X3F rallies around Braid, demands your consideration
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Braid is good, but the biggest hurdle seems to be its pricing (frequently discussed lately by creator Jonathan Blow). With most of the Joystiq staff too busy playing the XBLA time-bender this weekend, our cohorts at X3F (the blog formerly known as Xbox 360 Fanboy) have stepped in to lay out the reasons why you should really care about Braid. Click here and get edumucated.
Reader Comments (90)
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:11PM (Unverified) said
Braid is an OK, game, not Great.
I played it and it does not deserve as much praise that it is getting, and it is really not worth $15.
I played it and it does not deserve as much praise that it is getting, and it is really not worth $15.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:26PM KingJD said
I guess that's your opinion....I think the game is great and the demo did not do it justice. I played the demo and thought it was ok but decided to give it a chance. Once you pass the demo level the game changes from a simple plat former to a thinking persons game. The time bending really kicks in, especially that level thats modeled after the original Donkey Kong. I had a great feeling of satisfaction when I solved that puzzle.
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Posted: Aug 9th 2008 6:47PM Giantenemycrab said
I played it and I have to totally disagree with you. I think it's really ridiculous the amount of fuss the price has gotten. It's worth every penny.
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Posted: Aug 9th 2008 7:42PM zuburi said
Agree with OP. It plays like a "Klik & Play" game. The animation feels weak compared to the rest of the art, specifically the backgrounds.
It's a testament to how poor game writing is that something like this gets people saying "masterpiece." Interesting story and narrative, but it reads like something that'd win a high school newspaper award.
And honestly - the only people I see bitching about the price are people that claim OTHERS are bitching about it. You must be making a much bigger stink than them.
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It's a testament to how poor game writing is that something like this gets people saying "masterpiece." Interesting story and narrative, but it reads like something that'd win a high school newspaper award.
And honestly - the only people I see bitching about the price are people that claim OTHERS are bitching about it. You must be making a much bigger stink than them.
Posted: Aug 10th 2008 4:40AM (Unverified) said
Having purchased the game despite being very stingy, I can safely say that it's worth $15.
Although this experience may vary depending on what other recreational activities are going on at the time. In other words, you may be playing the game the wrong way.
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Although this experience may vary depending on what other recreational activities are going on at the time. In other words, you may be playing the game the wrong way.
Posted: Aug 10th 2008 10:45AM greyseal said
It's not a matter of the writing simply being good or bad... it's the way the emotional arc of the story actually weaves its way into the puzzles and stages.
This game is brilliant, and far more than the sum of its parts. It's worth $15 in a heartbeat.
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This game is brilliant, and far more than the sum of its parts. It's worth $15 in a heartbeat.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:14PM SheppyReturns said
I want this, I really do. But I have no 360 (jumping back in in january) and no release date on PC yet...
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:16PM The Kong said
how dare braid steal castle crashers' hype!! I can't buy this game cause of the price since I just bought geom wars 2 and I must get castle crashers
I still think this games getting to much praise, and btw I played it and I love this genre I just think I've played better
I still think this games getting to much praise, and btw I played it and I love this genre I just think I've played better
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:19PM SheppyReturns said
You know what could have been an awesome way for Castle Crashers to keep all their hype? Not being in development limbo for ~3 years. Castle Crashers is the Prey of Digital Distribution...
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Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:18PM matt247 said
Braid has the highest average review scores of arcade games, it even got a 9.5 from Gamespot. It's only $15, so why complain when most games are $60 and if you saw this game at store it would be $20-$30 and would think it was a bargain. Also Target is selling 1600 MS points for $15 if you want to save some money.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 9:04PM Dr Stabbingworth said
Please explain. Neither CAG or SD has anything on this sale.
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Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:23PM Shogan said
I don't care about reviews, and this game is being hyped to hell. I played the demo, it was alright. It's not something I'm ever planning to buy though, especially costing more than MUCH better games on the service.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:29PM (Unverified) said
So yea remember when I said I still was on my first 360 a few days ago, It rrod'd last night while downloading braid haha. Now thats karma for ya
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:34PM MarkezJM said
360 nation weeps for you friend, I feel your pain. Doesn't take long to get it back if you call support right away and ship it off.
I was pretty pissed when mine tanked, but honestly, it didn't take long to get it fixed and get it back. I was a happy cat that the process was so easy. That being said I did have my Wii and DS to tide me over... Although it did happen right when I got Mass Effect... Oh, the anger I felt...
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I was pretty pissed when mine tanked, but honestly, it didn't take long to get it fixed and get it back. I was a happy cat that the process was so easy. That being said I did have my Wii and DS to tide me over... Although it did happen right when I got Mass Effect... Oh, the anger I felt...
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:10PM SheppyReturns said
Ugh, that sucks. I feel for you. Let's hope it not a recurring theme for your console now. Most only get struck once. I gave up after my fifth hit.
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Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:19PM waynski1457 said
Don't worry man, I'm in the same damn boat. I haven't even played Geo2 yet...
I feels like you wait and wait for the great stuff and then it comes out right when you can't get it...
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I feels like you wait and wait for the great stuff and then it comes out right when you can't get it...
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 6:38PM (Unverified) said
Also its pretty funny, when i went to the ups store to send it out the lady says "oh i know what that is, just put it on this scale" i said, "oh you get alot of broken xbox's?" her, "oh yes, maybe about 7 a day". hilarity ensued. It may be my favorite out of the 3 but damn that was great.
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Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:33PM (Unverified) said
I find that critics and sites like this tend to go overboard with the hype train on games made by a single dude.
I got burned by Everyday Shooter, no friggin way did that deserve the scores that got.
I got burned by Everyday Shooter, no friggin way did that deserve the scores that got.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:34PM (Unverified) said
Yes, just what the gaming community needs, more hype for Braid! Yes, please tell us why its worth the 1200 points. Tell us how its so much more than the average XBLA game! Explain why when it gets decent sales, why more and more games will cost 1200 points!
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:36PM Saria the Cat said
I really want this game but I can't be arsed to purchase 1500 MSP (over $18) so I can buy 1200 MSP worth of stuff. And yes I've had many qualms with the price but I think I would be willing to fork it over because I don't see a price drop coming and it will suck to miss out on a good if overpriced game.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:40PM Saria the Cat said
But I still don't believe all the crap about how $15 is just a "drop in the bucket," the indie argument, or how people buy crappy short games all the time for $60. For me, $15 is a lot of money and *I* never buy crappy short games. You can't argue that the game isn't overpriced. It is. It's just that you don't have a choice if you want that good game experience so you HAVE to fork over the $15.
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Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:15PM (Unverified) said
@Obie - Well considering I can easily spend $20 to go see a 90 minute movie (after popcorn, fuel etc), $15 doesn't bother me to play an exquisite game like this that lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 hours.
*shrug* to each their own I guess.
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*shrug* to each their own I guess.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:22PM Saria the Cat said
@RicchochetJ: Movie tickets are damn overpriced as well. And the food in the theatre. That's why I bring my own food and I only see a movie about once a month. :) Some people are just on a tighter budget than others, it seems.
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Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:29PM (Unverified) said
Ahh, the theaters I go to check you for food :( I go to a movie about once a month as well and I agree they're overpriced.
I was just trying to give an example of something that is comparable in price and length that some people don't even think twice about.
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I was just trying to give an example of something that is comparable in price and length that some people don't even think twice about.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:40PM Saria the Cat said
@RicchochetJ: Oh, yeah, you're not allowed to bring food in at our theatres either. But that's why you have a big purse or a date with a big purse that can fit some snacks in it. I once snuck in a whole big frozen yogurt sundae underneath my jacket (WITHOUT spilling) and pretended I was pregnant. I'm the queen of movie theatre snack sneakiness.
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Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:41PM (Unverified) said
@Obie: Ya they check your jacket and any bags you have. I can however manage to sneak my flask in... Don't ask me where I hide that >.> .>
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Posted: Aug 9th 2008 6:00PM (Unverified) said
@Saria: Oooh you're good! The last time I tried to sneak in a drink I made it half way through the concourse when it came flying out and spilled everywhere.
They yelled and I ran into the first theater I could find and wound up having to sit through Little Nicki.
A rational person would have left but I paid good money for a ticket dammit and I'm going to see a movie even if it makes me want to do bad things after.
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They yelled and I ran into the first theater I could find and wound up having to sit through Little Nicki.
A rational person would have left but I paid good money for a ticket dammit and I'm going to see a movie even if it makes me want to do bad things after.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 7:25PM ArtificeDrake formerly known as said
It IS possible to sit through a movie without food ...isn't it? My wife and I go to the matinee showings and we never spend more than $10 at a movie theater unless we really want some Sour Patch Kids...
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Posted: Aug 10th 2008 10:44AM (Unverified) said
@ Riccochet J
Dude, you're kind of a pussy. They're not the police.
Movie theater stooges have no right to search your person or anything you're carrying, to begin with. And if they say you can't see the movie if you don't let them look, tell them to fuck off and get your money back.
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Dude, you're kind of a pussy. They're not the police.
Movie theater stooges have no right to search your person or anything you're carrying, to begin with. And if they say you can't see the movie if you don't let them look, tell them to fuck off and get your money back.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:45PM Hoffer said
When I first played the trial, I didn't really care for it. I found it pretty boring. I gave it a second chance and got every puzzle piece in world 2. That gave me a glimpse of what was to come, so I bought it.
I have played thru all the worlds and got every puzzle piece I could. I went thru again this morning and picked up a few more, but I've still got a handful of puzzle pieces I have no clue on how to get. I'm trying to decide how long I want to spend on the game before going to a guide. I would like the satisfaction of doing it on my own. I'm just getting bored with it and really don't feel like spending many more hours.
I have played thru all the worlds and got every puzzle piece I could. I went thru again this morning and picked up a few more, but I've still got a handful of puzzle pieces I have no clue on how to get. I'm trying to decide how long I want to spend on the game before going to a guide. I would like the satisfaction of doing it on my own. I'm just getting bored with it and really don't feel like spending many more hours.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:51PM Aeikozz said
that's kinda crazy... you spent 15 on it and your getting bored of it?? i spent 10 on GeoWars2 and i'm still playing the hell out of it.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 4:56PM Obienator said
Great arguments. I am sure the game is wonderful, but I'll wait for it to get a price drop. $10 would be the sweet spot for me.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:02PM Mr Khan said
Beautiful charming puzzle-driven 2D gameplay, much like the better parts of Super Paper Mario with beauty to match the upcoming Wario Land: Shake It
All for much less than you would have to pay for either of those.
If it were me, i'd probably buy it, because i tend to replay the hell out of my downloadable games anyway
The question is: How long is it, exactly? And what's the replay value?
All for much less than you would have to pay for either of those.
If it were me, i'd probably buy it, because i tend to replay the hell out of my downloadable games anyway
The question is: How long is it, exactly? And what's the replay value?
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 6:15PM (Unverified) said
If you take time to find all the stars by yourself it should add at least 4 hours to the game.
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Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:08PM MisterSmith said
My purchase has already been justified after having completed the first two worlds (including the puzzle pieces). The industry needs more games like this.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:08PM (Unverified) said
I'd love to see some first week numbers on Braid after the complete dichotomy between what the critics are saying and what people on message boards/this comment thread are saying about it. Personally, the game has been thoroughly enjoyable and I'm nearly done with it (unfortunately).
Interestingly, my girlfriend (who loves Mario and few other types of games) dislikes it thoroughly and says the puzzles are too hard. It looks too much like a platformer for people, which can confuse you thoroughly as its ability to perform well as a platformer clearly isn't there.
I think I just figured out the problem: it's a puzzle game with a platformer aesthetic and the average gamer can't handle it not being a great platformer. Oh, and it's totally worth $15.
Interestingly, my girlfriend (who loves Mario and few other types of games) dislikes it thoroughly and says the puzzles are too hard. It looks too much like a platformer for people, which can confuse you thoroughly as its ability to perform well as a platformer clearly isn't there.
I think I just figured out the problem: it's a puzzle game with a platformer aesthetic and the average gamer can't handle it not being a great platformer. Oh, and it's totally worth $15.
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:15PM (Unverified) said
We get it, it's a great game. But i'm not paying $15 for an XBLA game. I don't care what it is. Why does it feel like all these sites are trying to force the game on us? Does the game deserve this much discussion?
Posted: Aug 9th 2008 5:21PM johnperkins21 said
It's amazing to me how much praise this game is getting. I really don't like any of it. The controls feel off (it's very difficult to jump on an enemy's head for example), and I don't like the art at all. I find it to be quite ugly, granted I don't like any impressionist artwork anyway.
I played through the demo and pretty much hated the game. I tried it again based on the praise and actually came away hating it even more. To me, it's not worth 40 MS points, let alone 1200. I'm glad that some people are enjoying it, and that the dude is making his money, but I simply hate the game.
Of course, I hated Mario 64 as well, and that was well received by all. The worst part is that I love 2D platformers (I've been waiting for a true Castlevania:SotN follow-up for years). I had high hopes for this game, but it didn't do it for me in the least.
I played through the demo and pretty much hated the game. I tried it again based on the praise and actually came away hating it even more. To me, it's not worth 40 MS points, let alone 1200. I'm glad that some people are enjoying it, and that the dude is making his money, but I simply hate the game.
Of course, I hated Mario 64 as well, and that was well received by all. The worst part is that I love 2D platformers (I've been waiting for a true Castlevania:SotN follow-up for years). I had high hopes for this game, but it didn't do it for me in the least.
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