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Watch the above video.

Just watch it. If what you see there doesn't interest you, I'll gnaw my arm off. I'm serious, just watch it before moving onto the next paragraph.

Howdy. I find it extremely difficult to talk about Braid. As I've rightfully garnered a reputation as something of an "indiefag" here at Destructoid, seemingly lauding every independently-developed piece of software I touch until my face turns blue, most people find it difficult to take me seriously when I get really, really excited about an indie title. When I say things like "the preview build of Braid comprises one of the most interesting, satisfying, beautiful game experiences I've ever had," people assume I'm being stupid, pretentious, or hyperbolic.

So I won't say that.

Instead, I'll just say that what I've seen of Braid is really, really, really good, and something anyone can enjoy. You do not -- I repeat, you do not have to be an "indiefag" to enjoy Braid.

Hit the jump to see why. 

I technically only played a "preview build" of Braid, but outside of 360 achievements, some small fixes or tweaks and some slowdown issues, I was basically playing a completed version. All six worlds were present and accounted for. I say this because I'm here to assure you that I have played all of Braid, and, my God, it is all incredibly good.

From top to bottom, the design philosophies behind Braid are brilliant. The game has one main gameplay mechanic -- time manipulation -- which is full of nuance and depth, while all others in the game are completely straightforward. Braid looks and plays just like your average Mario game; you hope around on platforms, you bounce on enemies (of which there are only two types) to kill them, and if you run straight into those enemies, you die. It's a simple, obvious framework we're all familiar with.

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With these accessible gameplay mechanics in place, Braid introduces, stage by stage, new aspects of the main time manipulation mechanic. Since everything else in the game is totally simple and self-explanatory, the player is able to spend the entire time examining and experimenting with the different time manipulations. In the same way Portal was just about making portals with some really straightforward, recognizable FPS convention as a frame, Braid is just about time manipulation with a platformer framework. 

Braid is composed of six levels, each containing about twelve individual puzzles. Each world uses the time mechanic in an entirely different way, simultaneously teaching the player skills and changing things up so the game never feels boring or repetitive. 

For instance, the first world only uses the rewind mechanic. Some of the platforming jumps the player is asked to make would be ridiculously difficult in a standard platformer, but are made much more interesting and rewarding thanks to the game's infinite rewind: if you miss a jump, you can rewind back to where you jumped from, or even where the level started, without any penalty whatsoever. Death is nothing but a learning experience. You might think this makes the whole game completely inconsequential and boring, but you'd be wrong: not having to arbitrarily worry about dying every few seconds and replaying a whole level frees up the player to experiment and explore. The lack of consequential death actually makes the game more fun.

erere

But anyway, the first world is just about using infinite rewind to perfect near-impossible jumps and such. The second world introduces "time-exempt" characters and objects, forcing the player to both use all the knowledge they gained from the first world, and reassess it in the face of these new time manipulation rules. The game progresses like this, constantly showing the player new things, constantly feeling fresh and incredibly satisfying. If you saw my GDC writeup on The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom and thought it looked interesting, then you'll definitely love the parallel universe world in Braid (Jonathan Blow, Braid's designer, consulted on Winterbottom)

Every single world is imaginative and fun, and there were some moments of puzzle-solving when I literally yelled, "That's brilliant!" at the screen. Maybe I'm just a huge douchebag, but it's a testament to Braid's design that it kept consistently impressing me from start to finish. I can't talk about the final world, but damn. Just...damn. You'll understand what I mean when you play it for yourself.

Also, the game is really gorgeous, and has exceptionally beautiful audio. It's also got a cool, heavily metaphorical story which, though it can be ignored by those who are just looking for some wonky time-based platforming, will be incredibly rewarding for those who endeavor to figure it out.

erer

I have to stop myself before I write a balls-out review of the damn game, but let it be known that, from what I played, Braid is a fun, thoughtful, imaginative, fantastic title and should be well worth the 800 Microsoft Points, and however many bucks for PC, when it (hopefully) comes out this spring.


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91 comments | showing # 1 to 50

Professor Pew's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:12
Professor Pew
It looks awesome. But... where are the dark levels to get lost in, or the rocking coop gestures??

The Sands of Time mechanic sounds interesting for a 2D platformer. I just hope we won't run though it too fast.
Phoenix Gamma's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:18
Phoenix Gamma
I found out about this on the 1Up Show. They had a really rad interview with the two guys behind this. Definitely check it out.
Kira Plaga's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:24
Kira Plaga
I hate that I want this game really badly. I like the innovative concept of "time" being used for a platfoming game, it looks very promising. *sigh* time to sit in corner with my PS3 and cry over what could have been :(
Samit Sarkar's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:31
Samit Sarkar
Oh man, that looks absolutely wonderful. I really hope my crappy laptop can handle this, since I don’t own a 360. I especially love the beautiful art design...everything looks so damn pretty.
Aerox's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:32
Aerox
I am so excited for this game.
ConsummateK's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:33
ConsummateK
Reminds me of this:

http://www.moregames24.com/2008/01/cursor10.html

Only with better art.
Cheeburga's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:36
Cheeburga
20/10
Tubatic's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:41
Tubatic
This guy's about a staff of 78 people and a licensing deal away from making the Crono Trigger game I always.

I'm interested, and I want a Braid 2: because it looks like (and it may be the nature of all the videos being demos in themselves) the game is very proof of concept/tech demo-ish. I'd like to see the concepts pushed: TO THE XTREME(tm) into something fast paced like a shmup. Dark hair and metal in the sequel, son!

Thinking ahead aside, I'm still very interested.
that1dood's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:42
that1dood
Wow, that looks amazing. There are so many good indie games coming out I'm really looking forward to this one especially.

Not to mention Fez. I like how we're finally getting games that are exploring new ideas that haven't been done to death. It's really about time!
Tubatic's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:45
Tubatic
wanted. always wanted. dangit . . .
galagabug 's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:48
galagabug
i am off to buy glitter.

next time anyone asks me why something works the way it does.

'it's sparkling and magical'

best answer for any question ever.
big filth's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:49
big filth
3 / 10
big filth's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:51
big filth
anyone with a pair of balls (that have dropped already) has no business playing this. let along calling it "amazing".

BUT

this is my opinion. I think I read somewhere once that im entitled to it.
Phoenix Gamma's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:55
Phoenix Gamma
@big filth

Aaron Linde's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:56
Aaron Linde
Big Filth, you're a douchebag.
Faceless's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 15:57
Faceless
I love everything about this game. The visuals, the music, even the sound effects make me want to play it. I don't know what to say other then I want it now. And @big filth, does that really need to be brought into this?
GrayFox's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:01
GrayFox
fap fap fap. Give me this shit now.

Oh and rev, you're sparking and magical.
Chad Concelmo's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:01
Chad Concelmo
God, I want this game.
vexed alex's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:05
vexed alex
I was excited about this game way before you, Rev. Therefore I'm a bigger indiefag.

In all seriousness, I'm really looking forward to this.I saw it on the 1Up show last week and went on a google searching spree to find out more information about it. Everything I read got me really hyped.

Also, Big Filth is dip shit. And this isn't about the fact that you have an opposite opinion to mine. You're just a straight up dip shit.
Ferros's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:08
Ferros
Platform puzzles involving time manipulation... I believe it was originally called Blinx the time sweeper.
blu3steel's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:11
blu3steel
Indiefag! Indiefag!

I want this game.
Timmeh's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:12
Timmeh
This looks kinda like Mario with a tweaked and expanded upon Sands of time mechanic thrown in, it even has big keys and goomba lookin' things to jump on. The art of course is in the same vein as every other indie platformer seen lately.

To summarise - I'll take my freshly gnawed-off arm now please. I'll even just take the left one so as to cause minimal inconvenience (unless you're a lefty).
BlackDove's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:14
BlackDove
Why is it that every time Rev tells me to do something I feel compelled I must, and so I do it.

You brainwashed me. Assuming there was something to wash.
Anthony Burch's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:15
Anthony Burch
Can "sparkly and magical" please become our new meme?
Gameboi's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:16
Gameboi
Yup. I'm going to buy this one for sure.
entrager's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:16
entrager
It's really quite sad to see big filth has nothing better to do than post bullshit all over Dtoid today.

Oh, and Braid looks awesome...
big filth's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:16
big filth
@ Phoenix Gamma

good pic. thats funny! I do like n + though. thats not hardcore is it??

@ Aaron Linde

oh yeah, I forgot. you dtoid guys dont like it when someone expresses an opinion thats different from yours. Silly me what was I thinking?

I appreciate you insulting me though as I have been a loyal reader for over a year and have never said anything to you.

sorry im not an indie fag and this fruity looking game doesnt excite me and make my panties wet like it does for you.
blu3steel's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:17
blu3steel
I'm quite sparkly and magical.
grrza's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:17
grrza
Yet more evidence that 2D gaming can provide an excellent platform for innovation in a way that just is not happening for 3D games. It's great to see the indie developers realizing this.
blu3steel's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:19
blu3steel
@ big filth

Please stop trolling. Be more sparkly and magical.
vexed alex's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:21
vexed alex
@big filth

It's not that you had an opinion that wasn't the same as the rest of ours. It's the fact that you tried to insult anyone who thought that the game was good. Shall I quote you?

"anyone with a pair of balls (that have dropped already) has no business playing this. let along calling it 'amazing'."

If you would of said, "Man, this game looks boring. I won't be buying this." then that would of been completely fine. No, instead you had to be a douche about it. That's why people are attacking you. Stop playing victim, pussy.
Phoenix Gamma's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:22
Phoenix Gamma
Now, now. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it.

Also, sparkly and magical cocks.
big filth's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:23
big filth
@ entrager

I post bullshit every day. and will continue to do so. I must admit, I have been a little more open with my opinions today however as I have grown comfortable around here. I have also grown a little irritated with the way people agree with EVERY word written by the staff. Jesus Christ. and God forbid someone not agree with something written on the front page. Im not trying to be a dick and shit on this game, I was excited to watch the video especially after the rev hyped it up, but I was disappointed in it and expressed that. Then all of the sudden Im a douchebag. If I liked what I saw I would have said so, however I didnt. I love this site for its variety, and community but fuckin cry babies and sycophants like you almost take the fun out of it.
McSnow's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:23
McSnow
The art style of the background is amazing but Didn't Blinx do the whole 'messing with time' thing about 4 years ago?
Maybe it will work better on a 2D platform but I see very little innovation in this.

@Big Filth Of course you're entitled your opinion. Just like Aaron Linde is entitled to his opinion that you're a douche. It just so happens I share his opinion.
If you seriously have no interest in this game then why the hell are you posting here?

Entitlement to free speech doesn't mean you have to run your mouth off at everything.
bluexy's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:24
bluexy
Is there any narrative in game Rev? Do they provide a background for the little hero and his suit and tie, or a history to the world he has found himself lost inside of?

Fancy puzzles and innovation are important, but some depth is what would ultimately make this a 'must buy' for myself.

Foot is in the door, now sell it!
Luigi takes over's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:26
Luigi takes over
You win this round, Rev. I looked at this game totally expecting it to be black shades all over again and the video gave me a fantastic impression.

I think this is really cool.
Phoenix Gamma's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:26
Phoenix Gamma
@bluexy: there are little bits of story between levels, but they're optional to read. The floating text you see inbetween puzzles is what I'm talking about. It fills the narrative, but it's totally optional for people who want to just play the game.
big filth's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:27
big filth
@ vexed alex

you make a good point. I was trying to be funny and it may have been a little harsh. I do apologize if anyone took that the wrong way.

The thing is, its not so much that it looks "boring" as much as it seems "gay" but hey, youre right I should have kept that comment to myself.

as far as you finishing your comment by calling me a "pussy", come on dude. thats just sillyness.

we dont need to try to establish who is and isnt a pussy around here (im sure there would be a long line) but youll be the one playing this fruity game! haha. :)

I love you guys, sorry to cause an uproar. < 3
Anthony Burch's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:28
Anthony Burch
bluexy:
What Phoenix Gamma said. It's a highly symbolic, metaphorical story, but it's INTENSELY rewarding once you figure out the meaning of it all, especially in how it ties in with the final level.
Chad Concelmo's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:30
Chad Concelmo
@big filth,
I, for one, definitely respect your difference in opinion. Hell, I adore Twilight Princess and everyone thinks I am crazy. :)

I just think people are upset that you are also insulting in addition to your differing views. "Anyone with a pair of balls (that have dropped already) has no business playing this" and "fruity" are not very intelligent (or friendly) comments.

But that is just my opinion as well, I guess. :)
mix's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:30
mix
Sometimes when I sit my balls hang out of my pants, it's rather embarrasing.

I can't watch the video at work due to the lack of greatness in my computer, but those screens look artsy in a good way.
DinnertimeNinja's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:31
DinnertimeNinja
Here, Big Filth, let me show you how "opinions" work...


My opinion after looking at this: "meh"

I don't know why, but I can't really bring myself to get excited about some "puzzle-to-puzzle" games like this one. Quite strange because I LOVE 'Crush' (for PSP) but this game just doesn't get me excited.


Now, notice how I didn't call anyone a fag or speak to their lack of balls or insult anyone in general?

And on the oposite side of the spectrum, if my opinion were, "Big Filth is a dipshit and the reason why anyone that likes this game doesn't have balls is because he spends all his time sucking-off the balls of indiefags" I might get a bit of a negative reaction.

What? It's only my opinion.
vexed alex's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:32
vexed alex
I only called you a pussy because you were being one. Don't insult people and not expect them react negatively.
Dogen's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:34
Dogen
1) Don't feed the troll.

2) The game reminds me of a book called "Einstein's Dreams" or something like that, which details different models of time and space in a sort of "if this were true, the world might be like this..." way. As opposed to the Stephen Hawking, math/sciency way. But I digress. Bottom line: Moar kewl ideez explaored thru gaym mechanix, plz!

That would be shiny and magical. And make my day.
big filth's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:36
big filth
The funny thing is, 99% of my comments are sarcastic and crude. Sometimes they are actually funny. I was trying to evoke a laugh but I see it was like dropping a Jewish joke in a synagogue. I upset you, my fellow d toiders whom I love and adore! Next time I will save my ball dropping jokes for a more appropriate thread.

(you will all praise me then!) haha.

----------%< 3
Anthony Burch's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:41
Anthony Burch
Dogen:
In his design doc, Blow actually says Einstein's Dreams was one of the main inspirations behind the game. He thought the ideas would work way better as a videogame simulation than as static text on a page.

big filth:
Okay, you're forgiven. Can we please move on? The comments have turned away from talking about the game, which was sort of my intent in posting about it.
FiXXXerX's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:42
FiXXXerX
Needs more guns...
bluexy's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:44
bluexy
@Phoenix
Ooo, I didn't even realize there were text blocks in there. I just thought they were directions or hints.

@Rev
I like symbols; I like metaphors. I like final levels that blow your mind.

Ok Ok! You got me, I'll buy it.
big filth's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:46
big filth
Ok rev.

sorry again folks.

bad day :(

copies of braid for everyone on big filth when the game becomes available!!!
Sharpless's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/18/2008 16:51
Sharpless
That looks amazing. Dammit, I'm turning into an indiefag.
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