View Full Version : Braid - on XBLA - Plus Interview by me..
Borman
08-02-2008, 03:32 AM
I had the chance to speak with Jonathan Blow, the creator of Braid, and get his opinion on a number of things..
One of the highlights:
Another user would like to hear your thoughts on the fact that many innovative titles (Such as Braid, or any number of the other breakout hits on the Digital Distribution networks) are being pushed into online distribution, rather then being put onto store shelves with many of the blockbusters. Do you see this as a good thing, or a bad thing, whether because of differences in revenue, media attention, or any number of factors.
I don't know. It's been hard to get a game onto retail shelves ever since I got started in games. But when I got started, Internet publishing was not even an option. But now it is -- so the situation looks, to me, much better than it was 10 years ago. Whether that will hold up, I don't know. XBLA already does not seem so great for indies any more.
Read the Entire Article @ SuperiorVersion.com (http://superiorversion.com/content/view/245/32/)
In addition, a video of the entire World 2 has been uploaded :)
maxlords
08-02-2008, 08:09 AM
Going to the interview locks up the website...
unwinddesign
08-02-2008, 12:30 PM
Wow. This game looks amazing. I had no interest in it before today, but...wow.
Borman
08-02-2008, 02:08 PM
Going to the interview locks up the website...
Known problem on IE :\ I cant seem to shake the bug that causes it, as sometimes itll work flawlessly all day for me on IE, then others, not so much
calthaer
08-02-2008, 02:24 PM
That game...it looks like it equals the awesomeness.
Alas, that I have no Xbox360. Were it on Steam, I would surely purchase it.
heybtbm
08-02-2008, 02:34 PM
Looks pretty cool.
Borman
08-02-2008, 04:01 PM
That game...it looks like it equals the awesomeness.
Alas, that I have no Xbox360. Were it on Steam, I would surely purchase it.
It is coming to PC sometime, he hasnt finished it though :P
diskoboy
08-02-2008, 04:14 PM
Looks interesting. But I'm hoping it's not 1200 points, here, like it is in Japan.
Borman
08-02-2008, 04:35 PM
Looks interesting. But I'm hoping it's not 1200 points, here, like it is in Japan.
I think someone confirmed it will be 800 points.
Ive added a video of the Jumpman Level, and also included an HD720P video of it! Same link (http://superiorversion.com/content/view/245/32/)
carlcarlson
08-02-2008, 07:28 PM
Wow, whoever was playing World 2 in that video really sucks at puzzles. That is a good looking game but I'm not sure the gameplay excites me much. The rewind thing is a cool idea though.
maxlords
08-02-2008, 09:30 PM
Wow...that looks SWEET (now that I got it to load in Firefox). Hope it comes out on the DS. That looks perfect for DS gameplay. I'll seriously consider getting it for the Xbox after seeing that. How long is the game? It doesn't look incredibly huge...
Princess-Isabela
08-02-2008, 11:47 PM
braid looks like must have title, graphically it's very similar to many adventure/platform games released on Amiga in 90's, I cannot wait.
august is an awesome month for xbox live arcade, pretty much every week has a incredible/must have title to offer.
ps.what's with all those people who didn't get 360 yet?
it's affordable and it has killer array of titles available.
Borman
08-03-2008, 05:59 PM
Wow, whoever was playing World 2 in that video really sucks at puzzles. That is a good looking game but I'm not sure the gameplay excites me much. The rewind thing is a cool idea though.
You try recording video and such in a smaller then 640x360 window (especially when its HD) :P
heybtbm
08-06-2008, 09:59 AM
Anyone pick this up today? I'm seriously considering it...so much so that I plan on picking up a 4000 pt. card at lunch (for Bionic Commando next week as well). I rarely purchase full versions of the XBLA games, but this one has really got my attention.
1200 points is a little steep though.
maxlords
08-06-2008, 10:43 AM
Yeah, I was mildly disappointed in the 1200 points instead of the 800 mentioned above...but I'm still seriously thinking about this one. DLed the trial first...but I'll probably get it.
PapaStu
08-06-2008, 12:34 PM
I bought and played through Level 2. (There is no level one...) It went pretty quickly thanks to the above posted video. There are a few areas in Level 3 (i'm half way through the level) that make you really scratch your head and play with the rewind button to get through the areas. I've got a bad bad feeling of it being far too short, but it should be a fairly fast 200g and will have some great brain twisters in it.
maxlords
08-06-2008, 12:42 PM
200g? That gamerscore points? People base their purchases on that?
200g? That gamerscore points? People base their purchases on that?
All XBLA games have 200G, and all retail games have 1000.
PapaStu
08-06-2008, 01:14 PM
200g? That gamerscore points? People base their purchases on that?
I know there are many that do (and I have as well at times) but I see that as a nice little perk since I do have achievement point whoring pop up every now and again in mah blood and I like having nice high completion percentage scores if I can.
This one is much nicer (achievement point wise) because they arn't tied to doing some random BS task in an online game (Mr. Driller) or something so hard that its impossible to do (Smash TV). If your talking about cost vs points, its too expensive for the 200g being the 1200 MS point cost, when there are plenty of obtainable points in the 400-800 MS Point category.
heybtbm
08-06-2008, 01:17 PM
200g? That gamerscore points? People base their purchases on that?
I'm not basing my purchase on the achievement points...BUT...I probably wouldn't even have attempted a speed run through this game if it wasn't one of the achievements.
chicnstu
08-06-2008, 01:24 PM
braid looks like must have title, graphically it's very similar to many adventure/platform games released on Amiga in 90's, I cannot wait.
august is an awesome month for xbox live arcade, pretty much every week has a incredible/must have title to offer.
Yeah, there are some neat downloadable games but I haven't purchased any yet because they are too expensive. $15 for Braid seems like way too much, especially if it doesn't have any length to it like some people are predicting.
ps.what's with all those people who didn't get 360 yet?
it's affordable and it has killer array of titles available.
I bought a 360 last year and I almost regret it. Most of the highly rated games are shooters. Two major turn-based RPGs and I only enjoyed (loved!) Blue Dragon out of those. There are only 3 other games I loved (DMC4, Oblivion, and Lost Planet) but I could get those on PS3, and I rather would because I hate the 360 controller but I can't because I don't own one.
Anyone beaten Braid yet to know how long it is?
I just collected all the puzzle pieces in the demo and loved it. I'd purchase the full game if I had the $15 since I love platformers, but I'm broke at the moment. :(
Princess-Isabela
08-06-2008, 02:44 PM
just bought it this morning,
WOW
this game is stunning, graphics, music, atmosphere - this is Ico/Shadow of Colossus of XBLA Games!
diskoboy
08-06-2008, 03:21 PM
Great game. But not worth 1200 points.
So what sucks is this means Castle Crashers is gonna be 1800 points.
evil_genius
08-06-2008, 06:50 PM
Is being stuck on the demo a bad thing?
Princess-Isabela
08-06-2008, 07:23 PM
Is being stuck on the demo a bad thing?
are you serious?
I didn't download demo but it probably was just one world, was it?
are you serious?
I didn't download demo but it probably was just one world, was it?
It's the whole first world, plus you can play small sections of the next two.
Ed Oscuro
08-06-2008, 11:03 PM
I was gonna quote the OP but that's a neat formatting trick...anyway, this jives with what I've heard about digital distribution being a problem on the 360. What we're seeing is customers being tired of having the "premier" digital distribution sites being used as dumping grounds for crap; unfortunately this means that lots of great games are in danger of being pushed off because they're not flashy.
The only solutions would be more advertising or PC demos, which are out of the question for most of these indie developers and are reasons they went to the 360 in the first place.
Princess-Isabela
08-07-2008, 12:01 AM
just beat the game, ending is very unique, won't spoil it hehe.
game takes few hours to beat first time you play and once you beat the game, speed run challenge becomes available.
if you still think about getting it, don't - just get it :smileyhappy:
FrakAttack
08-07-2008, 03:26 AM
Liked the demo, went to download, but 1,200 MP? Think I'll save 'em for Bionic Commando Rearmed next week (and have 400 points left over.)
heybtbm
08-07-2008, 10:16 AM
I bought it after playing the demo for a few minutes. 1200 points or not, games like this deserve to be supported. If not, we'll just get more "EXTREME" versions of lame Atari titles.
That being said...there are a few tough puzzle pieces already in world 3 (let alone worlds 4, 5 and 6). It's going to be quite a challenge to get every single puzzle piece.
SegaAges
08-07-2008, 10:55 AM
I watched the videos.
Wow, that game looks creative.
And yes, some of us base our purchases on ach points (Soul Calibur 1 on XBL when I already had it on DC and there is NO F"ING ONLINE PLAY ON XBL!).
And yes, I know, I have lots of games I need to complete. I will end up getting Braid anyway. Game looks good and challenging
skaar
08-07-2008, 12:43 PM
Any explanation on why the points premium? (or justification?)
jcalder8
08-07-2008, 01:21 PM
Any explanation on why the points premium? (or justification?)
Is there ever one?
diskoboy
08-07-2008, 01:32 PM
After getting totally addicted to the demo, I splurged. This is the best run-and-jump platformer I've played since the 16-bit era.
World 4 is harder than holy hell.
unwinddesign
08-07-2008, 04:10 PM
Any explanation on why the points premium? (or justification?)
Because the game is head and shoulders above all the rest of the shit that they try to pass off as "games" for 800 points.
I own ~36 XBLA titles, and the only ones worth a flying fuck are Geometry Wars, Geometry Wars 2, Catan, Carcassonne, Worms and Marble Blast Ultra. Braid will be one of the good ones, once I get around to buying it.
evil_genius
08-07-2008, 04:19 PM
are you serious?
I didn't download demo but it probably was just one world, was it?
I went back and pwned it now I'm near the end. It's fuckin sweet by the way. ::Looks at avatar::
skaar
08-07-2008, 04:29 PM
I don't mind paying if I like the game, but I don't like the trend of premium pricing titles. It's a disturbing one.
Considering we're still getting shafted in Canada as MS Points were based off USD from years ago (we pay $33 after tax for 2000 points) it's even more of a screw for us.
Princess-Isabela
08-07-2008, 04:39 PM
I don't mind paying if I like the game, but I don't like the trend of premium pricing titles. It's a disturbing one.
Considering we're still getting shafted in Canada as MS Points were based off USD from years ago (we pay $33 after tax for 2000 points) it's even more of a screw for us.
if you'd order points from states, wouldn't they work?
Half Japanese
08-07-2008, 11:33 PM
Because the game is head and shoulders above all the rest of the shit that they try to pass off as "games" for 800 points.
I own ~36 XBLA titles, and the only ones worth a flying fuck are Geometry Wars, Geometry Wars 2, Catan, Carcassonne, Worms and Marble Blast Ultra. Braid will be one of the good ones, once I get around to buying it.
So in other words, you've bought ~31 games thate weren't worth a flying fuck when there were free demos available for them all?
skaar
08-08-2008, 01:07 AM
if you'd order points from states, wouldn't they work?
No, which is why I still have that points card.
Oh yeah, I should dig that out!
unwinddesign
08-08-2008, 01:11 AM
So in other words, you've bought ~31 games thate weren't worth a flying fuck when there were free demos available for them all?
They were purchased for a variety of reasons, a few for some achievement points, a few because I was bored at the time and the rest because I used to buy almost every weekly title that came out (at the start of last year) if it mildly interested me.
The demos are pretty much worthless in judging a game's quality, unless it's complete and utter shit.
evil_genius
08-08-2008, 01:34 AM
I find this game glorious.
gepeto
08-08-2008, 08:21 AM
I don't mind paying if I like the game, but I don't like the trend of premium pricing titles. It's a disturbing one.
Considering we're still getting shafted in Canada as MS Points were based off USD from years ago (we pay $33 after tax for 2000 points) it's even more of a screw for us.
Yeah I feel like if there is a good buzz for a game then it comes out higher priced. I thought doom and assualt heroes were worth the 800. When I seen the 9.5 review on a website I knew it was higher just not 1200.
maxlords
08-08-2008, 01:03 PM
if you'd order points from states, wouldn't they work?
Points are all country sensitive. I moved to Canada from the States and registered my 360 with my old US hotmail account...which had a US address. This PERMANENTLY linked my handle to the US and I cannot use Canadian points cards now. The only way for me to put points on is either with a credit card or to drive across the border and buy a card in the States. MS says it's not possible to change it either.
PapaStu
08-08-2008, 03:26 PM
I've not been able to just sit down and get everything like I was hoping I would. I've beaten the levels, but now i'm in slow clean-up mode for the puzzle pieces.
**NOTE**
There are 8 stars hiding in the game, these stars create the constellation thats viewable outside of the main room where the levels are. I don't know what happens when you get them all, but i'm sure its got something to do with giving us some more story. Note that these stars are not for the faint of heart. One star will take you 2 hours of real time to get in World 2-2, because thats how long it takes for the cloud to move its way over to the location.
So at least there is more game for us to go for.
skaar
08-08-2008, 04:31 PM
I bought Doom when it dropped to 400.
I have to say I enjoyed the demo for this, but am still rather choked at the 1200 points. Particularly since Bionic Commando is only going to be 800. I'll probably break down and buy the game this weekend anyway though. ;)
Princess-Isabela
08-08-2008, 05:06 PM
I bought Doom when it dropped to 400.
I have to say I enjoyed the demo for this, but am still rather choked at the 1200 points. Particularly since Bionic Commando is only going to be 800. I'll probably break down and buy the game this weekend anyway though. ;)
it's definitely worth it, we should support 2d masterpieces like this even if it's a bit over regular xbla title.
graciano1337
08-08-2008, 06:17 PM
definitely getting this one.
evil_genius
08-09-2008, 01:03 AM
I wanna talk about the ending. What the hell do you guys make of that? PM me if you don't wanna spoil it for anyone.
Lothars
08-09-2008, 04:33 AM
it's definitely worth it, we should support 2d masterpieces like this even if it's a bit over regular xbla title.
I guess but myself I don't think it's a masterpiece but It's alright just nothing special especially for 1200 points but I hope it does well, just not interesting to me especially for the price.
skaar
08-09-2008, 01:48 PM
They got my money.
With this and Puzzle Quest I might as well pull the disc drive from the 360.
SegaAges
08-09-2008, 05:49 PM
I downloaded the demo and I became like everybody else. I got the game right after I played the demo. This game is awesome. It really makes you think. I am on the part where I need to figure out how to move some bridge that is not effected by time, and then get on top of it, then jump up to get on a ladder so that I can get a puzzle piece. It is in world 3, I believe. Don't post how to do it, I want to figure it out.
SegaAges
08-09-2008, 06:09 PM
One thing I just found out about. Figure out how to do Rewind 8x. I could not figure out how to do a part, but i needed rewind 8x. There is a difference between just holding in x and rewind 8x
heybtbm
08-10-2008, 11:05 AM
I finally got all the puzzle pieces for Worlds 2 and 3 (30 total). Just when I thought I was some sort of genius, I looked at the friends leaderboard and saw a friend of mine got all 60 pieces yesterday in about 6 hours. Doh!
I'm determined to figure out every puzzle on my own. Some of these bastards are TOUGH.
Poofta!
08-10-2008, 02:07 PM
i downloaded teh demo, and like everyone else here, loved it. i really dont wanna spend 15$ on it and not even get a cd copy. im sorry. i hope it comes out on some form of physical media at one point, ill pick it up then. any word on that?
evil_genius
08-10-2008, 02:10 PM
Has anyone completed the game and working on the stars?
PapaStu
08-10-2008, 11:31 PM
I have completed, but I botched it because well.... I didn't be careful in how I built Puzzle 2 and 3 (which is needed for a star). So i'll have to go back and do it all over again.
I still need to play through the epilogue again because I didn't try to solve the puzzles in there, to get the extra red books.
evil_genius
08-11-2008, 01:48 AM
I have 6/8 stars can't wait to see this alternate ending.
Cobra Commander
08-11-2008, 02:46 AM
This game is genius. Pure genius.
This is without a doubt the best game I've downloaded so far.
By the way I LOVE the "Jumpman" stage!
Princess-Isabela
08-11-2008, 03:01 AM
ok, seriously if you thought you knew what's going on with the story - be prepared to be blown away, here is the explanation(spoilers, so if you didn't see ending, better not look into it):
http://www.rllmukforum.com/index.php?showtopic=190136%C2%A0
very interesting read.
theme is actually deeper than you think
Poofta!
08-11-2008, 04:20 AM
any news if thisll ever make a physical release?
Cobra Commander
08-11-2008, 11:27 AM
I don't think this game will EVER see a physical existence.
Princess-Isabela
08-11-2008, 12:59 PM
any news if thisll ever make a physical release?
highly unlikely, don't wait.
the time is of the essence ^_~
diskoboy
08-11-2008, 01:26 PM
I finally got all the puzzle pieces for Worlds 2 and 3 (30 total). Just when I thought I was some sort of genius, I looked at the friends leaderboard and saw a friend of mine got all 60 pieces yesterday in about 6 hours. Doh!
I'm determined to figure out every puzzle on my own. Some of these bastards are TOUGH.
Same here.
I refuse to use any strategy guides or hints for this game.
Princess-Isabela
08-11-2008, 01:35 PM
Same here.
I refuse to use any strategy guides or hints for this game.
I didn't and I finished the game wednesday afternoon in a little over four hour sitting.
without anything besides main story that is.
granted, I was anticipated it greatly(ever since I saw a preview about a year ago).
Princess-Isabela
08-11-2008, 02:28 PM
here's something funny I noticed too.
tim looks like conan o brien and he lives in new york too hehe.
Nature Boy
08-11-2008, 02:33 PM
i hope it comes out on some form of physical media at one point, ill pick it up then. any word on that?
If you're lucky they might put it on a compilation disc (like 'Unplugged') but I doubt you'd ever see it for sale on it's own. It sure as heck wouldn't be $15 as an actual disc on it's own.
I heard the price was arrived at because that Giraffe game he did didn't sell at 400 points. Of course it *might* not have sold because it stunk too, but that's a matter of opinion. I'm wary of spending more than 800 points myself, but I haven't tried the demo yet so who knows.
diskoboy
08-11-2008, 02:57 PM
I didn't and I finished the game wednesday afternoon in a little over four hour sitting.
without anything besides main story that is.
granted, I was anticipated it greatly(ever since I saw a preview about a year ago).
I'm still struggling with World 4. This entire world is a total bitch.
I've got most of the others kinda figured out. I love games like this - where the answer is sitting right in front of your face, it's just how you go about implementing your plan. One false move means having to start back at the beginning. Alot of careful thought and planning goes into every decision you make.
Braid is a true gamers game.
Kitsune Sniper
08-12-2008, 12:05 AM
Dammit! Where's my PC version!? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH. ;_;
Everyone keeps saying it rocks but I can't play it goddamnit...
evil_genius
08-12-2008, 12:57 AM
ok, seriously if you thought you knew what's going on with the story - be prepared to be blown away, here is the explanation(spoilers, so if you didn't see ending, better not look into it):
http://www.rllmukforum.com/index.php?showtopic=190136%C2%A0
very interesting read.
theme is actually deeper than you think
wow I knew this story was deep but damn that's some good stuff. Wish I hadn't read what happens when you collect the 8th star but what are you gonna do.
I caved and bought the game tonight, thanks to Target's sale on 1600 MS point cards. I'm really liking it a lot so far.
blissfulnoise
08-13-2008, 04:37 PM
I adore the high concept of the game, and the gameplay mechanics are very good, but something about Braid doesn't entirely resonate with me.
The Atomic Bomb interpretation seems to be pretty concrete and I think that detracts from open interpretation of the disjointed narrative. The metaphorical princess and the ending are absolutely amazing though.
All and all Braid is one of the very few watershed moments in gaming, but on the level of a Portal, Killer 7, or an Ico? I'm not seeing it yet.
8-bitNesMan
08-13-2008, 05:11 PM
Dammit! Where's my PC version!? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH. ;_;
Everyone keeps saying it rocks but I can't play it goddamnit...
Lay off the flea markets for a while and buy you a 360 :D
SegaAges
08-14-2008, 09:32 AM
Uh, I will be the first to admit it, I cheated.
I knew what I had to do for a puzzle, but it wasn't happening. It is the second part of the puzzle after you climb the ladders on the jumpman-esque part, but instead of it being jumpman, it is fireballs.
That part I did, but differently than the strategy said, but the next part, I just could not for the lfe of me get that stupid ladder to work so I could get up to the puzzle. ended up I was doing it correctly, but not jumping off of the no-time/no-ring platform and jumping off of the platform next to it, so i was jumping in slow motion.
It is not the only puzzle I cheated on though.
Even though I admitted to cheating, it is still a great game. It is not my cup of tea to play incredibly linear games though (i.e. this puzzle has to be solved this way or no dice). It would be awesome to give stuff like the ability to have my standing on the platform ability and have time not effect me to last longer. that would open up so many strategies. It only lasts for about a second or 2 once you leave the platform, if it stayed on based on how long you stood on it, that would be insanely cool.
EDIT:
I do have to ask though, the green books at the end, I know there is a point to them. Is that a puzzle in and of itself, or is that something that comes with stars. Yes, I already cheated, but if it is a puzzle, I can try to figure it out, somehow.