This game, in it's essence, is far beyond what most gamers can appreciate.
PLOT
Jonathan Blow, creator of Braid, has indeed exposed to the gaming community an intricate plot for this 2-D side scroller. On the surface, you are the protagonist Tim and your goal is to "find the Princess", who is always "in another castle". For most people, this is where the game's story unfolds, and as you reach the culmination of Braid, you will see the true intentions of both Tim and the Princess in the final scene. But will the average gamer, or even an astute gamer, really see what the developer was trying to show the gaming community by the time one finishes this game? Chances are, no. In fact, Jonathan Blow shames the gaming community because no one has truly understood what he was trying to show in the few months this game has been out. Maybe after this review you will see why this is the case.
The story is told through magical books that, when opened, will display text that the reader can read in his/her leisure. Each room/world of the house has its own theme, and with it is a small story that reveals some of Tim and the Princess' character. At the end of each world, after collecting puzzle pieces, the player can combine the pieces to solve the puzzle for that world. The end product is a still frame that parallels the story for that world. It doesn't end there. The music and the visual presentation also complement the theme for that world. It was only after reading multiple reviews of this game's plot that I was able to piece that aspect together, so hopefully by sharing this with you, you can appreciate what Jonathan Blow was trying to portray (no pun intended).
All satire and criticism aside, the plot was well written, and purposely poorly written at times, to leave an overall sense of ambiguity right up to the end of the game. In fact, by the time one reaches the end of the game, and then truly masters all the game has to offer (it doesn't end with all 60 puzzle pieces), you will STILL be left with a sense of emptiness and confusion as to what our complicated protagonist Tim has accomplished in his life.
GAMEPLAY
Controls are simple; something a child could pick up and learn quickly.
Puzzle pieces are really well placed, and the feeling of fulfillment after solving them makes you feel like a champ. This was the truly enjoyable part of the game, even if you couldn't appreciate any of the story.
Finding the additional items the game has to offer (yes there is more than the puzzle pieces) is almost impossible, and how anyone was able to find them all, I tip my hat. A guide will be needed for most (including myself) and this is one of the major downsides to the game.
MUSIC
Is simply gorgeous, a true masterpiece. Each musical score is a classical piece by various existing artists. The music is what first attracted me in the demo, and I still enjoy listening to it even after completing the game.
SUMMARY
Is worth the $12 to experience what is a rare and deep plot with some fantastic puzzles. The game should probably be rated M, not because of violence, cursing, or sexual themes, but because it takes a truly mature player to get the full effect of this game. I recommend reading a plot synopsis (there's a fantastic one at GameSpot), but do so only after completing the game a few times so you can try to figure it out yourself. The true theme to this game is not Tim searching for a Princess- it is something so much more.
**MINOR SPOILER**
It will take an obsessive personality (like Tim) to truly master this game. At the end of it, you will feel very empty. There is no sense of completion, but I feel this was purposely done by Jonathan Blow and is also what makes it so powerful.