REVIEW – Directed by the acclaimed Josef Fares (A Way Out & It Takes Two), the remake of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, which was originally praised for its emotional storytelling, unique gameplay, fantastic level design, and vivid visuals.

Now, in the remake for next-generation consoles, this indie classic has received a graphical overhaul thanks to the Unreal Engine, offering stunning visuals for new and returning players embarking on this epic journey. The new visual elements and deeply moving narrative make Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake a must-play for both old and new players, focusing on bonds and cooperation.

The Journey Begins

The story centers on the bond between brothers. Their father is gravely ill, and the village doctor tells them of a mythical tree whose sap can cure any illness. Believing they can save their father, the brothers set out on a journey to reunite their family. As players guide the brothers on their quest, they witness the deepening of their relationship. The narrative is so emotional and impactful that players will remember how they felt long after finishing the game. Through subtle gestures and wordless interactions, the game conveys a range of emotions from joy and laughter to sorrow and loss. The remake enhances this emotional resonance with improved character animations, making players feel more present in the brothers’ journey. This demonstrates the power of storytelling in games, proving that words are not always necessary to convey a message. For those who haven’t experienced the original, the characters speak a unique language, which requires players to piece together their meaning, making the journey even more personal.

Right, Left, Right, Left…

The core of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons lies in its gameplay mechanics, where players must solve puzzles and overcome challenges by simultaneously controlling both brothers with separate analog sticks. This unique control system creates a connection between the characters and the player as they navigate obstacles and solve puzzles together. The left analog stick controls one brother, interacting with objects using L2, while the right analog stick controls the other brother, interacting with objects using R2. The remake retains these mechanics but the absence of haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support is noticeable on current-generation hardware.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons approaches puzzle-solving uniquely. Throughout the game, players encounter numerous challenges requiring the use of both brothers’ unique abilities. From navigating dangerous terrains to outsmarting enemies, each puzzle feels fresh. The physical interactions and environmental puzzles continually offer something new to discover, keeping players engaged from start to finish. Every action is intuitive and responsive, drawing players deeper into the game world and allowing them to derive greater satisfaction from solving puzzles and interacting with the environment.

While primarily a single-player experience, the remake introduces a new co-op mode, allowing players to share the journey with a friend. Local multiplayer lets two players independently control both brothers, fostering cooperation and teamwork throughout the journey. This addition adds a new layer to the gameplay, requiring players to communicate and coordinate to overcome challenges and puzzles. Whether playing alone or with a friend, the bond between the brothers remains at the heart of the experience.

Relax and Enjoy

One of the most striking elements of the Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is its visual presentation. Thanks to the Unreal Engine, the game’s environments come to life with great detail. From lush forests to towering mountains and hollow caves, each location is meticulously crafted, inviting players to explore their beauty. While the original game was praised for its visuals, the remake takes it to a whole new level. With updated graphics and enhanced effects, the brothers’ journey looks better than ever on modern consoles. From the smallest details like leaves swaying in the wind to vast vistas opening before you, the remake doesn’t just improve on the original – it elevates it to a level of visual fidelity that truly sets it apart. As a player, you will notice fantastic level design throughout your journey. The levels and puzzles were undoubtedly ahead of their time, considering this game was released a decade ago.

As the game showcases beautiful landscapes and calming vistas to soothe the mind, you will also encounter some terrifying yet incredibly creative designs during your journey. Players can easily discern the significance of certain elements in the environment, trusting you to make the right decisions. Finally, the game’s original score must be mentioned. Gustaf Grefburg and his team did an outstanding job creating the music for this journey. Emotional moments in the narrative are further highlighted by the incredible score, making players empathize with the world around them as the story unfolds.

There will be moments of happiness, amusement, joy, sorrow, fear, and sadness. Each emotion is accompanied by contemplative music, deepening your understanding of empathy and connection.

A Timeless Classic, Even in 2024

The Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake preserves everything that made the original great, with a fresh coat of paint. Thanks to its upgraded visuals, classic mechanics, and emotional story, every aspect is carefully maintained and thoughtfully enhanced in this remake. Just like the original Brothers in 2013, this remake can tell a deeply moving story about the bond between brothers without uttering a single word. It is a testament to the storytelling power of video games and a reminder that sometimes the most impactful experiences come from the simplest interactions. If you own a PlayStation 5 and have yet to experience this treasure, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is a must-play title not to be missed by old and new fans alike.

-Gergely Herpai “BadSector”-

Publisher: 505 Games

Developer: Starbreeze Studios

Style: Adventure, Puzzle

Release: 2024.