Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

 Switch
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Cubed3
    Dec 16, 2019
    70
    Whilst the concept of controlling two different characters simultaneously differentiates Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons from other titles, beyond this it can be somewhat simplistic. However, it is certainly well-crafted, creating a pleasant and laid back journey, with many touching moments. Graphics, sound, and style of gameplay also come together harmoniously, in a way that suggests a lot of effort has been put into building the general vibe of the world. It's certainly not a game for those that love fast-paced action, but for anyone wanting to take the time to appreciate the world around them, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a good choice.
  2. FNintendo
    Jun 29, 2019
    70
    Its journey, through a heavy, grey and gritty world, acts as a good example of how a dramatic connection between the player and the game can be achieved, and while the experience could certainly last longer, this is a work that will be very welcomed by players of all tastes.
  3. The Games Machine
    May 29, 2019
    70
    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons for Nintendo Switch is a decent conversion of a game that may not have aged very well, surpassed on several fronts by many other exponents of the same genre.
  5. COGconnected
    Jun 17, 2019
    55
    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons looks like it would be a fun, artsy game to play with a buddy, but most of what you do feels like pointless busy work with almost no trace of the story past the two-minute mark. You’ll run around, climb things, pull levers and move objects, but in a way that requires virtually no thought or strategy. I’d definitely recommend this game to young siblings or children in general, as it is aesthetically pretty and very low pressure. For any other audience, I think the game would be too mindless in its objectives and too frustrating in its clunky-ness to merit even its $14.99 price tag.
  6. DualShockers
    Jun 19, 2019
    50
    My suggestion would be to invest in something a lot more engaging and more extensive like Unravel 2 or Overcooked 2 to satisfy your couch co-op desires. It pains me to say that the implemented co-op feature has defeated the whole purpose of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and it should have been left how it was — in the past and untouched.

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Best Switch Game of 2019
91
#91 Most Shared Switch Game of 2019

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 4 out of 33
  1. Phuz
    Nov 3, 2020
    10
    As usual my reviews are based on cost to enjoyment ratio. I can't understand the 3/10 score here due to a few graphical elements that haven'tAs usual my reviews are based on cost to enjoyment ratio. I can't understand the 3/10 score here due to a few graphical elements that haven't come over in the port. I played this on PS4 originally and didn't even notice a difference.

    So anyway the game is a short puzzle game, around 4 - 5 hours. It plays via a split control ststem. 1 joystick and shoulder button for one brother and 1 joystick and shoulder button for the other. This makes for some funny brain frying moments when the brothers swap sides on the screen and it is a great mechanic. I don't know if a game has been done this way before but it was new to me and fun.

    The game is foreign language but there is virtually no dialogue and it plays out a beautiful story. The graphics and sound are very fitting for the game and the world varies a lot in design from stage, to stage and some fun little means of transport are occasionally thrown in.

    The gameplay, story, sound and graphics fit together perfectly. I always find that games that feel whole like this are often the most immersive and therefore most enjoyable. I found Y's Origin to be amazing for this harmony of game elements too.

    It's hard to describe a game like this but when I finish it, it feels like I have just sat through one of my favourite films. You will be constantly active in gameplay, it's not a visual novel but it just leaves that feeling of a completed story.

    The puzzles are simple, you might have to ponder them for a minute, or two at times but they are simple and if they were challenging it would slow down the adventure too much and that's what this game is - an adventure.

    A lovely short game that you won't regret buying. One of the few games I have replayed and no doubt I will play it again in a couple of years.

    Despite its short length, Brothers remains one of my favourite game experiences and I consider it a masterpiece. It could be likened to Journey and Flower but I found those two boring and thought Brothers was miles better than them. I have had many, many AAA titles over the years that have not given me a fraction of the enjoyment that Brothers has.    … Full Review »
  2. JAG7
    Apr 15, 2022
    9
    Great story! Controls are a little bit clonky but doesn’t ruins anything. Great game! Visuals and music are beautiful! Very heartwarming tale!Great story! Controls are a little bit clonky but doesn’t ruins anything. Great game! Visuals and music are beautiful! Very heartwarming tale! Love what the devs did! There’s is love put on this project! Works good solo but works better on coop . Recommended.… Full Review »
  3. Bandom
    Feb 16, 2022
    8
    Had a great time completing this with my 8yrs old nephew. I heard that Single player is very unique experience. Also did not like the end,Had a great time completing this with my 8yrs old nephew. I heard that Single player is very unique experience. Also did not like the end, because it was very simple and you had just press the buttons, nothing to think about, It seems like someone made the end by a hurry, Either it needed to be a longer scene or a different gameplay… Full Review »
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