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Binary Domain

I would heartily recommended people to buy this game, as games which mentally engage you to such extent with satisfying combat mechanics are quite rare.
Binary Domain Game Cover
80%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, stability
84% User Score Based on 4,123 reviews
Critic Score 74%Based on 5 reviews

Platforms

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Binary Domain Game Cover

About

Binary Domain is a single player and multiplayer platformer game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Devil's Details and was released on February 28, 2012. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

"Binary Domain" is a squad-based shooter set in a futuristic Tokyo, 2080, where you must regain control from an emerging robotic threat. The game features a consequence system where every action and choice affects the story, and procedural damage that adapts to the damage robots sustain. Explore the dual-layered Tokyo and build trust with your teammates to succeed in this immersive and atmospheric experience.

Genres & Tags
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Binary Domain screenshot
Binary Domain screenshot
Binary Domain screenshot
Binary Domain screenshot
Binary Domain screenshot
Binary Domain screenshot
Binary Domain screenshot
Binary Domain screenshot
Binary Domain screenshot
Binary Domain screenshot
Binary Domain screenshot
+16
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84%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,123 reviews
story1.2k positive mentions
grinding50 negative mentions
  • Engaging story with unexpected twists and a quirky sense of humor.
  • Satisfying gameplay mechanics, especially the ability to shoot off robot limbs, which affects their behavior.
  • Strong character interactions and a trust system that adds depth to the gameplay.
  • Terrible controls and inconsistent key bindings, making gameplay frustrating.
  • Voice command system is unreliable and often doesn't work as intended.
  • Some boss fights are overly long and feel like bullet sponges, detracting from the overall experience.
  • story
    2,667 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Binary Domain" is a surprisingly engaging blend of sci-fi themes, exploring the moral implications of artificial intelligence and humanity, reminiscent of classics like "Blade Runner" and "I, Robot." While it features some clichés and predictable elements, the narrative is enriched by well-developed characters and a trust system that influences interactions and outcomes, making it a compelling experience for players. Overall, the game is praised for its entertaining plot twists and character dynamics, despite some criticisms regarding pacing and execution.

    • “The story is surprisingly engaging and the game has a quirky sense of humor.”
    • “Beneath the gunfire and mechanical carnage lies a story that grapples with existential themes.”
    • “The result is a story that not only entertains but provokes thought, positioning Binary Domain closer to science fiction literature than typical shooter narratives.”
    • “The story is bland and tedious.”
    • “The story is nothing much to write home about as it is your very own character fighting against an evil corporation akin to similar games in its genre.”
    • “The story is mired in clichés and feels like it was written by a child, especially since there are so many better takes on the story - such as Armitage III, Patlabor, Ghost in the Shell, etc.”
  • gameplay
    1,316 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of *Binary Domain* is characterized as a solid yet somewhat derivative third-person cover shooter, often compared to *Gears of War*. Players appreciate the satisfying mechanics of dismembering robotic enemies, which adds a unique layer to combat, while the squad-based trust system introduces an interesting dynamic, albeit with limited impact on gameplay. However, criticisms include repetitive mechanics, clunky controls, and a poorly executed voice command feature, which detracts from the overall experience, making it a mixed bag that some find enjoyable despite its flaws.

    • “The gameplay captures the essence of a polished cover shooter but distinguishes itself with destructible enemies and intelligent robotic adversaries that feel reactive and alive.”
    • “Each encounter with the machines becomes a visual spectacle as limbs, armor, and mechanical components break away piece by piece under fire, giving combat a satisfying sense of physicality and consequence.”
    • “The mechanics are tight, the AI is aggressive without being unfair, and there’s a satisfying feedback when tearing through robotic enemies piece by piece - limbs shatter, heads pop, and the bots keep crawling toward you Terminator-style.”
    • “The gameplay is repetitive and sometimes frustrating; the dialogue is kind of cringe, but there's some good stuff in here.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics, while attempting to mimic successful third-person shooters, feel clunky and unpolished.”
    • “The gameplay is easily the worst part of this game.”
  • graphics
    581 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while they are somewhat dated, they still hold up reasonably well for a title released in 2012. Some users appreciate the art style and character designs, highlighting the impressive facial animations and environmental details, while others criticize the overall visual quality as average or lacking compared to modern standards. Overall, the game is seen as visually appealing for its time, with solid performance and optimization, but it could benefit from a graphical upgrade to meet contemporary expectations.

    • “The graphics are amazing, the surroundings give you a feeling of 'future but not so future' that leaves you breathless.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful along with different animations for characters.”
    • “The graphics still hold up very well and the game looked great downscaled from 4k on my 1080p monitor, the voice acting is fantastic as well no problem there.”
    • “The graphics are outdated even for a game from 2012, the controls on PC are horrible with no way to turn down the sensitivity, for mouse or controller.”
    • “The visuals are bland and fail to capitalize on the futuristic premise.”
    • “With a lackluster storyline, clunky gameplay, uninspired graphics, and numerous technical issues, the game feels like a missed opportunity.”
  • humor
    235 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, characterized by quirky dialogue, campy writing, and a blend of light-hearted and dark comedic moments. Players appreciate the engaging character interactions and the absurdity of shooting robots, which adds to the overall fun and charm. While some humor may come off as cheesy or dated, it effectively enhances the game's personality and keeps players entertained throughout the experience.

    • “The story is surprisingly engaging and the game has a quirky sense of humor.”
    • “Shooting body parts off cyborgs has never been more enjoyable, and the dark humor between the cast is just the icing on the cake.”
    • “The voice acting is perfectly cheesy for the kind of action movie vibe the game is going for and lots of lines of dialogue actually made me laugh out loud.”
    • “The humor is too cringey; the dialogue feels straight out of a bad 80s movie, and the gameplay might have felt good at release, but is now showing its age too much.”
    • “It pushes me out of the game, making me feel like a jackass instead of deepening the relationship I might have with the characters, who are uncool, unfunny, and often mentally challenged based on their actions.”
    • “The characters were all so unlikeable that there was nothing redeeming about them after all the nagging, complaining, useless dialogue, boring backstories, and unfunny quips.”
  • music
    154 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally praised for its energetic techno and electronic scores that enhance the action and atmosphere, reminiscent of classic titles like Final Fantasy and Unreal Tournament. However, some players noted issues with the mixing, where music sometimes overpowers dialogue, and a lack of variety in tracks can lead to repetitiveness. Overall, while the soundtrack is considered solid and fitting for the game's sci-fi action, it may not stand out as exceptional compared to other titles in the genre.

    • “The music has an amazing techno score which hits the spot in my playlist, starting with the mellowed down tone when no action arises to the adrenaline-pumping techno funk hitting it real hard while you mow down scores of enemies.”
    • “When you need to be hyped up, the music hypes you up; when you need to be shocked, the music shocks you; and when something sad happens, the music saddens you.”
    • “The soundtrack is excellent - top notch, as are the sound effects.”
    • “Mixing is weird in this game; sometimes the music drowns out dialogue, and sometimes the opposite.”
    • “The music gets repetitive quickly, especially considering they tend to repeat the battle music over and over again.”
    • “Not being able to mute the music is a major pain considering how bad it is.”
  • optimization
    96 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with many players reporting significant issues on PC, including poor keyboard and mouse controls, lag, and inconsistent performance, particularly at higher difficulty levels. While some users experienced smooth gameplay and good graphics, others found the port to be poorly optimized, especially for controller use, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. Overall, while there are instances of good optimization, particularly on consoles and certain setups, many players feel the PC version requires further refinement to enhance the overall experience.

    • “All around it is a great game and the graphics look nice even compared to modern games, plus it is well optimized.”
    • “The optimization is great and the length is about 7 hours in normal difficulty.”
    • “Really well optimized, great 8-10 hour long campaign and great gameplay makes this game worth it.”
    • “The PC version suffers from uneven optimization, awkward keyboard and mouse controls, and a voice command system that often struggles to recognize input.”
    • “It's a third person shooter like Dead Space, but the graphics optimization is awful; crazy lag, screen tears, and sudden FPS drops moving from zone to zone.”
    • “Aiming feels clunky, the controls for PC aren't really optimized, and the game uses voice recognition technology that really wasn't far enough to be useful for the time it was developed in.”
  • replayability
    69 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Replayability in this game is a mixed bag, with some players noting the potential for multiple endings and character interactions that can change outcomes, while others criticize the lack of a new game plus mode and limited impact of choices. Features like chapter select and a trust system offer opportunities for revisiting the game, but many reviewers feel that the overall replay value is low to moderate, often depending on personal interest in exploring different character setups and story paths. Overall, while there are elements that encourage replay, the game's short length and certain design choices may deter players from multiple playthroughs.

    • “This dynamic adds a refreshing layer of depth and replayability, making you think twice before issuing commands or making decisions.”
    • “Four difficulty settings and multiple endings depending on how you interact with the squad give it plenty of replay value.”
    • “The trust system alone is a great incentive for replayability, and makes for a compelling story that shifts with the player's decisions.”
    • “The absence of a proper new game plus mode limits replayability despite its multiple narrative outcomes.”
    • “I beat it under 10 hours, and I didn't find any replay value out of it.”
    • “But choices and actions don't have enough impact on the final outcome of the game to matter, and the lack of a sequel (or even talk of one) and no new game plus after completing mean that the replay value of this game is repetitive and should only be replayed if you value achievements.”
  • grinding
    53 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and frustrating, particularly during boss fights that often feel like prolonged bullet sponges. Players note that while the core shooting mechanics can be enjoyable, the repetitive nature of encounters and the need for grinding to achieve optimal outcomes detracts from the overall experience. Many reviews highlight that the game encourages extended grinding sessions, which can become monotonous and detract from the enjoyment of the gameplay.

    • “The highlight of the game is definitely the shooting parts! Shooting robots in this game can be quite fun and satisfying, blowing off each individual part, de-limbing robots, and seeing scrap go everywhere—so much that your FPS tanks after an explosion. The good robot variety keeps the encounters varied and not too tedious to go through.”
    • “The no mercy mode is not fun at all; it's tedious and frustrating.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The design for each of the bosses is cool, but in most situations, the difficulty only ramps up because you're given incredibly tedious and repetitive tasks.”
  • stability
    50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and glitches that significantly detract from the experience. While some users have managed to run the game smoothly on various platforms, including the Steam Deck, others have encountered severe issues such as freezing, problematic mouse controls, and unreliable voice recognition. Overall, the game appears to require troubleshooting and patience to enjoy, as stability issues are prevalent across different setups.

    • “Runs great on Steam Deck with only minimal tweaks.”
    • “For its age, it still looks and runs great.”
    • “It runs great on my mediocre laptop, even with the plethora of gigantic explosions and machine parts flying everywhere.”
    • “Players encounter frequent bugs, crashes, and glitches, which severely impact the overall gaming experience.”
    • “Throughout my 9 hours, I experienced no fewer than 8 hard crashes (half of them in chapter 3 alone), as well as regular freezes and audio glitches.”
    • “Rubbish controls that make your mouse feel like it's superglued to the mousepad, game-killing glitches (I never could load past chapter 4 for some strange reason), rubbish AI who runs directly in front of your line of fire (then gets upset at you for shooting them), as well as other frustrating game flaws.”
  • emotional
    35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its unexpected depth, blending high-octane action with poignant storytelling that explores themes of AI ethics and humanity. Players appreciate the genuine camaraderie among characters, which enhances the impact of emotional moments, while the narrative's twists and engaging dialogue evoke a range of feelings, from humor to sadness. Despite some critiques of melodrama, many find the emotional journey compelling and memorable, making it a standout experience in its genre.

    • “The game’s emotional arc steadily builds toward revelations that are both tragic and reflective, culminating in moments of genuine poignancy.”
    • “The narrative is well-paced and keeps players invested with unexpected twists and emotional character moments.”
    • “The story explores themes of AI ethics and what it means to be human, adding emotional depth to the action-packed gameplay.”
  • character development
    34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising its depth and the impact of in-game choices on relationships, while others criticize it for being rushed, inconsistent, and reliant on stereotypes. Notable characters like Dan receive significant development, but many feel that the overall execution lacks nuance and fails to create convincing relationships. Despite these criticisms, some reviews highlight the engaging storytelling and character dynamics as standout features, suggesting that while flawed, the character development can still resonate with players.

    • “Immersive story, great boss fights, fascinating character development.”
    • “The in-game dialogue may be beneficial for character development and even has actual consequences, since team members who dislike you due to the answers you've given them eventually won't obey your orders anymore.”
    • “Binary Domain takes on the mechanics of classic Gears of War and throws in a highly engaging storyline with some great character development and nice twists in a futuristic setting.”
    • “As a result, Dan is the only one who gets character development, but that comes across as rushed and hasty because his development revolves around Faye, whose sub-plots are also rushed and hasty like a cartoon: her relationship with Dan is utterly unconvincing as it develops so fast and easy; her later wavering stance is even worse for lacking serious setups to back it up.”
    • “Character development and story development for the characters is just bad.”
    • “Attempts at character development are atrocious at best.”
  • atmosphere
    32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive industrial decay and futuristic settings, enhanced by strong sound design and character interactions. Reviewers note the blend of humor and intensity, with cinematic boss fights and a compelling narrative that elevates the overall experience. Despite some gameplay criticisms, the rich atmosphere and engaging world-building make it a standout title in the genre.

    • “The sound design, from the mechanical whirrs of enemies to the emotional voice acting, complements the atmosphere.”
    • “The futuristic cityscapes, diverse environments, and intricate robotic designs are visually striking, creating a believable and atmospheric setting.”
    • “Its atmosphere of industrial decay and moral tension feels timeless, echoing the human struggle against its own creations.”
    • “Sadly overlooked gem that provides a magnificently crafted sci-fi blockbuster atmosphere in a way that feels like a classic game transported directly to the 21st century.”
    • “If not for story and atmosphere it could be a decent shooter, but with good wrap -- it is definitely recommended to walkthrough.”
  • monetization
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn mixed reactions, with users expressing frustration over its lack of advertising leading to commercial failure, despite its potential. While some criticize the presence of ads and microtransactions, others acknowledge that the gaming community often gravitates towards titles with these features, suggesting a disconnect between player preferences and game marketing strategies. Overall, the game's poor visibility and marketing are seen as significant factors in its underperformance.

    • “As much as a few people complain about microtransactions and short campaigns, at the end of the day, this is what the majority wants.”
    • “We often criticize titles for lacking story modes, single-player content, DLC, and microtransactions, but we only recognize the real gems when we find them for a few euros long after their release.”
    • “It's a shame that this game was a commercial failure; from what I understand, there was no advertising at all when it came out, and most people don't know this game exists.”
    • “It's not fun to face a strong enemy with a bunch of ads that can constantly knock you out of cover for 3-5 seconds while your character is staggered.”
    • “As much as a few people complain about microtransactions and short campaigns, at the end of the day this is what the majority out there wants.”
    • “If it wasn't for Sega's terrible advertising campaign for this game, then this game would literally have been a huge success and we'd have a much-needed sequel.”
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74%Critics’ scoreBased on 5 critic reviews
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9h Median play time
8h Average play time
9h Main story
19h Completionist
7-10h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 30 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Binary Domain is a platformer game with science fiction theme.

Binary Domain is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox One, Windows and others.

The main story can be completed in around 9 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 19 hours to finish. On average players spend around 8 hours playing Binary Domain.

Binary Domain was released on February 28, 2012.

Binary Domain was developed by Devil's Details.

Binary Domain has received positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Binary Domain is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Vanquish, Front Mission Evolved, The Bureau: XCOM Declassified, Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, Spec Ops: The Line and others.