Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 355 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 309 out of 355
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 355
  3. Negative: 26 out of 355

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  1. neomoonsevin
    Jan 21, 2023
    8
    Very good co op or solo game the storyline is great and the view structures are great
  2. hydroquaqua
    Mar 19, 2022
    10
    _уникальный опыт в управлении персонажами, понятная история рассказанная на непонятном языке, мир шокирующий своими видами, интригующее приключение, это Brothers a Tale of Two Sons, пример когда в одной игре работает всё как нужно игроку

    _a unique experience in managing characters, an understandable story told in an incomprehensible language, a world shocking with its views, an    _уникальный опыт в управлении персонажами, понятная история рассказанная на непонятном языке, мир шокирующий своими видами, интригующее приключение, это Brothers a Tale of Two Sons, пример когда в одной игре работает всё как нужно игроку

    _a unique experience in managing characters, an understandable story told in an incomprehensible language, a world shocking with its views, an intriguing adventure, this is Brothers a Tale of Two Sons, an example when everything works as the player needs in one game    … Expand
  3. CloudStrife05
    Aug 19, 2021
    9
    Brothers was so well done. A beautiful scenery with good mechanics. You use the right thumb stick to move the one of the bothers and when you have to cross both brothers in certain puzzles, it runs very smooth.
  4. Chain_Affinity
    May 25, 2020
    10
    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is such a beautiful and magical tapestry of story weaving. The minimalistic design told through imagery, ambiance and music come together to create a gem of an experience. Simply a masterpiece.
  5. drlowdon
    Dec 22, 2018
    8
    Many big budget titles could really learn a thing or two from indie games on the art of telling a story without the need for constant interruptions and cut scenes. One of the best examples of this in recent years is Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons which tells a dark, yet moving, tale with a gut punch of an ending.

    Of course, a good story is pretty meaningless if the gameplay isn’t up to    Many big budget titles could really learn a thing or two from indie games on the art of telling a story without the need for constant interruptions and cut scenes. One of the best examples of this in recent years is Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons which tells a dark, yet moving, tale with a gut punch of an ending.

    Of course, a good story is pretty meaningless if the gameplay isn’t up to scratch, but Brothers delivers in this department too. The key to the gameplay is the unique control scheme that tasks the player with guiding both brothers at once using the two analogue sticks, as well as R1 and L1 for context sensitive actions. This has allowed the developers to create some brilliantly clever puzzle and gameplay sequences that simply wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Again, this is a fairly short experience but one that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.    … Expand
  6. Mumes
    Oct 9, 2015
    9
    I downloaded this game a few months ago, when it was for free if you had a Xbox Live Gold account. I had heard of it, it seemed a interesting concept, so I played it for a while, enjoyed it's puzzles and gameplay, and simple story got me engaged, though after that session of playing I kind of forgot about it until today, now I finished, and I can say that i never expected such a story, aI downloaded this game a few months ago, when it was for free if you had a Xbox Live Gold account. I had heard of it, it seemed a interesting concept, so I played it for a while, enjoyed it's puzzles and gameplay, and simple story got me engaged, though after that session of playing I kind of forgot about it until today, now I finished, and I can say that i never expected such a story, a experience to come from such a simple and short game, it was amazing and surprising, leaving me really touched with the journey the Brothers went through, this game is definitely worth playing.… Expand
  7. Epik_Ninnja
    May 25, 2015
    8
    It's a short adventure/puzzle game about two brothers going out into the dangerous world and bringing back medicine for their sick father. It's fun and all, with frequent creative bits on display, but it's no more than a 7/10 until the last half hour. The ending is esecuted excellently, and in a game this short, that ought to boost its score a point. In short, play this game for itsIt's a short adventure/puzzle game about two brothers going out into the dangerous world and bringing back medicine for their sick father. It's fun and all, with frequent creative bits on display, but it's no more than a 7/10 until the last half hour. The ending is esecuted excellently, and in a game this short, that ought to boost its score a point. In short, play this game for its inventive gamwplay and its ending.… Expand
  8. Bajo19
    May 17, 2015
    10
    I can't tell how much I love this game. Controlling two brothers, figuring out puzzles and watching them helping animals and people. Really cute game. Those feelings..
  9. Termin8ter
    Apr 26, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Brothers: A tale of Two Sons is an almost amazing experience. You play as the two brothers (obviously) but each stick on the controller controls one of the brothers, you don't have to do co-op. I found that as I played through, it reminded me of The lord of the rings or another adventurous novel. This game feels very adventurous. In the begging of the story/game the mother dies and the father is very sick, so you talk to this elder and he shows you a map to where you find the cure to save your father from dying. The story is a little bit basic, but it gets told in a great way and its powerful. Buy this game.… Expand
  10. TimCameron
    Apr 16, 2015
    10
    Brothers is one of my all time favorite games. Never have I felt more strongly connected to a game's protagonists; more deeply invested in their fortunes and the consequences of our shared actions; more engaged with the narrative of a video game. I think Brothers achieves a rare and delicate balancing of the feeling of self possession; of action and control that you get from a well craftedBrothers is one of my all time favorite games. Never have I felt more strongly connected to a game's protagonists; more deeply invested in their fortunes and the consequences of our shared actions; more engaged with the narrative of a video game. I think Brothers achieves a rare and delicate balancing of the feeling of self possession; of action and control that you get from a well crafted interactive experience, in concert with the sense of directed-ness, of being an onlooker swept up in someone else's experiences such as you might feel when reading a gripping book or watching an engaging film. This surely is the gold standard for a role-playing game and there are very few others out there that truly measure up I feel. I enjoyed it so much that after I'd finished I made my own brother play it and sat through watching him play, and then we played it through a third time to find the rest of the easter eggs which were all fantastic!… Expand
  11. JackC
    Mar 24, 2015
    8
    At first I though this would be a light hearted puzzle game based around the idea of controlling two characters at once, what I got was a touching and dark story of the importance of family cloaked by the theme of death.

    The game itself is fairly simplistic and short but the characters, story and context carry you through.

    8/10
  12. TheQuietGamer
    Feb 12, 2015
    9
    An emotional, fairy-tale story with haunting moments that will stick with you long after the credits have rolled. It might not take long for the credits to roll and it lacks replay value outside of getting all the achievements (an easy task), but it's worth picking up for the gorgeous world, emotional story, and unique gameplay.

    Controlling two characters can be a little awkward at    An emotional, fairy-tale story with haunting moments that will stick with you long after the credits have rolled. It might not take long for the credits to roll and it lacks replay value outside of getting all the achievements (an easy task), but it's worth picking up for the gorgeous world, emotional story, and unique gameplay.

    Controlling two characters can be a little awkward at times, but for the most part it's not a huge issue. The puzzles and platforming aren't difficult but are still fun. If you'r willing to put up with a slower pace than most games offer there are plenty of excellent things to behold in this game. It's one of the most memorable experiences I've had with a video game, as well as one of the most thought-provoking and genuinely mature. It's a game that knows how to involve gamers directly and make us feel. A huge achievement that most game just can't pull off.    … Expand
  13. Poodlepuff
    Feb 2, 2015
    10
    I really enjoyed this. I was more invested in the characters in this short game that spoke minimally in a language I didn't even understand than in any of the characters in the entire Fable series I just sunk 100+ hours into.

    It was beautiful, unique and enjoyable to play. I also want one of those owlcats.
  14. DonKnottsGhost
    Jan 7, 2014
    9
    This is what true video game story telling should be. Brothers uses an innovative gameplay mechanic to help the player coordinate cooperation and discovery between the two titular brothers. While others have complained that the mechanic is awkward, I felt that it helped reinforce the challenges of working together and solving problems from 2 different perspectives. Ultimately the gameThis is what true video game story telling should be. Brothers uses an innovative gameplay mechanic to help the player coordinate cooperation and discovery between the two titular brothers. While others have complained that the mechanic is awkward, I felt that it helped reinforce the challenges of working together and solving problems from 2 different perspectives. Ultimately the game mechanic also helps develop a sense of bonding and loss between the main characters. A short, but sweet experience, but certainly worthy of your time.… Expand
  15. ForeverFalling
    Jan 2, 2014
    10
    A genuinely beautiful game that just takes your breath away many times. Great atmosphere, inventive control scheme (each thumbstick controls a brother), some amazing set piece moments, clever puzzles, touching music, decent graphics for an arcade title and it is incredibly emotional at times. The story is simple but it hits home. We need more titles like this one. Starbreeze and JosefA genuinely beautiful game that just takes your breath away many times. Great atmosphere, inventive control scheme (each thumbstick controls a brother), some amazing set piece moments, clever puzzles, touching music, decent graphics for an arcade title and it is incredibly emotional at times. The story is simple but it hits home. We need more titles like this one. Starbreeze and Josef Fares, congrats on creating a unique little gem and I hope you have more in the bag!… Expand
  16. Cdw01
    Dec 30, 2013
    8
    An enchanting fairy tale adventure with gorgeous scenery and effective storytelling without using a single line of intelligible dialogue. The dual-stick control scheme is clever, intuitive, and implemented to great effect for puzzle gameplay. Showcases how games can be used as an effective storytelling medium. Reminiscent of ICO. Definitely worth giving a shot.
  17. kavilash
    Nov 23, 2013
    10
    awesomeeeeee story!!! adventure games had always been my first priority. animation well done! left a mark deep inside my heart. 505 games developers thank you all. moving in the right direction waiting for a sequel :P
  18. JPRocha14
    Nov 21, 2013
    10
    I think that this game is truly meaningful. I relate myself to Big brother and Little brother's relationship. It is the best story in a game I have played by far. Hope this will get the game more players. My ehole family almost cried at the ending.
  19. AntonieGeerts
    Nov 21, 2013
    10
    Beautiful game. Those first two words are my review, as this game doesn't need any more. Sadly enough Meta Critic cannot understand that somethings are great enough to be summed up in just two words.
  20. jabalazs
    Nov 15, 2013
    10
    It's been a while since I've played a game as complete as this one. Not only it has a stunningly beautiful setting but the gameplay, story and emotional message are noteworthy.
  21. morrae
    Nov 2, 2013
    9
    One of the best titles of the year. I highly recommend it. Visuals are outstanding, story engaging and touching, it manages to be very deep without ever saying a single word. It's not for the kids, since it has some brutal stuff. Art design is one of the best I ever saw (frozen village and battlefield especially stand out). I wish there was more tames like that. The only downfall the gameOne of the best titles of the year. I highly recommend it. Visuals are outstanding, story engaging and touching, it manages to be very deep without ever saying a single word. It's not for the kids, since it has some brutal stuff. Art design is one of the best I ever saw (frozen village and battlefield especially stand out). I wish there was more tames like that. The only downfall the game has it's kinda short. But maybe it's how it supposed to be. Lot's of things happen during this few hours. Check this game out, you will not be disappointed.… Expand
  22. rickywilliams34
    Oct 29, 2013
    9
    I don't normally write reviews, but I felt compelled to write one for this game. I just finished it. If you enjoyed Ico, Journey, Flower, Shadows of the Colossus, or any other game that fits this mold of introspective, yet satisfying adventure/puzzle fantasy games, you've got to check out Brothers. It is an adventure game following two brothers on a quest to heal their sickly father in aI don't normally write reviews, but I felt compelled to write one for this game. I just finished it. If you enjoyed Ico, Journey, Flower, Shadows of the Colossus, or any other game that fits this mold of introspective, yet satisfying adventure/puzzle fantasy games, you've got to check out Brothers. It is an adventure game following two brothers on a quest to heal their sickly father in a fantastical setting with the tracings of Nordic mythology. It really is stunning. Small control kinks were not even worth considering in my score, they were so minor and did not distract from the otherwise well executed design and art style. I tend to judge a game based on if accomplishes what the developers set out to do, and Brother seems to have done that in spades. The only complaint I think that could be fairly lodged at it is the fairly short playtime (I beat it in about 3 hours in two sittings) for the price. But, if you're like me, that's really not a concern when the game reaches such lofty emotional and game play heights. Check it out.… Expand
  23. DavidHGG
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a beautifully crafted game from its design to the music and everything in between. If you haven't tried it try playing it with a friend sharing one controller. The experience I got from that kind of playing was really intense and enjoyable. I could go on with lots of exclamations of how this was a fresh and moving contribution to the gaming world, butBrothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a beautifully crafted game from its design to the music and everything in between. If you haven't tried it try playing it with a friend sharing one controller. The experience I got from that kind of playing was really intense and enjoyable. I could go on with lots of exclamations of how this was a fresh and moving contribution to the gaming world, but nothing I say would justify it so I'd just like to say Play it!
    The only minor setback was that it could have been a bit longer for an overall bigger experience. This is very minor since the game as a whole will leave you with more than wonder and satisfaction.
    Again I'd like to say Play it, and be ready for a ride!    … Expand
  24. Zoombied
    Sep 24, 2013
    10
    Different in a good way: great aesthetics, innovative controls, a both cosy and scary feeling of fairytale far away from Hollywood. Simply a great game!
  25. StandingCow
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    This game really tugged on my emotional strings, very sad story... with some happy moments as well. Don't read up on the game or just watch a "Let's play"... you will miss out an a lot of why the emotional impact is so high.
  26. jaybeau1979
    Sep 12, 2013
    10
    Amazing game. Unique control scheme gives this an edge over must other puzzlers. The relationship between the brothers (and with the player) is established so well that I worry about them when the game isn't even on. I'm about 80% finished and can't wait to get to the end. Outstanding on every level.
  27. dubesor
    Sep 10, 2013
    9
    Innovatice mechanics, great artstyle, good graphics, amazing story. I don't give a 9 because it was a bit short and didn't recognize my controller. Other than that a definite recommendation.
  28. Imjustchilling
    Sep 8, 2013
    10
    This game is incredible!!!! The controls were a bit hard to get used to but it was totally worth it! Controlling multiple characters simultaneously makes for some great puzzles and I really appreciate developers who take risks and break rules! The level design was stunning and the story line was captivating. I couldn't stop playing! Buy this game it is totally worth it! Please make aThis game is incredible!!!! The controls were a bit hard to get used to but it was totally worth it! Controlling multiple characters simultaneously makes for some great puzzles and I really appreciate developers who take risks and break rules! The level design was stunning and the story line was captivating. I couldn't stop playing! Buy this game it is totally worth it! Please make a sequel immediately!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  29. Perjo
    Sep 8, 2013
    10
    An truly epic journey through a fantasy world with some simple but cleverly designed puzzles scattered around some magical locations. A unique control method where you control 2 characters simultaneously.

    Amazing variety of locations and you just never know what you're going to come across next. Just as you think you might take a break, something charming happens that puts a smile on    An truly epic journey through a fantasy world with some simple but cleverly designed puzzles scattered around some magical locations. A unique control method where you control 2 characters simultaneously.

    Amazing variety of locations and you just never know what you're going to come across next. Just as you think you might take a break, something charming happens that puts a smile on your face and you just want to keep playing.

    Your heart strings may get pulled on before the end.    … Expand
  30. LewkOne
    Sep 5, 2013
    10
    No dialogue with a lot to say. Brothers is a single player co-op game which sounds strange but as soon as you play this game you will totally understand. This game would have to be one of the most fantastic games of 2013. It's a short game of about three hours, but it achieves more in that time than other weak titles do in three or four times that length.

    Brothers tells a gripping story    No dialogue with a lot to say. Brothers is a single player co-op game which sounds strange but as soon as you play this game you will totally understand. This game would have to be one of the most fantastic games of 2013. It's a short game of about three hours, but it achieves more in that time than other weak titles do in three or four times that length.

    Brothers tells a gripping story about two brothers heading out on an adventure in order to find a special medicine for their father that has mysteriously fallen ill. During this time you will see some really amazing things but not for shear action packed amazing, but more of an epic sense of awe.

    Now, this game has some puzzles in it and they are definitely not going to make you think too hard, but that's not where this game gets it's charm. The real innovation to Brothers is the single player co-op that I mentioned above. The controls of this game is like no other game I have ever played. Using one control pad, you control the older of the two brothers with the left analogue stick, and the younger with the right analogue stick simultaneously. On top of the direction, you also use the respective triggers as an action button depending on where you're brother is standing. This feature does not only make the game tricky to control, it makes it a fresh and welcome approach to controlling a game. Some parts will test your brains ability to press the right buttons at the right times and sometimes it will be so instinctual, you wonder why this sort of thing hasn't existed up until now.

    Graphically, it's no Skyrim, but, the art style that Starbreeze studios have gone for is simply stunning. I played Brothers on my PC and I have never witnessed a game that ran so well. The frame rates were steady and they images were smooth and impressive.

    Easily, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons gets a 10 out of 10 from me. I have nothing to complain about and nothing more to ask from this game. Put simply, I have never played anything else similar to this before, and I will be sold bold in saying neither have you. If you are wondering if the $15 price point is worth it, my advice would be absolutely.

    For a small scale release, I think I would be safe in making this my game of the year for its category.

    "Brothers, the game that makes Journey a waste of time" LewkOne (Aussie Gamers)    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2013
26
#26 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2013
36
#36 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. NZGamer
    Oct 21, 2013
    93
    Brothers is a wonderful piece of storytelling and a fantastic puzzle game that’ll make you want to hug a loved one. Highly recommended.
    Read full review
  2. GameOver.gr
    Oct 11, 2013
    90
    A magical journey through the human feelings and the sad sense of loss. "Brothers" is one of those unique games that make the industry proud.
    Read full review
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 5, 2013
    87
    An excellent action adventure in a beautiful and mysterious fantasy world. The atmospheric story is quite sad. [Sept 2013]
See all critic reviews »