Is it too hard for a 10-year-old?

The mechanics are simple (jump, climb, rewind), but the logic is deep. A 10-year-old can certainly finish the first few worlds, but they might need a nudge—or a collaborative brainstorming session—for the final stages.

What is the 'Anniversary Edition' and do I need it?

It's a 2024 update with repainted graphics and better sound. The real draw is the developer commentary, which is extensive and fascinating. If you're buying it today, get this version.

Is the ending actually scary?

Not 'horror movie' scary, but 'existentially chilling.' It recontextualizes your actions in a way that might be confusing or slightly upsetting for sensitive kids, but it's a great jumping-off point for a talk about perspective.

How long does it take to beat?

If you don't use a guide, it's about 5-8 hours. If you're a genius, maybe 3. If you get stuck on the 'hidden' stars, you could be there for weeks.

Braid – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Braid

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2008

94%

WISE Score

85%

IGDB

A brain-melting masterpiece that uses time travel to turn your logic upside down and your heart inside out.

Braid

game

2008

94%

WISE Score

85%

IGDB

A brain-melting masterpiece that uses time travel to turn your logic upside down and your heart inside out.

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Where to Play

PlayStation

PC/Steam

Xbox

Screenwise Verdict

Braid is the game that proved 'indie games' could be high art, and nearly 20 years later, it still puts most modern puzzle games to shame. It’s quiet, beautiful, and respects the player's intelligence by never holding their hand.

If you have a kid who loves logic puzzles or is interested in how games are actually made, this is a must-play. Just be prepared to help them through some of the later levels—or, more likely, be prepared for them to solve the puzzles while you're still scratching your head.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10 and up. While there is nothing 'inappropriate' for a 7-year-old, the puzzles require a level of abstract reasoning and frustration tolerance that most younger kids haven't developed yet. For teens and adults, it is essential playing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Quiet, contemplative, and artistic. It lacks the frantic, dopamine-chasing noise of modern mobile games, though the narrative themes get surprisingly heavy and adult toward the end.

Imaginative

A landmark in game design. Every world introduces a new way to think about time—rewinding, parallel realities, and time tied to movement—that forces genuine creative problem-solving.

Safe

100

The gold standard for safety. No in-game purchases, no online chat, no data harvesting, and no toxic social loops. It is a pure, offline, single-player experience.

Enriching

It demands extreme logical rigor and lateral thinking. It doesn't just entertain; it teaches the player how to look at a problem from five different angles until the solution clicks.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Zero filler means every single puzzle is a unique lesson in logic rather than a repetitive chore.
The painterly art style and melancholic violin soundtrack create a vibe that feels more like visiting a gallery than playing a video game.
It rewards extreme patience, making it a perfect antidote to the 'instant gratification' culture of modern gaming.
The Anniversary Edition (released 2024) includes hours of developer commentary that is basically a masterclass in game design for aspiring creators.

⚠

What to Watch For

The difficulty is brutal. This isn't a 'relaxing' game; it's a 'stare at the screen for 30 minutes in total silence' game. Younger kids will likely hit a wall very fast.
The story is deceptively dark. What looks like a simple 'save the princess' quest turns into a heavy allegory for obsession and, potentially, the creation of the atomic bomb.

Conversation Starters

"How did changing the way time worked in that world change how you had to think about the puzzle?"
"The game talks a lot about making mistakes. If you could rewind time in real life like Tim does, would you actually want to?"
"What do you think the Princess represents? Is she a person, or something else?"
"Why do you think the game ends the way it does? Does Tim feel like a hero to you?"

Deep Dive

The Thinking Person's Platformer

When Braid first landed in 2008, it blew the doors off the industry. It took the most basic video game trope—Super Mario saving a princess—and deconstructed it using high-level physics and philosophy. In 2026, it remains just as relevant, especially with the Anniversary Edition offering a crisp visual overhaul and some of the best developer commentary ever recorded.

Mechanics as Metaphor

Each world in Braid introduces a new time mechanic. In one, time only moves when you move right. In another, you have a ring that creates a bubble of slowed time. These aren't just gimmicks; they are tightly integrated into the puzzles. You can't 'twitch' your way through this game with fast reflexes. You have to understand the rules of the world. For a kid, this is a massive workout for the prefrontal cortex.

The 'Aged' Factor

Some critics argue that Braid is 'pretentious' or that its creator, Jonathan Blow, is too high-concept for his own good. While the text fragments between levels can be a bit dense, the core gameplay is timeless. Unlike early 3D games from the same era that look like blurry blocks today, Braid’s hand-painted aesthetic has aged gracefully. It feels like a living illustration.

A Lesson in Persistence

This is a great game to play with your child, but not necessarily for them. The temptation to look up solutions on YouTube will be huge. Resist it. The 'Aha!' moment in Braid is one of the most satisfying feelings in gaming. It teaches a kid that being stuck isn't a failure—it's just the state you're in right before you learn something new.

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