Braid Interview

[SlappingOysters]

Jonathan Blow and David Hellman talk Gameplayer (http://www.gameplayer.com.au/gp_documents/081027Braid2.aspx) through the creation of their innovative, best selling XBLA platformer Braid and why it will likely be their first and last game on Live Arcade.

Super Mario Bros was a very obvious influence: it forms the foundation for Braid’s gameplay. There were some games that served as anti-influences, like Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time, Blinx, and the like. They are anti-influences because I strongly disliked the way they handled rewinding, so they served as examples of what not to do.

[RevGored]

Nothing like pretentious meandering conversations to remind us that it's not just rock stars that should probably never speak in public

[Anthony W]

I don't know whether to be pissed that he didn't like Sands Of Time or admire him for saying that he didn't like Sands Of Time. I didn't like Half-Life, but discovered that there is no right way to tell someone that you don't like Half-Life.

[drakkarim]

you're comparing sands of time to half life? well, i guess to each their own.

a little egg on microsoft's face is always good.

[ElPresidente]

Anthony was not quite comparing Sands of Time to Half-Life. :P

Anyway I was kind of hoping for something... more from this interview. I want more info on the design process, coming up with the puzzles, etc. Oh well.

[revelation]

Anyway I was kind of hoping for something... more from this interview. I want more info on the design process, coming up with the puzzles, etc. Oh well.

Same. But I get the feeling this was one of those usual asked by e-mail things, because it wasn't exactly flowing or organic.

Also, you write for PC Powerplay? That's awesome, I've bought a couple of issues before, quality mag. How did I not realise there are so many Aussies on here before?

[opusdeath]

It's a shame another developer has talked about the XBL certification process. I hope Microsoft are listening to devs because it would be a shame if these guys deserted the platform.

[menage]

Not really that in depth if ypu ask me. And if you're bashing games please explain why? Not just say this sucks and I wanted to do it another way.

I really don't need a Braid 2 it was perfect like it was, just like I don't need Bioshock 2 (although I am going t play that if it turns out to be very good), or a The Darkness 2.They are pretty rounded of perfectly, breaking that open will not add much. Make something new.

Hope they do bring one to PSN though cause they can keep it on PC (just doesn't work for me) and I don't own a Wii.

[Blade]

Nothing like pretentious meandering conversations to remind us that it's not just rock stars that should probably never speak in public

It's only pretentious if the artist in question has nothing to back up their statements with...

[Froggy]

Well, I think he liked The Sands of Time, he just says he didn't like the way they handled rewinding. The mechanic is borrowed, whether or not he did it differently. He can deny the fact that he borrowed it if he wants to.

We are talking about time travel after all. Maybe he invented the mechanic, and then went back in time to give someone else credit so he could be a martyr. I think this is the most likely scenario.

[KidNicarus]

"Hi, I'm Jonathan Blow. My 15 minutes are up but I still keep talking about my super overrated game that I made. Sure the puzzles are neat, but whats really great is the over inflated sense of accomplishment I feel all the time. Also, I invented rewinding time in games. I'm aware that other people did it first but I don't like talking about that. In fact, I don't like talking about anything other than ME."

The End.

[drakkarim]

"Hi, I'm Jonathan Blow. My 15 minutes are up but I still keep talking about my super overrated game that I made. Sure the puzzles are neat, but whats really great is the over inflated sense of accomplishment I feel all the time. Also, I invented rewinding time in games. I'm aware that other people did it first but I don't like talking about that. In fact, I don't like talking about anything other than ME."

The End.

:)

i find his comments about the live certification quite useful myself. i believe the game was made by a group of two or two people wasn't?

i think his opinion on the viability of the platform for the 'upstart' speaks volumes. i'm sure his comments will speak volumes to those that are/were interested in pursuing a project for the live, in terms of knowing what they're going to get themselves into.

i didn't play his game (tried the demo, not my cup of tea), but i respect his opinion as someone who obviously has some development skills.

[saulob]

I just want the PC version... any news?

[ElPresidente]

Also, you write for PC Powerplay? That's awesome, I've bought a couple of issues before, quality mag. How did I not realise there are so many Aussies on here before?

Certainly do. Nathan Cocks is the name so if you see that moniker itsa me. Thanks for the kind words re the mag, we try hard. ;)

And yeah, keep an eye out. Plenty of Aussies frequent this site. :D

Back on topic I do want to echo the concerns that the certification discussion brought about. XBLA needs title like Braid and N+ alongside the content being pumped out by big names like Capcom. I too hope MS is listening to the discontent that is being communicated in some circles.