Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons deserves to be cherished as a reminder of the importance of family bonds and the sanctity of life. Beware of spoilers ahead!
Originally directed and released By Josef Fares in 2013 this rather light-hearted looking game has been remastered for the current consoles in 2024. Interactive media is an opportunity to have impactful experiences and this update refurbishes timeless lessons hidden within an incredibly emotional adventure.
As we begin our family fable we are introduced to grief and guilt. The youngest of the two brothers, Naia is haunted by the loss of their mother and his inability to save her from the indomitable ocean waves. Insecurity is not the end of their hardship however as he must join his older brother Naiee to carry their critically-ill father to help. This will serve as the main motivator for our journey.
Since 2013 the games’ director Josef Fares has become synonymous with co-op games and unique control schemes. In single player this game requires the use of each thumbstick to control each brother as they navigate the world. This represents the first lesson- co-operation. How can these two protagonists move as one to solve puzzles and overcome challenges? As the brothers progress toward their fathers’ cure they are repeatedly forced into situations that highlight their exclusive abilities. Naia is small enough to fit through gaps and Naiee is strong enough to manipulate the environment; even throwing his younger brother to great heights!
It is easy enough to utilize, and their dependence on each other is a constant focus.
Their dependence on each other is reinforced in every scene of the game. Naiee needs his younger brother to see and access what he cannot. Equally true, Naia needs his brothers’ support and encouragement to conquer his grief, guilt and terror; to realize his potential.
There are several instances where a form of codependency is highlighted in others as well. Along their path is a man tying a rope to a tree. Obviously struck with grief and perceived solitude, he aims to end his own life. Naia, recognizing this, is given the opportunity to console the man just as his brother consoled him in the prelude. A moment of compassion convinces the man to survive and is a clear sign that even at our lowest, one can be redeemed to fulfil one’s potential.
In another chapter the brothers witness two trolls being caged and separated. They are each heartbroken and helpless until our heroes break them free to be reunited. Their conditions instantly improve. The lesson shown is that family bonds keep the trolls at their best just like Naia and Naiee.
As important as family may be, Naia was about to learn that ones’ strength must also be fostered from within.
There are moments in our adventure when danger strikes! Wolves, wilderness and a farmer’s dog will challenge our progress and in turn, risk the boys losing their only remaining parent. In these moments, Naiee harnesses his courage and responsibility to defeat these challenges. The lesson in this case is that one needs to face their fears in the service of another. If their family is to be spared, they must push on together fearlessly.
As they mature and grow stronger, Naia’s hardest trial was about to befall him. The brothers are forced to confront their deepest fear; the water.
As a reminder, we are first introduced to Naia at the foot of his mothers’ grave. Victim of drowning, Naia watched helplessly as she slipped beneath the waves for the final time.
This grief will strike him again and again, his only savior being Naiee.
To cross this impasse, the older brother must carry Naia. Dread grows to danger as Naiee must swim well enough to tow his younger brother along as well. This act of bravery is admirable but ultimately fails to succeed. Naia will face the spectre of helplessness again as Naiee struggles before him and begins to lose the battle.
All of the fears and fights, the trials and the triumphs come to this.
In this moment, the young Naia will become a man.
As the player, you will lose control of Naiee as he fails. You must use Naia to swim the final stretch, pulling his brother and protector to safety. The courage, the comfort, and the support that he had relied on must be reciprocated.
With his remaining energy, Naia pulls his brother to shore. Exhausted he collapses before checking Naiee’s breathing.
He is gone.
Naia’s adventure is not over however. Their father has precious time! If he is to be saved the cure must be delivered and so he will make that delivery alone.
The ending of this game is a very complicated cocktail of emotions. The impact of this journey is somewhat subjective. I personally come from a loving family where I was a middle-child. As such, I was able to identify and thoroughly embrace the theme and lessons chapter-by-chapter.
Grief and dread in the beginning.
Fear and adventure in the middle.
Strength, love and courage in the end.
Each beat of this game was able to resonate with me in a profound way. The importance of family. The growth of facing ones’ fears, danger and the unknown.
I believe all mature gamers can gain something by experiencing this wonderful adventure, overflowing with emotions.
Among these lessons I caution you:
You must be strong enough to carry your brother;
And even stronger when you can’t.
