Braid cover art

games like

Braid

Braid leans Optimization (Pure Optimization). Below: catalogued games with the closest cheat-test profile, and exactly where each one differs.

Matched first against: Platform, Strategy - then ranked by cheat-test profile.

EXECUTION4 /10READS0 /10VARIANCE0 /10OPTIMIZATION9 /10

12 games like Braid

A cross-genre tag below means that pick didn't share a genre - it filled a slot on cheat-test profile alone.

Portal 2 cover art
Portal 2Pure Optimization · first-person puzzle

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (4 vs 3) - Portal placement requires some precision but timing is lenient.

full comparison →
Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines cover art
Commandos: Behind Enemy LinesPure Optimization · stealth tactics

Both lean on execution about the same (4 vs 4). Biggest difference: variance (0 vs 1) - All guard cones and routes are visible

full comparison →
Fez cover art
FezPure Optimization · puzzle platformer

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (4 vs 2) - Rotation and platforming needs light precision only

full comparison →
World of Goo cover art
World of GooPure Optimization · physics construction puzzle

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (4 vs 3) - Placing goo balls needs only mild precision

full comparison →
Trine cover art
TrinePure Optimization · puzzle platformer

Both lean on execution about the same (4 vs 4). Biggest difference: optimization (9 vs 7) - Choosing the right hero and contraption solves each obstacle

full comparison →
Factorio cover art
FactorioPure Optimization · factory automation

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (4 vs 2) - Some APM in early hand-crafting; otherwise irrelevant.

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Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee cover art
Oddworld: Abe's OddyseePracticed Mastery · cinematic puzzle platformer

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: optimization (9 vs 7) - Mudokon rescue routes and puzzle solutions are solvable

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The Swapper cover art
The SwapperPure Optimization · puzzle platformer

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (4 vs 2) - Light platforming; precision rarely gates progress

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Donkey Kong 64 cover art
Donkey Kong 64Practiced Mastery · 3D collectathon platformer

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: optimization (9 vs 7) - Routing five Kongs through collectible checklists

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Dragon Age: The Veilguard cover art
Dragon Age: The VeilguardPure Optimization · action RPG

Both lean on execution about the same (4 vs 4). Biggest difference: optimization (9 vs 7) - Builds, runes, companion synergies central

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Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker cover art
Captain Toad: Treasure TrackerPure Optimization · puzzle platformer

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (4 vs 3) - Gentle navigation, no jumping, light timing

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Planet Coaster cover art
Planet CoasterPure Optimization · theme park tycoon

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: variance (0 vs 2) - Guest mood noise is low and quickly mappable

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Game details

Released
2008
Developer
Number None Inc.
Platforms
PS3, Linux, PC, Mac, X360
Modes
Single player
IGDB critics
87/100
IGDB users
85/100
PlatformPuzzleStrategyAdventureIndieFantasy