10 Video Game Secrets Everyone REGRETS Finding
8. You Were Never The Hero - Braid
In this 2D side-scroller, Tim must control the flow of time to complete puzzles, dodge obstacles, and make his way through an onslaught of head-scratching levels.
Throughout the adventure, Tim is expected to collect 60 jigsaw pieces. Although it's not mentioned or hinted at, each world harbours a hidden star, which can also be collected. If all seven stars are found, players will unlock an epilogue after completing the main campaign.
Even though players should be exhilarated while watching the secret ending, Braid's epilogue is sure to leave anyone feeling confused and betrayed. Despite the fact Braid seems to follow the "hero saves the princess" premise to the letter, the ending reveals Tim has been the antagonist the entire time.
In the final stage, the Princess appears to be opening doors and deactivating booby-traps, so Tim can rescue her. In reality, this situation is occurring in reverse, meaning the Princess is closing the doors and activating the traps, hoping to kill her stalker.
This epiphany doesn't just re-contextualise the so-called hero, but the overarching narrative. Braid appeared to be a whimsical platformer for 99% of the playthrough, only for the final moments to reveal the whole game was one huge misleading mind-bender.
Though players should appreciate the jaw-dropping twist, they probably regretted learning they had been playing as the bad guy the whole time.