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Released in 2013, and directed by the singular Josef Fares, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons was a truly unique game. After their father falls ill, the game follows two, well, brothers as they set out into a strange and often dangerous world – with the twist being that a single player controls both characters simultaneously. They must cross dangerous lands, face deadly foes and rely on each other more than they ever have before to find a cure, leading players through a beautiful world by way of action-packed puzzles and obstacles.
Almost a decade after the original game’s release, nothing has quite replicated this game’s mixture of unique controls and emotive storytelling. So, with our remake, we’ve concentrated on not just how to bring a modern classic back to life, but to preserve and enhance this incredible, one-off experience.
Remaking a Masterpiece
Our philosophy throughout the Remake process was to enhance the original, not distort. As we began to study the game, we realized that everything in Brothers, each environment, the puzzle, and interaction, is there for a specific reason and has its own goal to help support the overall story. Our job then became to modernize the experience while keeping everything that made the original special and memorable.
Gameplay in Brothers is designed primarily for a unique, single-player experience (though local co-op is also included). As you explore, one controller controls both brothers and their ability to interact with the world. Each brother has their own unique abilities that will be required to solve the various puzzles and enemies they encounter.
For the remake, we put in a lot of effort on perfecting the character controls for a seamless, elevated experience. Controller inputs are more responsive than the original, and animations have been remade from scratch for precise movement and transition between actions. For example, when the older brother helps the younger brother climb a ledge, it’s seamless and smooth with each brother affecting the other. And that’s just one of hundreds of interactions we’ve worked to perfect.
We’ve also remade the puzzle and enemy AI to ensure a fun and challenging experience that goes beyond what was possible in 2013. Being chased by dogs or avoiding a charging Troll is a more dynamic thrill now. We thought about making the puzzles more difficult, but felt that would defeat the narrative goals of each section. Because of this, we wanted to improve the look and feel and performance of each puzzle without needlessly making it more difficult just for the sake of making it more difficult.
An Enchanting World Remade
From icy rivers and soaring heights, to a giant’s castle and dangerous caves, there is just as much beauty as danger.
Along with the controls and animations, we’ve paid particular attention to the amazing environments that the brothers must traverse. As the brothers begin their quest, you’ll roam though their enchanting home village full of thatched roofs and beautiful flower beds, sheep pens and flowing streams. Quickly, you’ll leave the safety of the village and begin to climb treacherous mountains and scale along cliff faces that drop off into nowhere. As the story and adventure moves further from their idyllic village, the tone and themes of the game grow darker.
Throughout the game we worked to maintain proper balance between foreground and background elements as well as enhancing the overall look, especially in cutscenes. To accomplish this balance, we used extensive dynamic lighting, something the Unreal 5 engine is excellent at, along with foreground and background depth of field, and camera positioning to make all of the remade characters, structures and graphic elements as beautiful and impactful as possible.
A Journey To Remember
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is a classic, remarkable game, one that we are not only honored to work on, but a game that we feel a responsibility to remake with the utmost care and attention to detail.
If you’ve played the game before, we think you’ll discover new things to love about the Remake. If you’ve not played it before, this is your chance to experience a game unlike anything you’ve played before, and now it’s improved with the latest graphics improvements, music and more.
It’s an experience you’ll always remember.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake launches on Xbox Series X|S February 28.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake
505 Games
Guide two brothers on an epic fairy tale filled with discovery, loss, adventure, and mystery.
With their father suffering from a deadly illness, two brothers must bravely set out to find the “Water of Life,” the one cure that can save him. With no option for failure the brothers must rely on each other using their individual skills to protect one another and overcome the obstacles ahead in this unforgettable journey.
A TIMELESS CLASSIC REMADE
Hailed by critics when it was originally released, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is back! Faithful to the gameplay and touching story from 2013, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake features rebuilt characters and landscapes based on the original and has been updated to the latest generation of graphics, performance, and gameplay. Paired with a re-recorded soundtrack with a live orchestra, prepare for an emotional experience that will take your adventure to all new heights.
EMBARK ON A FANTASTICAL EPIC
Solve puzzles, discover hidden stories, traverse dangerous locations, and fight deadly bosses. In single-player mode, navigate this story as both brothers in tandem or play in local co-op with a friend, each controlling one of the brothers as you play together.
GET IMMERSED IN THE EMOTIONAL WORLD OF BROTHERS
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is full of hidden details that reward those who seek them out. In addition to the original hidden treats and rich storyline, the remake has added new secrets to be discovered.