Despite its legacy, Xbox 360 puzzle-platformerBraidhasn’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 ofBraidcomes 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 ofBraid– 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,Braidhas 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 aMetacriticscore of 93.
Its developer Blow is no stranger to the video game world. Some of his earlier work includes being a programmer onOddworld: Munchy’s OddyseeandDeus Ex: Invisible War. He released the puzzle titleThe Witnessin 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 2016New Yorkerarticle as a “prickly genius,” while an interview withKotakuin 2011 said Blow’s opinions are not aimed at individuals, but at “trends.”He’s also no stranger to making public controversial statementsover the years, further complicating his legacy.
In any case,Braidis often signposted as an indie release that helped shape an industryofindie releases. This was beforeMinecraftdid it. If you still haven’t played the game (guilty), April’s Anniversary Edition is definitely one to look out for.
