Developer: Starbreeze Studios AB
Publisher: 505 Games
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Tested on: PS4
Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons – Review
In life, family is one of the most important parts. You grow up with your parents, get nourished by them and if you have any siblings, grow special bonds. Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons is an example of what those bonds can accomplish. Although this game was originally released on the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, it is now available on the PS4 and Xbox One. Let us take a look if the bond is the same on the new consoles as well.
Story
We’re sucked into a dramatic scene where a young boy is mourning the death of his mother. A few moments later, you can see what has happened: they were out on the sea and his mother drowned. He was incapable to save her as he was too ‘weak’. This burden seems to have its toll on the poor boy. His memories are abruptly disrupted when he is called by his older brother. It seems that their father has fallen ill quite badly and he needs to be transported to the doctor. Arriving there, there is almost nothing that can be done… only one very dangerous option remains. This is where you’re adventure starts, as you needs to find a cure for your father. The two brothers need to aid each other and work together to accomplish their goal.
You won’t be hearing any real talking or see any written text so you have to derive the narrative on your own. It is a relief to have this other way of bringing a story, although you’re left on your own and have no help whatsoever. The narrative itself is quite simple but there are loads of elements that are added but don’t have any use, which is a shame.
Graphics
This game is made for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC and it shows on the PS4 and Xbox One. The game has a distinct graphical style which you may like or not. Although you mostly have an overview of the map, it is clear that there are a lot of details while other elements could have been better. Some of the plants look really nice for example, while others don’t fit the setting graphical wise. Overall, you will venture several areas which have their own particular elements. The grassy area will have loads of plants and birds, while the mountain region has barren surroundings.
The brothers themselves don’t really stand out in the environment at times, giving you the feeling like you’re watching a still life rather than a game. Some might like this, while others rather have more colourful characters to control.
Sound
Sound wise, you will be blessed with some great classical tunes. You will mostly hear those in the menu, because the game doesn’t really have any music. At certain points, mostly when something is amiss or exciting is happening, you will hear some notes in the background. As you might have figured, you will be playing with no sound expect for the birds, wind and other noises. This means that there will be loads of silences and might seem a bit awkward at moments.
Gameplay
Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons is an adventure game with some puzzle elements here and there. If you want to advance in the game, you will need to control both of the brothers at the same time. The left and right sticks are used to move them, as the L2 and R2 will do actions when these are available. The L1 and R1 turn the camera and that’s everything that’s to it. You will need to move them simultaneously, making it harder as you will bump into each other or send them to the wrong direction. Sometimes you might want to trigger an action of the older brother, but press the incorrect button. It might be a bit tricky at the start of the game but it is worth your while if you persist.
If you want to go and get the medicine for your father, you will need to overcome several obstacles. A lot of the ‘puzzles’ are straightforward and you’ll get back on the right track eventually. You can’t get lost or do something wrong. If you manage to die you just get respawned at a checkpoint, so no need to worry there.
Although things are rather self-evident, you encounter quite some people and animals. You can interact with them, though you don’t receive any real commentary, but they mostly don’t have any effect on the outcome of your journey. If you’re looking for some rewards like trophies, it might be a good idea to interact with everything suspicious and try to do this with both brothers. It might be worth the trouble.
Conclusion
If you like to play adventure games where the story is the most important, Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons will be something for you. The graphics are great and will make up for the absence of the music (most of the times). The overall gameplay is quite easy but the controls make it a lot harder as you venture through several areas to save your father.
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