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. sven
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    Brothers an almost flawless experience. It is driven by a single vision that seamlessly combines game mechanics, storyline and emotional message without compromising either the parts.

    In over four hours Brothers offers more genuine feeling and creativity than most stories can handle the quadruple time.
  2. yesbox
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    Wonderfully inventive game with stunning graphics and a breathtaking atmosphere. Follow the two brothers on an epic journey to find a cure for their sick father. The game feels almost like an interactive story book and brings you back to childhood mysteries and adventures. Although quite short, this is a game that will completely overtake you for a good three/four hours and leave anWonderfully inventive game with stunning graphics and a breathtaking atmosphere. Follow the two brothers on an epic journey to find a cure for their sick father. The game feels almost like an interactive story book and brings you back to childhood mysteries and adventures. Although quite short, this is a game that will completely overtake you for a good three/four hours and leave an imprint lasting a lot longer than that. Buy it and discover just how fantastic a video game can be!… Expand
  3. MrZack
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    A beautiful game with unique gameplay and interesting "puzzles" to solve. Mostly stunning graphics and a great mood. Love it and can't wait for a follow up.
  4. NabaDwA
    Aug 15, 2013
    10
    Anybody who is marking this game down most probably has not finished it or just wants to balance out the score. It is an incredible STORY, cliché but emotional and unique to video game. It felt more like a movie. As for the game play my only problem is the confusion in controlling the two brothers with two sticks but by the end of the game you realize why.
    The art worlds are amazing it    Anybody who is marking this game down most probably has not finished it or just wants to balance out the score. It is an incredible STORY, cliché but emotional and unique to video game. It felt more like a movie. As for the game play my only problem is the confusion in controlling the two brothers with two sticks but by the end of the game you realize why.
    The art worlds are amazing it captivates you, the puzzles intrigue you but never frustrate you. The beauty may be in its simplicity, its not very challenging but that is a good thing in this case. 10/10.    … Expand
  5. kebabmaster
    Aug 19, 2013
    10
    I did not have any expectation for Brothers. This is a must have game.....Touching story and new gameplay all the time. But the best thing was the ending. Thank you starbreeze.. please do more games like this please.
  6. scavenger
    Aug 20, 2013
    10
    I don't care about the controls. Any game that takes me on such an emotional journey is worth both my time, money and adoration. Last time I was this touched after a game was Passage.
  7. Jorgenus
    Dec 14, 2013
    5
    I want to start out with saying I played this game from beginning to end. I was so upset at the ending that I created an account just to write this review. And it is a very good game so hear me out. When I heard of this game I thought I have to buy this. I started playing and I was very impressed. Some of the scenes are some of the best I've seen in a game. As far as game play it suitsI want to start out with saying I played this game from beginning to end. I was so upset at the ending that I created an account just to write this review. And it is a very good game so hear me out. When I heard of this game I thought I have to buy this. I started playing and I was very impressed. Some of the scenes are some of the best I've seen in a game. As far as game play it suits the game well. I think it should be easy to tell an epic story. If you say this game has puzzles then you must consider matching shapes in the correct holes a puzzle game. But still, I think the game play suits this game very well. The sound is fantastic, story leading up to the end is fantastic, visuals are absolutely amazing and only get better the further you travel through this game. But that brings me to why I would still give it a poor review the ending. I can't say exactly why I couldn't stand it without spoiling it. I'm sure I'm in the minority here so chances are if you like what you hear so far you will love the ending. If that's the case, disregard my review and buy the game now. After this point is possibly very mild spoiler. So here it goes. To me the ending is much like ones in popular Chinese movies. Tell a great story and leave you feeling defeated. But what I disliked the most about this ending is not only did it make me feel like I ultimately lost the game, it rubbed my nose in it to remind me. I know this sounds hard to believe but usually I like a story where things could turn out either good or bad and it isn't a cliché Cinderella story. It makes it feel more real. I even knew this game wouldn't end up all roses and was looking forward to it. This game left me staring at the screen saying to myself, what was the point of that. To me, you can't go full negative. Give me a major lesson or some silver lining or a word or two of wisdom so I can walk away with something. The ending was so bitter that the only positive thing that happens actually seems painful. Now I know some people enjoy misery and that's fine. Maybe I'm in left field and the true meaning of this game was lost on me. I just don't like walking away from a story with emptiness. Maybe that was the point. It is just my opinion that the ending didn't match the game well at all. Ultimately I have to say I'm didn't like the game. I know negative reviews are seldom helpful, but hopefully this helps some. Thank you for your time.… Expand
  8. C3realkillah
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    Very fun, beautiful, and unique game! Controlling each of the brothers with the right thumb stick for the little brother and left thumb stick for big brother feels great. It is the first single player co op game and it works splendidly. It gives a whole new meaning of playing with yourself. This game is a must buy now if you'll excuse me I'd like to continue playing now
  9. cerez
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    Unice gameplay, a compeling story it feels so fresh, a epic journey with beautiful environment. A game moment is never repeated so it never gets boring.
  10. Shahin
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    This is a awesome game, really beautiful and the gameplay is really innovative. I hope they make another one like this.

    The enovirments are really amazing and they make good use of the Unreal 3 engine.

    I recommend this game to everyone, it is money well spent!
  11. Mogwai76
    Aug 9, 2013
    10
    Just finished this and it's a must have game. It's fairly short, took me just under 4 hours to complete, but the experience is simply flawless. The game has some truely unique control mechanics and it tells a beautiful story. Visually it looks stunning and the soundtrack is amazing! There are some fantastic moments of joy and sadness in this tale.
  12. playerz
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    Increadibly atmospheric game, it brings to mind games like journey and trine. A must buy for those who like a truly immersive and entertaining game thats innovative in both storytelling and gameplay.
  13. iLoVeTuRtLeZ8
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    Probably first game I ever played that made me cried and not from raging! They need to make more games that have you ready to tear up and emotionly upset you. Best game I have played in awhile and I cannot say o like the ending but it was a great game Thank you for making this game
  14. clearly
    Aug 8, 2013
    10
    A fantastic game with great gameplay and a touching story, comparable to adventures like Journey. Simply a must have for every gamer!
    Hopefully we get more games like this from Starbreeze in the future.
  15. joydivision
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    I love it, it`s beutiful. This game is different the enovirments is awesome. It`s almost as you are in a movie.
    And the music is adoroble. I did not expekt it to be so good.
  16. Sputch
    Aug 12, 2013
    10
    It seems like game developers are really starting to get the hang of emotional content. My congratulations to Starbreeze, this game was a magnificent experience. I actually enjoyed the fact that is quite short. Any longer and the game mechanic may have worn thin. As it is, I was deeply satisfied on all fronts. Buy it, play it, you won't regret it.
  17. SirMaestro
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    A unique experience that have that little extra that I´ve personly been missing in games for years. Music, story and design are top notch! Starbreeze have done an awsome work on this one.
  18. ERB
    Aug 8, 2013
    7
    I love this game.The story is very touching and even the game play is good.I will give it a score of 7/10 don't think that the score is low because not many Xbox 360 games that I reviewed is not that high.I am telling you guys to go buy this game and try playing it.
  19. Evman
    Aug 10, 2013
    10
    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is perhaps the most memorable game you'll play for some time.
    The interesting and sometimes quirky dual-stick control for the individual brothers is a unique and fun approach that can take some getting used to, sure. But it's the winning combination of characters, music, environments, involuntary emotionally involvement and the art direction as a whole that    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is perhaps the most memorable game you'll play for some time.
    The interesting and sometimes quirky dual-stick control for the individual brothers is a unique and fun approach that can take some getting used to, sure. But it's the winning combination of characters, music, environments, involuntary emotionally involvement and the art direction as a whole that separates this masterpiece from mediocrity.

    The landscapes are beautifully realised and varied, with context sensitive "benches" available in key locations to merely "appreciate the view" in most cases. I'd be proud of my work too ;)
    The musical score is superb and the dialog (for lack of a better word, as no written or real spoken words are ever used) conveys surprisingly ample emotion that when coupled with character animations is more than sufficient to continually propel the narrative forward.

    One thing that isn't entirely evident at first is the pervasive theme of death in this game. Approximately midway through you'll come across an area that has more than a couple of morbid puzzles to solve. I like my horror and action, don't get me wrong, but something about this zone was just.. eerie. Again, the quality musical score may be to blame here ;)

    I don't want to give anything at all away as this game simply has to be experienced in full. While the game itself can be finished in a few hours (a little over 3 myself) all of the achievements are for non-essential tasks which can quite easily be overlooked on your first play through.

    I put off reviewing this game until I'd completed it. Now, looking back, I'm struggling to find any reason to fault it!    … Expand
  20. DragonKhan95
    Aug 11, 2013
    10
    Even before it's magical moment, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is remarkably complex and nuanced game despite it's simple (yet occasionally unwieldy) control scheme. However, after the moment, Brothers cements itself as easily one of the greatest examples of story/gameplay combining to create a ridiculously powerful moment. In one word: Perfect
  21. happy_hunter
    Aug 8, 2013
    10
    I would call this game whimsical if I could remember the last time a game 'whimsically' stomped on my emotions.

    It is without a doubt worth your money. Buy it.
  22. Psh8
    Aug 10, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Woow a masterpiece. One of the best games I have ever played. The atmosphere of this game is excellent. The story is amazing and well written. I highly recommend this game.… Expand
  23. Starbreeze
    Aug 9, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A wonderful game full of passion and a fantastic history. Every now and then a game comes out of nowhere to show everyone else how it’s done. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is one of those games.

    I cant wait to get a Brothers 2 hope so much it will come one dag.    … Expand
  24. gman3
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    Wow it was a epic journey, music and graphic was in perfect harmony, explore and let it take time is my advice. Perfect game to play with u family sitting around, gives a lots of laughs but also some tears
  25. adame2
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    Unice gameplay, a compeling story it feels so fresh, a epic journey with beautiful environment. A game moment is never repeated so it never gets boring.
  26. Storm1672
    Aug 7, 2013
    9
    Trully a masterpiece. Among the best of the genre. Better gameplay than the rest, a magical journey, incredible atmosphere and lessons about the values of life. A beautiful game.

    The originality of the gameplay along with the always fresh ideas keep it on top. The ending is top class the art direction is eye candy. Same genre as Limbo, Papo & Yo, Journey, Unfinished Swan etc. this    Trully a masterpiece. Among the best of the genre. Better gameplay than the rest, a magical journey, incredible atmosphere and lessons about the values of life. A beautiful game.

    The originality of the gameplay along with the always fresh ideas keep it on top. The ending is top class the art direction is eye candy.

    Same genre as Limbo, Papo & Yo, Journey, Unfinished Swan etc. this game is the best along with Journey and has a better gameplay. The music is hauntingly serene and dramatic.

    Only drawback is its duration which is 3 hours even for the achievement completion and even if you go on the stray path to explore. None of the other games is so short, especially on the first playthrough. Maybe this time we could use some repetition. Because of the incredible gameplay, we would get bored. Nonetheless, the puzzles were not too difficult as to come to a deadend even for younger audiences.

    With that said, this is one of the best "emotional gaming" has to offer.    … Expand
  27. Folkbildarn
    Aug 9, 2013
    10
    Wonderful, touching and beautiful, this game is not long, but certainly worth your time! It reminds me bit about fable, but is of course so much more than that.
  28. GameFan365
    Aug 10, 2013
    9
    Some fairy tales aren't meant for children and not all of them have happy endings. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is one such tale. Brothers features a story of loss, adventure, love and eventually a coming of age story. Brothers manages to deliver a solid experience that is wrapped-up in an unfamiliar, but surprisingly good new gameplay mechanic.

    The story in Brothers is a somber one,    Some fairy tales aren't meant for children and not all of them have happy endings. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is one such tale. Brothers features a story of loss, adventure, love and eventually a coming of age story. Brothers manages to deliver a solid experience that is wrapped-up in an unfamiliar, but surprisingly good new gameplay mechanic.

    The story in Brothers is a somber one, filled with a ton of emotion. When the two boys father falls deathly ill they must set out on a wonder-filled journey taking them across a beautifully rendered fantasy world. You'll control the brothers as they travel from a mine inhabited by trolls all the way to a snow top village where you're chased by an invisible giant. Through all of this the two brothers must work together to overcome the environmental puzzles impeding them from their ultimate goal, recovering an item to save their father's life.

    Visit www.GameFan365.com for the full review    … Expand
  29. Esfar
    Aug 12, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is just too damn wonderful...I will have to say one of the best games this years. From story to graphics everything is just perfect .Even the game play mechanics shines .I will highly recommend this game to every game lover in this world.One thing more the ending will touch your heart along with the two brothers.… Expand
  30. ocinom
    Aug 8, 2013
    10
    This is something new. It's like playing Journey for the very first time. I wouldn't have thought that late this gen a game like this would come out. I say good job to the developers
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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 »