Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons remaster Review

A beautiful remaster, but worth it?

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Platform: PS5 PC Xbox X|S

Reviewed on: PC

Developer: Avantgarden SRL

Publisher: 505 Games

Release: February 28, 2024

Time Played: 2.5 Hours

Genre: Action

ESRB: T

Intro:

You may be familiar with Brothers: A tale of two sons, released way back in 2013, this remaster is the same game with improved graphics and gameplay. I never played the original but I don’t believe this game is much different in terms of story. If you are unfamiliar well sit back and let me tell you about what you can expect if you wanted to play. And then I’m going to give it a rating and a home on the shelves behind me.

Where it starts

Two brothers who have already lost their mother to a vicious storm on the ocean, are close to losing their sick father. After bringing him to the local doctor, they find the only way their father can be saved would be to drink the Water of Life, obtained from a special tree only an adventure away. They immediately set off by themselves on a long trek through various environments and dangers, with only each other to keep them safe.

Can the kids watch

This game has a teen rating due to some of the heavy emotions portrayed in the story, you won’t have to worry about foul language or violent graphics in the gameplay. There was one area with minor dismemberment of dead giants and a lot of blood in one section. Teen was a very appropriate rating, maybe a little younger but not much.

Controlling the Brothers

If playing on PC you will have the option to play with mouse and keyboard or a controller, but you would be much better off playing with a controller. It can be played with two players, but if your solo you will be controlling both brothers at the same time. One with the left side of your controller and the other with the right. Move them around with the joysticks and hit the action button when they are in the appropriate spot. It sounds simple, but in action can get a little convoluted with both of your hands fighting for control.

Working Together

You will find a lot blocking the way forward, the only way to get past would be the brothers working together at specific tasks, like one distracting a dog while the other runs, or holding down a lever for the other to pass and unlock the way forward for both. It was fun to play as both brothers and learning who was better for what depending on their strengths and attitudes. They really felt like unique individuals.

How the story is told

The language in the game is fictional and there are no subtitles to help you figure out what anyone is saying. Instead, you have to watch how the characters act and what they interact with to tell what’s going on. The character movements and inflections while talking were done very well, hardly leaving any question what was happening in the story.

Powerful Storytelling

Included with the game was a commentary playthrough with the creator. It was fun to watch him play and explain a little about some of the mechanics and how he wanted the player to feel at certain points in the game. I watched it after completing the game and he did a very good job conveying the emotions he wanted you to experience. The game may be short, but it leaves an everlasting impression.

Outro:

I had heard nothing but good things about Brothers, so when I saw a remaster in the works, I was excited to check it out. The game looks great and plays smoothly, the only rough part would be me trying to manage two characters at the same time with one controller, but I got a good handle on that by the end.

I absolutely loved how the brothers are portrayed, the older being more responsible and courteous to those around, while the younger brother was a little obnoxious and playful. I grew up with a younger brother and this game felt very comparable to real life in that aspect. The story was told in a unique and fun way, and ended up being an unforgettable experience, even if it only took two and a half hours to get through it.

I enjoyed the story, and it was fun, but it wasn’t an experience I’m dying to go through again. I’m still on the fence about the cost versus how much the game has to offer. It was an excellent game, but I don’t feel like I got my money’s worth.

Did you play the original or give this version a shot yet? Let me know in the comments below.

And with that it’s time to give some ratings

Visuals were amazing, especially when compared to what the game used to look like, I’m giving it a five

The story was great, even if a little convoluted at times it’s getting a four

The gameplay was fascinating and certainly one of a kind, I’m giving it another four

Even though it had an excellent story, and it was short, I don’t feel compelled to go through again, that’s a one

Total amount of fun comes out to a three. One nice thing about a short game is that it ends before mechanics can get monotonous and annoying.

Giving Brothers A Tale of Two Sones an average score of three point four. Earning its spot on the Top Shelf.

I really enjoyed this game; it was unique and enjoyable. Again, I’m not sure if it’s quite worth the asking price.