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Jonathan Blow: Microsoft made Braid demo shorter
Jonathan Blow's masterwork, Braid, has quickly become the water-colored poster child for indie game development. However, while both critics and players alike have been singing the game's praises since it was released a week ago, there are some things that Blow wishes would have turned out differently. Specifically the XBLA demo, which he originally wanted to represent a larger portion of the full game, a bubble that Microsoft was only too happy to burst. "There was one little issue at the very end of development when [Microsoft] wanted me to make the trial version shorter than it was," recalled Blow in an interview with SavyGamer, adding belief that "it's ok to give people a significant portion of the game because if they like it, they'll want to play the rest." Nevertheless, this apparently didn't jibe with Braid's publishing overlords, as Blow noted that he and Microsoft argued back and forth over the demo's length before settling on the teaser we have today. So, tell us, was the result enough to make your virtual wallet 1200 MS points lighter?
Braid: tearing up Metacritic; one of the top XBLA launches
Jonathan Blow's Braid is drowning in critical acclaim, just now hitting an average of 93 on Metacritic and becoming the 8th highest-rated Xbox 360 game on the console. The official Braid Blog takes the opportunity to point out that indie developers don't need to make cheap PopCap clones to be successful; if they do something different, their work can be recognized. Yeah? Well, this industry is all about sales so ... how's the game selling on XBLA?Blow cites VGChartz's ballpark figure of 28.5k copies sold and estimates that the number "seems to be in the right neighborhood" as of last Saturday. Does that mean his struggle with the game's pricing has paid off in a big way? Apparently not. Blow contends that Braid will need to sell a lot more to be profitable but "things are looking promising now." We'll say! Let's put that estimate up against the top XBLA launch figures in a thoroughly unscientific breakdown*: Braid, ~28.5k units Rez HD, 25k units Ikaruga, 22.5k units Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 1, 16.5k units N+, 13k units *(Figures represent sales gathered from the first three days of availability. Blow's ballpark figure was posted on Saturday, three days after Braid's Wednesday launch).
PS3 release of Braid 'might happen' -WiiWare not happening
Blow explains, "I talked to some folks at Sony but they were not interested in carrying the game. Later on I talked to someone from a different division who *was* interested, but by then I had signed with Microsoft and started the XBLA port." Sounds like Sony may get a second chance of having the downloadable hit on its PSN service. In an interview with GameFocus, Braid creator Jonathan Blow says that a PlayStation 3 port "might happen in the future." He explained, "It's a limited exclusive, so if I were to try to make a PS3 or WiiWare version of the game, I would have to wait a little bit."While Blow did not elaborate on how long the Xbox 360 timed exclusivity would last, he did reiterate that a PC release – presumably outside the limitations of any exclusivity contract – will "definitely happen this year" while a WiiWare release "is not going to happen for this game." With over 30K downloads already logged on Xbox Live Arcade, adding two additional platforms should go some way towards obviating that whole price dilemma situation. [Via PS3 Fanboy]
Braid may come to PSN after the end of 'timed exclusivity'
There's one downloadable game that's been the talk of everyone in the industry lately: PixelJunk Eden Braid. Unfortunately, PS3 owners are currently unable to try the XBLA game that has gripped so many gamers. The puzzle-platform game has been praised by critics for its innovative and satisfying puzzles which involve the manipulation of time.According to GameFocus, Braid may arrive on PSN later on, once a timed exclusivity contract with Microsoft is finished. Johnathan Blow, developer of the game, also added that while a PSN version is possible, a WiiWare version is not, due to the system's limited memory resources. Hopefully, with enough fanfare from PS3 owners, we'll be able to see Braid on our system in the not-too-distant future. [Thanks, Gambit07!]
Blow on Braid sequel, DLC, XBLA cert
While it's not true that the entirety of Joystiq operates as a single hive-mind, singularly bent on delivering gaming blog posts straight into your skull, we do often share a common sentiment. This past week, that sentiment has been this: Braid is awesome. If you share our sentiment, you may be disappointed to learn that game creator Jonathan Blow is "not going to do a sequel to Braid" regardless of "how many copies it sells." Those are his words, people. What about fresh new levels, ala Portal: Still Alive, you ask? "I'm not waiting in the wings with a level pack, or DLC or anything," says Blow, appearing to take a peculiar satisfaction in dashing your hopes. But Blow knows better than to say "never" so he offers this caveat: "... maybe in five years when I'm motivated, if I have a really fresh idea for it." Deal! While Braid 2: The Pony Tale might not be in the cards for creative reasons, an XBLA followup might not be in the cards for financial reasons – Blow cited the recent royalty adjustment on the platform as an impediment, stating, "If it's as I've heard that it is, I couldn't even necessarily break even." And while Blow was quick to point out that Microsoft isn't "Bad" (seriously, he's the first commenter) he was particularly frustrated with the oft-cited XBLA certification process, which he felt was time that could have been used to make Braid a "little more polished, little bit better." So if jumping to conclusions is your thing, you can blame Microsoft for whatever shortcomings you see in the game. To us, it sounds like business as usual and, despite any misgivings about the XBLA platform, it still managed to deliver a very polished, and very impressive platformer to a relatively huge audience for the not unreasonable price of $15.
Braid is highest rated XBLA game ever, around 28.5K units sold
After only a few days on the market, the time bending platform puzzler Braid has been tearing up the critical charts. According to the official Braid blog, the game is now the highest rated Xbox Live Arcade game yet released. It currently holds a 92 average on Metacritic and 93 on Game Rankings. According to Metacritic, Braid is in fact the tenth highest rated Xbox 360 game. The game edges out Mass Effect and is currently tied with Guitar Hero II and Rock Band. With one more percentage point Braid would become the eight highest rated 360 title.Additionally, the official Braid blog reports that the VGChartz estimate that the game has sold about 28.5 thousand units "seems to be in the right neighborhood" but adds that "a lot more" will be needed before the game becomes profitable. What's the big deal about Braid? Find out in our X3F Insight feature: Why should we care about Braid?
X3F rallies around Braid, demands your consideration
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/Why_should_we_care_about_Braid'; Braid is good, but the biggest hurdle seems to be its pricing (frequently discussed lately by creator Jonathan Blow). With most of the Joystiq staff too busy playing the XBLA time-bender this weekend, our cohorts at X3F (the blog formerly known as Xbox 360 Fanboy) have stepped in to lay out the reasons why you should really care about Braid. Click here and get edumucated.
X3F Insight: Why should we care about Braid?
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/Why_should_we_care_about_Braid'; Braid has had quite the mixed reaction thus far. Critics universally adore the game. Gamers, on the other hand, are more divided. Some have taken the 1200 Microsoft Point plunge and never looked back. Others see the price as an impenetrable wall or, in some cases, as permission to let Microsoft charge more on future XBLA titles. We decided to take it upon ourselves to make a case for Braid, as it's really one of the best gaming experiences we've had in a while.Read on to see why we should care about Braid.
Blow explains dilemma of Braid's price to 1Up
Braid is great. Braid's 1200 MS point ($15) price, on the other hand, has been a point of contention. Designer Jonathan Blow sat down with 1Up and discussed what went into the decision of the game's price point and some of the tough choices that needed to be made. Blow explains if the game maintained sales among a niche audience at 800 points he would be "bankrupt or in debt." Then again, if Braid sells moderately well -- and if the buzz over the title keeps going, it should -- he says he could have stuck it out at 800 points and then the game would have probably sold even better. Check out the developer's dilemma in the video after the break.
Metareview - Braid (XBLA)
Capturing the essence of Jonathan Blow's Braid within a single sentence isn't the easiest thing to do, especially not if you want to avoid run-on monstrosities like: It's the game about a tie-wearing, time-traveling gentleman on a quest to rescue a princess, inconveniently held captive at the end of six beautiful worlds filled with all manner of puzzles which require fiddling with the flow of time to solve also it's really, really good according to reviews. So, let's go with "it's really, really good according to reviews" and leave it at that, eh? IGN (88/100): "Xbox Live Arcade needs more games like Braid. Heck, gaming on all platforms needs more titles like this. Imaginative, innovative, and engrossing, Braid is a spectacular achievement. If only the experience lasted a little longer and there weren't as many puzzles with singular solutions." Edge (90/100): "Braid remains a beautiful and brilliantly demanding game that barely contains its dense population of ideas, taking its place alongside Geometry Wars and Pac-Man Championship Edition as one of the finest original titles available on Live Arcade." Eurogamer (100/100): "I've gone to bed thinking about Braid, and I've woken up thinking about it. From the fragments I remember, I'm pretty sure I've dreamed about it as well. Braid is that sort of game." %Gallery-5074%
Official Braid walkthrough: Don't use a walkthrough
After finishing Braid yesterday afternoon (yeah, we like it that much) we found ourselves contemplating the game's beautiful, fragmented story. "What does it all mean?" we wondered. So, we decided to look for an FAQ that might help explain things a bit. After searching high and low, we found one in an unlikely place: the official Braid website. We eagerly clicked ahead. The first page detailed the very beginning of the game through the first puzzle piece. The second page begins thusly: "... once you get into the actual puzzles, solve them for yourself and do not use a walkthrough!"The rest of the "walkthrough" goes on to note that all of the puzzles are "reasonable" and that we should be diligent in solving them without resorting to a walkthrough. D'oh! Duped by those crafty creators! We have to admit it's pretty funny though. Also, we heartily agree. If you are having trouble solving the puzzles in Braid, just stick to it. Move on to the next puzzle and come back later. Like the walkthrough says, "you will feel cool and smart" if you do.We feel cool and smart. Now if someone could just help us understand the story, we'd be set.[Via Joystiq]
The official Braid walkthrough says, 'Please do not use a walkthrough'
If Braid is causing you some trouble this week, let us direct to you designer Jonathan Blow's official walkthrough for the newly-minted Xbox Live Arcade title. Sort of. Let us explain... No, there is too much. Let us sum up. In a nutshell, Blow's advice is to "deal with it." According to the guide, "Some of the puzzles will be hard. But when you manage to solve those hard puzzles, you will feel very good about it. [emphasis theirs] The game will feel very rewarding. Don't rob yourself of that feeling by reading a walkthrough!" While we agree with the sentiment, for irony's sake, our fingers are crossed that Braid will hit Top 10 Wanted FAQs on GameFAQs.%Gallery-5074%
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Braid
Braid, put simply, is a gem. Not everyone will like Braid, but those that do like it will like it a lot. It's a beautiful game. Period. From it's visuals to its soundscape to its wonderfully clever puzzles, Braid is something that really should be experienced by anyone who considers him or herself to be a gamer. That said, 1200 points is a hefty price for an XBLA game. Chances are good that by the time you finish the trial version you will already have made up your mind one way or another. Frankly, we think Braid deserves all the love it can get.[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.
Jonathan Blow talks Braid pricing
There's a really interesting discussion going on in the comments section at Braid designer Jonathan Blow's official blog, as he attempts to explain why he's a bit disappointed the game has to arrive for 1200 ($15), rather than the 800 ($10) points he would have preferred. Though he says Microsoft pushed the $15 price point, he admits he's also got his own financial concerns to consider that make the price a lot more palatable. Blow also says he's worried about ending up like Jeff Minter, who wanted his game Space Giraffe affordably priced but didn't recoup enough as a result. It's a surprisingly frank discussion, and one well worth checking out.%Gallery-5074%
XBLA receives Braid and its time bending puzzles
Just so you are aware, Xbox Live Arcade game Braid just released to the XBLA today. And for 1200 Microsoft points, no more, and definitely no less. Featuring a distinct paint-like art style, challenging platformer puzzles, the ability to control time (Blinx style!) and a non-linear storyline, Braid may just be worth the 1200 points and a place in your XBLA library. But you'll never know unless you give it a try. Download the trial, see if Braid floats your metaphorical boat and be open minded. At the very least, you should enjoy bending time.%Gallery-7424%
This Wednesday: Braid makes timely arrival on XBLA
This Wednesday marks the opportunity to become a tie-wearing time traveler in Jonathan Blow's Braid, an "artful puzzle-platformer" and the next volley in Microsoft's all-out August Arcade assault. You'll traverse multiple worlds as you search for a princess (yes, the abducted kind) and wrap your mind around various instances of time behaving badly -- that includes rewinding, time streams, parallel realities, time dilation and "perhaps more."Oh, and you'll be wanting to know the price of all this. Well, we hate to rain on your Braid, but despite Microsoft's earlier denial, the game will indeed cost 1200 ($15).%Gallery-5074%
1200 MS point Braid releases to the XBLA this week
Microsoft, Number None Inc. and Jonathan Blow just made the official announcement that the time bending puzzling adventures of Braid will be making its way to the Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday, August 6th. Just as was expected. The most newsworthy news coming from today's press release is the fact that the rumored prices for August's XBLA titles that MS later said were incorrect have turned out to be legit! At least for Braid, because it will cost you 1200 Microsoft points as was rumored weeks ago. Hopefully it is just a coincidence, because an 1800 point Castle Crashers makes us shake in our boots.%Gallery-7424%
Microsoft: high Braid and Castle Crashers prices incorrect
It might be a little too early to breathe a sigh of relief, but things could be looking up for Castle Crashers and Braid. Both were recently listed on the official Japanese Xbox 360 blog for the relatively high prices of 1800 ($22.50) and 1200 ($15.00) points respectively. According to Shacknews, Microsoft has denied these prices, noting that they are "incorrect for both domestic and international markets." Microsoft adds that the official prices will be revealed on the Mondays before Braid and Castle Crashers release dates, which are August 4 and 25 respectively.You can all put your torches and pitchforks away ... for now.
Revealed XBLAugust prices incorrect [Update]
The official Japanese Xbox 360 blog has posted prices for Xbox Live's "Summer of Arcade" series (i.e. five weeks of awesome releases). Let's review: July 30: Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 (800 MS points / $10) August 6: Braid (1200 MS points / $15) August 13: Bionic Commando Rearmed (800 MS points / $10) August 20: Galaga Legions (800 MS points / $10) August 27: Castle Crashers (1800 MS points / $22.50) At $22.50, Castle Crashers would hold the record for most expensive XBLA title. The total price for the Summer of arcade is $67.50, which is a little bit more than a standard Xbox 360 title + applicable tax. The prices are currently set for Japan only, but they generally don't differ with the North American releases. Is your wallet prepared?Update: Microsoft tells Shacknews these prices are incorrect, and that the final prices won't be revealed until the Monday before each respective game launches.[Via X3F]
Summer of Arcade may terrorize your wallet [update]
Update: It looks like the high prices of Braid and Castle Crashers are "incorrect" according to Microsoft. Click here for the full story.If you're anything like us you stocked up on MS Points in preparation for August's extensive XBLA release list. With releases like Galaga Legions, Braid and Castle Crashers around the corner it looks like it's going to be a good time for the Arcade. There is some potential bad news however, the Summer of Arcade is going to missile-dropkick your wallet.According to the official Japanese Xbox 360 blog, Braid (August 6) lists a purchase price of 1200MS Points ($15 US), while the highly anticipated Castle Crashes clocks in at a hefty 1800MS Points ($22.50 US) -- making it the most costly XBLA title to date.While these prices have only been set for the Japanese market, readers should keep in mind that prices are generally the same in Europe and North America. While -- based on hands-on impressions of both titles -- we can't wait to play Braid and Castle Crashers, we wonder if anyone feels too burned to throw down $37.50 (US) for a pair of Arcade releases.Galaga Legions and Bionic Commando: Rearmed are both priced at 800MS Points each. [via GameBytes]
