BRAID WIKI
Universal acclaim from critics! This game is freaking legendary!
Braid
Developer(s): Number None
Composer(s): Jami Sieber, Shira Kammen, Cheryl Ann Fulton
Engine: Microsoft’s XNA framework
Platform(s): Xbox 360, Windows, Linux, macOS, PS3, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Release Date: August 6, 2008
Genre(s): Puzzle-platform
Mode(s): Single-player
Braid was developed by Number None. It was originally released in August 2008 for the Xbox 360’s Xbox Live Arcade service. Jonathan Blow, the game’s designer, created it as a personal critique of current video game development trends. He financed the project himself over three years, collaborating with webcomic artist David Hellman to create the graphics.
Gameplay
Braid is a physical adventure game in which the player controls Tim, a young man who must solve physical puzzles and navigate standard platform game environments in order to defeat enemies and obtain keys to unlock doors and operate levers. Tim can stomp on enemies and collect keys to open doors or trigger platforms to advance. In addition, the player can rewind time and “rewind” actions even after dying, providing unlimited flexibility. Six worlds are encountered in sequence and may be entered from Tim’s house in different rooms, making it possible to return to any world previously visited in an attempt to finish puzzles that the player might have missed.
Story
Tim is a man searching for a princess who “has been snatched by a horrible and evil monster.” His relationship with this princess is vague at best, and the only clear part of this relationship is that Tim has made some sort of mistake which he hopes to reconcile or, if possible, erase. As one progresses through the six worlds in Braid, storyline text at the beginning of each world provides further insight into Tim’s quest for the princess, and alludes to the overarching gameplay mechanic of each level. The themes evoked include forgiveness, desire, and frustration.
How long is Braid?
When it comes to the main goals, Braid typically takes about 5 hours to complete. However, if you’re a dedicated gamer who wants to experience every aspect of the game, it may take you around 7 and a half hours to achieve 100% completion.
Reception
Braid received critical acclaim upon its release to Xbox Live Arcade and became the top-rated Xbox Live Arcade game. Braid was regarded as a masterpiece and was highly praised for its unique puzzles.
In April 2012, approximately 450,000 copies of the game were sold. In 2014, Jonathan Blow stated that Braid made more than $4 million in revenue.