Braid -- All In One.

I have completed Braid for the Xbox 360. Braid is an Xbox Live Arcade title that's currently the new it thing, the new media darling. You know, like last year's Portal. Braid is an action game with puzzles that focus on the manipulation of time. You can run and jump and perform context sensitive action like the flipping of a switch. You also have control over time with the press of a button. You're able to rewind throughout an entire level. You can't ever die. You just rewind. Time applies to both the puzzles and the action. Missed that jump? Just rewind. The game's focus lies within its puzzles. And they're quite impressive and varied. A lot of people have seemingly been blown away by the puzzles with claims along the lines of Braid has made them use parts of their brains they didn't know they had access to. As if they've been forced into that great untapped area of the brain scientists say we're not currently utilizing. The puzzles are good, and more than a few of them are rather original, but I'm not going to go any further than that with praise. I don't feel enlightened. I just had some fun. The game's puzzles will frustrate you, but they will reward you just as much if not more. There is a good sense of accomplishment. The game has soothing music that fits the imagery perfectly. The game's look is of a watercolor painting come to life without the childish overtones of other games in said style. It's an unquestionably pretty game. Braid has a story, should you care to check it out, as it's purely optional given the nature of its delivery. It will turn off some people as it did me. It's very high concept and I found it slightly annoying with its mix of new age hippie drivel and bemoaning of the loss of the sense of purpose of the modern male. Is Braid the next great thing? Is Braid the future? Is Braid art? Will Braid expand your mind? Who cares, I'm giving Braid an 8. I enjoyed it for what it is, and my mind is already on to the next thing.