"Even though braiding your hair my take longer than this game, it's still the best game on the Arcade!"

One of the highlights of Zelda games for me are the puzzles. The dungeon puzzles in Zelda make or break the experience for me. (The only Zelda games I have distaste for are Oracle of Ages/Seasons and Link's Awakening). Now, a person like me would clearly enjoy a game that comprises entirely of puzzles! That's why I've enjoyed games like Portal in the past.

Braid is another game which is essentially, strictly a puzzle game. It's executed so well, with some platforming elements too, that I can honestly say that it is the best game on the XBOX LIVE ARCADE!

Sound:

The sound in this game is truly phenomenal. The music isn't intrusive at all, and really sets the mood for each world you explore. The forest level for example has soothing, classical-like music. A cave like level has much more subdued music, and is much more silent.

The sound effects are very minimal, and don't really add or detract from the experience. Some of them are helpful, like the cue of when you have performed a double jump. Some on the other hand are pretty annoying, such as the sound effect of when you reverse time.

Despite the average quality of the sound effects, the music, which through out the game molds around the mood of each level, substantially raises the score of this category!

Score-9.2
FUN FACT!: The music is all licensed and created by composers. The producer of the game, Jonathan Blow, perfectly selected the appropriate tunes for the game!

Graphics:

Paintings are marvelous still images that you can marvel at! Braid on the other hand can essentially be referred to as the motion-painting. The art style presented in this game is the best you'll find on the XBOX LIVE Marketplace, and arguably the best you'll see on your Xbox 360! It may not be gritty, or have realistic blood, but it does have extremely detailed backgrounds that correspond with you as you alter time, and really colorful sprites! It's not overwhelming, and it can be digested by anyone!

Score-9.4

Game play:

Braid is a hybrid of a platform game and a puzzle game. For the most part though, it leans on it's puzzle merits, as most challenges require thinking over dexterity. The primary goal of each level is to collect each puzzle piece in the level and reach the finish point (which has you greeted by a creature that delivers a famous message found at the end of each Super Mario Bros world). Each puzzle piece has a unique way of being obtained, and most of them require some deep thinking from you to collect. At the end of the level, you can use these puzzle pieces to form a jigsaw puzzle which depicts the main character, Tim, in some vague action.

The catch in Braid though is that you can manipulate time (and in turn never die). If you fall into a pit, hit the X button, and everything rewinds, and you're back up standing, good as new! This mechanic though isn't just a liability, it is cleverly used throughout the game in most puzzles. This element gives you, the player, a great feeling of control and empowerment over the universe you are playing in. It's really a satisfying feature!

Don't think Braid stops there! Each of the 6 levels have their own catch. The first level is straight up platforming, but the next level for example starts to use items that aren't affected by your ability to rewind time. I won't give away the genius catches of each world, but each one will surprise and challenge you!

Braid is the thinking man's Mario. It's one of the most revolutionary games seen in ages, and is definitely one of the best games of 2008.

Score-9.6

Controls:

I don't have much to comment about here. You move around with the control stick, jump with A, reverse time with X, and use items with B. When reversing time, you can press LT or LB to speed up how quick you rewind time, and RT or RB to make time go forwards (which from my memory is an optional feature that I didn't use that much). One or two small parts of the game would have been a little quicker were it for a sprint button, but that would ruin many puzzles, so I think it's better that it was left out.

Score-N/A or 10 (They're simple controls, there is no fault in them. I don't feel right rating them though, because they feel as if though they're not there. If a rating must be issued, it would be a 10.)

Story:

Braid's story is extremely vague. The game doesn't have any cut-scenes, so the entire tale is told through books at the start of each world which reveal text on the scree. The basic premise is that you, Tim, are searching for this princess that was taken away by a monster. Believe me though, this is NOT the true story of the game. You can not accept this story at face value, as later events in the game tell a story not even related to a princess. After you finish the game and have read the story at face value, go look up some interpretations on the internet. There is one that is practically undeniable, and is the one I have personally accepted as true. Believe me, you will NEVER have expected the story to be about what it truly is.

Score-Shocking!

Conclusion:

Braid is the best game on XBLA, and one of the best games of 2008. You'll enjoy this game from start to finish, and get baffled by the story along the way! The only shortcoming I can find in Braid though is it's length. Most people will be able to finish Braid withing 2-4 hours, with a little more replay value added by the speed run challenge. Honestly, the only bitter part of Braid is that it ends too soon. You'll love it that much!

Pros:
-Amazing music
-Dazzling art, some of the best on the XBOX 360
-Intuitive, fresh game play
-Blends two genres in a perfect way
-Surprising, and oddly amusing story

Cons:
-Forgettable sound effects, some of which are mildly annoying
-Small common enemy variety (there are 4 enemies, including a canon, aside from the bosses). This isn't really an issue though due to the EXTREMELY diverse implementations of each enemy (maybe not the bunny).
-On the short side

OVERALL: 9.5 (not averaged)

NOTE: This game costs 15 dollars. I know that's a daunting cost for a short game like this, but believe me, it's worth it. There are so many ways to overcome the mental barrier of the price:

1) If you bought Portal for 20 dollars, you can buy this game for 15, and you're getting a better game to boot!

2) Imagine going to a place like a bowling alley, laser tag, this is the same price (or cheaper) and will last longer.

3) It's better buying Braid than a stupid t-shirt that's 15 dollars, that you probably don't need.

My point is that the price shouldn't be an issue, because the quality of the game is superb!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/28/08

Game Release: Braid (US, 08/06/08)