Remakes can be a bit tricky to define these days. Some are pretty much the same game but with a visual upgrade, while others, like Resident Evil 4: Remake, are almost completely reimagined. From what I’ve seen so far, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake falls into the former category. It revamps an older game with prettier graphics, making it more appealing to a new audience.
Still a Tale of Two Sons
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons follows two brothers on a quest to find a cure for their dying father. The story’s simplicity remains effective because of how the game leverages the siblings working together to overcome various challenges. It stands out as a prime example of a video game truly using its medium to tell a meaningful story through interaction.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake
Before diving into the Remake, I revisited the 2013 original and played through its opening. Honestly, it still holds up well, thanks mainly to its art direction. Sure, some individual assets look outdated, and a few animations could be better. So, while a remake wasn’t absolutely necessary, it’s nice to see the game getting a visual makeover for modern consoles.
Opening Sequence
I spent about an hour with the Remake, and even though it’s still a work in progress, the improvements are clear. The game maintains the original’s vibrant colors and stylized textures but with enhanced visuals.
Improved Character Models
The character models now have a lot more detail and feel more animated with exaggerated reactions. Indoor environments are richer with more items, creating a more believable and lived-in world.
Controls and Gameplay
The controls and gameplay are largely unchanged, which became even more obvious when I switched between the original and the Remake. While there are minor improvements in animations, the core experience remains the same. You still need to get used to the unique control scheme where you use analog sticks to move both characters.
Gameplay Sequence
One of the original game’s biggest strengths was its pacing. There’s always something happening, seamlessly transitioning from one puzzle or obstacle to the next. Utilizing both characters is crucial for progress, and the Remake keeps this core aspect intact.
Closing Thoughts
From what I’ve played so far, this Remake seems very faithful to the original. The developers clearly have a lot of respect for the 2013 release. Despite the visual upgrades, the art direction is preserved, delivering the same touching experience. The gameplay remains virtually untouched, making it possibly the best way for newcomers to experience the game.
Whether a remake was necessary might still be a topic of debate, but it’s definitely nice to revisit the world created by Josef Fares.
This preview is based on the PC version of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake, with a key provided by 505 Games.