What was our surprise when we saw the trailer for Braid: Anniversary Edition launching before our eyes! The iconic game by Jonathan Blow (also developer of The Witness) returns thirteen years after the release of the Moose in an enriched and improved version. As a reminder, Braid, released in 2008, is a puzzle-game in which you have to manipulate time to advance in a universe entirely painted and drawn.
Its creator expressed himself on the occasion of this announcement:
Back then when I was working on Braid, even when the game didn’t look like much yet, I knew that the important thing in this project was to consider video games as a medium with strong artistic potential. This potential implies longevity: many paintings, sculptures and architectural works have lasted for centuries and have inspired several generations. Video games weren’t at this stage then – and still aren’t really today – and I knew I couldn’t predict what would be needed to make the game go through time and stay current for many. decades after its release; but I knew it was part of the project and that I was going to do my best.
And it is today through this reissue that Jonathan Blow wanted to revisit his work accompanied by the original artist of Braid, David Hellman. Unable to foresee the evolution of technologies, the two gentlemen wanted to use them and refresh their game, the latter not being as beautiful as it was when it was released.
To do so, all of the visuals have been repainted, new animations have been added, movement effects have been improved and the overall level of detail and environments has been deepened. In terms of sound, the music has been brought up to date in order to amplify the feeling felt during the game.
For the more nostalgic, you can switch from one version to another during the game and thus highlight the work accomplished for this “Anniversary Edition”. Finally Blow mentions the “craziest and deepest developer comments available in a video game”. You will be able to discover points of attention circled on the screen or arrows pointing at various commented details, among others.
Braid Anniversary Edition is scheduled for Q1 2021 on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.
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