While there are absolutely loads of indie puzzle games out there, they at least collectively can take quite a number of forms. While there are numerous types that I’d argue are over-represented, there are some that aren’t as common. One of those subtypes is what I’d call single-player co-op titles, where either there’s no support for multiple players, or you have the option of tackling them solo. Square Brothers is one of those inherently made for solo play, with a mix of platforming and puzzle-solving required as you try to navigate the brothers through 40 stages.

What you’ll immediately notice is that they’re both very different in their shape and size, with one taller and thin and the other shorter and wide. Of course, in order to collect the loot on each level you’ll need to move between the two brothers to grab different items, usually because only one will fit through the walls in order to get there. Of course, if you simply needed to shift between the two and mosey along to success it wouldn’t make for much of a challenge, so you’ll very quickly need to begin working through some pretty intricate spots, needing to use them together in order to get to blocked off areas. This usually requires one to stand on top of the other, but don’t let that oversimplification of the action fool you, it can get tough at times, especially since you can’t leave the stage without both brothers making their way to the door, making even the order you do things critical at times.

While this can be a good challenge, there are some areas where the experience is less smooth than it could be, leading to some unnecessary aggravation. I understand the desire for openings to constrain which brothers can get through certain spots, but some of the openings feel too tight, requiring an unnecessary degree of precision for getting through them, especially when jumping. When you understand what needs to be done, the puzzle has been worked out, then making it a pain to just get through some hole in the wall on top of that feels pointless. In general the old-school scan line look also feels like an odd choice, and in general the game’s visuals feel like an afterthought, even when compared to its budget-friendly peers. It gets the job done, but it’s a pretty bare bones affair.