In 2013, we got our first taste of what Josef Fares, founder of Hazelight Studios, was capable of at the directorial level with the release of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. Receiving positive acclaim, Brothers was a fun downloadable title that had you control two brothers on a quest to help their father. Many games at the time only enabled a second controllable character via co-op or relegated that second character to AI control. Not here. Instead, you controlled both brothers on the same controller. Now, Avantgarden and 505 Games are revisiting the memorable title with Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake, a complete ground-up remake in Unreal Engine 5.
We got the chance to check out the first two chapters of the remake. It’s clear just how much work has gone into this game. The story moments, aiming right for the heart, hit harder because of improved character animations and grander musical cues. Plus, the landscapes are simply breathtaking now. I stopped numerous times just to take in the grand scenery. Especially throughout the vast mountainscapes. The lighting over the peaks looks like what is only capable thanks to the work done on Unreal Engine 5. Even the caves have improved lighting that feels more immersive, with light refracting off water surfaces.
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However, if you’ve already played Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, this game will feel similar. So far, at least. In fact, playing the first two chapters felt quick because of how little changed with the first handful of puzzles. But if you’ve never played Brothers before, you won’t feel like you’re playing a shinier classic game. The controls have been improved, especially in more annoying portions, like jumping over ravines or climbing cliffs.
The only real challenging bit has again diluted down to controlling two characters at once. Find what works for you to not get confused. Or, just don’t be a dummy like me who needs to have the older and younger brothers on the left and right, respectively, at all times, or else. Even then, each brother stands out better beyond just being taller or shorter. Each brother’s improvements in their second-to-second interactions/observations of the world enhance the characters. They grow more now, beyond just going on an adventure to save their dad.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is simply stunning. While the framework so far remains the same, the graphical and music overhauls enhance the heartfelt story. Grander setpieces and more detailed animations help prove why this remake defends its existence 10 years after its original release. when it’s out if you missed the original 2013 release. But if you’ve already played Brothers, you may not find a new version of that spark you first experienced. Rather, you might find a new appreciation for this beloved game. And really, that’s the bare minimum anyone can ask for with a remake, right?
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is available February 28th on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
