Braid
- Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows, Mac
- Price: $15.00
- Genre: Adventure
Common Sense Media says
Brilliant time-shifting platform game about love lost.
- Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows, Mac
- Price: $15.00
- Genre: Adventure
What parents need to know
Positive role models
Ease of play
Violence
Sex
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Braid is filled with complex moral messages and that its puzzles can be extremely difficult. Though there is little that might be deemed overtly offensive (no drugs, sex, or violence, and just one occurrence of the word "bitch"), the game's sophisticated themes have to do with relationships and love, and will likely be lost on those who haven't experienced serious romantic relationships. What's more, the time-shifting play is at times extremely challenging, and best suited for more experienced gamers.
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What's it about?
An unabashed tribute to Super Mario Bros., BRAID is a side-scrolling adventure loaded with nods to Nintendo's iconic plumber, including dangerous plants that pop out of pipes, cannons that spit out monsters, and clouds upon which players can hitch rides. But there's much more to it than simple homage. Each of the game's six worlds features a different time-shifting game mechanic that is used to decipher a series of mind-bending puzzles. Depending on the level and circumstance, time might slow down, enemies might move forwards or backwards depending on the direction in which our little blue-suited hero is running, or the clock may stop altogether. Players can rewind time as much as they like at any time and in any level.
As you conquer Braid's time-based conundrums, you journey through mesmerizing environments that look like paintings come to life and play witness to a surprisingly adult tale about the hope and futility of finding perfection in our mates. Through brief bits of efficient and superbly written prose, Braid details a man's quest to find his "Princess," the woman who in his mind personifies flawlessness. Deliberately vague throughout, the game concludes with several possible endings, each of which will change the meaning of everything players have experienced in the game up to that point.
Is it any good?
QUALITY
This brilliant and pioneering platform game is one of the deepest and most thoughtful interactive experiences yet made. Braid's wildly imaginative environments, composed of beautiful, perpetually moving watercolors, owe inspiration to such diverse sources as the painted worlds of Capcom's Okami and Vincent Ward's film What Dreams May Come, scenes of which appear set on living canvas. It's impossible not to view the game's milieu as interactive art. What's more, it's dripping with sly allegories that bridge story and play. The time shifting mechanics represent our character's desire to go back in time and change regretful events in his own life. And as he collects and assembles jigsaw puzzle pieces in each level, we realize that he is, in fact, trying to find and reassemble the pieces of his shattered relationship.
The only downside of this game is its difficulty. Some of the puzzles, which involve bending time in ways most people are not naturally equipped to imagine, are true brain breakers. There's a good chance that, despite the game's brilliant narrative and stunning art design, some players may not have the patience to persevere through to the end, which would be a shame. Braid is well worth the struggle. It redefines what the medium of games can be, and, perhaps more importantly, what it can say.
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about the concept of love as it has been portrayed in games. Do you think video games are a valid medium in which to explore the complexities of romantic relationships? Do you think that Braid deals with the subject in a meaningful and insightful manner? Can you think of any other games that have had something important to say about love? Does the game's high level of difficulty detract from its intended message?
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QUALITY
Braid is a tricky game to review, because when you talk about how appropriate it is, you mean something completely different from when you talk about a violent shooter or beat em up. In terms of inappropriate content, I think a 12 year old could handle the single use of the "B Word", and the implication of a relationship that started falling apart. But in terms of emotional depth...well, it was, at times, emotionally difficult for me to play at 25. Even in terms of sheer challenge of game play, it was difficult for me as well. I think that a very mature 15 year old, ready to deal with the issue of real, romantic love (They do exist...rarely) who is quite good at puzzles should be encouraged to play this game. But there's also a pretty good chance that they simply won't like it, and preferring a game that's a little more straightforward. So to most parents, you probably shouldn't buy this game for your kids, just give a go ahead if they are informed about what the game is, and specifically want it. But I think that, just maybe, you should consider buying it for yourself, because it is beautiful.
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QUALITY
One of the best games that I have ever played.
VERY good game... The music is beautiful, easy to control yet VERY challenging puzzles, and it teaches you to think outside the box. It takes a classic game concept and flips it on its head.
What other families should know
Educational value
Great role models
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QUALITY
okay for certain people 11 and up but never for everyone.
I would think Braid is appropriate for anyone 11 or 12 and up, but it's not for everyone. If you're the kind of person who can wrap his brain around some very tough puzzles, then this is your game. I would also argue that it is very educational. It can help train one's brain for logical and spacial thinking at a very high level. (warning. The difficulty curve is Steeeeeeep!)
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