Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake Xbox Series X Review
| Game: | Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | 505 Games |
| Developer: |
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons left an indelible mark during the Xbox 360 and PS3 era, etching itself as one of the most unforgettable experiences. While its duration may have been brief, the 2013 adventure from Josef Farez and Starbreeze Studios couldn’t have felt more complete. Now, with the simply titled Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 5, the journey is imbued with even greater beauty, elevating an already remarkable experience to new heights.
The story revolves around two brothers, Naia and Naiee, embarking on a journey to save their ailing father. Reminiscent of Team ICO’s games, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons boasts a minimalistic plot, with dialogue presented in a gibberish language without subtitles, relying on imagery to convey the narrative. While the storytelling may seem sparse, its still one that is told really well.
The game’s distinctive single-player cooperative mechanic enables you to independently control each brother using each individual analog stick and separate interact buttons. Although mastering this control scheme may pose an initial challenge, it gradually becomes more intuitive with practice. Originally conceived as a single-player cooperative experience, this remake now introduces a local cooperative option, a feature first introduced in the 2019 Switch version.
Whether you are playing in single or multiplayer, Puzzles form the core gameplay, featuring object manipulation and spatial challenges. While some puzzles may seem intricate, they generally offer straightforward solutions, ensuring a smooth progression through the game. The puzzles may even be a bit too simple for some.
Each brother possesses unique abilities: Naia uses his superior strength to pull levers etc, and he also assists his younger brother in reaching higher places, while Naiee can navigate tight spaces and relies on his big brother to keep him safe in water.
Despite the absence of traditional dialogue, you are able to discern the brothers’ personalities through their actions. Big Brother exudes more maturity, while Little Brother embodies mischievousness. Optional interactions further deepen your connection to the characters.
The game may be brisk, but numerous memorable moments await you, from the heart-pounding ascent of a tower with both brothers tethered together, to the adrenaline-fueled navigation of perilous river rapids. While indeed brief, “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons” eschews any semblance of filler content, offering a focused and impactful experience throughout.
While the game’s price tag might seem a bit high at first glance, especially given its three-hour duration and limited reasons to rush back to the adventure following completion, the dark and enchanting world it presents makes it a worthwhile investment, and is definitely a game that is worth revisiting every so often. This remake mesmerizes with its visually stunning presentation, boasting breath-taking lighting that enriches the intricately crafted environments. Moreover, the lovely rerecorded soundtrack adds a layer of depth and emotion, perfectly complementing the brothers’ adventure.
As a safe revisit, Brothers: A Tale of Sons Remake stands as a worthy update to the beloved original. Remaining faithful to its predecessor, this remake offers a brief yet poignant experience. While its puzzles may not be the most challenging and its single-player mode initially feels somewhat awkward, the game nonetheless delivers a beautiful, memorable, and finely crafted adventure.
