Sorry for the delay in posts all. Been very busy. Being a mid-core gamer has the faults of a busy schedule and busy life. I will be posting additional reviews soon for Dead Space, Star Wars: Forced Unleashed  and a few others shortly.

Braid is a mind game. The basis for the game is that you are trying to save the princess (Can anyone say Mario?). The only way to save the princess is to go into all these different worlds and collect puzzle pieces that go to a large puzzle created for each level.  Completing each puzzle adds a section to a ladder, which leads to the final world.

Title: Braid

The Good:

Braid is a great downloadable game for the Xbox 360. The graphics are pretty good for what you pay for. You are able to move in and out of each world as you wish collecting pieces in any order to complete the puzzle. This game really challenges the mind to think outside of the box. Your only source of power is the fact that Tim can rewind time, in theory that means you never die. This game is all about time manipulation. At times Tim can use a shadow of himself to perform actions Tim himself has already done, or a bubble that slows time and can be used to slow a cannon’s shot, etc. Some levels may be so easy that it only takes you a matter of minutes to accomplish the task at hand, and some that require a little more brainpower and time. One of the greatest things about this game is at the beginning of each stage it shows you what you will be dealing with in the next level. For example at one point when Tim moves forward everything else in the level moves backwards!! This game is great for friends hanging out; sometimes it takes more then one perspective to solve the puzzle. A friend suggests something you would have never considered and then suddenly you’re collecting that puzzle piece. I think a great aspect of this game also is that men and women will enjoy it. It is a great game for a couple to sit down and play together and show each other who is smarter!

The Bad:

This game is frustrating as hell!! I can’t tell you how many times I started playing and was on a roll, and then a turn for the worst, I start going around in circles, about to rip every single hair on my head out. I think the creator may have taken some levels to an extreme. I mean literally I sat there for hours on one level with no progress just staring and drooling about to have my head spontaneously combust from over use. It is definitely one of the most frustrating games I have ever played. As frustrating as this game was, it left me wanting more! I only wish that Tim’s adventure hadn’t ended so soon. Braid is also little pricy at a whopping $15, it needed to be longer.

Closing:

Xbox 360 needs more imaginative, innovative games like Braid. The game tests your mind, bends your braid, and makes for a good fun party game if played with friends. The game doesn’t take long to finish so I would definately give it the highest mid-core gamer sign of approval. BUY IT.

Game Length: 3-6 Hours
Relationship Status: AWESOME
Health Risk: very little
Price: $15
Final Verdict: 10 out of 10

If you agree or disagree with my review, please feel free to leave comments.