Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
For: Xbox 360
From: Starbreeze
Four and a half stars (out of five)
Lately, though, there has been a steady stream of genuine top-quality titles available to download, most for a just few dollars.
State of Decay is a prime example and was, I thought until recently, the best XBLA game I'd played.
Until Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons - which is a masterpiece.
Brothers is a co-op game that you play on your own.
I know that may a bit sound daft but bear with me.
Brothers tells the story of two boys' quest to help their ailing father.
I won't go too much into the story as it would ruin the experience of playing the game, but you are taken from your little village, through mountains and battlefields to caves and rivers, all of which are incredibly detailed and beautiful to look at.
You control both brothers at the same time using one control stick for each.
Initially, this is a bit like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time, but it quickly becomes easier.
There are still moments when your right hand is controlling the character on the left, but you get used to it - think of it like a bit of brain-training thrown in for free!
As I said, the game looks great, and it plays smoothly, too, but the thing that makes Brothers a stand-out title is the story.
From the very beginning, you feel an attachment with both boys and this is not lost throughout their journey.
In fact, as the story progresses the bond between the boys and with the player gets stronger.
There is a moment towards the end of the game, and I can't tell you what it is because it would ruin everything, that is nothing short of game design genius.
The game is worth playing just for the feeling it gives you once you realise what's going on.
I know that sounds weird but, trust me, it's epic.
It's not a difficult or long game - three hours should see you through it - but you'll want to replay it to catch things you've missed and to chase the achievements you didn't first time round.
I've played some great games recently, including some of the next generation titles, and I've not enjoyed any as much as I did this one.
Get it today.
