Sometimes games get remakes that come out of nowhere and make you wonder – why? Don’t get me wrong, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a brilliant title and an easy recommendation to a list of must-play games. But I do wonder why it has been given the remake treatment, the original version still holds up well today.
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Developed by Starbreeze Studios, in collaboration with Swedish-Lebanese film director Josef Fares, this 2013 adventure seemed built for co-op, but was ultimately a solo affair.
A Way Out
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons blended together a very touching tale along with a unique gameplay loop. Unsurprisingly, the 2013 release was an indie darling, on the same shelf as Limbo and Braid.
That was 11 years ago, and Italian developers Avantgarden now aim to deliver a faithful update. The biggest changes are to be found on the visual side. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons remake features rebuilt characters and landscapes, as well as updates to the graphics and performance.
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The soundtrack has also been re-recorded now with a live orchestra. And this does add new layers of emotion, taking the experience to new heights.
Characters, however, still speak in a made-up fantasy language. But, to be fair, the story strength is how it tells the whole thing, through the environment and interactions you have.
Same Old Siblings
Where fans will feel let down though is the gameplay front. The gameplay loop has not really been touched. In this 2024, you control both brothers at the same time to overcome the same puzzles and challenges.
This is a bit of a disappointment as some new puzzles or even scripting in the game would have been welcome. I could only find a few new achievements in terms of content, which were linked with doing things you would have done anyway in the game.
Jogo Bonito
On paper, the game should be very easy, but the controls do get in the way from time to time. You control each character with each stick simultaneously. Eleven years ago, this was a fresh idea, but in 2024 the frustrations of this system quickly surface.
But, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons‘ remake has an ace up its sleeve. This version finally lets you play through the game in co-op, which takes that control issue away. While the co-op is local only, it still adds a new level of enjoyment to tackle the game with buddy.
Short Brothers
It’s also a brief adventure clocking in at about 4 to 5 hours to clear. This short run-time makes it a hard sale to past owners. Other than co-op, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons remake is just a prettier version of what we already have.
However, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is still a 100% must-play title. There is a joy and whimsy to guiding the brothers on an epic fantasy filled adventure of discovery, mystery and, ultimately, loss.