Max: The Curse of Brotherhood
- December 20, 2013
- Pressplay
- 9h median play time
Simply put, Max is a fantastic indie game and a far better purchase than many of the others currently available for download. In Curse of Brotherhood, Xbox One has a fun, good-looking platformer at a budget price. Highly recommended.
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Max: The Curse of Brotherhood" is a physics-based puzzle/platformer game set in a 2.5D environment. Max acquires a magic marker that gains five different powers, such as creating earth pillars, growing trees, and manipulating water streams, to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. With 7 chapters and 20 levels, the game takes players on a cinematic journey to rescue Max's brother.
Reviews
- Great puzzle design that is both challenging and fun, utilizing the marker and different abilities effectively.
- Visually appealing with good graphics and diverse environments, creating an engaging atmosphere.
- The game captures a nostalgic platformer feel while introducing fresh mechanics, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.
- Some puzzles can be frustrating due to the need for precision and quick actions, which may lead to repeated deaths.
- Collecting all items does not unlock any additional content, which may disappoint completionists.
- The controls can feel clunky at times, especially when using the marker during fast-paced sequences.
- graphics151 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and charming art style reminiscent of Pixar animations. Players appreciate the detailed environments and smooth animations, which enhance the overall gameplay experience, despite some minor glitches and performance issues on lower-end systems. Overall, the visuals are considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
“The game also features stunning visuals and a distinctive art style that complements the overall experience beautifully.”
“The graphics, animation, and gameplay are top notch!”
“The graphics are beautiful and the sounds and voice acting are perfect for this type of game.”
“However, considering the overall quality of the graphics it shouldn't struggle on older gear, but it does.”
“I own an 8GB RAM laptop with a 1GB RAM graphics card and quad-core processor and had huge problems with cutscenes.”
“Well, so long as you put the graphics on the right settings so that they're not too laggy and not too steep into 'good god, I didn't even know 3D-rendered games could pixelate like that before!' mode, it's fine!”
- story133 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally described as simple, charming, and suitable for children, revolving around an older brother's quest to save his younger sibling from a whimsical fantasy world. While some reviewers find the plot predictable and cliché, others appreciate its light-heartedness and humor, noting that it complements the engaging gameplay and colorful graphics. Overall, the narrative serves as a fun backdrop for the puzzle-platforming experience, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.
“The story is charming and brilliantly narrated.”
“It's a sweet story about an older brother going into a weird world to save his brother, but besides that, there isn't a whole lot.”
“The story is simple but heartwarming :)”
“There is no story.”
“The overly simplistic story and minor technical flaws prevent it from being anything greater.”
“With unintuitive controls, puzzle mechanics that’ve been done better elsewhere, and a story with the depth of a coloring book, it’s hard to stay invested in this short adventure.”
- gameplay129 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a nostalgic platformer feel enhanced by a unique marker mechanic that allows players to manipulate the environment creatively, making puzzles engaging and fun. While the controls are generally responsive and the mechanics innovative, some players found the drawing aspect frustrating at times, particularly when it hindered movement or aiming. Overall, the game is praised for its charming graphics, clever puzzles, and enjoyable mechanics, making it a solid choice for fans of the genre.
“It captures that nostalgic platformer feel, but adds a fresh and creative twist with the marker mechanic.”
“The marker brings a whole new layer to the platforming experience, making the gameplay much more engaging.”
“The magic marker mechanics, which evolve through the game, create some fun puzzles.”
“Its not a bad game, but the mechanics are quite frustrating.”
“The difficulty in the game comes from the actual drawing mechanic, too.”
“With unintuitive controls, puzzle mechanics that’ve been done better elsewhere, and a story with the depth of a coloring book, it’s hard to stay invested in this short adventure.”
- music24 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in "Max: The Curse of Brotherhood" is described as charming and fitting, enhancing the game's ambience and emotional tone, though it lacks memorability and depth. While the soundtrack is enjoyable and complements the gameplay, it is often considered simplistic and not particularly impactful. Overall, the voice acting and ambient sounds contribute positively to the experience, making it a pleasant, if not groundbreaking, auditory backdrop for the game.
“Not much music but great ambience, setting the tone depending on the setpiece from playful and curious to sinister and scary.”
“Right from the start - when I loaded up the game for the first time - until the end, I was filled with a somewhat nostalgic feeling, probably because of the charming music, the entertaining cinematics, and the loveable cartoony look of the game.”
“The ambient audio, music, and voice acting are all wonderful.”
“While the music is very charming and cute, it is rather simplistic and not all that memorable.”
“You will have to search for the soundtrack on YouTube.”
“Voice acting is fine (I loved the voice of our brother, Felix; he has such a cute voice), but that's all—not amazing soundtracks or impressive musical intros.”
- humor22 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, providing a lighthearted and entertaining experience that appeals to both young and old players. With witty dialogue, funny animations, and clever puzzles, the game successfully combines humor with engaging gameplay, making it a delightful platformer that keeps players laughing throughout their adventure. Overall, the humorous elements enhance the game's charm and contribute significantly to its appeal.
“What sets Max apart is its humor, injecting lightheartedness into the adventure.”
“The title is a platform game with mild puzzles that tastes and smells like a Pixar cartoon, very neat, polished, and funny, providing great entertainment.”
“I really liked the humor; the CGI cartoon-style visuals come to life with funny exaggerated animations and gameplay challenges.”
- replayability11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
Overall, the game boasts significant replayability, particularly for players interested in uncovering hidden items, completing achievements, or revisiting well-designed levels. While some users noted a decline in replay value after the initial playthrough, the engaging puzzles and the option to return after some time contribute to its lasting appeal.
“Replayability - hugely replayable game.”
“Highly recommended, fantastic level design and clever puzzles - also lots of replayability if you want all the achievements (my next mission...)”
“The game has several levels and the replay value is enormous.”
“Not much replayability once you finish, but it is well priced for what you get.”
“It has some replayability if you want to go back and find all the hidden items (which are not required to complete the original playthrough).”
“Hidden items to find in each level and badges for completing each level without dying give a little replay value.”
- atmosphere11 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its stunning graphics, engaging sound design, and immersive world, often compared to the quality of a Pixar film. Reviewers highlight the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic platformers, enhanced by imaginative art styles and polished production values. Overall, the atmosphere significantly contributes to the game's appeal, making it a captivating experience for players.
“Super gorgeous (like a Pixar film), fantastic atmosphere, fun puzzley mechanics and responsive controls.”
“The graphics, atmosphere, music and voice acting are superb.”
“The atmosphere is reminiscent of Eric Chahi's Heart of Darkness, an older 90s platformer game that I deeply love.”
“Beautiful graphics, nice voices and sounds, and just tremendous atmosphere.”
- grinding9 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game can be tedious and irritating, particularly due to awkward controls and a lack of clear checkpointing, which forces players to replay entire levels. While some players appreciate the simplicity and breezy pace, others find the repetitive nature and lack of challenge to be mind-numbing. Overall, the game strikes a balance between being mechanically sound and occasionally frustratingly monotonous.
“I had to exit the game to leave home, then later came back and started up the game and had to redo an entire tedious level that I personally never wanted to see again, ever.”
“If there is checkpointing in later levels, you would never know it because the game never shows a saving checkpoint icon like all other games do, so it's one of those 'well I better not exit the game or quit until I finish the entire tedious level' type of games.”
“Levels aren't horribly long, but with boring, automatic-win tedious levels and a drawing mechanic I've seen done before, I just can't force myself to care because it keeps putting me to sleep.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its heartwarming story and the touching connection between the two brothers, evoking nostalgia and a sense of childhood joy. Players appreciate the combination of great graphics, a wholesome adventure, and satisfying puzzles that enhance the overall emotional experience.
“Great graphics and soundtrack, heartwarming story, and satisfying puzzles.”
“Seeing the connection that two brothers can have is touching.”
“"Max: The Curse of Brotherhood" made me feel like I was a kid again.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with minor stuttering issues noted during auto-saves that do not significantly detract from the experience. Players recommend using a gamepad for better performance, as the keyboard and mouse controls are less optimized. For the best graphical experience, it's advised to play on Xbox One or ensure your PC meets slightly higher specifications.
“Personally, I played this game back on the Xbox 360 as well as the 1st generation Xbox One, so if you have any worries about performance issues, that's not to worry.”
“The game is very well optimized.”
“I recommend playing this with a gamepad, as I used the keyboard and mouse and could tell it wasn't quite optimized for that setup.”
“However, if you're not too fussy on graphical performance, then feel free to get it on Steam.”
“But if you want to make sure the graphics are at their best, then either get it for the Xbox One or make sure your PC's graphical performance is a bit better first.”
- stability5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while some players experience freezing issues and minor glitches, others report a smooth experience with no significant problems. Achievements may occasionally be slow to appear, but they do eventually register.
“The game runs smoothly without any glitches.”
“I haven't encountered any stability issues during my gameplay.”
“The performance is consistent, making for a seamless gaming experience.”
“Starts off good like it's going to load and then freezes after the first animations.”
“There are probably other obscure glitches in there, but nothing that ruined the game.”
“Achievements can be a little buggy/slow to show up, but they eventually do.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development is highlighted by a charming main character, complemented by beautiful character and level design, which enhances the overall appeal and immersion of the game.
“The main character is incredibly charming, complemented by beautiful character design and detailed level modeling.”
“The character development is rich and engaging, making each interaction feel meaningful.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, showcasing depth and complexity in their personalities.”
Critic Reviews
Max: The Curse of Brotherhood review: the mighty pen
Max: The Curse of Brotherhood has good elements but inconsistent quality
60%He ain't heavy - Max: The Curse of Brotherhood
For a forgiving and approachable puzzle-platformer, Max lands on his feet and brings us a fantastic gaming experience. Even at a price of $15 it is easy to recommend. Great for all ages, the plot is light and the puzzles are fun from an otherwise innocuous re-imagining of a touchscreen game. Well done, Press Play - we want more!
80%Max: The Curse of Brotherhood Review
Simply put, Max is a fantastic indie game and a far better purchase than many of the others currently available for download. In Curse of Brotherhood, Xbox One has a fun, good-looking platformer at a budget price. Highly recommended.
85%
