340°
8.5

IGN: Braid Review

IGN writes: When Braid -- developed by indie designer Jonathon Blow -- first arrived as a downloadable on Xbox 360, it was extremely well received. Our own Hilary Goldstein rated it highly and described it as being "imaginative, innovative and engrossing." Blow's surreal platformer combined an evocative story with some of the most brilliant time-based puzzles around. Fortunately, the folks at Hothead Games heard the cry of deprived PlayStation gamers everywhere and have brought Braid to the PlayStation Network. Despite arriving more than a year later, the PSN version of Braid is every bit as beautiful and challenging as its 360 counterpart.

NateNater5292d ago

So on 360 IGN gives it an 8.8 and on PS3 they give it an 8.5 :/

5292d ago
Saaking5292d ago

It's the same game. Why review it again AND give it a lower score?

YungXclusive2K95292d ago

"Fortunately, the folks at Hothead Games heard the cry of deprived PlayStation gamers everywhere and have brought Braid to the PlayStation Network."

WTF KIND OF CRACK HAS THIS MAN BEEN SMOKING, SOMEBODY FIND SOME FOR ME

gaffyh5292d ago

Not worth buying IMO, he should have added some more levels, and I already played the PC version months ago.

YungXclusive2K95292d ago

the review was done by Ryan Clements and he obviously is playing catchup with the gaming industry its a terrible shame the biggest gaming sites in the world have such ignorant reviewers

HolyOrangeCows5292d ago (Edited 5292d ago )

"our task was to preserve that vision and that experience, leveraging the unique features of the PS3 to further enhance it with the amazing 1080p resolution and HD audio"

"We took full advantage of the PS3’s hardware to make sure this version of the game never deviates from a smooth 60 FPS"

IGN fails.

Different reviewers or not, they should have been consistent.

Hellsvacancy5292d ago

I was gonna buy this but thought it looked abit daft (just my opinion), ill stick with Trine

darthv725292d ago

did anyone care to notice the game is the same. Being a year later perhaps ign was expecting the same as all of you. More stuff not just the same on a different system. IGN scored it accordingly. You want to whine about .3 points when the game is clearly a great title regardsless of score. Some of you are just score whores and most likely dont care about the game at all.

Should a game released a year later on a different system be worthy of the exact same score given previously? If it comes with new content then yes...perhaps an even better score. If it includes nothing new then the score being lower is justified.

Get over it.

gaffyh5292d ago

For those who haven't played it, it is a good game and has some very nice puzzles. It's not worth buying though if you've already played it because they didn't add anything significant.

Persistantthug5292d ago (Edited 5292d ago )

So you mean to tell me I'm supposed to get excited about a year old 2-D port that pretty much looks like a late NES or early SNES game?

If ANY of us here on N4G had wanted to play this game (we are all on computers), we could have played this "low powered" game long ago.

The fact that this game comes staggering in, a year late, and they expect me to shell out $15 for the right to play your "godsend" of a game, that we've all heard was a few measly hours..."LAWL!"....t hat's all I have to say about that.

I'll stick to my Fat Princess, thank you very much.

pixelsword5292d ago

... I post it, to steal their hits

Braid Review
The time-bending journey finally arrives on the PlayStation 3.
by Ryan Clements

November 13, 2009 - When Braid -- developed by indie designer Jonathon Blow -- first arrived as a downloadable on Xbox 360, it was extremely well received. Our own Hilary Goldstein rated it highly and described it as being "imaginative, innovative and engrossing." Blow's surreal platformer combined an evocative story with some of the most brilliant time-based puzzles around. Fortunately, the folks at Hothead Games heard the cry of deprived PlayStation gamers everywhere and have brought Braid to the PlayStation Network. Despite arriving more than a year later, the PSN version of Braid is every bit as beautiful and challenging as its 360 counterpart.

As the elusive story of Braid is part of the charm, I'll avoid describing the important parts. All you need to know is that the game follows the simple-looking Tim on his quest to find the Princess. The story of Braid unfolds almost completely through text, which I actually preferred over the use of a voice track.

See the beginning stages.
See the beginning stages.

At first glance, Braid might appear to be a run-of-the-mill (though still visually fetching) 2D platformer. This is not the case. Although Braid has very simple controls, the gameplay mechanics and concepts present in the journey are surprisingly complex and will require a fair bit of patience and cleverness. By using Tim's ability to rewind time with the push of the Square button, elaborate scenarios will challenge your perception of normal 2D puzzles and force you to think in new ways.

Each world, which is connected to a central hub, is divided into several sections. In most sections, players must guide Tim through the level and collect puzzle pieces along the way, which are then used to assemble beautiful paintings that hang in Tim's home. Early on in the game, time manipulation is used in very simple ways, like saving Tim from an untimely end if he hits one of Braid's wandering enemy creatures. In this way, there really is no "Game Over" or end to Braid, as every mistake can always be rewound if you hold down the Square button long enough. If players feel lost, they are welcome to start that portion of the world over at their leisure.

As players progress through the worlds, different types of time/environmental manipulation will become available to Tim, though some of them are only used in that world. For example, there is one instance where time will only move foward as Tim progresses physically in the stage. Walking backwards will rewind time. In another world, Tim can place an item on the ground that dramatically slows down anything around it. The further away Tim distances himself from the item, the faster he can move.

While these concepts sound fairly straight-forward on paper, solving some of these puzzles for the first time can be extremely challenging. These abstract concepts are combined with layer upon layer of traditional puzzle solving (like opening doors, jumping between platforms, and rebounding off of enemies), so players must constantly think of new ways to collect the glowing puzzle pieces in each world. Braid is not a game to be rushed, as doing so will only frustrate the player and ruin the experience.

Besides solving intricate puzzles, players will also enjoy some truly stunning visuals that are filled with a brilliant use of color and layered backgrounds. This art is complemented by a perfectly themed soundtrack that fits the surreal, melancholic nature of Tim's quest. I think half the appeal of Braid can be found in these aesthetics, which is high praise, considering Braid's intelligent level design.

I love the art in this game.
I love the art in this game.

Braid is not perfect, however. Although I deeply admire Blow's ability to weave a surreal, complex story so skillfully into a puzzle game, some of his writing can be heavy-handed. Furthermore, for a fifteen dollar game, Braid does not last particularly long and -- outside of unlocking secret tokens upon completion -- does not offer much replay value. These issues should not discourage perspective buyers, though, so it's still a very worthy investment.

Closing Comments
Braid is a beautiful, smart and challenging game and certainly worth checking out. Although the difficulty can be a little surprising at times, the overall experience is rewarding enough to warrant working through the puzzles.

Despite the short length and somewhat limited replay value, Braid's artistic vision and intelligent design is more than enough reason to download the game right away. Jonathan Blow's notoriety in the indie landscape is well deserved.

ReservoirDog3165292d ago

Believe me, everyone who hasn't played this needs to play this. It doesn't matter if it's a 2D platformer that looks like a SNES game Persistantthug (it's a beautiful looking game by the way). It's honestly kinda the point (or one of them anyways).

If you don't think it's worth it at $15, at least if it ever drops to $10 for a special deal or something, buy it. It's so worth it.

Persistantthug5292d ago

When this game gets to 5 to 7'ish dollars, I will consider getting it on the PS3.

Such is the effect of THE BIOSHOCK TREATMENT.

;)

Chubear5292d ago

Geee, You'd think a fanboy on gaming forums wrote that review. Yeah that's right, when you see some rabid comments on these gaming forums you should know that there are game reviewers form GS, IGN, EG, GT etc etc among them... do you feel great trusting these gaming sites now? Knowing fully well that they are the same "fanboys" that spew BS on gaming forums just (obviously) hiding behind anonymous user names?

Yes the same people that write "PS3/360 iz teh fail!" are the one that rate your games for you. Feel good now about letting these guys dictate how you game?

If this doesn't let you understand these gaming sites play mind games to manipulate the gaming community then you're a fool for good. Stop listening to these aholes. We have vids of gameplay, interviews, feed back from other gamers - STOP RELYING ON THESE GAMING SITES, THEY ARE FILLED WITH RABID FANBOYS&GIRLS.

NoBias5292d ago

Don't let your stupid fanboy mentality keep you from playing this amazing title.

Persistantthug5292d ago (Edited 5292d ago )

So now this old school games comes to my doorstep A WHOLE YEAR LATE, and I'm now supposed to jump at the chance to play this "ground breaking"(not really) product, in spite of all the other latest and greatest thrill rides on the market that DID have the decency to cater to me ON TIME?

Label me a "vengeful bastard" if you want, but I think one good turn deserves another.

Like I said,
THE BIOSHOCK TREATMENT.

Ahh...and now my BlueTooth is charged.....
Back to Fat Princess :)

NoBias5292d ago

The game would prob be too hard for ya anyways..

Dah'well...

Persistantthug5292d ago

started my platforming on original Pitfall.....

Trust me....I'd breeze through that SNES game in a few hours.

I just choose to treat devs/titles that treat me well, in kind....that's all.

*shrug*

Xbox Avatars Shoe5292d ago

I HATED this game! By far the most overrated game of all time IMO. It got insanely good reviews for ugly graphics, ripping-off a ton of Mario levels and time travel that was just a big gimmick.

NoBias5291d ago (Edited 5291d ago )

The game is too hard for this Xbox Avatars Shoe fanboy. I wish there were a clickable "punch" option. I'll settle for ignore, in the meantime.

EDIT: In all seriousness though Persistantthug, you really will be missing out on a great game. What time it got to you shouldn't be all that important. It's not so much beating the levels. The levels aren't too hard to get from beg to end, they're fairly easy. It's the individual puzzle pieces that are in the level that can be such a challenge to get. Some really ingenious challenges.

THAT's where the reward comes from. I'd compare this game to demon souls or portal in terms of the feeling of when you "figure it out". I'm telling you, it's great. With 25 years of gaming behind you, I'd see you appreciating this title for sure.

At least check out the demo but know that it gets HARDER ha. There's seriously times where you'll need to check online. And it's infuriating... But at the same time addictive, original and relaxing (music & art design). Some of the gameplay elements in that have never been seen implemented into a 2d side scroller before.

I can honestly say it's one of my favorite games this gen.

Persistantthug5291d ago

BIOSHOCK.

Glad I got to finally pick it up and play it for $20 now.....

it was awesome I tell you.

*wink*

+ Show (18) more repliesLast reply 5291d ago
belal5292d ago

its the same damn game...

ElementX5292d ago

I played this when I had my 360. It's an interesting game. I would recommend it because there are a variety of puzzles and they're difficult but not throw your controller difficult. I did have to watch a couple of YouTube tutorials, though ;-)

she00win995292d ago

so the xbots lost another exclusive..

leeger5292d ago

It was not a 360 exclusive in the 1st place.

poopface15292d ago

iTS JUST THE PS3TARDS GETTING ANOTHER GAME 1+ YEARS AFTER THE 360.

she00win995292d ago

so thanks for the beta testing xbots

Sez 5292d ago (Edited 5292d ago )

it's funny how the "BETA"version outscored the playstation version. maybe they will have a patch for it by the end of the day. so it can score on par with the "beta". seem like every ps3 game needs a patch. know wonder people are calling it the patchstation.

for all the disagreers
http://xboxlive.ign.com/art...

360 ps3
8.8 > 8.5

@below.

lmao. "multiple account". thats one of the last things that need to come out of any sonyfanboys mouth. period.

you can look at my commment history and see i been here longer than you have buddy. laugh at that corny joke. come on now. you need to come better than that. with you avatar that screams "homo" and your buddy bener-d!ck. laugh at that one droid

@she00win99

yeah.sure you did buddy.sure you did. "rolls eyes'

Aquarius5292d ago

another troll with a multiple account talking about patches.

well I have one for you

Xbreaksplzfixme

Please tell me your not going to laugh at that even though your a BOT.

she00win995292d ago (Edited 5292d ago )

i think your sister's p*ssy needs more patch than my ps games because i really tore her up last night...

oh sorry, its not only your sister, also your mother....

callahan095292d ago

@Vega, your comment is so ignorant. The game doesn't need a patch, because it's not broken, and it is IN FACT better than the 360 version because this version is native 1080p at 60fps, which the 360 version was not. The reason for the lower score is not because it is inferior, but because it was reviewed by a different person who also would have given the 360 version a lower score than the other guy gave it.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 5292d ago
Dirk Benedict5292d ago (Edited 5292d ago )

Is that your handywork, Bumpmapping?

I will match that after my Bailey's and Coffee. To the bots; buy a PS3™
Stop letting ms slide the wide shaft into your wallet/colons.

Show all comments (86)
190°

The Most Famous Video Games Made By Only One Person

BLG writes: "Do you know any famous games made by one person? Well, we’re here to educate you on some of the best one-man projects out there."

Read Full Story >>
bosslevelgamer.com
franwex714d ago (Edited 714d ago )

Nice list.

I’ll add 9th Dawn III to that list. Great game made by one person.

Always Sometimes Monster is made by two people technically, but let’s do an honorable mention.

NecrumOddBoy714d ago

I’d add HABROXIA 1 & 2 on here as well. Berry does pixel wonders with the Game Maker engine.

714d ago Replies(1)
ABizzel1714d ago

Technically speaking Minecraft should have been on the list. But it's nice to see these single devs thrive.

Rebel_Scum713d ago

Some of these arent exactly “made by one man”

Looking at you Braid and Fez.

AmUnRa713d ago

Theyr is no game made by one man. Theyr is always a team of developers behind them.
However there is always someone who comes up with the idea of a game.
When i would give an example of one man with that idea for me its Hideo Kojima....

LabRat713d ago (Edited 713d ago )

No there are certainly games made by 1 person, start to finish. Maybe after it launches and becomes a big enough success the 1 person will reach out for help maintaining it or updating, but games have been made by 1 person.

Unless of course you are being insanely nit-picky and trying to claim "the engine they used was made by Unity" or "the assets they put in were made by someone else"

Show all comments (10)
410°

Xbox Live Gold Subscribers Can Claim These Three Additional Free Games

Microsoft is offering three additional free games for all Xbox Live Gold subscribers in addition to the regular lineup of games this month.

Read Full Story >>
novicegamerguides.com
darthv72741d ago

Joe Danger is hella fun. Nice bonus from GwG.

deleted741d ago

I enjoyed Joe Danger back in the day, it's pretty fun. What's amazing is how Hello Games went from a few of these rather simple games to the ultra-ambitious No Man's Sky!

741d ago Replies(1)
Orchard740d ago

I would love a sequel to JD - although I do realize that Hello Games have kinda grown beyond that scope of game.

Godmars290741d ago

And still the contradiction of getting something for "free" from a service you pay for continues.

CrimsonWing69741d ago

But isn’t the service for online multiplayer? So, technically it’s “free games” included with your online subscription? I mean, what was the point of Xbox Live? To get free games?

Godmars290741d ago

Only, after they tried doubling the price of another online service, some similar nonsense, isn't Xbox online multiplayer suppose to be free?

darthv72740d ago

"isn't Xbox online multiplayer suppose to be free?" No, it was always been a paid premium on console. The free games was not related to the rumored price hike. They were giving them away long before that.

If there was a service for free online multiplayer on console, it was PSN. Until the PS4 came out.

Jericho1337740d ago

How would you have worded it then? I’d say ‘subscribers claiming free games’ is about as clear as it gets.

Godmars290740d ago

"As part of", "In addition to", "As an extra bonus". Anything better than, "Get this with no strings attached or requirements" which is what "free" implies.

Jericho1337740d ago

That’s like saying ‘buy one get one free’ doesn’t apply because it’s not technically ‘free’. Stop trying to find a problem with something when there isn’t one.

gangsta_red740d ago

** "Get this with no strings attached or requirements" which is what "free" implies.**

No, it actually doesn't, it's just like when you get a free refill of soda after you purchased your first cup.

I think we are well enough into these console gens to stop bringing up this tired argument

CrimsonWing69740d ago

You always had to pay for Xbox Live to
play online multiplayer… this was the case way back during the original Xbox when it was released.

I don’t understand what you’re hung up about when plenty of subscription services give free things as a perk or benefit to a user who subscribes to a service.

Hell, Nintendo Power gave me a “Free” Strategy Guide of my choosing for paying for their magazine subscription way back in the day.

You’re getting the games that you’d need to pay for regardless of the subscription for free, bottom-line. The service you’re paying for is the online multiplayer service Xbox Live. You aren’t paying for Xbox Live and paying for the game you were handed out for free, you’re still just paying for the online service and nothing more. Hence, why the game in itself is free for Xbox Live subscribers.

sinspirit740d ago

It was originally just for online access. It had updated and began monthly game releases to compete with PS Plus. Monthly games have been a part of Live for many years. It is more recently that the releases are getting worse and worse.

Godmars290740d ago

Its been a majoritively dismissed point as DLC, MTs and now subscriptions became things. Failed protest against policies meant ultimately to strip consumers of ownership rights over media in general.

Still, may as well keep pointing it out.

sinspirit740d ago (Edited 740d ago )

@Godmars290

I guess people are just missing the point. And, now we got people thinking Live is still just an online sub and games are a generous inclusion like it's not a feature of the paid service lol.

Live officially on Microsofts site lists, "Free games every month. Now that’s Gold.
Get 2 free games a month, including backward compatible Xbox 360 games".

But, many are starting to say that Live payment is still just for the online access. Which, if that's what they're believing then I'm worried about why they'd pay just for online access. Paying for it back in the day was already a ripoff since they didn't even host dedicated servers to ensure the best quality connection. You'd pay for it just to host it on the internet provider that you also pay for lol.

I do think it's great to offer extra games on top of the existing ones. However, Live has repeatedly offered very lacking games, has listed the same games more than once, and even listed the same game two months in a row one time. They need to have a solid consistent history of delivering quality monthly releases.

traumadisaster740d ago

And still the contradiction of bringing up a decade old tired complaint knowing we’ve all moved in but you. We all agree it would better if the author was accurate but this argument is so old now, move on.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 740d ago
Father__Merrin740d ago

https://www.xbox.com/ja-jp/...

I've just redeemed knights quest needs GP/gold membership etc

740d ago
100°

5 Great Games With Time Manipulation

KeenGamer: "Time manipulation concepts have been the foundation of many great games, including these 5 greats which do the them justice. Because every Back to the Future fan needs a bit more time manipulation to fulfil their time traveling fantasies."

Read Full Story >>
keengamer.com
GamerRN956d ago (Edited 956d ago )

Im thankful Quantum Break ended up here! The only thing that stopped this game from being talked up was Xbox exclusivity and the live action scenes being way too long...

Otherwise, it's basically Control with lighter visuals

Godmars290956d ago

Isn't the AI broken? Physics issues as well?

Why, if it wasn't actually a broken game, possibly less so than Blix the Time Sweeper, would being an exclusive be an honest mark against QB?

GamerRN955d ago

Because people LOVE to HATE Xbox

NecrumOddBoy956d ago

TimeSpinner is a good time based metroidvania.

Also, Singularity rocks a a time-theme Bioshock-like FPS.