. That's a great job, I'm really impressed... and I still had a lot of fun playing with it, as a lot of people who stopped and enjoyed with the first aspect of the game. hooray for Braid!!! p.s. sorry for my english, I'm waiting to emigrate from Italy to improve it.… Expand
  27. DaveR
    Apr 29, 2009
    10
    A great blend of Calvino-styled fiction with amazing puzzles. The moments of discovery in this game are some of the most powerful moments I've had playing any game.
  28. KaramjeetK
    May 23, 2009
    10
    Wow, best puzzle game I've ever played. Super original and a unbeatable deal for 15 bucks.Some of the puzzles are hard, but you'll be glowing with pride once you figure them out.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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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