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. Nintendojo
    Jun 21, 2019
    100
    If you’ve already played Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, there isn’t necessarily anything different or special about the Switch version demanding another purchase and playthrough. However, having a modern masterpiece readily available at home or on the go isn’t really a bad thing either. For those who have managed to avoid the game since its release a generation ago, there’s no time like the present to experience such a phenomenal example of how video games can stand out as a unique approach to storytelling and entertainment in general. Brothers is really a must play game, so you’d best get around to it sooner rather than later.
  2. GameOver.gr
    May 31, 2019
    100
    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is the living proof of how a port of an aged title can redefine itself and can further be improved for the sake of releasing it on a new platform. The Nintendo Switch version has it all; the same haunting and emotionally painful story, visuals and audio that keep the players investing more and more of themselves, plus a new mode that finally enables two players to sit back and enjoy the tale of these two brothers.
  3. Cultured Vultures
    Jun 3, 2019
    90
    Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons is such a natural fit for the Switch that it’s easy to look past its age and just enjoy the experience as the story sweeps you away.
  5. Nintenderos
    Jun 10, 2019
    85
    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a great title that, despite its short length, catches you from start to finish. We are facing a game where feelings are very important, making us identify with the vicissitudes that the two brothers go through during this magnificent adventure.
  6. Everyeye.it
    Jun 9, 2019
    85
    A small masterpiece.
  7. Pure Nintendo
    May 29, 2019
    85
    If you’ve already played Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons on another platform there’s not much in the story or in-game achievements to warrant another trip. Playing with a partner, however, creates a whole new experience that’s certainly worth sharing. And if you’ve never experienced this tale before, you should. The puzzles are fun, the story is touching, and it comes together in a way that’s likely to leave a lasting impact.
  8. NintendoWorldReport
    May 28, 2019
    85
    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, while short, has a lot to offer thematically. It doesn’t show anything mind-blowingly new, but rather comes across like a beautiful amalgamation of the greatest hits from dark fairytale. It only scratches the surface of its own potential, but the beautiful scenery, music, themes, and interesting take on gameplay make it a definite title to check out.
  9. God is a Geek
    Jul 1, 2019
    80
    If you haven’t played Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons before, this is definitely the version to get since it has an all new proper co-op mode including single Joy-Con support for you to be able to experience this short story on the go with a ready to go co-op setup. If you’ve already played the game, there isn’t much value in getting it again since the main draw is the puzzles and experiencing them for the first time.
  10. Gameblog.fr
    Jun 25, 2019
    80
    The opportunity to play Brothers A Tale of Two Sons in local co-op is not a bad idea in itself, but the experience is less relevant since it was designed as a solo game at first, with a single player able to control two characters at the same time.
  11. Metro GameCentral
    May 29, 2019
    80
    The worldless storytelling is as compelling as ever and the purposefully frustrating control system still seems an excitingly daring experiment – now softened by an optional co-op mode.
  12. Nintendo Life
    May 28, 2019
    80
    As poignant, heartbreaking and memorable as it was back in 2013, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons hasn’t lost any of its emotional impact in those intervening years. With a captivating soundtrack, an aesthetic design evocative of Fable and a genuinely clever take on co-op, you can really see why it’s held in such high regard. The new traditional co-op mode does offer a new way to play, but it also robs the game of one of its most challenging and rewarding features. While there’s not much here to coax back players who have already experienced Brothers, those that enjoyed Unravel Two will certainly revel in its co-operative charms.
  13. Attack of the Fanboy
    May 28, 2019
    80
    In addition to the touching story of two brothers trying to save their father that has been present in all previous releases, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons for Nintendo Switch finally gains the co-op gameplay option the game always felt like it was lacking. If you have missed out on Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons in the past, there is absolutely no reason not to check out the latest release on Nintendo Switch in its definitive form.
  14. GameCritics
    Jul 22, 2019
    75
    Despite the glitches, the addition of true, two-player co-op makes it a fantastic adventure to share. I found Brothers to be a hidden gem when it was first released, and that still holds true today.

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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