Burly Men at Sea is a breathtaking piece of digital folklore. It’s less a 'game' in the traditional sense and more of an interactive storybook where you act as the storyteller. You follow three large, bearded brothers as they set off on an adventure into the unknown. The primary mechanic is 'dragging' the edges of the frame to expand the brothers' world, which feels incredibly tactile and unique for a mobile title.
The art style is clean, modern, and perfectly captures a maritime aesthetic. What makes the game special is its branching narrative. Every time you play, you can lead the brothers down a different path—meeting legendary sea creatures or finding themselves in bizarre, surreal situations. Each run lasts about 15-20 minutes, which is the perfect length for a quick, charming story. It’s a whimsical, beautifully polished experience that prioritizes wonder over challenge, making it a standout in the 'indie' category.
Available on: Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod
Version 1.4.5Tue Oct 08 2024
• Minor bug fixes
• Localization corrections
• Updated engine
Questions, problems, high-fives? Email us at support@brainandbrain.co.
Burly Men at Sea is a folktale about a trio of large, bearded fishermen who step away from the ordinary to seek adventure.
With gameplay halfway between a visual novel and a point-and-click adventure, the branching story carries its ungainly heroes into waters where lurk creatures from Scandinavian folklore and other misadventures. You play as storyteller and wayfinder, shaping a custom tale that begins again where it ends.
BRANCHING STORY: Play through multiple choice-driven adventures, each designed to be completed in a single sitting.
INNOVATIVE CONTROLS: Shape the narrative through a unique, draggable viewport and your interactions within it.
PLAYFUL AESTHETIC: Colorful art style with handcrafted animation, set to a whimsical original soundtrack inspired by folk music of the far north.
No in-app purchases or ads.
…
“The closest thing I’ve played to an interactive fairy-tale.” —The Telegraph
“Artful interplay of visual minimalism, waggish writing and hilarious but also haunting sound effects generated by gorgeous a cappella voices. 5/5” —TIME
“9/10” —Pocket Gamer
…
Burly Men at Sea is the second game from married duo Brain&Brain, developed during their own adventures as nomads and erstwhile farmhands.
Requires iOS 13.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.Burly Men at Sea is a folktale about a trio of large, bearded fishermen who step away from the ordinary to seek adventure.
With gameplay halfway between a visual novel and a point-and-click adventure, the branching story carries its ungainly heroes into waters where lurk creatures from Scandinavian folklore and other misadventures. You play as storyteller and wayfinder, shaping a custom tale that begins again where it ends.
BRANCHING STORY: Play through multiple choice-driven adventures, each designed to be completed in a single sitting.
INNOVATIVE CONTROLS: Shape the narrative through a unique, draggable viewport and your interactions within it.
PLAYFUL AESTHETIC: Colorful art style with handcrafted animation, set to a whimsical original soundtrack inspired by folk music of the far north.
No in-app purchases or ads.
…
“The closest thing I’ve played to an interactive fairy-tale.” —The Telegraph
“Artful interplay of visual minimalism, waggish writing and hilarious but also haunting sound effects generated by gorgeous a cappella voices. 5/5” —TIME
“9/10” —Pocket Gamer
…
Burly Men at Sea is the second game from married duo Brain&Brain, developed during their own adventures as nomads and erstwhile farmhands.












Burly Men at Sea is a thoughtfully designed mobile adventure that blends interactive storytelling with a unique, frame-expanding mechanic. Players manipulate the screen's viewpoint to influence the brothers' path, solving light environmental puzzles and progressing through a series of whimsical maritime encounters. The experience favors narrative exploration and polish, with simple controls and a charmingly distinct visual style.
Unique branching narrative
Stunning minimalist visual design
Atmospheric, original soundtrack
High-fidelity tactile interactions
Don't look for buttons. To move the brothers, drag the white space on the sides of the screen. Dragging left expands the frame to the left, while dragging right pulls the story forward.
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Interact with NPCs like the 'Grim Reaper' or a giant whale. Your choices during these dialogue-free encounters determine which 'Tale' you unlock in your library at the end of the run.
There are 12 unique 'Tales' to collect, each representing a different path through the brothers' adventure.