I’ve come across many games that have stuck with me. But if there’s one game that truly sits deep in my heart, it’s Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. I was excited to hear about a remake, but after playing it, I’ve got a mix of feelings. So, let’s get into the pros and cons of this 2024 remake and what it does differently.
Classic Gameplay, New Shine
The Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons remake takes the same gameplay blueprint from the 2013 original. You guide two brothers through a fantastical world, each controlled by one of the thumbsticks on your controller. The puzzles, the story, and the general feel of the game are true to the original. And that has its charm. Nostalgia is powerful, and playing the remake brought back a rush of memories.
From a technological standpoint, the studio Avantgarden has left no stone unturned. They moved from Unreal Engine 3 to Unreal Engine 5. The visuals, as a result, have been greatly enhanced. Rocky landscapes, wooden structures, and cobblestone floors have seen significant uplifts in detail and resolution.
The Characters Truly Come to Life
The character designs have gotten a much-needed facelift. Unlike the original, every wrinkle and texture on their clothes is meticulously stitched. Their faces now shrug, smile, frown, and animate in more expressive ways. It’s a joy seeing these characters come back to life in this remake.
On the flip side, the dramatic change in visual aesthetics sometimes feels at odds with the original game’s vision. The original was a deliberately muted and stylised picture; the remake is bold, vibrant, and almost too sharp.
There’s Co-op
One of the more interesting features of the remake is the two-player co-op mode. The 2013 version didn’t have this, so experiencing this story alongside a friend would be a great experience for sure. I didn’t try this though and only replayed the game alone.
Missed the Mark
Despite the great strides in technology and the faithfulness of gameplay, something was missing. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a milestone in video game storytelling, but the remake felt like it fell short. It felt like a beautifully dressed-up version of the original, but not quite the original.
There were a few moments where the game stuttered, shadows flickered, and I even had to restart from a checkpoint when a boss got stuck. I hope these bugs can be addressed in future updates.
Verdict
Nostalgia is a double-edged sword. It brought me joy to see the two brothers on their quest again, but the remake didn’t quite capture the magic of the original game. The technological improvements and beautiful graphics were a treat for the eyes, but somewhere along the way, the remake lost the heart of the original.
Regardless, if you missed Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons the first time around, the remake is a great way to experience this story. For those who cherished the original game like I did, it’s worth revisiting with a degree of caution. The story is still as moving as ever, and the updated visuals do bring a fresh look to the game.
Keep in mind, however, that this is not the same game you fell in love with. It’s a reimagined version that’s prettier to look at, but a bit hollow in its execution.
In the end, the Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons remake left me with a sense of longing for the original. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest of things have the greatest charm.
