In video games, few titles have enjoyed the lasting acclaim and influence of Braid, the indie puzzle-platformer reputed for its ingenious time-manipulation mechanics. After more than a decade since its original release, Braid: Anniversary Edition is set to arrive on April 30, 2024. This long-delayed release – it was initially slated to for 2021 – is a re-imagining of one of the earliest successes of the indie gaming movement and could very well help spark interest in Netflix’s gaming endeavors.
The delay in the release of Braid: Anniversary Edition, which extends to three years from its initial announcement, is a sign of a project of considerable depth and ambition. One of the most significant additions to this version is adding a little over 15 hours of developer commentary. This commentary, curated by Braid creator Jonathan Blow, includes the insights from various developers and is aimed at creating what Blow terms “the craziest, most-in-depth commentary ever put in a video game.” This feature allows players to follow thematic threads through the game, enhancing the understanding of its design and evolution.
The enhancements in the Anniversary Edition are extensive and meticulously crafted. The game’s original artist, David Hellman, has hand-repainted the graphics, infusing the game with a modern aesthetic while preserving its iconic style. The animation has been refined with extra frames, providing smoother in-game motion. Moreover, the sound has been improved with new mixes and variants of the soundtrack by Martin Stig Andersen and Hans Christian Kock. These are all improvements indicative of a commitment not only to preserving the essence of the original game but also to elevating it to meet the expectations of contemporary audiences.
A unique feature of the remastered edition is the ability to switch between the new and old versions of “Braid” on the fly. This feature offers a direct comparison between the original and the updated artwork, highlighting the extent of the enhancements while also catering to purists who prefer the original version.
Despite the advancements and additions, there is some debate about whether these changes are substantial enough to qualify as a significant remake, especially given the lengthy development time. The original game, still available on the original platforms like Steam, holds up remarkably well even on modern displays. Yet, there is an argument to be made for the value of revisiting a classic with fresh eyes and new technologies.
As for the future, Braid: Anniversary Edition is launching on a variety of platforms, including Netflix and iOS advices as well as PC and consoles. This launch is particularly significant as it coincides with a period of financial challenges for its publisher, Square Enix. Despite a decline in profits and challenges in other areas of its portfolio, Square Enix remains as committed as ever to revitalizing and re-releasing classic titles like Braid and Final Fantasy – rumor has it that a remake of Final Fantasy 9 is on the way – demonstrates a strategic approach to leveraging its established IPs amidst a competitive gaming landscape.
As players await the opportunity to revisit the world of Braid, those on mobile phones, specifically the “ultimate gaming console”, the iPhone 15 Pro, can look forward to other offerings as well like Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil Village, among others.
