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Braid Review - Xbox 360

Introduction

Braid attempts to bring casual gaming to the Xbox 360 with an innovative puzzle platformer. No fancy 3D environments, multi-million dollar budgets, or fancy effects here, but a colourful, and beautifully thought out 2D world with some challenging puzzles. Braid was developed by a single developer Jonathan Blow, no small feat, considering the good reception it has received.

The basic task in the game is to reach the end of some six levels (or worlds) and collect the puzzle pieces (kind of appropriate really), aiming towards your goal at rescuing a kidnapped Princess. These pieces are located in strategic positions in the different segments of each level, which require some clever problem solving to reach them. It may be as simple as jumping off an enemy, or getting the exact timing right in jumping on top of something to reach the piece, but as the levels progress the challenges become more and more difficult. As the pieces are collected for each level, these can be assembled on a jigsaw board, where they can be rotated and moved around to assemble a colourful picture that tells part of the story.

One of the most unique features for Braid is the time reversal feature. This isn't just a gimmick, but is required in parts to actually solve the puzzles. By holding down the button, your most recent moves are reversed, just like rewinding a video. If you happen to die, or don't quite get things right, the time machine can be used to zip back to just before that point, and try again. Certain moving objects in the level also aren't effected by time, allowing some careful timing and synchronisation to reach certain puzzle pieces.

Players can simply breeze through each level, collecting the easiest pieces, but to complete the game properly,  they will have come back and tackle some of the harder puzzles. Some of the puzzles are very easy, but others may take several minutes and a lot of head scratching to solve.

During parts of the game you'll also come across a few bosses. They aren't too difficult, but takes you back to the 2D gaming of the past, where reaching the end of a level always meant a new boss to fight.

Braid should only take most players 2-4 hours to gather all of the pieces and complete the game fully, and can be completed piece by piece when you have a spare moment. There is also the option of players simply reaching the end of all the levels without collecting all the pieces, however they won't receive the full impact of the ending.

Graphics

Braid uses a watercolour feel throughout, with bright colours that blend into each other for the background. It feels at times more like a painting than an actual game, and is done very well. The overall style takes you back to the classic 2D platformers older players may (continued next page)