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Starbreeze Studios, known for action-packed titles like Riddick, Enclave, The Darkness, and the PAYDAY series, surprised many with a departure from their usual genre. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons marks a significant shift, venturing into a classic yet captivating style of gameplay. This review explores the strengths and weaknesses of this emotional adventure.

A Heartfelt Story of Two Brothers

The game opens with the younger brother standing at his mother’s grave, recalling the tragic moment when she was lost to the sea. Now, a new threat looms as their father falls gravely ill. Their only hope lies in the Water of Life, a mythical remedy that sets them on a perilous journey.

alt text: Younger brother at his mother's grave.

The initial impression of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons might be that of a children’s game, but the reality is far more complex. The world is visually stunning and vibrant, yet beneath the surface lie hidden dangers that test the brothers’ courage and resilience. Experiencing this fairytale-like world through the eyes of children facing such adversity creates a unique and compelling narrative.

alt text: The two brothers on their journey.

Innovative and Engaging Gameplay

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons shines with its innovative control scheme. Players simultaneously control both brothers, using the left analog stick for the older brother and the right for the younger. This dual-character control adds a layer of complexity, particularly in puzzle-solving. Throughout the game, players must coordinate the brothers’ actions to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles, which, while simple, are logically designed and satisfying to complete.

alt text: The brothers solving a puzzle using teamwork.

Each brother possesses unique abilities. The older brother can carry his younger sibling across rivers, pull levers, and lift heavy objects, while the younger brother can squeeze through tight spaces and climb ledges. To prevent the puzzles from becoming too easy, Starbreeze cleverly incorporated a nuance to the action button. Holding the action button is crucial for actions like swinging across gaps or holding onto moving platforms. This mechanic, reminiscent of Quantic Dream’s interaction system (seen in titles like Beyond Two Souls and Heavy Rain), adds another layer of engagement.

alt text: The brothers navigating a dangerous environment.

Beyond puzzle-solving, players can interact with numerous NPCs and objects within the game world. While not essential to progression, these interactions breathe life into the world and add depth to the brothers’ journey. Acts of kindness, such as saving a man from hanging himself or reuniting lost birds, reinforce the underlying theme of hope and compassion amidst adversity.

alt text: The brothers interacting with the environment.

A Visually Captivating World

Powered by Unreal Engine 3, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons boasts breathtaking visuals. From bustling villages to underground ruins, towering castles, and frozen rivers, the diverse environments are a feast for the eyes. While character models are somewhat simplistic, the stunning landscapes and clever camera angles showcase the beauty of the game world.

alt text: A scenic view from the game.

The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a variety of melodies that evoke a range of emotions, from the somber tunes during moments of reflection to the intense music during chase sequences. The unique, Simlish-like language spoken by the characters, coupled with the lack of subtitles, adds an intriguing layer of mystery. Players rely on visual cues and body language to understand the narrative, enriching the overall experience.

Technical Shortcomings and Brief Playtime

Despite utilizing Unreal Engine 3, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons suffers from technical limitations on PC. Graphical customization options are limited to resolution, vsync, and brightness, failing to leverage the power of modern PC hardware. Close inspection reveals jagged edges on character models and low-resolution textures in some areas. The port appears to prioritize functionality over optimization.

alt text: A challenging moment in the game.

The relatively short playtime, clocking in at around four hours, might also be a concern for some, especially given the price point. While the gameplay and story are engaging, the abrupt ending leaves players wanting more.

Conclusion

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons offers a unique and emotionally resonant experience. Its innovative gameplay, captivating story, and beautiful world are its greatest strengths. However, the technical shortcomings on PC and the short playtime are drawbacks to consider. Despite these flaws, the game’s heartfelt narrative and innovative mechanics make it a worthwhile journey.