Mario in Rennaisance times

I got this game based solely on the good reviews. I think that was my mistake.

The game is good, and unique. Bending time in the game is fun and the paint-style artwork is visually catching, but I cant help but feel that Im playing Super Mario.

Lion-heads with legs that need to be stomped like Goombas, a dinosaur reminiscent of Yoshi but acting like Toad, a short man that has red hair and a red tie (why red and not any other colour?), and a Princess thats never where shes suppose to be...

Like I said: a good game, but were there no other creatures available during the decision to make this game? I cant help but feel its suppose to be an hommage to Super Mario that falls short, and is more mimicry instead.

Marc Hunter about Braid, v1.0