Braid is such a unique title placing it firmly in one single genre would be difficult, yes it is a platformer, but it is so much more then your typical platformer and with it’s games fantastic story and gameplay you could put it in the adventure category as well, but deep down it is also a puzzle based game.

Gameplay

A game in which you never die is a new twist and this is because you can rewind all the way back to the beginning of the level, but this does not make the game easy as once you are used to a worlds specific gameplay nuances, you enter the next world and they change on you. Everything changes from having a world rewind or move forward depending on which direction you are moving, using your shadow and much more. Braid is a pure joy to play for the sheer amount of gameplay options you have to use through out the game and while the basics remain with rewinding time and movement, learning to adapt to the new gameplay in each world keeps it fresh and fun.

During the game you must collect puzzle pieces and put them together to fully complete a picture and each world has more and more pieces. Sometimes you even need to have completed part of a picture for a hint to move on to a new puzzle piece, but you should be able to figure when that is needed. With out giving up some serious secrets and gameplay hints it is difficult to get too much more in to detail regarding Braid, but this is one game worthy of playing over again via the speed runs mode.

Graphics and Audio

Graphically and audio wise, Braid is of the highest quality, with unique and wonderful graphics which are striking in high definition. Subtle visuals and audio changes throughout each world and level are amazing; scenes are well animated and seem to pull from every color spectrum at times all, while the game treats you to an audiophiles dream mixture of music and sound effects.

The game that will define platform gaming for years to come and screams for a sequel, but until we see some sort of Braid 2, finish the game, play the speed through mode and prepare to play one of those instant classic games we will be talking about for years.

The only little negative point (if I can call that a negative) this PSN version of Braid has is its price point.  For a game that has been out for more than a year, I would have loved to see PSN users to get it for $10 instead of the $15 price tag. But then again, XBLA users had to pay $20 for it back then. There are far more expensive games out there that do not offer the same level of quality as Braid. You have money to spend on a great game? Just go and buy it. You won’t regret your purchase.

Bottom Line

One of the most innovative games in years, of the highest quality and unique nature, Braid is a game you can’t miss. Already a must have for PC and Xbox 360 users, Braid deserves a space on your Playstation 3 hard drive.