When comparing Strata vs Braid, the Slant community recommends Strata for most people. In the question“What are the best Puzzle games on Steam?” Strata is ranked 12th while Braid is ranked 13th. The most important reason people chose Strata is:
The game scales to any resolution so you can have it in a window on the side.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Supports flexible window resolutions
The game scales to any resolution so you can have it in a window on the side.
Pro Addictive gameplay that steadily increases in difficulty
While the gameplay starts out as being quite straightforward (therefore easing the player into the game), the difficulty does build as one continues to play.
Pro Original design and gameplay
The minimalistic look of the game as well as the way the gameplay works is quite original while still staying intuitive.
Pro 2D minimalistic "weaving" that requires thinking in 3d
While represented in 2D the puzzle solving aspect of the game requires thinking in terms of "levels" as one would while weaving.
Pro Wonderfully challenging
On the outset, Braid looks like any other platformer but once any time is spent with the game, users soon find that the puzzles are deviously difficult, forcing users to think outside of the box and even time itself.
Pro Clever game mechanics
Braid utilizes a rewind mechanic wherein the player can rewind the action in the game at any time. This is coupled with puzzle layouts to each lever where the player has to use the rewind mechanics to reach certain spots in a level.
Pro Most brilliant puzzle mechanic and unique art style
Nearly the father of indies and an amazing experience that never gets old. A very unique experience.
Pro Unisual mechanics for genre
Time control is not much used in games of that type. Espesially when its used like core mechanic of the game.
Pro An ambiguous, yet impactful retelling of a man's downfall and a warning to others
Braid is a story about loss and obsessiveness and how those forces drive the hunt for redemption.
Cons
Con Too easy if you figure out the pattern
The pattern behind the puzzles isn't the simplest, but if you can figure it out, you can solve any of the puzzles quickly.
Con Includes in app purchases
Strata is an upfront paid game at $2.99 which is why it is disappointing to see that in app purchases later apply.
Con No level generator
Even though the levels could easily be automatically generated, there is no level generator.
Con Short
The game can be beaten in about six and a half hours, which is really not all that long for a PC game. Of course originally this was a mobile phone game, which shows its roots in the length.
Con Story is depressing
There is a definite sense of melancholy while playing this game which can make for a depressing experience while playing the game, which may reduce the amount of time played.