Jonathan Blow's masterwork, Braid, has quickly become the water-colored poster child for indie game development. However, while both critics and players alike have been singing the game's praises since it was released a week ago, there are some things that Blow wishes would have turned out differently. Specifically the XBLA demo, which he originally wanted to represent a larger portion of the full game, a bubble that Microsoft was only too happy to burst.
"There was one little issue at the very end of development when [Microsoft] wanted me to make the trial version shorter than it was," recalled Blow in an interview with SavyGamer, adding belief that "it's ok to give people a significant portion of the game because if they like it, they'll want to play the rest." Nevertheless, this apparently didn't jibe with Braid's publishing overlords, as Blow noted that he and Microsoft argued back and forth over the demo's length before settling on the teaser we have today. So, tell us, was the result enough to make your virtual wallet 1200 MS points lighter?
Reader Comments (117)
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 2:49PM Mr Fujisawa said
i got to the end of the demo then bought it.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 3:34AM (Unverified) said
Pass.
Bionic Commando.
Period.
Bionic Commando.
Period.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 4:38AM oboreruhito said
Demo and hype got me to buy it, but I wish I hadn't. I was pretty disappointed.
The art and music were great, and the basic gameplay was fantastic. There's just not enough gameplay for the price. The story went from sappy to predictable and ended with an awfully heavy hand. I have to disagree with everyone saying the "experience" outweighs the shortness - sure, each arc of the game has that great moment where everything clicks and you figure it out, but once you do, that's it. It's just a platformer. Zero replayability unless you speedrun it.
This was easily the worst case of buyer's regret I've had on XBLA so far. I hope Fez is better, or at least as good and just longer.
I'm still curious why he's getting so much press, though. It's almost like Jonathan Blow's getting a 9/10 from the games media, not Braid.
The art and music were great, and the basic gameplay was fantastic. There's just not enough gameplay for the price. The story went from sappy to predictable and ended with an awfully heavy hand. I have to disagree with everyone saying the "experience" outweighs the shortness - sure, each arc of the game has that great moment where everything clicks and you figure it out, but once you do, that's it. It's just a platformer. Zero replayability unless you speedrun it.
This was easily the worst case of buyer's regret I've had on XBLA so far. I hope Fez is better, or at least as good and just longer.
I'm still curious why he's getting so much press, though. It's almost like Jonathan Blow's getting a 9/10 from the games media, not Braid.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 5:26AM BurntMeatloaf said
The demo was long enough, it just didn't show off the potential of the game.
I think the demo length and price are fine. If the demo can't be that long, though, perhaps it would be better to offer more advanced levels. Come on, everybody knows how to jump over enemies... we don't need 5 platform sections for that. I almost ditched the demo until I got to the time bending portions, and THEN things got really interesting.
As for complaining, well... that's one of the problems with indie developers. They lack experience. If you're going to be part of a development network, you have to follow the network's rules. If not, go release the game by yourself as ShareWare on the PC, and see how far you get and how much money you make. Given the publicity this game is getting, if he can't make a profit on his "labor of love", then he's doing something wrong. He has development talent... maybe he needs marketing advice (hint: don't ever bitch about your publisher!)
I think the demo length and price are fine. If the demo can't be that long, though, perhaps it would be better to offer more advanced levels. Come on, everybody knows how to jump over enemies... we don't need 5 platform sections for that. I almost ditched the demo until I got to the time bending portions, and THEN things got really interesting.
As for complaining, well... that's one of the problems with indie developers. They lack experience. If you're going to be part of a development network, you have to follow the network's rules. If not, go release the game by yourself as ShareWare on the PC, and see how far you get and how much money you make. Given the publicity this game is getting, if he can't make a profit on his "labor of love", then he's doing something wrong. He has development talent... maybe he needs marketing advice (hint: don't ever bitch about your publisher!)
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 6:46AM (Unverified) said
"So, tell us, was the result enough to make your virtual wallet 1200 MS points lighter?"
No, I'm not paying 50% more than some VERY good games for this, simply not to support the rip-off price point.
That said, I think the current demo is about perfect length.
No, I'm not paying 50% more than some VERY good games for this, simply not to support the rip-off price point.
That said, I think the current demo is about perfect length.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 8:46AM ScottG13 said
Never played the demo. I bought the game on reviews and my desire to support this kind of small scale quality development.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 9:54AM (Unverified) said
I guess we won't be seeing any more Jonathan Blow games on XBLA. What is going to say next? Microsoft abused him as a child?
"The price is too high!"
M$ made me do it!!
"The demo is too short!"
M$ made me do it!!
Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.
"The price is too high!"
M$ made me do it!!
"The demo is too short!"
M$ made me do it!!
Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 10:22AM (Unverified) said
NOT SHORT ENOUGH
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 10:47AM KTXL said
Yep. Bought it last night after finally getting through the completely-awesome Ninja Gaiden II.
Loving the music and atmosphere so far.
Loving the music and atmosphere so far.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 12:15PM ZeroCorpse said
Music and atmosphere?
Too bad the game play is just SUPER MARIO BROS.
You know, you could download a Super Mario Bros. clone and play some classical music if you want to simulate the experience. Oh, right-- You'd have to stop and play with a jigsaw puzzle every once in a while to make it more exciting.
1200 points for this? You're nuts. I wouldn't bother to continue playing it if it were free.
I can't wait to see his watercolor-styled game called "NOSE" where you're Jim, and you jump around on a series of blocks changing their color and avoiding an orange watercolor snake, various geometric shapes, and some little watercolored guys that look like Goonies while listening to new age music.
Reply
Too bad the game play is just SUPER MARIO BROS.
You know, you could download a Super Mario Bros. clone and play some classical music if you want to simulate the experience. Oh, right-- You'd have to stop and play with a jigsaw puzzle every once in a while to make it more exciting.
1200 points for this? You're nuts. I wouldn't bother to continue playing it if it were free.
I can't wait to see his watercolor-styled game called "NOSE" where you're Jim, and you jump around on a series of blocks changing their color and avoiding an orange watercolor snake, various geometric shapes, and some little watercolored guys that look like Goonies while listening to new age music.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 11:26AM (Unverified) said
Jesus, I'm sick of hearing about this shitty emo Super Mario Bros ripoff. Enough. My dislike for this game has quickly turned into hate.
DON'T BUY BRAID!!
DON'T BUY BRAID!!
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 12:11PM ZeroCorpse said
I'm with you. Braid is the most amazing case of overhyped, nostalgia-fed, eye-candy I've ever seen. It's Super Mario Bros as done for an episode of Masterpiece Theater, with Van Gogh styled graphics and classical music. The enemies are the same, the game play is the same (except now you can reverse time and play with jigsaw puzzles, too) and the game is just a big load of plagiarism on a pretty canvas.
How are people being suckered into this mob mentality about it? "Ooh! It's a masterpiece! It's the best game EVAR! It's the best XBLA game in the history of 360. It's so unique! It's so original!"
UNIQUE?!?! ORIGINAL?!?! IT'S FUCKING "SUPER MARIO BROS" ON ACID!
You're all on drugs. That's the only explanation.
To answer the original question: NO. The demo was NOT enough to make me buy it. The whole game being available with a "please pay after you play" wouldn't have been enough to make me buy it. It's mediocre, at best. You're all insane, or looking at it through nostalgic crazy-glasses.
Reply
How are people being suckered into this mob mentality about it? "Ooh! It's a masterpiece! It's the best game EVAR! It's the best XBLA game in the history of 360. It's so unique! It's so original!"
UNIQUE?!?! ORIGINAL?!?! IT'S FUCKING "SUPER MARIO BROS" ON ACID!
You're all on drugs. That's the only explanation.
To answer the original question: NO. The demo was NOT enough to make me buy it. The whole game being available with a "please pay after you play" wouldn't have been enough to make me buy it. It's mediocre, at best. You're all insane, or looking at it through nostalgic crazy-glasses.
Posted: Aug 13th 2008 12:18PM JokerSmilez said
I checked out the demo based on some buzz I'd heard in the weeks leading up to the release and the demo was awesome enough to convince me to spend the 1200msp.
Actually, when I saw the price I thought "1200? That's a little pricey...oh well." And I bought it anyway.
I couldn't be happier with my decision. Completely worth the price.
Actually, when I saw the price I thought "1200? That's a little pricey...oh well." And I bought it anyway.
I couldn't be happier with my decision. Completely worth the price.
Posted: Aug 16th 2008 2:47AM (Unverified) said
What I don't understand is why people waste their time reading every story about what he has to say if they hate him so much... can't you just look at other stories and talk about them? I mean seriously there are so many articles on the internet you could easily avoid information about Jonathan Blow.
The game was brilliant and even though he comes across as quite pretentious sometimes, he must be doing something right. I'll still buy his next game even if he says the Holocaust didn't happen... well maybe I'd have to think about it a little but you get my point. lol Hope we get to see more developers using the old school style and updating it with great new mechanics. Not with the time element but exploring other things.
The game was brilliant and even though he comes across as quite pretentious sometimes, he must be doing something right. I'll still buy his next game even if he says the Holocaust didn't happen... well maybe I'd have to think about it a little but you get my point. lol Hope we get to see more developers using the old school style and updating it with great new mechanics. Not with the time element but exploring other things.
Posted: Aug 16th 2008 2:47AM (Unverified) said
This is what is sad, not experiencing the full game people are so quick to say "OMG It's Zuper Mardio Broserthers wiht Prinse of PErsha!!!" when they didn't even see the best parts of the game. I bet they are just bitter cause they couldn't figure out the first difficult puzzle. And to anyone complaining of the price... it's five dollars difference you cheap skate. Don't eat at KFC one night and you have the money to experience something wonderful.
Totally agree that for $15 you get a game that makes a lot of big production games look like trash. RS: Vegas 2 sucked, GTA4 is fun but the story is really dumb, my favorite expensive game lately is COD4 but it's still mindless violence. At least this is a game that makes you think - provided you haven't had a lobotomy in the past. Braid should set an example for future arcade title quality, regardless of what genre it's in.
Totally agree that for $15 you get a game that makes a lot of big production games look like trash. RS: Vegas 2 sucked, GTA4 is fun but the story is really dumb, my favorite expensive game lately is COD4 but it's still mindless violence. At least this is a game that makes you think - provided you haven't had a lobotomy in the past. Braid should set an example for future arcade title quality, regardless of what genre it's in.
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