My Braid review was rejected by HG. Being my second review submission, I just didn't quite expand on the game information as much as I should have. I've tried to go a little farther with my review below and hopefully you'll find it informative.

I first downloaded Braid as a demo on Xbox Live. I'd say 95% of the time I end up deleting my demos and not purchasing the game. However, Braid was in the 5% that I ended up paying for.

The immediate hook for me (and for other gamers based on other reviews I've read) had to be both the artistic direction and the mind blowing puzzles. The water color (or is it oil painting) look with unique character design is really beautiful to look at. The puzzles are fun to play, and possibly even more fun to watch your friends play (especially after you have beaten them).

Another aspect of this game that I love is the music. As intensely mind-consuming as this game is, the music is perfectly calming and fun to listen to.

The art design, puzzles, and music all fit together like they were grown on the same vine. So what about the story line? This game is for mature audiences. And I don't mean mature as in sex, drugs, and violence (who deemed those things mature anyway?)... By mature I mean the story line is complex, deep (almost poetic), and intriguing. Kids won't get it. Some adults won't get it. I had a long discussion with a friend before we figured out the intricacies of the plot. But what makes the story stand out as probably being the feature you will come to appreciate most about this game, is that it ties perfectly (seamlessly) to the gameplay. In fact, the gameplay is driven solely by the story, which makes every moment of every puzzle that much more meaningful. It involves a twist that rivals the first time I saw the Sixth Sense.

To appreciate it all, I really do believe you have to be in the mindset to relax your body and challenge your mind... In almost every aspect, this is perhaps the most perfect game.

The only drawback to this game is the replayability. Once you figure out the puzzles, a second play through goes by pretty quickly. To compensate, the developer cleverly implemented a time-trail type of game play option. Using your knowledge of the puzzles, combined with the precise movements of a platformer, you can take the game experience farther.

I give this game a 10 because in more ways than one, this was the perfect game to and for me. I felt like I connected with it and I will never forget the experience of my first play through. I will say that I don't think this game is for everyone, but if you are able to make a connection here, you'll have found something rare in video games. I wish I could put my finger on it.

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	Halon - January 26, 2009 (07:12 PM) It was probably rejected because you really don't talk about the game that much. I see you liked the game but to convince the readers you have to do more than say the story is good and the music is nice. I'm super tired and can't give you a critique at the moment (maybe someone else can elaborate further on what I said in the first paragraph), so try reading the reviews that place in RotW if you want to get a feel for what to do and what not to do.
	Felix_Arabia - January 27, 2009 (04:49 PM) I'd say this review is probably about the bare minimum of what we accept (though old man honestgamer may disagree with me on that). Basically, you shouldn't feel compelled to mimic any particular HG writer's style. We want you to nurture your own writing voice. At the same time, it's never a bad thing to maybe over-elaborate on the most important elements in a game. A couple examples of specific game elements that left an impression on you, good or bad, is always welcome in a review. So are any relevant comparisons that you feel would help make your argument stronger. Generally reviews are about 800 words, but we also love brevity. Play around with it some more if you wish. Just be sure that you're happy with it and that it's something you would be proud of showing to someone you look up to.
	ProfesserPants - January 27, 2009 (04:56 PM) Thanks. I know it's not the most technical review, but I thought my review emphasized the most important aspect of all reviews... did I like or not like the game. This review basically says, "I liked it and these are the reasons why." I also feel like this review fits into the idea behind Honest Gamers as a collective of reviews rather than a single definitive and technically detailed critique. What other details would you like to see in future reviews? I commented on the story, gameplay, music, and graphics. Perhaps, because I didn't have any suggestions for improvement that it seemed like something was missing. I don't mind if a review doesn't get accepted (my original review for Braid was rejected but the one you just read is new and I have yet to submit it). I like this blog because it gives me a chance to post my rejected reviews or rework them and get comments like your own. I'll get better at writing game reviews eventually, but I guess I'm new at this for now.
	ProfesserPants - January 27, 2009 (05:00 PM) Thanks Felix. I'll take a look at my Braid review and see if I can expand a bit on some more aspects of the game. Perhaps I'll resubmit it if I feel like I've reworked it.