Despite its legacy, Xbox 360 puzzle-platformer Braid hasn’t been around much. However, that’s all about to change as the game’s creator Jonathan Blow has recently announced an Anniversary Edition coming in 2024.
Releasing April 30, this new version of Braid comes with improved visuals and animations, areas that have been “re-envisioned to make them more unique,” and more than 15 hours of commentary. If you’re interested in the world game development, that last one may be of interest to you.
This special Anniversary Edition – which is launching to celebrate 15 years of Braid – is coming to PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, Android, and even Netflix. It’ll also be available on PS4 and Xbox One, with Linux and Mac ports coming later on.
Considered a “masterpiece”
Originally released on Xbox 360 in 2008, Braid has been described as one of the greatest independent games of its generation. It won several awards and was the second-largest-selling game on Xbox Live Arcade. It has a Metacritic score of 93.
Its developer Blow is no stranger to the video game world. Some of his earlier work includes being a programmer on Oddworld: Munchy’s Oddysee and Deus Ex: Invisible War. He released the puzzle title The Witness in 2016.
He’s also gained something of a reputation over the years, often being held aloft as an outspoken critic of the gaming industry. He was described in a 2016 New Yorker article as a “prickly genius,” while an interview with Kotaku in 2011 said Blow’s opinions are not aimed at individuals, but at “trends.” He’s also no stranger to making public controversial statements over the years, further complicating his legacy.
In any case, Braid is often signposted as an indie release that helped shape an industry of indie releases. This was before Minecraft did it. If you still haven’t played the game (guilty), April’s Anniversary Edition is definitely one to look out for.
