Can’t believe that the first edition of Braid came out almost 16 years ago. The video game landscape therefore looks very different from what it did in the past if you were to compare it to the anniversary edition. The years after its released, Braid has impacted the independent gaming industry and spawned hundreds or perhaps thousands of titles. Along with other independent game icons like Super Meat Boy and Fez. It showed that independent artists and the items they are passionate about can succeed on digital marketplaces. Which also can compete with mainstream releases at the time. Braid has become one of the most well-known independent games of all time in the years since its release. Braid Anniversary Edition gives fans of the original game a reason to rejoin the world on modern platforms. Though the creators never followed up the original game with a sequel.
A Puzzle Game with Fresh Concept
For those who are not familiar, Braid is a puzzle-platformer game in which time management plays a major role. On this game, you’ll play as a character named Tim. You’ll embark on a mission to free a princess kidnapped by a malevolent creature. The tale is mostly interpretative after the initial setup. There are a few storybooks at the beginning of each of the game’s six worlds that offer some brief explanations of the main plot. But the player must uncover the rest of the story on their own. This could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your preferences. However, it does give the world you’re being dumped into one more level of mystery.
Braid Interesting Features to Solve the Puzzle
To get to the finish of each level, you must solve the problems that are in front of you. This involves a combination of using your time-traveling abilities, stomping on enemies, and solving puzzles. Making mistakes is a necessary component of solving puzzles, so there’s no punishment. Tim doesn’t have lives or checkpoints; instead, he can rewind time by pressing a button. It’s possible that this feature, along with the neatly constructed puzzles, is what make Braids stood out many years ago.
Braid’s worlds all make use of different time-themed mechanics. Time seems to move only when you move. In other cases, however, rewinding produces a dimly lit duplicate of you that helps you in solving riddles. The puzzle pieces are the main collectible in the game that you must gather. Well, in most stages, you can find some hidden puzzles. These puzzle pieces very important. You have to collected it all so you can reach the game’s last world and Braid’s ending. Braid’s puzzles are really simple or repetitive, therefore this might get quite annoying if the game doesn’t have a hint system. You’ll probably need a guide to fully experience Braid unless you’re an expert puzzle solver.
Improvements in Design, Visual and Music
The Anniversary Edition of Braid has certain improvements. Although the core game remains the same as it did in the initial release, this game has transformed a lot in terms of graphic and design. Since 2008, visual fidelity has advanced significantly and this remaster offers a hand-painted, more colorful appearance. You can also switch between the game’s modern and traditional graphics with a single button press. So it could be used if you prefer the original design. For such a big remaster, having that option available is amazing, and it does show how much has changed between editions. The game’s sound also has improved a lot. The remixed songs and improved sound design go equally well with the visual upgrades.
Commentary System and 13 Original Levels to Uncover
The Anniversary Edition includes a commentary system that players can access. This is accessible after winning the game, but there is a way around this restriction. Tim can now enter a new hub world and access doors to replay the game’s levels. Then, he can hear developer commentary as you work through them. Jonathan Blow and other guests go into the game design, mood, music, and intents behind each puzzle for more than 15 hours of talk. This comprehensive look at Braid is fantastic for anyone with an interest in game design or who aspires to be a game developer. Even better for repeated plays, you can play through the entire game with carefully chosen developer commentary bits.
There are some new levels to explore for casual fans who might not be interested in taking a design class. Also, there’s 13 completely original levels and a fresh set of puzzle pieces to discover. However, the majority of them integrate into the commentary world hub, while a few display alternative level designs. These extra levels are a great surprise, but they won’t add much to the game’s already brief gameplay (about six hours if you’re an experienced puzzle enthusiast).
Braid (Anniversary Edition) in Conclusion
Clearly a masterpiece that transformed the independent game scene, Braid still has enough original concepts for a modern replay. What you thought of the original will determine how much you value the Anniversary Edition, though. Improved graphics and additional levels make this the definitive edition, which worth for newcomers to purchase. Likewise, the game’s extensive commenting system is filled with love and guidance for future game developers. But if you’ve been to Braid before, there might not be enough fresh content to make it worth to coming back. Unless you were dying to come back. Nonetheless, Braid is still a game that everyone should play at least once in a lifetime. Whether it’s the Anniversary Edition or the original one.
