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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Kermie
    Aug 11, 2013
    10
    9.5

    It's wonderfully surprising to play a game like Brothers. Where as the Xbox 360 has become the home of CoD and doritos/moutnain dew, Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons is the little indie darling of the year and a breath of fresh air for the Xbox 360. A playable fairytale, Brothers is as emotionally wrought as it is inspirational and heartwarming. Combing the depth of emotion with a    9.5

    It's wonderfully surprising to play a game like Brothers. Where as the Xbox 360 has become the home of CoD and doritos/moutnain dew, Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons is the little indie darling of the year and a breath of fresh air for the Xbox 360.

    A playable fairytale, Brothers is as emotionally wrought as it is inspirational and heartwarming. Combing the depth of emotion with a core gameplay mechanic that reinforces the narrative and it's emotional highs and lows is unbelievably genius. Your journey, brought to life by smalltime studio StarBeeze, follows two brothers on an epic fantasy journey that challenges their relationship through perilous trials. A gorgeous score accompanies you on your epic journey composed by Gustaf Grefberg, equal parts chilling and heartwarming.

    Graphically, Brothers is middle of the road. But its art style, similar to games before it like last year's Journey, is top notch. A living Grimm's fairytale is the easiest way to describe it. The inventive gameplay and mechanics work and keep you very engaged in the action on screen. Controlling two characters at once is tricky, but getting the hang of it doesn't take long. Aside from a few presentation and technical shortcomings, Brothers truly is an emotionally charged experience. It's not as polished as I wish it was, but it didn't distract from the experience. The ending, themes within and visual metaphors throughout your journey all combine to deliver something truly special. This little indie wonder demands to be played.

    In a little over 4 hours and with no spoken dialogue, the adventure ends and the credits roll. You may think Brothers is a shallow and overpriced adventure.

    If you believe that in the end, then you're dead inside.    … Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. bosconian87
    Aug 10, 2013
    10
    In this day and age, away from the all the actioners and such, there comes a time when I crave something a bit more in a game. Aside from endless action, and combos, and killcounts, there is a market for titles that give something more games that offer substance, delightful moments that tantalise the senses and mind, as well as the trigger finger, and overall give something way more thanIn this day and age, away from the all the actioners and such, there comes a time when I crave something a bit more in a game. Aside from endless action, and combos, and killcounts, there is a market for titles that give something more games that offer substance, delightful moments that tantalise the senses and mind, as well as the trigger finger, and overall give something way more than the sum of their parts. If you go to the PS3 market, PSN, it is chock-full of these titles (two masterpieces, The Unfinished Swan and Journey, were released last year heck, and ICO is on a deal constantly!) but not the 360 that much (we have Limbo, and Braid). This however, has now changed, with Brothers.

    It's a third-person arcade adventure with a unique 'gimmick' of you being able to control brothers by the sticks and triggers its tricky and quirky at times, but you will get used to it.

    The graphics are largely beautiful, stylised in a simple way, yet detailed enough and given a 'look' throughout that compliments the whole game, and also gives the simplicity of understanding the puzzles what it needs. The sound is just awesome, with some beautiful music, wonderfully dramatic and eerie incidental sounds going on, and the creature FX are just brilliant, and well thought-out too.

    The gameplay follows the same lines as ICO and Limbo, and Journey somewhat too, with the 'gimmick' set in place, yet that's as far as it goes the plot, the very downbeat feel to the game, and the somewhat movie-like 'moments' that crop-up are unexpected, and somewhat utterly brilliant they never fail to amuse, grab your attention, or simply pull you around, and surprize you. I really cannot give-away anything in this game, but it after one action-packed series of events, a slow-paced somber moment came-in, and yet the game did not lose its pace one iota. Coupled also with the 'feel' of the game, and emotional investment (you do expect this), its a well-done turn of events.

    Naturally, there are criticisms of course. You only have the one single-player campaign for your money, and when that is done, you can only repeat it. The controls can be awkward on occasion, and the camera can maybe betray you once in a while but these are minor criticisms that don't ruin the game at all, and as short as the campaign is, it is far far better than say, a game that will last you 40 hours, but only offers moderate entertainment for the most part, with only a handful of highspots.

    Brothers is severely brilliant, it gets better the more you play it, and if you don't even play the demo (which by the way gives you 20 minutes of the game) then you're missing out on a superb game. Well worth the £10 asking price.    … Expand
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. rashman
    Aug 8, 2013
    10
    A really atmospheric game with cool graphics and a nice story. It was fun to play through. I really liked the emotional aspect of the game and it's not often a game touches you like this one did.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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!
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. gisarts
    Aug 9, 2013
    10
    Short, but this game is a masterpiece. Something in this game reminds me Ico. Simply wonderfull, and it makes me realize that is simple to make an epic game with good ideas, and without a huge investment.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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.
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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

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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 »