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CRITIK

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake
Item: Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Third Person Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Interactive Movie, Casual, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 28, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperAvantgarden Games

Overview

Brothers is presented from a third-person view overlooking the two brothers. The brothers are moved individually by two thumbsticks on the controller. The controller triggers also cause the respective brother to interact with the game world, such as talking to a non-player character or grabbing onto a ledge or object. The older brother is the stronger of the two and can pull levers or boost his younger brother to higher spaces, while the younger one can pass between narrow bars. The player progresses by manipulating the two brothers at the same time to complete various puzzles, often requiring the player to manipulate both brothers to perform differing functions (such as one distracting a hostile non-player character while the other makes their way around). Should either brother fall from a great height or get injured, the game restarts at a recent checkpoint. All of the in-game dialogue is spoken in a fictional language, thus the story is conveyed through actions, gestures and expressions.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the Story of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake for its engaging narrative, emotional depth, and impactful storytelling. BaziCenter commended the game for its diverse environments and creative gameplay, highlighting it as a prime example of video games as an art form. GGRecon described the story as beautiful and epic, noting that it evolves into a tale of epic proportions with impactful character interactions. God is a Geek emphasized the emotional and moving story about two brothers on a quest to find a cure for their dying father, filled with impactful moments and a melancholic tone. Push Square found the narrative emotionally resonant and narratively effective, praising its intimate familial story that has aged well. Multiplayer.it appreciated the story being inspired by Nordic fairy tales and the unique symmetrical control system that enhances the narrative experience. While the overall sentiment towards the Story of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake was overwhelmingly positive, there were some minor criticisms from a few critics. XboxEra mentioned that the co-op mode may miss the point of the game's design, suggesting a potential disconnect between the gameplay experience and the intended emotional impact. Pure Xbox noted the simplicity of puzzles but still found the familial tale engaging and emotionally resonant. These critiques suggest that while the game excels in storytelling and emotional depth, there may be areas where the gameplay could be further refined to enhance the overall experience. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the Story of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is a highly acclaimed title with a compelling narrative that resonates with players on an emotional level. The majority of reviewers praised the game for its engaging story, impactful character interactions, and emotional depth. The unique storytelling approach, lack of dialogue, and symmetrical control system were highlighted as standout features that elevate the overall experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding gameplay elements, the overwhelming positive feedback indicates that the remake successfully delivers a memorable and emotionally immersive journey for players, solidifying its status as a standout example of storytelling in video games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics unanimously praised the Story of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake for its gripping narrative, emotional depth, and impactful storytelling, likening it to a work of art. While some critics had minor concerns about gameplay elements like the co-op mode and puzzle simplicity, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's unique storytelling approach, lack of dialogue, and symmetrical control system were lauded as standout features that create a memorable and emotionally immersive experience for players. This remake stands out as a prime example of storytelling excellence in video games.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The critics unanimously praise the unique gameplay mechanics of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake. BaziCenter appreciates how the gameplay introduces new elements continuously, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. God is a Geek and Pure Xbox highlight the innovative aspect of controlling both brothers simultaneously, creating a distinctive gameplay experience. XboxEra also acknowledges the deliberate design decision behind controlling two characters at once, emphasizing the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles and puzzles. The critics commend the balance between puzzles and exploration, with GameGrin noting that the gameplay remains consistent with the original, which is a positive aspect for fans of the original game. On the downside, some critics express concerns about the control system of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake. BaziCenter mentions that the control system can be cumbersome and not as smooth as desired, which may lead to occasional frustration. Push Square and GameGrin highlight issues with precision and fiddliness when controlling both brothers simultaneously, particularly in co-op mode. Push Square also mentions that the inclusion of the co-op mode negatively affects the gameplay experience. These criticisms suggest that while the gameplay mechanics are innovative, there are some challenges in terms of controls that might impact the overall experience for certain players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive aspects of the gameplay in Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake. The unique co-op design philosophy, symmetrical control system, and balance between puzzles and exploration are widely appreciated. However, there are concerns about the control precision, fiddliness, and the impact of the co-op mode on the gameplay experience. Despite these drawbacks, the innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging puzzles seem to have resonated positively with most critics, making Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake a worthwhile experience for players looking for a distinctive gaming experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake for its innovative gameplay mechanics, with a focus on controlling two brothers simultaneously. While some express concerns about the control system being cumbersome and fiddly, the game's balance between puzzles and exploration is widely appreciated. Overall, the unique co-op design and engaging puzzles make it a worthwhile experience for players seeking something different.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake, highlighting various positive aspects. BaziCenter commended the stunning technical and artistic graphics that enhanced the mythical Nordic-inspired world of the game, emphasizing the attention to detail in environments that captivated players. God is a Geek also lauded the gorgeous visuals that brought the world to life, featuring beautiful and terrifying scenes with meticulous environmental design. XboxEra appreciated the fresh new look with revamped cutscenes, improved soundtrack, HDR support, and impressive lighting and texture work, offering players a visually enhanced experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there were some minor criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. GGRecon mentioned mixed feelings about the character designs, indicating that while the upgraded visuals brought the game up to date with current consoles, there were some reservations about certain aspects of the character aesthetics. Push Square noted some janky environment interactions, which could potentially detract from the overall immersive experience for players. Pure Xbox pointed out that while the remake featured gorgeous backdrops, the original 2013 version still held up well graphically, leading to a less compelling reason to opt for the new visuals. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake were highly commendable, with the majority expressing admiration for the enhancements and improvements made in the remake. The updated realistic-looking aesthetic, improved 3D character models, lighting enhancements, and overall graphical upgrades were well-received by reviewers such as GameGrin and Multiplayer.it. While there were some minor criticisms regarding character designs, environmental interactions, and the necessity of the visual upgrade, the general sentiment leans towards a positive reception of the graphical enhancements, making the remake a visually appealing and immersive experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning graphics and visual design of the Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake, praising the attention to detail in the mythical world and the gorgeous visuals that bring it to life. While some had minor criticisms about character designs and environmental interactions, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers applauding the enhancements and improvements that make the game visually appealing and immersive.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Critics such as GGRecon, God is a Geek, and GameGrin praised the orchestral soundtrack, describing it as breathtaking, sensational, and fitting the game's theme perfectly. The re-recorded music by a full orchestra was highlighted for enhancing the emotional impact of the story and effectively conveying the game's emotions. The use of live orchestra recordings, as mentioned by XboxEra, was also commended for solidifying the overall experience of the game. BaziCenter appreciated the exceptional details brought to life by the Unreal Engine 5, emphasizing how the music further elevated the overall gameplay experience. While the general sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is overwhelmingly positive, there were few criticisms mentioned by the critics. Some reviewers felt that while the orchestral soundtrack was impressive, there could have been more variety in the music to prevent it from becoming repetitive. Additionally, a couple of critics pointed out that certain tracks did not stand out as much as others, potentially impacting the overall immersive experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake are exceptional and significantly contribute to the emotional depth and immersive storytelling of the game. The majority of critics were impressed by the orchestral soundtrack's quality, the effectiveness of the sound design in enhancing emotional moments, and how the music seamlessly integrated with the gameplay to create a cohesive and engaging experience. The re-recorded music by a full orchestra was particularly highlighted as a standout feature that elevated the overall atmosphere of the game. In conclusion, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake's Sound Design and Music received high praise from critics, with its ability to enhance the player's emotional connection to the story being a standout feature.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the stunning orchestral soundtrack in the Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake, praising its emotional impact and perfect fit with the game's theme. While some critics wished for more music variety, the majority lauded the exceptional details brought to life by Unreal Engine 5 and the seamless integration of music with gameplay. Overall, the Sound Design and Music of the game received high praise for enhancing the emotional depth and immersive storytelling, with the re-recorded music by a full orchestra standing out as a standout feature.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

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Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS5, the majority of critics had positive experiences. BaziCenter praised the remake for successfully overcoming the limitations of the original version while maintaining the essence of the game. GGRecon noted a stable experience without any mention of technical issues. However, God is a Geek highlighted frustrating loading points that require replaying longer sections, and Push Square mentioned occasional frame rate dips and hard crashes leading to save data corruption. Despite these issues, the PS5 version seems to offer a generally smooth and engaging gameplay experience. Moving on to the Xbox Series X platform, Pure Xbox expressed disappointment in the lack of a significant technical upgrade in the remake. They also pointed out issues with navigating the environment, particularly with camera angles and control setup. XboxEra mentioned the option for a performance mode for 60FPS but cautioned about potential visual trade-offs on larger screens. Both critics highlighted frustrating controls as a necessary design element, impacting the overall technical performance on the Xbox Series X. On the PC platform, GameGrin reported minor graphical anomalies in cutscenes and occasional control reorientation when controlling both brothers simultaneously. These issues may slightly detract from the overall technical performance on PC but do not seem to significantly impact the gameplay experience. Overall, while the technical performance of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake seems to vary across platforms, there is a consensus among critics that the game delivers an engaging experience with some minor technical hiccups. Positive aspects include improved visuals and stable performance on the PS5, while negatives such as frustrating controls and lack of significant technical upgrades were noted on the Xbox Series X. The PC version also had some minor graphical anomalies but still provided an enjoyable gameplay experience. Critics' opinions suggest that while there are areas for improvement, the remake successfully captures the essence of the original game while offering a fresh experience for players on different platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics generally praise the PS5 version of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake for its improved visuals and stable performance, despite some frustrating loading points. On the Xbox Series X, critics express disappointment in the lack of significant technical upgrades and mention issues with controls and navigation. The PC version has minor graphical anomalies but delivers an enjoyable gameplay experience overall. Despite varying technical performances across platforms, the game offers an engaging experience with some minor hiccups.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the emotional impact, smart puzzles, and enhanced visuals of the Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake. God is a Geek praised the game for leaving a lasting impact and offering secrets to uncover, making it worth revisiting for its emotional story and smart puzzles. GGRecon also commended the upgraded visuals, score, and improved character expressions, recommending the remake for players who have not experienced the game before. Additionally, GameGrin appreciated the addition of a co-op mode and Remote Play Together support, which enhanced the replay value for newcomers. On the negative side, the main criticism from critics like Pure Xbox, XboxEra, and Multiplayer.it was the limited replay value, especially for returning players who were already familiar with the original game. Pure Xbox mentioned that the replay value is limited unless players are interested in the new local co-op play feature. XboxEra echoed this sentiment by stating that there is little new content for fans of the original game, with the remake mainly offering a fresh coat of paint and easy achievement points. Multiplayer.it specifically criticized the cooperative local mode added in the remake, stating that it undermines the core concept of simultaneous control of the brothers, making it an unnecessary addition that detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake offers enhanced visuals, emotional storytelling, and smart puzzles that make it worth experiencing for newcomers, the limited replay value for returning players who are already familiar with the original game is a common concern. The addition of new features like co-op mode received mixed reactions, with some critics appreciating the enhanced replay value it brings for newcomers, while others like Multiplayer.it criticized it for deviating from the core gameplay concept. Ultimately, the remake seems to cater more towards new players looking to experience the game for the first time, rather than offering significant incentives for returning players to replay the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise the emotional impact, smart puzzles, and enhanced visuals of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake. The game offers secrets to uncover and a lasting impact, recommended for its story and puzzles. However, criticism arises regarding limited replay value for returning players familiar with the original game. New features like co-op mode receive mixed reactions, with some appreciating enhanced replay value and others criticizing the deviation from the core gameplay concept. Overall, the remake seems geared towards new players rather than providing significant incentives for replaying the game.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics generally praise Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake for its positive aspects. BaziCenter commends the game as a faithful reimagining that successfully captures the essence of the original masterpiece while utilizing modern gaming technology to enhance its allure. GGRecon appreciates the remake for refining the game and delivering a definitive version that evokes a range of emotions through its beautiful story. God is a Geek hails the remake as a stunning example of enhancing a classic title with beautiful visuals, a fantastic soundtrack, and engaging gameplay, solidifying its position as one of the best indie games of 2024. On the flip side, some critics point out the negatives of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake. Push Square notes technical issues, alterations in the co-op mode, and a failure to meet modern standards as hindrances to the overall experience. Pure Xbox mentions the lack of significant technical upgrades and limited replay value as potential drawbacks that may deter returning players from picking up the remake. These criticisms highlight areas where the game falls short of expectations or fails to deliver improvements that could enhance the player's experience. Despite some criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics leans towards a positive reception of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake. The game is lauded for its engaging storytelling, beautiful visuals, emotional journey, and unique gameplay mechanics by XboxEra and GameGrin. While there are concerns about technical issues and limited replay value raised by Push Square and Pure Xbox, the general sentiment is that the remake successfully captures the essence of the original game while offering enhancements that appeal to both new players and fans of the original. Multiplayer.it's critique of the remake being somewhat superfluous for those who have played the original suggests that while the game may not be a groundbreaking reinvention, it still manages to deliver a compelling experience that resonates with many players.

TL;DR

Critics praise Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake for capturing the essence of the original with modern enhancements, beautiful visuals, and engaging gameplay, making it one of the best indie games of 2024. Some note technical issues and lack of significant upgrades as drawbacks, but overall, the game is celebrated for its storytelling, visuals, and emotional journey.

CRITIK

Reviews

79 reviews found

BaziCenter

PlayStation 5

Mar 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Faithful reimagining of a masterpiece that manages to overcome technical constraints and present the game's allure in a captivating way using modern gaming technology.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Feb 27, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is a stunning example of how to enhance a classic title with beautiful visuals, a fantastic soundtrack, and engaging gameplay, making it one of the best indie games of 2024.

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GameGrin

Feb 27, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is a shinier version of the original game, retaining its character and charm in a new aesthetic, making it a beautiful experience.

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GGRecon

PlayStation 5

Feb 27, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The remake is praised for refining the original game and delivering a definitive version of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. It is recommended for players looking for a beautiful story that evokes a range of emotions.

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Multiplayer.it

Feb 27, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is praised for maintaining the essence of the original game while offering graphical improvements, but criticized for being somewhat superfluous for those who have played the original.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Mar 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake offers an emotional journey with unique gameplay and a fresh visual and auditory experience. Controls may frustrate but are integral to the design. Limited replay value for original fans.

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Push Square

PlayStation 5

Feb 27, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Solid retread with spectacular graphical and musical overhauls, intact emotional story, unique control scheme, but hindered by technical issues, co-op mode alterations, and not meeting modern standards.

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Pure Xbox

Xbox Series X

Feb 27, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake offers engaging storytelling and balanced gameplay, but the lack of significant technical upgrades and limited replay value may not justify picking it up for returning players.

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100

Rectify Gaming

Mar 6, 2024

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake takes an already remarkable game with an incredible and emotional story and elevates it to new heights. With its breathtaking visuals, emotional soundtrack, and engaging gameplay, the remake is a testament to the power of storytelling in video games. Whether you’re experiencing the game for the first time or revisiting this timeless tale, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is a must-play for any fan of narrative-driven games. Developer – Avantgarden SRL Publisher – 505 Games Platforms – PS5, Xbox Series S|X,PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher NOTE: While playing you will navigate through areas that feature blood, dismemberment, humanoid bones, death, and violence.

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100

Irish Independent

Xbox Series X

Mar 22, 2024

With most remakes or remasters, the result is only ever going to be as strong as its foundations. With such an exquisite Fares blueprint to work from, the remade Brothers can’t help but carry on that great family tradition.