World 1, "The Princess," is a unique and pivotal area in Braid, serving as both an introduction and a conclusion. Unlike other worlds, World 1 doesn't introduce new time mechanics but rather showcases the core narrative and the princess's actions in reverse. The primary objective here is to collect 20 puzzle pieces, which are not found in the traditional sense but are revealed through the princess's movements.
The gameplay in World 1 involves navigating through environments where the princess is performing actions. The twist is that you are witnessing these events in reverse. As you move forward, the princess's actions appear to be hindering your progress, such as closing doors or activating traps. However, the underlying reality, as revealed by the game's narrative, is that she is actually escaping and opening paths for you.
To collect the puzzle pieces, you must essentially "undo" her actions by moving towards them. For example, if the princess closes a door, you move towards the door, and the puzzle piece associated with that action is collected. The game guides you through this by having you follow her path. Each significant action she takes corresponds to a puzzle piece.
The final sequence in World 1, often referred to as "1-1: The Cloud Gate (Reverse)," is particularly significant. Here, you observe the princess's escape in reverse. Her actions, which seem to be blocking you, are actually her creating the path you are following. By moving forward, you are essentially replaying her escape in reverse, collecting the pieces as you go.
World 1 serves as a powerful narrative device, demonstrating the game's themes of perspective and interpretation. The puzzle pieces here are less about complex mechanics and more about understanding the story being told through the princess's journey. The 20 pieces are collected by simply progressing through the stages and interacting with the environment as the princess's reversed actions unfold.