Braid, Anniversary Edition review (PS5)

Braid, Anniversary Edition brings back Jonathan Blow’s critically acclaimed puzzle-platformer, now enhanced for modern consoles by Thekla, Inc. with new content to enjoy. The PlayStation 5 version we’re reviewing promises improved visuals and added features, aiming to recapture the magic of the original while appealing to a new generation of gamers. It’s one of the best puzzlers of the PS3/X360 generation, and it’s great to have it available again.

For a puzzle platformer, the game’s narrative remains one of its strongest points. You play as Tim, a man on a quest to rescue a princess, with the story unfolding through a series of text passages and surreal environments. The narrative’s true depth reveals itself as you progress, exploring themes of regret and the consequences of one’s actions. This layered storytelling, combined with the game’s intricate puzzles, offers a uniquely reflective experience that few games achieve – making it easy to see why this is such an enduring and beloved indie classic. Having developer commentary and new puzzles only makes it better.

At its core, Braid is a platformer, but it distinguishes itself with its innovative time-manipulation mechanics. Each world introduces new ways to bend time, from rewinding your movements to creating time clones of yourself. These mechanics are not just gimmicks but integral to solving the game’s puzzles, which are often challenging and require thoughtful experimentation. While the difficulty can spike at times, leading to moments of frustration, the satisfaction of solving a complex puzzle is always immensely rewarding. And while we’ve seen other games copy/use these mechanics since Braid’s release, this new version is a testament to how well designed the original game was.

The controls in Braid, Anniversary Edition are precise and responsive, a crucial aspect given the game’s demanding puzzles. The time-manipulation controls, particularly the rewind function, are intuitive and smooth on the PS5. This precision is essential for navigating the game’s intricate puzzles, where timing and accuracy are part of your key to success.

Visually, Braid, Anniversary Edition is still stunning – the game has aged well since its PS3 launch. The hand-painted backgrounds have been meticulously upgraded, making the game’s dreamlike worlds even more beautiful and immersive in their higher resolution. The enhanced graphics do justice to the original art style while leveraging the PS5’s capabilities to offer sharper, more vibrant visuals. The audio, including the beautiful soundtrack by composer Jami Sieber, remains as evocative as ever, perfectly complementing the game’s dreamlike atmosphere.

Almost everything about Braid, Anniversary Edition is a testament to the timeless nature of well-crafted video games. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, combined with a compelling narrative and enhanced visuals, make it a must-play for both fans of the original and newcomers alike. However, the game’s difficulty and sometimes almost esoteric puzzles might be daunting for some players, potentially leading to moments of frustration. Despite this, the game’s unique charm and intellectual challenge make it a standout title on the PS5.

For those who appreciate games that blend art, narrative, and innovative gameplay, Braid, Anniversary Edition is an essential addition to your collection – no puzzle platformer fan should miss out on it.

Score: 8.8/10