Review: Brothers – A tale of two sons
Some games just have that potential to completely surprise you. Brothers: a tale of two sons is one of those games. It’s not just the fact that the gameplay is totally different to what you might be used to, and it’s definitely not because the story is original in any way. No, Brothers surprises in ways that are unpredictable and stunning.
Brothers manages to hit that soft spot everyone has, without seemingly trying too hard. The basics are simple, without being boring. It’s a fairytale, a story like we’ve so often read in books. Two brave brothers go on a quest to find a miracle cure for their dying father. This leads them into a world that is both beautiful and fascinating with graphics that effortlessly catch the eye.
The gameplay takes some getting used to. You don’t just control one character this game, but get thrown into a one-player co-op simulation. You have to control both brothers, with one controller, at the same time. The elder brother responds to your left stick and trigger while the other jumps into action when you use the ones on the right. This requires some skill, as you’ll be making opposing movements with the sticks during the game. It’s like drawing a circle in the air with one hand, while trying to draw a triangle with the other. Hard.
One thing that is particularly fun to see is the way the two brothers respond to the world around them. They are different in their perspectives and responses and even though the characters in the game talk some kind of weird mumbo-jumbo, this contrast gives the two a lot of depth and emotions. The older brother is calm and practical while the younger one is much more curious and mischievous. He can amuse himself with a small discovery, while his older brother has already moved on.
The game isn’t exactly hard to play, or even remotely challenging but it is full of little gems that make it an unforgettable experience. It lures you into exploring all the details the game offers and then exploring them again just to see how differently the brothers will react. And then there’s the ending. An ending that is so exquisite and surprising that even the most hardcore gamers amongst us will have trouble hiding a glistening tear. A moment of perfection in a surprisingly fun little game.
It isn’t often that I would tell people to buy something from the Xbox Live Arcade but this game is definitely worth the trouble, your time and the money. Brothers: a tale of two sons is a necessary must-have!
Brothers can be purchased through the Xbox LIVE Arcade, Playstation Network and Steam for $14.99 (about 12 euros).
