You may recall that in 2020, a release date of 2021 was set for Braid, Anniversary Edition, an enhanced edition of the time-bending puzzle platformer. Unfortunately, the game didn’t come out when it was supposed to, but on Thursday, developer Thekla announced a firm release date: April 30, 2024.
The changes included in the anniversary edition appear to enhance the game’s fundamental spirit without drastically altering it. There are new “hand-repainted” visuals, and you can switch between the old and new ones whenever you like, so long as you have the original files. It features “improved sound” as well as “new mixes and variants of the soundtrack.”
It also features over 15 hours of developer commentary from a wide variety of personalities, such as designer Jonathan Blow and Video Game History Foundation’s Frank Cifaldi. A quote from Blow, however, makes “developer commentary” sound like a euphemism:
You can follow particular threads of commentary spatially, through wormholes that go from level to level to see evolutions of particular concepts; the commentary has lots of markups so we can circle stuff on the screen, point arrows at whatever visual detail we are talking about, show diagrams, play back recordings of gameplay to show what happens if you try doing this or that in a particular level, and many other capabilities.
All of this makes Braid, Anniversary Edition sound like it will be in the same vein as Digital Eclipse’s interactive documentaries.The Anniversary Edition of Braid is coming out on April 30 for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, and the Netflix mobile games subscription. Its release for Mac and Linux is “at a later date.”
What platforms is Braid, Anniversary Edition available on?
Braid, Anniversary Edition is available on the following platforms:
- PC (Steam)
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
What are the new features in Braid, Anniversary Edition?
The Anniversary Edition of Braid includes a number of new features, including:
- A new commentary mode with developer Jonathan Blow, where he discusses the game’s design, development, and meaning
- A new “Director’s Cut” of the game’s opening, which features new music and visuals
- A new “Challenge Run” mode, which adds new challenges to the game’s existing levels
- A new “Debug Mode,” which allows players to experiment with the game’s mechanics
- A new “Museum” mode, which features concept art, music, and other behind-the-scenes content from the game’s development
Is Braid, Anniversary Edition worth buying?
Braid is one of the most critically acclaimed puzzle games of all time, and the Anniversary Edition is a great way to experience it for the first time or revisit it again. The new features are a nice addition, and the game still holds up incredibly well today.
If you’re a fan of puzzle games, or if you’ve never played Braid before, I highly recommend picking up the Anniversary Edition. It’s a truly special game.
What are the reviews for Braid, Anniversary Edition?
The reviews for Braid, Anniversary Edition have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the game’s new features and its continued brilliance.
Here are a few excerpts from reviews:
- “Braid: Anniversary Edition is a must-have for fans of the original game and puzzle games in general.” – IGN
- “Braid: Anniversary Edition is a perfect excuse to revisit one of the greatest puzzle games ever made.” – GameSpot
- “Braid: Anniversary Edition is a celebration of a classic game, and it’s the best way to experience it.” – Destructoid
Braid, Anniversary Edition is a highly acclaimed game that is definitely worth buying.
Final Thoughts
The Braid Anniversary Edition is a welcome return for one of the most acclaimed puzzle games of all time. The new features, such as the commentary mode, Director’s Cut, and Challenge Run mode, add new depth and enjoyment to the game. The Anniversary Edition is also a great opportunity for new players to experience this classic game.
One of the things that makes Braid so special is its unique and innovative gameplay. The game’s time rewinding mechanic allows players to undo their mistakes and experiment with different solutions to puzzles. This leads to a very rewarding gameplay experience, as players are constantly learning and growing.
Another aspect of Braid that stands out is its beautiful visuals and haunting soundtrack. The game’s hand-drawn art style is simply stunning, and the soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere.
Overall, the Braid Anniversary Edition is a must-have for fans of puzzle games and classic gaming alike. It is a celebration of one of the greatest video games ever made, and it is the best way to experience it.
