Braid is much more than it appears to be. Yet in the end, it's an experience you won't forget.
Unlike other platforming games of its like, Braid takes a more lateral, cerebral approach in a simple story of a guy named Tim, who's on a quest to save a Princess from a "horrible monster." That's about as cliched a story as it can get. But peel away the fine linen and the beautifully hand-drawn environments, and you'll realize that there's so much more to this simple story than meets the eye. In some instances, much of what you'll read will disturb you. I won't give away the ending, and from the looks of what you'll discover when you reach the epilogue, neither will the game. Much like the experience you'll have when you play Braid, everything is as true as your own interpretation and theories. In other words, it is what you make of it.
You'll read up on the story of Tim through novelettes that you find at the beginning of each of the game's six worlds--the sixth being unlocked when you find all the puzzle pieces and complete fragmented pictures in every room of your house. Each world is divided into sub-sections and has its own theme--all of which allow you to manipulate time to your advantage in the hopes of solving some inventive and challenging puzzles. Needless to say, the game will test as much your patience as it will your ingenuity and problem-solving skills. Few hints, if any, exist to guide you, but solving a puzzle on your own will give you a sense of sheer satisfaction as the end result--something for which the game's creator heartily encourages.
In spite of all the hardships you'd invariably face, the good news is that you can't die. But if you're not careful, you can get killed. Thus, in that regard, Braid introduces a unique feature--the rewind button. It will prove to be your best friend--as for each time you lose a life or mess up a puzzle, you can return to the point prior and begin again as many times as necessary. Some levels will use your time rewinding against you, but don't fret--so long as you keep a clear head, you'll do fine.
In the end, I really enjoyed playing Braid. It's more along the lines of a cerebral experience rather than a pure platforming game, and it is all the better for it. It isn't particularly for everyone, but it is a game that I encourage anybody looking for something different to give a willing chance.