Looks like everyone is having a blast with GW2. Even with the few people on my list there is still 4 or more ahead in every mode last time I checked. So I have some work to do!

I sent friend requests to a few more folks who's posts I read in this thread.

Initially, it seems like Waves should be easy to get a high score but it ramps up so quickly. Even though my top score is higher, I die nearly all the time around 700k to 1 million. Tough!

If I'm still allowed to have a non-GW2 post, I've noticed that the TTR Europe expansion is up for 600 points. Anyone pick it up yet?

BAN HIM!!!!!!!!!

Ooh -- Ticket to Ride! Thanks for the heads up -- I'm going to snag this next time I log on.

I did :)

Week 2 of the Summer of Arcade: Braid is officially priced at 1200 points for this Wednesday.

While it obviously won't dethrone GW2, is there any interest in this title? I've only seen a few gameplay videos and it just doesn't jump out as "must have" to me.

Based only on impressions and descriptions of the game, I'm definitely interested in it. The combination of 2D platforming and time manipulation has a lot of potential, and I can't wait to try out the demo.

I watched this gameplay video and it really got interesting right around the 8:00 mark. That was really cool. I'll give this one a look, but worry about replayability if there's only 6 worlds.

I doubt there will be much replayability for this, if any at all, considering it is in essence a puzzle game. I'm very much looking forward to the demo and already plan to purchase it. In fact, I think I'm picking up every XBLA game this month. Such a solid lineup.

"Officially" where? It's not priced on Major Nelson's site or xbox.com yet.

I saw this late last week and thought it was pretty humorous. Maybe I'll share it here now since no one else has. Yes, maybe I will.

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Now, it's up at xbox.com; Braid is indeed 1200 points. Bummer. And you can bet that now Castle Crashers will be as well. :(

Here's an early review of Braid.

Sounds promising, but for $15, I'll have to play the demo first.

I've been waiting for this game for a while but I don't know about that $15 price point. Does that mean only the shit games will be $10 now? How about $20 for SSFII HD remix?

Braid XBLA dev walkthrough
 

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After watching this video I must have this game now.

Braid is the XBLA for August that I was most looking forward to. Yes, even more than Geometry Wars.

Easy enough to say since Geometry Wars came out in July :rolleyes: ;)

IGN's review is up now. Sounds pretty good, but a pretty short game for $15. It certainly doesn't have the longevity and value of a certain other recent XBLA game.

Closing Comments
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. Despite its short length and robust pricing ($15), Braid is definitely worth downloading.

IGN Ratings for Braid (X360)
Rating Description
out of 10 click here for ratings guide
9.0 Presentation
The world plays out like a twisted fairy tale and even the hub world feels like a piece of a larger puzzle.
8.5 Graphics
It's like playing through a watercolor painting. Haunting, beautiful, and magical.
8.0 Sound
The music is enchanting, which is important, since there is little in the way of other sounds.
9.0 Gameplay
Highly imaginative puzzles that will give you brain a workout. This is unlike any other game on Xbox 360.
6.0 Lasting Appeal
Great minds will be able to get through fairly quickly. Though there is a Speed Run option after beating Braid, there is little incentive to come back for seconds.
8.8
Great OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average

It seems like lately, the shorter the game the more it costs on XBLA. Thank you, Penny Arcade!

I'm curious as to why some of the earlier 'overpriced' games haven't had a price cut. I was always down for Roboblitz but not for the $15 they want. That should definitely be $10 by now. Same with the billiards game.

The billiards game was in the first round of Arcade Hits reductions. It is 800 points now.

:lol: Well there you go.

I guess that's the trade off for the convenience of digital distribution...no mark downs. At least I would believe that if Steam didn't exist.

Also, Pacifism mode is slowly ruining my life. I think I played if for something like 3 hours last night while I listened to podcasts. Yeah, I think I need help. Maybe I'll shift my focus to King for awhile.

I figured out a really awesome way to climb my leaderboard.

Just watched that Braid video, and it does seem cool. But the very idea of a game that lets you reverse time and correct a mistake as much as you need to must have a certain no-longer-active member blowing smoke from his ears.