Video Game Review -- Braid
http://firefox.org/news/articles/1817/1/Video-Game-Review----Braid/Page1.html
Taylor Fratilla
Game news, game reviews, when one man can. By Taylor Fratilla
Published on 08/20/2008
Braid is one of those games that comes along that, while lacking
the flash of newer titles, still provides an entertaining experience ...
Braid (Xbox 360 Live Arcade)
Braid is one of those games that comes along that, while lacking the flash of newer titles, still provides an entertaining experience. At it's core, Braid is a 2D platformer comparable to an older Mario (or the new DS version) game, if Mario could rewind and fast forward time to cheat death or a poorly timed jump. Manipulating time serves another purpose as well. Throughout each level there are puzzle pieces, that fit together to form a painting. These paintings tie into the story. The pieces are what provide the game length and difficulty, as some pieces require a lot of time and effort. There are also stars, which provide something else to the game but are not required, and are usually in hard to reach places.
The story is where Braid really shines. It's intriguing, deep, but leaves the player to their own interpretation. Green books provided before going into the level sets the mood on what our hero, Tim, is thinking about. Tim's main goal is to rescue the princess. Discussing it past that would ruin the story, in my opinion. It's one that has to be read and enjoyed.The music is also well done.
The score is a good fit for each level, and actually goes along with what the hero is doing. Playing normally the music is played as intended, rewinding time plays the music in reverse, as well as fast forwarding plays the music quicker.
The game is not for the easily frustrated, or those lacking patience. It takes time to get all the pieces and complete all the paintings, in order to unlock the last world and see the ending. However, if you enjoy 2D platform games, a good plot, and a good music score, Braid is certainly a steal for 1200 MS points ($15.)
Sound: Good score, combined with manipulation, gives a feel for the level and what you're doing.
Gameplay: Moderate difficulty will shun some away, but everything is doable. Patience a must.
Graphics: Great level design really makes this 2d platformer shine out in our 3d world.
Replayability: After you finish all the paintings and see the ending, the only thing left to do is a speed run, to see if you can finish past others. Besides that, it doesn't provide much for a replay. Low-Moderate.
Overall: 8/10.
The story is where Braid really shines. It's intriguing, deep, but leaves the player to their own interpretation. Green books provided before going into the level sets the mood on what our hero, Tim, is thinking about. Tim's main goal is to rescue the princess. Discussing it past that would ruin the story, in my opinion. It's one that has to be read and enjoyed.The music is also well done.
The score is a good fit for each level, and actually goes along with what the hero is doing. Playing normally the music is played as intended, rewinding time plays the music in reverse, as well as fast forwarding plays the music quicker.
The game is not for the easily frustrated, or those lacking patience. It takes time to get all the pieces and complete all the paintings, in order to unlock the last world and see the ending. However, if you enjoy 2D platform games, a good plot, and a good music score, Braid is certainly a steal for 1200 MS points ($15.)
Sound: Good score, combined with manipulation, gives a feel for the level and what you're doing.
Gameplay: Moderate difficulty will shun some away, but everything is doable. Patience a must.
Graphics: Great level design really makes this 2d platformer shine out in our 3d world.
Replayability: After you finish all the paintings and see the ending, the only thing left to do is a speed run, to see if you can finish past others. Besides that, it doesn't provide much for a replay. Low-Moderate.
Overall: 8/10.